NEWS SECTION
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Burgess Votes for Increased Enforcement of Borders

The U.S. House of Representatives have accomplished what many doubted was possible. Before the July 4th District work period begins, the Members of the House have managed to pass all ten of their appropriations bills providing ample time for the Senate to complete their bills. Included in these ten bills is funding for defense, homeland security, transportation, health and human services, and agriculture.

"This is truly a great feat," stated Congressman Michael Burgess (R-TX). "Through the strong appropriations chairmanship Jerry Lewis (R-CA), the House has worked feverishly to pass these necessary bills. Now we have the necessary time to work on more complex and immediate issues of concern including Social Security and Medicaid reform.

The appropriations process is a yearly endeavor that allows the government to continue operating. Both the House and the Senate pass separate bills and then must come together in conference to meld the bill language and present a piece of legislation to send to the President.

"This is the very first budget since Ronald Reagan where there has been a decrease in discretionary spending," remarked Rep. Michael Burgess. "And furthermore, this is the first budget since before Ronald Reagan where there has been a slow down in the increase of mandatory spending. As a conservative, I'm proud of this accomplishment."

Locally, Congressman Michael Burgess ensured that the University of North Texas (UNT) will continue to receive funding for the Advanced Research and Technology Institute. In the House version of the FY06 Defense Appropriations, UNT will receive $4.6 million. To date, Representative Burgess has secured $9 million for the center.

The House Department of Defense (DoD) Appropriations Act, H.R. 2863, passed by a vote of 398-19 on Monday, June 20th. The Senate will take up its own DoD Appropriations bill, and the differences will be decided in conference.

STATEMENT: London Terrorist Attack

The following statement may be attributed to Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) concerning today's terrorist attach in the heart of London, UK:

My prayers and condolences go out to the victims and families of the terrorist attack in London. We all thank those first responders and medical professionals who reacted swiftly to the emergency, at times placing themselves in jeopardy.

These acts of such astonishing cruelty show a stark difference between those who strive for harmony, and those who wish only to bring chaos and fear to the world. While bombs exploded around London killing innocent people, important work was being conducted by President George W. Bush, Prime Minister Tony Blair and other international leaders gathered in Scotland for the G8 Summit. While bombers calculated means of destroying lives, participants at the G8 Summit were searching for solutions to world poverty and global environmental issues.

In times such as these, people should recognize that evil knows no borders, knows no limits and knows no compassion. Those around the globe that value freedom must continue to persevere even in the darkest of times.

No one can truly be prepared for such devastation and pure malevolence, but the United Kingdom can always look to the United States as an ally resolved to stand firm in the war on terrorism.

2005 United States Service Academy Appointees Announced

"I was pleased to nominate these incredible young men and women who will be the future leaders of our armed forces and America," stated Rep. Michael Burgess. "I am even more delighted that they have accepted this challenge."

Students requesting appointments to the U.S. Service Academies are evaluated on a variety of criteria including academic background, physical abilities, personal recommendations, and an evaluation, interview and ranking by the Academy Advisory Board.

If you are interested in becoming an Academy Nominee, please go to my web site for more information and deadlines.

Photo 1: (L-R) front row: Kris Loewecke, John Lee, Andrew Konosky, Jason Koller, Bruce Hrabak, Jason Correll, Rep. Burgess; 2nd row: Matthew Vegel, Hunter Blue, Thomas Tellson, Nathaniel Thayer, Steven Shaw (partially obstructed); 3rd row: Rebecca Shaw, Andrew Knudson, Tim Boyce, Johnathan Dietz (partially obstructed)

Photo 2: (in front of flag): (L-R) Julie Luce, Adam Gaston, Rep. Burgess, Jerry Schroeder)

Burgess Votes for Increased Enforcement of Texas Borders

Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) voted in favor of H.R. 2360, the Homeland Security Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2006 (FY06). The House bill provides $30.85 billion for operations and activities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in FY06, an increase of $1.37 billion above the fiscal year 2005 (FY05) enacted levels.

The bill provides $19.4 billion for border protection, immigration enforcement, and related activities, an increase of $1.9 billion over FY05.

"Voting in favor of the FY06 Homeland Security Appropriations bill indicates that the House is serious about making significant improvements to our border security," stated Congressman Michael C. Burgess. "We already have many important immigration laws on our books, this bill will help provide the vital funds to enforce them."

These funds support next generation technology to screen high-risk cargo coming through our land and seaports; an expansion of cargo inspection at foreign ports; improvements to supply chain security; maritime security, and support a robust revitalization of immigration enforcement efforts both along our borders and within the interior of the nation. Specific funding includes:

• $1.61 billion for border security and control, providing for an additional 1,000 Border Patrol Agents; when combined with the pending FY05 Supplemental, 1,500 new Border Patrol agents will be hired in FY06;
• $3.2 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), providing for an additional 150 criminal investigators and 200 Immigration Enforcement Agents; when combined with the pending FY05 Supplemental, 568 new ICE agents and officers will be hired in FY06;
• $61 million for border security technology, including surveillance and unmanned aerial vehicles;
• $489 million for Air and Marine Operations for border and airspace security;
• $20 million for replacement Border Patrol aircraft;
• $166 million for immigration case management.

"With its long border with Mexico, Texas is consistently battling the flow of illegal immigrants across the border," commented Michael Burgess. "I believe this bill marks the beginning of a stronger, nation-wide commitment to tightening border security."

H.R. 2360 came to the House floor for a vote only after passing by voice vote in the House Appropriations Committee. The Committee had also issued a threat to withhold funding from the Department of Homeland Security until the Department provided more justification for its programs.

"Part of the job of Congress is to ensure that taxpayer money is spent wisely," remarked Congressman Michael Burgess. "My vote for this bill echoes the sentiments of the committee."

Congressman Burgess Meets with HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt

Last week, Congressman Michael C. Burgess met with Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt. During the meeting, Rep. Burgess and Secretary Leavitt discussed critical, upcoming health care issues including Medicaid reform, the Medicare prescription drug roll out beginning in 2006, community health centers and health information technology standards.

The meeting was part of a weekly series of meetings in which Congressman Burgess meets with distinguished government, political and corporate leaders to discuss the news of the day.

"With my focus on health care, I was particular honored to have time discussing a variety of subjects with Secretary Leavitt," remarked Congressman Burgess. "Congress and the Administration must continue to work together to improve and strengthen America's health care system. We have the best system, and I want to ensure we stay that way."

Photo: Rep. Burgess and HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt

Burgess Hosts Economic Development Summit
Highlights Recommendations for Growth

Fort Worth, Texas - More than 225 participants attended the 2005 East and Southeast Fort Worth Economic Development Summit which aimed to highlight areas where the community could spur economic growth.

The East and Southeast Fort Worth Economic Development Summit, organized by the Public Forum Institute and hosted by Honorary Chairman U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, was held to define a vision for the economic future of the region, and to develop a set of recommendations to address a number of challenges facing local communities.

When asked what the first step should be in attracting investment to the region, 36 percent of the delegates responded using wireless keypads with 'skilled workforce,' followed by 'safe neighborhoods' and 'excellent schools.'

"Growth and economic prosperity flourish all around this section of Fort Worth, and we must find a way to end the cycle of neglect," stated Congressman Burgess. "As we look at our urban communities, we must work cooperatively together to turn our words into actions. It will require putting community interest ahead of self interest."

The program had break-out sessions which included Building Communities & Changing Perceptions, Encouraging Entrepreneurship, Preparing the Workforce of the Future and Attracting Investment.

For the complete report from the summit, please visit the headline link.

CONSTITUENT SERVICES

Our nation's capital is beautiful throughout the year and is a popular vacation spot for people around the world. With the museums, parks and monuments, almost all of which is free, a trip to Washington, DC is an enriching historical and cultural experience. If you and your family are planning a trip to Washington and would like a tour of the U.S. Capitol or the White House, please notify us early!

White House Tours

If you are interested in taking a White House tour you must submit a request in writing to the following email address:

Aubrey Colvard: Aubrey.Colvard@mail.house.gov

Although email is preferable, requests may be sent via mail to:

Aubrey Colvard 1721 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515

In the subject line of the email, please indicate: WHITE HOUSE TOUR REQUEST

White House Tour Information

All White House tour requests must now adhere to the following security parameters set by the U.S. Secret Service.

• All tour groups must have a minimum of 10 persons.
• All tour groups should contact their Congressional Offices at least 3 to 6 months in advance of the date on which they wish tour the White House. But White House tours can be submitted up to 6 months in advance. It is important to note that tours are allotted by the White House on a first come basis. You should contact our office as early as possible to request a tour. We think it is important to make you aware that there are a very limited amount of tours granted and the likelihood of receiving a tour decreases significantly the closer your request is to the tour date.
• Please have an exact head count when submitting a White House tour request to your Congressional Office.
• All White House tours are conducted between 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
• All persons are subject to background check conducted by the U.S. Secret Service and will have to submit the following information to the Tour Coordinator of the Congressman's Office within 10 days of receiving notification that the tour request is honored and set.
• Persons 14 years and older:
  • Name (as it appears on a photo ID)
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Country or Origin
  • Whether they are a U.S. citizen
• Persons 13 years and younger:
  • Name
  • Date of Birth
  • Country of Origin

If you are not able to secure a tour of the White House there is the White House Visitors Center that is open from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. 7 days a week. It is located at the intersection of 15th and E Streets NW.

Photo: White House map courtsey of www.whitehouse.gov

U.S. Capitol Tours

The United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. It has housed the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives for almost two centuries. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored; today, it stands as a monument not only to its builders but also to the American people and their government.

U.S. Capitol Tours also require advanced notice, but are generally easier to accommodate. Please send a request via email or mail (with the above information) to Aubrey Colvard. For U.S. Capitol tours please specify:

• Name
• Number of people in the group
• Requested Date for the tour (M-F only)
• Requested Time (9:30 AM or 1:30 PM)

The Congressional Special Services Office provides information about tours for the disabled by telephone at 202-224-4048 (voice) or 202-224-4049 (TDD). Additional accessibility information is available.

Because of increased security and the construction phase of the Capitol Visitor Center, please contact the U.S. Capitol Guide Service if you have any questions before your visit. Recorded information is available at 202-225-6827.

Other Popular Washington, DC Tours

In addition to the White House and the U.S. Capitol, our office can assist you in obtaining tours to the following buildings. These tours also require significant advanced notice - usually two months.

• U.S. Department of the Interior
  The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), with eight bureaus, is the nation's principal conservation agency, charged with the mission "to protect and provide access to our Nation's natural and cultural heritage and honor our trust responsibilities to Indian tribes and our commitments to island communities."
  
  Specifically, the tour takes you to the following destinations:
  • Washington Monument
  • Jefferson Memorial
  • Ford's Theater
  • FDR Memorial
  • Lincoln Memorial
  • Veterans Memorial
  • Korean War Memorial
  • Arlington Cemetery
  
  Guests should arrive at 8:30am and report to the Guards Desk at the "C" Street Entrance, the tour leaves at approximately 9:00am. Lunch is a "group" setting and the tour concludes around 3:30pm.
   
• U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
  The Bureau manufactures the financial and other securities of the United States. Accordingly, the Bureau designs, prints, and furnishes a large variety of security products, including Federal Reserve notes, U.S. postage stamps, Treasury securities, identification cards, naturalization certificates, and other special security documents.
   
• U.S. Department of State
  Mission Statement: Create a more secure, democratic, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community.
  The Executive Branch and the Congress have constitutional responsibilities for U.S. foreign policy. Within the Executive Branch, the Department of State is the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency, and the Secretary of State is the President's principal foreign policy adviser. The Department advances U.S. objectives and interests in shaping a freer, more secure, and more prosperous world through its primary role in developing and implementing the President's foreign policy. The Department also supports the foreign affairs activities of other U.S. Government entities including the Department of Commerce and the Agency for International Development. It also provides an array of important services to U.S. citizens and to foreigners seeking to visit or immigrate to the U.S.
   
• Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
  President John F. Kennedy's words resonate more strongly than ever for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the 21st century. The Center opened its doors on September 8, 1971. As always, the Center continues its efforts to fulfill President Kennedy's vision by producing and presenting an unmatched variety of theater and musicals, dance and ballet, orchestral, chamber, jazz, popular, and folk music, and multi-media performances for all ages. Every year the institution that bears President Kennedy's name brings his dream to fruition, touching the lives of millions of people through thousands of performances by the greatest artists from across America and around the world. The Center also nurtures new works and young artists, serving the nation as a leader in arts education and creating broadcasts, tours, and outreach programs.

Fair Credit Reporting Act Reauthorization

Under the most recent Fair Credit Reporting Act Reauthorization, signed into law in 2003, all Americans are entitled to receive a free credit report from each of the 3 credit reporting agencies each year. The purpose of this provision is to help combat identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission recommends that each person periodically view his or her credit report to make sure that no one has fraudulently opened an account in his or her name.

For implementation purposes, this provision was phased in on a regional basis and Texans just became eligible on June 1, 2005. For more information visit: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp to request the free report(s), which can be viewed online or mailed to your home address.

Office of Congressman Michael C. Burgess Announces
"Cooke County Community Office Hours"

Community Office Hours offer an opportunity for constituents in Cooke County to meet with some of Congressman Burgess' District Staff.

Several members of Rep. Burgess' staff will be present to answer your questions. Constituent Services provided include assistance with navigating federal agencies, government resources for those local and state entities seeking federal grants and help with obtaining federal documents. These and other services will be available.

Please come by, meet the staff and learn more about how our office can assist you.

Cooke County Community Office Hours
Monday, July 11, 2005
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Cooke County Courthouse
Room 110
100 S. Dixon Street
Gainesville, TX 76240

Contact: Robin Vaughan, District Office Manager, (972) 434-9700

TOWN HALLS

Gainesville Saturday, July 16th, 10-11 a.m. Gainesville City Hall City Council Chambers 200 South Rusk Gainesville, Texas 76240	Corinth Saturday, July 23rd, 2-3 p.m. Corinth City Hall City Council Chambers 3300 Corinth Parkway Corinth, Texas 76210
Callisburg Saturday, July 16th, 1-2 p.m. Callisburg Community Club McDaniel St. (adjacent to City Hall, 59 Campbell Street) Callisburg, Texas 76240	Lewisville Saturday, August 13th, 10-11 a.m. Lewisville City Hall City Council Chambers 151 West Church Street Lewisville, Texas 75029
Keller Saturday, July 23rd, 10-11 a.m. Keller City Hall City Council Chambers 1100 Bear Creek Parkway Keller, Texas 76248	North Richland Hills Saturday, August 13th, 2-3 p.m. North Richland Hills City Hall City Council Chambers 7301 N.E. Loop 820 North Richland Hills, Texas 76180

CONTACT INFORMATION

Write Your Representative
To email Congressman Burgess, please click on the above link and follow the simple directions outlined on the website. This process ensures that we receive emails from 26th Congressional District of Texas residents only.

WASHINGTON, DC 1721 Longworth Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-7772

LEWISVILLE DISTRICT 1660 S. Stemmons Frwy Ste. 230 Lewisville, TX 75067 Phone: (972) 434-9700

FT. WORTH DISTRICT Located at the Resource Connection of Tarrant County campus 1100 Circle Drive Ste. 200 Fort Worth, TX 76119 Phone: (817) 531-8454