Washington, DC - Congressman Edolphus "Ed" Towns (D-Brooklyn) called upon Republican leaders today to take up and pass H.CON.RES.210, honoring U.S. Army Specialist Shoshana N. Johnson for displaying bravery and heroism during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Johnson was the first African-American woman held as a prisoner of war.

"The excuses the Republicans are using for not honoring her just donƒ­t hold water," said Congressman Towns.  "They claim that they donƒ­t want to set an example by honoring one specific person.  But they fail to see that this a special situation that won't happen again, given  that Specialist Johnson is the first African-American woman POW.

"Specialist Johnson exemplifies the contributions of African Americans and other minorities who have served our country throughout its history," continued Towns.  "The Republican party claims that it wants to improve its outreach to minorities but it seems that they are much better at talking the talk than actually waking the walk."

Congressman Towns is an original cosponsor of the congressional resolution that would honor   Specialist Johnson.  Johnson's aunt, who resides in Brooklyn, NY, is a constituent of Congressman Towns.