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A Note from the Congressman…
I returned to Washington last week after working in the district during the Thanksgiving recess. I enjoyed seeing many of you at various events, including our annual Transportation Summit out at the Texas Motor Speedway. I always appreciate hearing what you have to say about issues facing our country. As always, border security, immigration reform, and traffic congestion remain top issues for you. I can assure you that I am working hard to make sure your voice is being heard on these issues in Washington.
It has been a tough environment this year. We were still able to get some good things done. You will see some of the highlights of our success in this year-end newsletter. While there have been many changes in Washington over the past year, my priorities remain the same. I am here to represent my constituents to the best of my ability. I look forward to continuing to do just that in 2008.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Michael C. Burgess
Member of Congress
To learn more about the work Rep. Burgess is doing in Washington, DC, as well as other services available to constituents, please visit Rep. Burgess' website at /.
Tackling Traffic and Other Transportation Challenges in North Texas
Traffic, trains and planes were the focus of the 5th Annual District 26/Texas Department of Transportation Summit. There Rep. Burgess urged officials to continue working together to find innovative ways to tackle the many transportation challenges facing Texas.
“When our transportation system is healthy, our lives are easier and our economy is more prosperous. When it’s strained, our families are stressed and our businesses suffer. That’s why it’s so important for government at all levels to work together to strengthen and improve it,” said Rep. Burgess.
Officials from Tarrant, Denton and Cooke counties stressed the need for infrastructure like roads, bridges, and rail lines to keep pace with the growing demand. While the summit focused on identifying problems like traffic congestion and funding shortages, leaders also took the opportunity to talk about ways to solve these issues.
In addition, Rep. John Mica (R-FL), the Republican leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, gave the luncheon keynote address.
“Congressman Burgess understands how important transportation is to the economy and quality of life in North Texas, and I appreciate his continued hard work in calling attention to the transportation needs of this region,” said Rep. John Mica (R-FL).
Top Transportation Leader Rep. Mica with Rep. Burgess
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Toxic Toys: Does “Made in China” Mean “Hazardous To Your Health?”
These days it seems like every time you turn on the TV or open the newspaper, there is yet another consumer product safety recall. As a member of the committee in charge of consumer product safety in the U.S. House, Rep. Burgess has been working to beef up the federal government’s ability to get these products off the streets and off our shelves.
Over the past several months, Rep. Burgess has helped craft a comprehensive, bipartisan bill that boosts funding and personnel for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, bans lead in children’s products, requires third party product testing, and increases penalties for those that break the law. The bill, which has 76 co-sponsors, also has the support from consumer groups, industry, and the CPSC itself.
Additionally, thanks to Rep. Burgess, the bill also improves the CPSC’s ability to notify non-profit retailers like the Salvation Army about dangerous products more quickly and on a broader scope. The idea for this part of the bill actually originated after a conversation with Christian Community Action in Denton, which mentioned they were greatly concerned about keeping up with the long and growing list of recalls.
There is also a growing concern with the source of the vast majority of the recalls: the People’s Republic of China. Of the 472 product recalls in 2007, more than 60 percent came from China. Rep. Burgess is also working to give the federal government a “stop button” to stop the tainted products before they even enter the country.
Let Congress Walk Mile In Shoes of Uninsured
A checkup of the American health care system reveals that 48 million Americans lack health insurance. The side effects are worrisome for everyone as costs rise, care is compromised and confusion reigns in doctors' offices and operating rooms.
As a doctor, Rep. Burgess is often asked to discuss how Congress can best improve health care, including covering uninsured Americans. In the December 3rd edition of Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call, he wrote out a prescription to help remedy the problem based on the notion that you cannot understand an issue until you have experienced it personally.
The article focused on a recent bill Rep. Burgess introduced to end health care coverage for Members of Congress. The premise for the bill is that if you really want to arrive at an answer, walking a mile in someone else's shoes can help get you there. In this case, those shoes would be the uninsured.
Rep. Burgess believes that taking ownership of the health insurance issue actually may lead to some new and innovative solutions. He also believes that crafting common sense health care policies at the federal level could improve affordability and access, while keeping medical advancements alive and well at the same time.
He also warned people to beware of quick fix or “band-aid solutions,” urging instead that Members of Congress work to find “ long-term solutions for what ails us in health care.” and the sooner the better.
Rep. Burgess Meets with Congressional Gold Medal Winner
Calling him a “giant in medicine and mankind,” Rep. Burgess recently met with Congressional Gold Medal winner Dr. Michael E. DeBakey. Rep. Burgess helped spearhead the effort to award Dr. DeBakey the Gold Medal, the nation’s highest civilian honor, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“It is not every day you get to meet one of your heroes. I had that chance today, and it was one of the most memorable moments in my life,” said Rep. Burgess.
U.S. Rep. Burgess (R-TX) with Dr. DeBakey
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Dr. DeBakey helped revolutionize the treatment of injured soldiers and veterans while changing the face of cardiovascular surgery. He is credited with inventing and perfecting scores of medical devices, techniques and procedures which have led to healthy hearts and productive lives for millions throughout the world.
Dr. DeBakey will officially receive the Congressional Gold Medal in 2008, joining the likes of President George Washington, Dr. Jonas Salk, and Mother Teresa of Calcutta who have changed the course of history. Since the American Revolution, Congress has commissioned gold medals as its highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.
Among other things, the two doctors discussed the state of health care in the United States. Dr. DeBakey commented that if we are to address the problem of the uninsured, it is important that people who understand medicine are involved in the process. He pointed to Rep. Burgess and said, “people like you.” Dr. DeBakey also stressed creating “programs that people want.”
“Dr. DeBakey had the compassion to care for his patients. He combined it with creativity and courage, and changed medicine for the better. Now it is time for Congress to take this prescription and apply it to improving health care in the 21st century,” said Rep. Burgess.
Honoring Our Veterans By Improving Their Health Care
In November, Rep. Burgess introduced a bipartisan bill to raise additional money for programs that provide health care for veterans. The Veterans Healthcare Stamp Act of 2007 (H.R. 4116) would create a special first-class stamp that costs a few cents more. Each time someone purchases the optional stamp, the money will go to help supplement the costs of providing health care for veterans.
“This bill provides the American public an opportunity to directly give back to those who have given so much. What better way to do that than make sure these brave men and women receive first-class medical care so they can live long lives?” says Rep. Burgess.
The United States Postal Service has issued three fundraising stamps, including one to raise funds for breast cancer research, one to assist to the families of emergency personnel killed or permanently disabled on September 11th, and one to help provide services to children exposed to domestic violence. Together these stamps have raised more then $68 million. Rep. Burgess hopes a Veterans’ Stamp would generate similar support.
Jobs + Education + Economic Development = Stronger Neighborhoods
Creating economic opportunity is the key to creating safer and stronger neighborhoods. This is especially true in urban areas like Southeast Tarrant County. That is why three years ago Rep. Burgess began hosting the Renaissance Communities’ Economic Development Summit.
This annual summit focuses on education, employment, and economic development. It brings together local leaders to develop a roadmap for how we can work together to improve economic opportunities here. The goal is to turn this roadmap into an action plan to make this area a better place to live and work.
Rep. Burgess with Local Leaders
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The two-day event also included a Federal Job Fair which was open to the public, as well as a Faith-Based Grant Workshop that was open to faith-based, community development and non-profit organizations that serve the Renaissance Communities.
“If you look around Southeast Fort Worth, you will see that rooftops are rising, stores are settling, and hope is growing. I look forward to working with Fort Worth’s leaders to make sure these new opportunities are more than short-term experiments -- that they are long-term trends,” said Rep. Burgess.
The ABC’s of Toy Safety
We have all heard a lot about the recent surge in product recalls, including the toys our children and grandchildren play with on a daily basis. With holiday shopping in full swing, Rep. Burgess would like to share a few shopping tips that can help keep everyone safe during this gift-giving season.
The ABCs of shopping safety are: (A) awareness, and knowing the (B) benefits, for (C) consumers – (Awareness Benefits Consumers).
You, as consumers, can also be more aware by taking these cautions:
- Ride-on Toys: Make sure helmets and safety gear for these types of toys fits snugly.
- Small parts: For children younger than three, avoid toys with small parts, which may cause choking.
- Magnets: For children under age six, avoid building sets with small magnets. These small parts, when swallowed, can cause serious injury.
- Projectile Toys: Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and sling shots are for older children. Improper use of these toys can result in serious eye injuries.
- Chargers and Adapters – Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.
To choose appropriate toys for children:
- Be a label reader. Look for toy labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide.
- Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly-secured eyes, noses and other potential small parts.
- For all children under 8, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.
Once the gifts are open:
- Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous play things.
- Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings or neighbors.
- Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any device to prevent overcharging.
Make the Most of Medicare Coverage in 2008
Medicare's fall open enrollment is from November 15th to December 31st, 2007
If you, or someone you know, is a Medicare beneficiary, now is the time to enroll in a prescription drug plan or change the current coverage if a new plan better fits your needs. There's even extra help available for people with limited income and resources. The “extra help” is worth up to $3,600 for some people to help pay for their drug coverage.
It is important to understand Medicare prescription drug needs and the available coverage options. There are counselors available to answer questions and assist people with enrollment in Medicare, including Part D prescription coverage. Contact information for these counselors, as well as information on how to enroll, can be found at www.Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. To apply or get more information about the “extra help” available to low-income beneficiaries, please call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
If there is anything we can assist you with when it comes to Open Enrollment or any other questions you may have regarding Medicare, please call Rep. Burgess’ district offices.
Lewisville: 972-434-9700
Fort Worth: 817-531-8454
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