Julie Johnson

Johnson Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Advance U.S. Leadership in 6G and Protect National Security

Position: The bill expresses support for U.S. leadership in 6G telecommunications through diplomatic engagement, support for American companies, and coordination with allies to counter Chinese influence in international standards-setting bodies.

WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, along with Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (SC-03), introduced the USA 6G Global Leadership Act. The legislation will bolster the United States’ global leadership in 6G telecommunications technology, strengthen our national security, and counter strategic competition from China and other adversarial actors in emerging technology standards. “The race to 6G is underway, and the United States cannot afford to fall behind. The USA 6G Global Leadership Act ensures that we—not our adversaries—set the standards while strengthening our national security and economic competitiveness,” said Johnson. “With leaders like Nokia, headquartered in Dallas, and major employers like AT&T and Samsung driving innovation across North Texas, our region is at the forefront of next-generation telecommunications. This bill builds on that strength by supporting American companies, investing in secure infrastructure, and working with our allies through international bodies to sustain our edge over China in the technologies that will define the future. If we want to lead the world in innovation, we must show up, compete, and win.” “America cannot afford to fall behind in the race for next-generation communications,” said Congresswoman Sheri Biggs. “I’m proud to lead this effort alongside Congresswoman Julie Johnson to ensure the United States, not our adversaries, sets the standard for the future of global technology and protects our national security.” 6G is the next generation of wireless technology that will follow 5G, with rollout expected around 2030. It’s designed to deliver much faster speeds, near-instant response times, and more reliable connections. By using higher-frequency spectrum, 6G could power advanced technologies like AI-driven networks and other telecommunications methods. Specifically, the legislation will: Express the sense of Congress that the U.S. should leverage diplomatic and economic tools to support U.S. companies and counter Chinese-backed enterprises, including through engagement in the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and other standards bodies, and cooperation with allies to promote trusted vendors and secure network infrastructure. Task the Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy with leading U.S. preparations for the 2026 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference and the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference to coordinate across federal agencies to promote U.S.-aligned candidates for ITU leadership and advance U.S. priorities in international telecom standards and governance. Require a 90‑day report to Congress analyzing Chinese and Russian efforts to influence ITU processes, promote digital repression, expand ITU’s mandate over internet governance, and leverage their nationals in ITU roles to advance geopolitical objectives. Direct the State Department to support projects that strengthen U.S. global leadership in telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in developing countries, such as feasibility studies, development loans, direct investments, and other financial or technical assistance. Require the State Department to submit, within 90 days, a comprehensive U.S. 6G global dominance strategy. The legislation is expected to be marked up during a meeting of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. To read the full text of the legislation, click here. The Committee on House Administration’s jurisdiction includes federal elections, House operations, Capitol Complex security, the Smithsonian Institution, and Legislative Branch agencies such as the Library of Congress and Government Publishing Office. ### Issues: Congress Foreign Affairs

Ranking Member Morelle, Congresswoman Julie Johnson, Host Roundtable on Protecting the Right to Vote in Dallas

Position: Ranking Member Morelle and Congresswoman Johnson support the Voter Outreach for Transparent Elections (VOTE) Act, which would establish federal minimum notification requirements for polling place changes to prevent voter confusion and disenfranchisement.

DALLAS, TX — On Monday, April 13, 2026, Ranking Member Joe Morelle (NY-25), the top Democrat on the Committee on House Administration, held a roundtable discussion with Committee Member Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32) focused on protecting the right to vote and assessing the Voter Outreach for Transparent Elections (VOTE) Act. During the roundtable, Morelle and Johnson discussed with the experts how the VOTE Act would help improve our elections. The VOTE Act will establish clear, minimum notification requirements to ensure voters are promptly informed of any polling place changes, so no one is disenfranchised due to confusion or lack of notice. Committee Members also heard from experts about what federal support is needed for elections following voter suppression and widespread confusion during Dallas County’s primaries held in March. “While Dallas County did everything in its power to inform voters about polling place changes, confusion was a predictable outcome. Some polling locations were not even publicized until the first day of early voting, forcing election administrators to operate on the fly in an incredibly short time frame,” said Ranking Member Morelle. “Congresswoman Johnson’s VOTE Act will solve this problem by creating a federal standard for voter notification, ensuring that voters are informed of polling place changes before the next election.” “While Texas leads the nation in jobs, innovation, and opportunity, we are falling short when it comes to running fair and accessible elections. That’s why we brought together election administrators and experts in Dallas to hear directly from those on the front lines about what went wrong during the March 3rd primary,” said Congresswoman Julie Johnson. “Republicans changed the rules on Election Day, creating confusion, turning voters away, and ultimately leading to 1,700 ballots not being counted. This is part of a broader effort we’re seeing ahead of the 2026 midterms to make voting more difficult and discourage participation. That’s why I introduced the VOTE Act: to ensure transparency and fairness, so no voter loses their voice because politicians move the goalposts. Our democracy works best when every eligible voter has a clear and accessible path to cast a ballot, and I will always fight to protect that right.” Local experts who joined the roundtable included Chair of the Dallas County Democratic Party Kardal Coleman, Vice Chair of the Dallas County Democratic Party Yasmin Simon, Dallas County Elections Administrator Paul Adams, Dallas County Commissioner Andy Sommerman, Texas State Representative Cassandra Garcia Hernandez, and Oak Lawn Election Judge David Fisher. Congresswoman Julie Johnson represents Texas’ 32nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, serving on the Homeland Security Committee as Vice-Ranking Member, the Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Administration Committee. Her district includes parts of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties. ### Issues: Accountability Congress House Administration

Johnson Calls for Answers After Constituent Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal Dies in ICE Custody

Position: Congresswoman Johnson demands accountability for the death of a constituent in ICE custody, criticizing ICE detention practices, lack of medical care, and what she characterizes as violations of due process and constitutional rights.

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32), Vice Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, sent a letter to Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons demanding answers and accountability following the death of her constituent, Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, in ICE custody this past weekend. The letter comes after Johnson visited ICE’s Dallas field office on Monday, where she met with officials to seek more information about the circumstances surrounding his death. “Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal was a loving, devoted father and husband who tragically died after less than 24 hours in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Mr. Paktiawal was a healthy 41-year-old man who worked alongside the US military to defend our freedoms, and once his mission was complete, he sought asylum in the United States,” wrote Johnson. “I write to demand answers regarding the circumstances surrounding Mr. Paktiawal's detainment and his seemingly preventable death. What once started off as only detaining and deporting murderers and rapists has now turned into a husband, a father of 6, and an ally of this country, dead at the hands of this department.” Johnson has requested that Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons send a response no later than Tuesday, March 24, 2026. To read the full letter, click here or see below. Dear Acting Director Todd Lyons: Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal was a loving, devoted father and husband who tragically died after less than 24 hours in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Mr. Paktiawal was a healthy 41-year-old man who worked alongside the US military to defend our freedoms, and once his mission was complete, he sought asylum in the United States. He came here seeking safety and the American Dream for his family. I write to demand answers regarding the circumstances surrounding Mr. Paktiawal's detainment and his seemingly preventable death. Under this administration, 31 people have died in ICE custody, and my office has received numerous reports of a lack of medical care and inhumane conditions at ICE facilities, particularly at the Dallas Field Office. I am deeply concerned by not only the lack of disregard for human life, but the blatant violation of the 4th amendment. The United States Constitution affords everyone in this country due process, and it is clear Mr. Paktiawal’s constitutional rights were violated. This department's reckless decisions and unwarranted detainment led to his death. The complete lack of transparency and accountability from this administration is completely unacceptable. What once started off as only detaining and deporting murderers and rapists has now turned into a husband, a father of 6, and an ally of this country, dead at the hands of this department. DHS remains shut down--yet this administration continues to execute mass deportations without being able to maintain the health and safety of detained individuals. Due to the tragedy of this incident, I ask that you provide a swift response to the following questions no later than March 24, 2026. 1. Was Mr. Paktiawal's convicted of any criminal offenses? 2. Who were the officers involved in Mr. Paktiawal’s arrest? Please share any documentation of the arrest including but not limited to: reports, videos, and/or correspondence. 3. Did ICE possess a judicial warrant, signed by a judge, for the arrest of Mr. Paktiawal? 4. Does the facility perform any medical screenings upon intake? If so, what were the results? Please provide a copy of any medical records Dallas Field Office handled and/or obtained pertaining to Mr. Paktiawal. This includes but is not limited to Mr. Paktiawal’s medical history and Intake assessment. 5. At what time was the medical team made aware that Mr. Paktiawal was unwell? What Staff members were present and made aware of Mr. Paktiawal’s original symptoms? Please share any documentation, records, or notes made. What steps were taken to address his medical concerns? 6. In hours and minutes, how long did it take to transfer Mr. Paktiawal from when he first mentioned he was unwell at the Dallas Field Office to Parkland Hospital? 7. There’s been recent reporting that an ambulance was requested, but was denied. Who made that denial? What policy is in effect to allow this denial? 8. Can you provide video footage of inside the field office from when Mr. Paktiawal started complaining of shortness of breath and chest pains to when he was transported? 9. When Mr. Paktiawal arrived at Parkland Hospital, what steps did DHS take to advocate for Mr. Paktiawal to be promptly seen? 10. Was there anyone outside of DHS staff to serve as a patient advocate for Mr. Paktiawal? 11. When was Mr. Paktiawal's family notified that he was being transported and/or admitted to Parkland Hospital? 12. What policies are in place to notify the family of a detainee when they are taken or admitted to the hospital? 13. Has there been any internal investigation done on the detainment and intake of Mr. Paktiawal? Who conducted the investigation? Who was interviewed? Please share any documentation, notes, or correspondence pertaining to the investigation. \We look forward to your timely response. Julie E. Johnson Member of Congress Congresswoman Julie Johnson represents Texas’s 32nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, serving on the Homeland Security Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Administration Committee. Her district includes parts of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties. ### Issues: Accountability Congress

Johnson Introduces Bill Mandating Voter Notification of Polling Place Changes Amid Texas Suppression Efforts

WASHINGTON, DC — In response to Republican efforts to restrict ballot access by eliminating countywide vote centers and requiring voters to cast ballots only in their assigned precincts on Election Day during Dallas County’s March 3rd primary, Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32), a member of the House Administration Committee, announced the introduction of the Voter Outreach for Transparent Elections (VOTE) Act. The legislation establishes clear, minimum notification requirements to ensure voters are promptly informed of any polling place changes, so no one is disenfranchised due to confusion or lack of notice. “Throughout the primary in Dallas County, voters were able to cast their ballots during early voting at any countywide vote center. However, Republicans changed the rules for Election Day—restricting voters to their one assigned precinct. The result was predictable: widespread confusion, voters, both Democrat and Republican, being turned away, a court-ordered extension of voting hours, and there is uncertainty about whether ballots cast after 7:00 PM will even be counted,” said Johnson. “These types of changes to election procedures that leave voters of both parties frustrated and disenfranchised shouldn’t happen in any jurisdiction. If any state chooses to eliminate vote centers and force voters back into assigned precincts, the bare minimum they owe the public is clear, timely notice about where to vote,” Johnson continued. “The VOTE Act is about transparency and fairness. It ensures that no voter is denied their voice simply because politicians decided to move the goalposts. Our democracy works best when every eligible voter has a clear and accessible path to cast a ballot—and I will always fight to protect that fundamental right.” The legislation requires that if a state changes a voter’s polling place for a federal election from the location they used in the previous federal election, the state must: Notify the voter of their new polling place at least 7 days before the election. The election office must post a general notice of the change on the state or local election website, on social media, and on signs at the voter’s old polling place. The legislation also requires that if the polling place change happens less than 7 days before the election, and the voter goes to their old polling place, the state must make every reasonable effort to allow the voter to cast their ballot that day. To read the full text of the legislation, click here. Congresswoman Julie Johnson represents Texas’s 32nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, serving on the Homeland Security Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Administration Committee. Her district includes parts of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties. ### Issues: Congress Democracy House Administration

Johnson Votes Against Bill to Fund ICE and the Department of Homeland Security

Position: Congresswoman Johnson voted against funding for ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, opposing what she characterizes as aggressive and unaccountable enforcement practices. She calls for enforceable reforms including warrant requirements for arrests, independent investigation of shootings, agent accountability measures, and improved detention standards before supporting future funding.

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32), Vice Ranking Member on the House Homeland Security Committee, voted against a bill to fund ICE and the Department of Homeland Security. “Congress cannot continue writing blank checks to an agency that is actively harming and killing American citizens. Under Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem, ICE has become increasingly aggressive, unaccountable, and violent—spreading fear in our cities and making our communities less safe,” said Johnson. “That is why I voted against funding the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, and why I will continue to oppose this funding until there are real, enforceable reforms. No more money without accountability. Secretary Noem must be held responsible for the violence she enabled—and Congress must finally do its job and uphold the Constitution.” To support continued funding for ICE and the Department of Homeland Security, Johnson is demanding that: ICE must immediately leave Minneapolis and stop terrorizing American cities. Arrests without judicial warrants must end, and arrests at churches, schools, shelters, and courthouses must stop. Every DHS shooting must be fully and independently investigated. Federal agents must be identifiable, accountable, and properly trained, including wearing body cameras. The detention and deportation of U.S. citizens must end. Detention facilities must meet basic standards of care and be subject to real oversight. The bill passed the House and will now go to the president for his signature. The bill funds ICE and the Department of Homeland Security through Friday, February 13, 2026. Congresswoman Julie Johnson represents Texas’s 32nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, serving on the Homeland Security Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Administration Committee. Her district includes parts of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties. ### Issues: Congress Homeland Security

Johnson Introduces Bill to Limit Qualified Immunity for Federal Law Enforcement

Position: Congresswoman Johnson introduced legislation to limit qualified immunity for federal law enforcement officers by lowering the standard for civil liability when constitutional rights are violated, arguing that qualified immunity has shielded misconduct and prevented accountability.

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congresswoman Julie Johnson (TX-32) introduced the Qualified Immunity Accountability Act. This bill will limit qualified immunity for federal law enforcement officers, including ICE agents, by lowering the standard for prosecution when an individual's civil rights are violated. “Across this country, we are witnessing ICE agents operate with impunity—violating constitutional rights, terrorizing communities, killing American citizens, and facing little to no accountability. ICE agents have been abusing their power, and the Department of Homeland Security refuses to rein them in,” said Johnson. “Qualified immunity has become a shield for misconduct, not a protection for good-faith law enforcement. My Qualified Immunity Accountability Act makes clear that no federal law enforcement officer is above the Constitution. When civil rights are violated, there must be real consequences. This bill is about restoring accountability, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring that justice applies equally to everyone.” Qualified immunity protects public officials and law enforcement, including ICE agents, from being held civilly liable—even when they violate someone’s rights—unless a court has already ruled that the same conduct was illegal. This bill builds on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act by tightening qualified immunity standards so they cannot be used to shield clear violations of constitutional rights, as we have seen in past situations such as the murder of George Floyd and others. To read the full text of the legislation, click here. Congresswoman Julie Johnson represents Texas’s 32nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, serving on the Homeland Security Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Administration Committee. Her district includes parts of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties. ### Issues: Congress Homeland Security