U.S. Congressman Sam Johnson
Decorated war hero and distinguished statesman
Sam Johnson, a decorated war hero and native Texan, ranks among the few Members of Congress to fight in combat. During his 29-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Representative Johnson flew combat missions in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He endured nearly seven years as a Prisoner of War in Hanoi, including 42 months in solitary confinement. Following his distinguished military career, Sam established a home-building business in North Dallas from scratch and served in the Texas State legislature.
Sam holds a House leadership role as one of the few Deputy Whips (vote counters). He is a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means where he serves as the Chairman of the Social Security Subcommittee and sits on the Health Subcommittee. In the 112th Congress, House leaders appointed Sam to the Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT).
Sam uses his committee assignments to benefit the Third District. Sam’s tenure and long-standing relationships give his constituents direct access to top congressional leaders.
A fiscal hawk and constitutional conservative who advocates lower taxes and smaller government, Sam has proven himself as a respected leader with a rock-solid record.
His recent landmark legislative accomplishments include:
- Repealing the outdated cell-phone reporting requirement for businesses and localities;
- Fighting to ensure Texans can deduct their state sales taxes;
- Co-authoring the bill to repeal the Wright Amendment by 2014;
- Securing a federal Courthouse in Plano;
- Drafting the first pension reform in a generation;
- Creating "phased retirement" for older Americans seeking a pension and a paycheck from the same company; and
- Eliminating the earnings penalty on seniors who worked into retirement. The last two proved remarkably helpful for those nearing retirement in the wake of the 2008 market crash.
In 2011, the renowned bipartisan publication, National Journal, named Sam the most conservative Member of Congress based solely on his voting record, meaning he voted against Nancy Pelosi and President Obama’s big government, failed stimulus agenda at every turn.
In 2009, Sam’s peers recognized him as the "most admired" Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives. In addition, in 2009 the prestigious Congressional Medal of Honor Society bestowed Sam their highest civilian accolade, the National Patriot Award, for his tireless work on behalf of the troops, veterans, and freedom.
In 2011, Sam accepted the "Freedom of Flight" award at the Living Legends of Aviation Awards, dubbed the Oscars of aviation, from renowned air show pilot Bob Hoover.
Sam serves as a Regent for the world famous Smithsonian Institution, where he represents the Board of Regents on the Advisory Board of the National Air and Space Museum.
Sam chronicles his POW experience in solitary confinement in his autobiography, Captive Warriors. The book details the stories of the self-named "Alcatraz Gang," including great American patriots, such as Jeremiah Denton and Jim Stockdale.
A decorated combat veteran and war hero, Sam was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with Valor, two Purple Hearts, four Air Medals, and three Outstanding Unit Awards.
Sam Johnson is married to the former Shirley L. Melton of Dallas. They are proud parents of three children and grandparents to ten.
