Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) played host to visiting Congressman and Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Missouri). During his stay, Representative Blunt toured two of North Texas’ successful manufacturing centers Peterbilt Motors Company, headquartered in Denton, and Retractable Technologies of Little Elm.

“I was honored to show Representative Blunt the strength of our North Texas manufacturing centers,” stated Congressman Burgess. “A respected leader in the House, Rep. Blunt’s visit solidifies that America’s economy is growing and that Denton County, is emerging as a leader in advanced technologies.”

During the first tour of Peterbilt Motors Company, Congressmen Blunt and Burgess met with plant executives and employees before touring the facility. Peterbilt has reigned as America's premium quality truck manufacturer since the company's founding in 1939. As a member of the House Transportation Committee, Congressman Burgess was particularly thrilled to tour the award winning Peterbilt manufacturing center.

“Their dedication to customer service and their safety improvements for truckers is invaluable to all drivers,” commented Rep Burgess.

“Peterbilt and its employees were pleased to host Representatives Blunt and Burgess to showcase our Denton manufacturing facility which plays such an important role in the economy of North Texas,” says Dan Sobic, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President. “Both congressmen are committed to the vitality and prosperity of the transportation industry, and we applaud their efforts at reinvigorating the economy and investing in America's transportation infrastructure.”

After touring Peterbilt, the Congressmen traveled the short trip to Little Elm to tour Retractable Technologies. The innovations developed at Retractable Technologies are cutting-edge health care solutions that will transform the safety issues surrounding injections. Their most recent advancement is with the VanishPoint® syringe, like the
standard syringe, requires only one hand to operate. Once the injection is complete, the needle safely retracts from the patient into the barrel of the device.

“As Chairman of the Health Policy Subcommittee, and a doctor of obstetrics, I recognize that such advancements in basic health care necessities can revolutionize the safety of the industry and provide economic advantages as well,” remarked Congressman Burgess.

The instant and automatic process made possible with the VanishPoint® syringe makes it virtually impossible for a health care worker to suffer a potentially life-threatening needlestick injury.

“Safety is always a priority when health care issues are at-hand,” stated Majority Whip Roy Blunt after touring Retractable Technologies. “Dr. Burgess showed me remarkable new technology to keep America’s health care workers safe from the illnesses they are fighting.”

“We were delighted for the opportunity to show these two distinguished legislators our state of the art facility in Little Elm, and to brief them on our life-saving safety needle technology and on the global health crisis created by unsafe injections with conventional needles,” said Thomas J. Shaw, President and CEO of Retractable Technologies, Inc.

Congressman Michael Burgess and Majority Whip Roy Blunt also spent time honoring volunteers at the Denton County Lone Star Council Appreciation lunch at the UNT Gateway Center.

When asked about his time with Representative Burgess, Congressman Blunt had this to say, “Dr. Burgess’ command of health care issues was on display today, and Texas and the House of Representatives are going to benefit from his leadership as chair of the Health Policy Subcommittee.”