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Pandemic Plan: Avian Influenza
Posted by on October 25, 2005
PANDEMIC PLAN: AVIAN INFLUENZA -- (House of Representatives - October 25, 2005)
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to take a minute this evening to talk about something that has been in the news a lot lately, and something that this Congress is going to be dealing with more and more as the next several months go by, and that is a discussion about the avian flu, or the so-called bird flu. I wanted to use these remarks tonight to talk about what is the bird flu; perhaps some history that may be important; what is a pandemic, and what makes a pandemic a pandemic; and then, finally, what can be done to prepare ourselves and our country if indeed this pandemic is on the horizon.
It is important to remember, Mr. Speaker, that the influenza virus has been with us for a long time. It is constantly changing and undergoes a continuous process of evolution and changes. Generally, these are small changes referred to as genetic drift. It is why we have to get a flu shot every year. But occasionally, occasionally, the virus undergoes a major evolutionary change and undergoes a genetic shift, rather than just the drift that we see from year to year.
For the past several years, a flu type known as H3N2 has been the type against which we commonly receive our yearly flu shot. Because of genetic drift, a new vaccination is necessary every year. With the absence of a regular yearly update in the flu vaccination, we would all have some immunity that would carry over from year to year. But approximately every 30 years there is a major change in the flu virus worldwide. This type of major change took place in 1957, and 170,000 people in this country died from the Asiatic flu, and in 1968, when 35,000 died from the Hong Kong flu.
Mr. Speaker, the term ``pandemic'' applies when there is no underlying immunity within the community to the particular type of flu virus. A pandemic occurs with periodic evolution of the influenza virus.
Assumptions about prior pandemics become part of our planning for the avian flu, a particularly virulent strain
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of flu that could overwhelm all of the available responses and resources that we could have at our disposal in this country. Every hospital bed filled. Think in terms of nearly 2 million deaths in this country from a pandemic.
The virus under consideration, H5N1, actually has some similarities with the Spanish flu that caused the big pandemic in 1918. Both of these illnesses cause lower respiratory tract symptoms, high fever, myalgias, prostration and a postviral weakness that could last from 4 to 6 weeks.
The virus primarily replicates in bronchial tissue. It may cause a primary or secondary pneumonia. The pulmonary tree is unable to clear itself of secretions and debris. The vast majority of people could recover, but there is significant potential to kill, and it is related to the virulence of the virus.
Currently we talk about the 1918 Spanish flu. That was a pure avian or bird flu, which then adapted to humans with fulminant infections as a result. There is currently a widespread bird infection throughout Asia, Russia, several former Soviet republics and Southeast Asia, and recently we have seen it make an appearance in European Union countries.
The virus has jumped species. What began purely as a presence in avian populations is now present in canines and felines. Person-to-person transmission has occurred.
Because of the presence in birds, migratory flyways facilitate distribution of the illness, and, of course, modern worldwide travel imposes additional concerns, as we saw with the SARS epidemic 2 years ago.
The steps to a pandemic include: Number one, the virus in a widespread host such as birds; number 2, a wide geographic setting with involvement of other mammals; number 3, bird-to-human transmission; number 4, inefficient human-to-human transmission; and, number 5, efficient human-to-human transmission.
Steps 1 through 4 have already occurred since avian influenza first appeared in 1997. It is the last step, efficient human-to-human transmission, which to date has not occurred. This will require further genetic mutation of the virus, but if that event does occur, that is what will mark the commencement of a worldwide pandemic.
It is entirely possible that the mutation will not occur. It is also entirely possible that efficient human-to-human transmission will never be developed and the pandemic will not occur. The situation is very unpredictable, but because of the extremely wide geographic distribution of the avian flu, unlike any ever seen previously before, it is prudent to prepare for the outbreak in humans.
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Titles I and II of Reconciliation Bill
Posted by on October 25, 2005 Opening Statement Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. Full Committee Mark-up: Titles I and II of Reconciliation Bill October 25, 2005 Mr. Chairman, thank you for the time today to briefly talk about the measures that will come before the committee over the next few days. Our goal here is to find savings to the federal government and by transfer, the U.S. taxpayer. But we also need to take a close look at the proposals before us and fashion them in a manner that improves these public programs and gives more tools to our first responders. Passage of this bill will trigger a required spectrum auction, freeing up important bandwidth for first responders. The sale of the spectrum alone is estimated to bring in somewhere between $10 and $30 billion the federal treasury. It was apparent after 9/11 that first responders were greatly hampered by the inability to communicate with one another--that perspective has only become clearer in my mind as I have visited New Orleans and talked with first responders about the response to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina and Rita. We cannot wait any longer to make this transition to digital communications. I am pleased that the committee is moving forward on this important issue. Another important issue that will be before the committee is Medicaid reform. I urge my colleagues not to make this a debate about dollars and cents, but about value and patients that require help and better health care through Medicaid. Governors have asked for this help…it is about bringing value to the mandatory populations that have no other help. The Medicaid program must be reoriented to deliver value for the money we do spend Governor after governor have used the word “unsustainable” when describing Medicaid. And when the program becomes unsustainable for states that means that the neediest are put at risk. This package makes substantial reforms to ensure the integrity and survivability of Medicaid. Included in this package are important reforms in Medicaid long term care to ensure Medicaid is not just a middle class entitlement, but a true safety net program. The bill also incorporates a bipartisan bill I have introduced, H.R. 3511, that would allow all states to establish long term care partnerships. Long term care partnerships promise to drive down the cost of Medicaid long term care giving consumers incentives to purchase long term care insurance to meet their long-term health care needs. I’m also pleased to have worked with Mike Rogers to develop a demonstration program that would give a limited number of states the ability to implement Medicaid Health Savings Accounts. Putting purchasing power in their hands of some Medicaid beneficiaries will improve their health, hold down costs, and lead to the creation of a true medical home. The focus of these accounts though, because they are consumer based, is less so on cost containment and more and more on prevention, improving beneficiary health. Medicaid was intended to be a safety net program but since it’s inception it has grown into an amorphous set of program rules, eligibility criteria, and mismatched outcomes to its stated goals. This bill will give states more flexibility to meet the needs of Medicaid patients and help reinforce a program at the breaking point. Governors are both adamant and bipartisan about flexibility. They want to tailor benefits and deliver the coverage that makes the most sense to most of their people. And those relying on Medicaid should have the choices already available in the private sector and by state and federal employees. If a plan is good enough for a police officer, surely it is good enough for some Medicaid beneficiaries. According to the bill, the most vulnerable populations can continue to use Medicaid as it exists today. Flexibility works. We know how well from welfare reform and from the Medicaid SCHIP program. A New York Times editorial summed it up best in yesterday’s edition in discussing an initiative by Florida Medicaid. The editorial notes, “Florida has been responsible and serious in preparing this test….The Florida experiment…would start by transferring more than 200,000 Medicaid beneficiaries in two counties to managed care plans. Certain categories of patients would have to join managed care plans, which they would select with the help of a ‘choice counselor’.” This groundbreaking reform will cover Medicaid patients with more real-world health coverage. The Editors go on to say, “Florida’s plan is the first to inject consumer choice into Medicaid, and it may well serve as a model for other states if it works out. There is a good reason to be wary of this approach, but advocates who support more traditional government spending can’t hope to make their case if they resist tests of other approaches. The experiment is surely worth the try.” It will make the difference in states managing the program in a way that prevents severe restrictions in the future. One-size-fits-all does exactly what you’d expect for costs – drives them up. And the consequence also is what you’d expect -- states freeze or limit eligibility. This is not a dollars and cents debate, it is a debate over improving the health of our most vulnerable Americans. We must put Medicaid back on track to ensure the viability of the safety net.
Burgess Pushes for VA Outpatient Clinic Near Resource Connection
Posted by Michelle Stein on October 19, 2005
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) unanimously selected to place the Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic adjacent to the Tarrant County Resource Connection.
Congressman Michael C. Burgess worked at the federal level on this issue in conjunction with officials with the VA North Texas Health Care System (VANTHCS), including Director Betty Bolin Brown and Robert Martin, Operations Administrator of the Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic, and Judi Ketchum, Director of the Tarrant County Resource Connection.
Over a year ago, Congressman Michael C. Burgess met with Robert Martin, Acting Operations Administrator of the clinic and other VANTHCS Management Officials to discuss the potential locations where the new clinic would be opened. Upon reviewing the list, Congressman Burgess was quick to throw his support and influence behind the Resource Connection location.
“Having a new, large and easily accessible facility to serve our veterans’ health care needs was a priority of mine from the beginning,” stated Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26). “The perfect scenario was constructing the clinic close to the Resource Connection where a multitude of community services are available and my Fort Worth congressional district office is located.”
The Resource Connection's innovative “one-stop shopping” approach to public assistance makes it convenient for those in need of assistance to obtain the help that they need. The Resource Connection houses a variety of services from local, state and federal agencies, including:
- The Texas Department of Human Services
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office
- Tarrant County Veterans Services
- Tarrant County Housing Department
- John Peter Smith South Clinic
The campus is conveniently located with ready access to bus routes and several major highways in Tarrant County and provides a number of complementary services.
“The agencies of the Resource Connection are excited about the addition of a VA Outpatient Clinic abutting the campus,” stated Judi Ketchum, Director of Tarrant County Resource Connection. “We feel the clinic is a perfect fit, and we look forward to having a new neighbor!”
The current Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic, on West Rosedale Street, was designed for about 45,000 patient visits per year, but in 2005 it might serve just under triple that number. With the 25 vacant acres currently selected near the Resource Connection, the clinic would be able to expand to accommodate the large number of veterans now utilizing the clinic.
There is a several month negotiation process between the VA and the current land owner. The timeline calls for the solicitation for proposals to develop the new clinic to go public in January 2006. Ideally, construction would begin by the middle of the summer of 2006.
“Locating the Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic near the Resource Connection will help the more than 125,000 veterans in Tarrant County receive the care they truly deserve,” said Rep. Michael Burgess. “I will continue to push the Department of Veterans Affairs as this project continues to grow.”
EIA's Report on Short-Term Energy Outlook and Winter Fuels Outlook
Posted by on October 19, 2005 STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD - MICHAEL C. BURGESS ENERGY AND COMMERCE HEARING EIA'S REPORT ON SHORT-TERM ENERGY OUTLOOK AND WINTER FUELS OUTLOOK October 19, 2005 First, I want to thank Chairman Barton for convening this hearing today. In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, many news reports and most of our constituents have focused on gasoline prices at the pump. While high gasoline prices are a very real concern, and will continue to be in the future, a looming issue is the expected increase in home heating costs this winter. With a quarter of U.S. natural gas capacity shut in after the hurricanes, natural gas utilities had to suspend filling their storage tanks. These stores, which are used for the winter home heating season, are currently 162 Bcf less than last year at this time. The supply shortage, when combined with the harsh winter that the National Weather Service is predicting, will result in higher prices for our constituents this winter. I am hopeful that the EIA can provide us with information that will help us better prepare for the difficult winter ahead.
Medicare Part D - Special Order
Posted by on October 18, 2005
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. I could not help but see as the leadership hour progressed you were doing an excellent job of covering all of the things that I think are so important to tell our constituents and our seniors about this plan.
Of course, it is an optional plan. There is no requirement that anyone take this plan. But still I think it is worthwhile for families to sit down, perhaps the day after Thanksgiving, while everyone is at home and thinking about things, to sit down and look at these plans and decide if it might not be a good idea for the Medicare beneficiary in your family.
I would stress that the first date that the benefits will be available will not be until January 1, but the first day that a senior can sign up for a plan is November 15. So that Friday after Thanksgiving or the Saturday after Thanksgiving after you have had enough leftover turkey and pumpkin pie and football, maybe it would be a good idea to sit down and decide if this is not worth a little closer scrutiny.
I took the liberty of going to the Medicare.gov Web site. If anybody has not been there recently, I would encourage them to do so. If you are unable to use a computer, ask your son or daughter or your grandchild to do it for you. I promise you they know how.
But looking on the Medicare.gov Web site for my State, Texas, there are some interesting figures available there. And perhaps one of the most interesting there, it is too small to show on the television, but there are a variety of plans that are available in the State of Texas.
Just going down the list here, we see one that has a monthly premium of $28, which is lower than the premium that was originally designated as $37, the premium that we originally designated on Medicare, and there is no deductible incurred with that expense. So that is a straight monthly expense.
Mr. Speaker, I would argue that that is a heck of a deal. And again, there are several plans like this, and they are all available for you to see in your State at the Medicare.gov Web site. Furthermore, for people who want to look into using one of the Medicare HMOs or PPOs, one of the Medicare advantage plans that will be available, there are several in my State of Texas; there are several in the counties that I represent. There is a PPO plan with basically a zero drug premium, and there is an HMO plan with a zero drug premium and zero drug deductible, so these are significant savings for people who are on Medicare who do spend money on drugs.
I would stress, and I have had constituents call me, and they looked at the plan and they say particularly when looking at the concept of a $37-a-month premium with a $250 deductible, they will say this is of no benefit to me. That may be true, in which case do not do it, but look at some of the plans that are available in your State, in your county and see if there is not one there.
Have a family discussion. Involve your children or your grandchildren in the discussion, because doggone it, we take good health for granted. It is something, though, that can change year by year and that is, after all, why we buy insurance, not to save us money on our current expenditures, but to protect us from those very hefty expenditures that may be incurred in the future.
I must tell the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey) he has done a very thorough job about discussing Medicare. I agree with him completely about the need for cutting the deficit this year. I think that is critical that we do so, but this plan is not the place to make that cut. And for anyone who has heard a story or a rumor that the Medicare prescription drug part D roll out may be delayed because of problems with the deficit, that is simply not true. This program will roll out on time. And as we always like to say, it is on time and under budget.
With that, I yield back to my good friend from Georgia.
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History in the Making - Iraq Constitution Vote
Posted by on October 17, 2005
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, again, a significant milestone was reached this past weekend in the recovery of the sovereign nation of Iraq.
On my most recent trip to that country this past August, it was clear that the constitution was the key that gets them through the door to the next part of their ability to govern themselves.
There are things in this country that we take for granted, things like bank to check, things like transfer of title of real estate, things that are not possible in a country that does not have a constitution, things that are not possible in a country that does not know the rule of law.
Mr. Speaker, in excess of 60 percent of the people of Iraq braved the terrorists, braved the threats of violence to go out and vote. We stand with the people of Iraq today, but mostly we stand with our troops who made this all possible, and I salute their efforts.
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FCC’s E-rate Plans to Assist Gulf Coast Recovery: Ensuring Effective Implementation
Posted by on October 6, 2005 Statement by the Honorable Michael Burgess, MD FCC’s E-rate Plans to Assist Gulf Coast Recovery: Ensuring Effective Implementation October 6, 2005
Mr. Chairman, thank you for having this important hearing. Today, Congress is faced with the enormous responsibility of ensuring that the needs of our citizens in the Gulf Coast Region are adequately met, while at the same time ensuring that our taxpayers obtain the accountability that they deserve. I have full faith that this great nation will continue to rise to this challenge; therefore, it is pertinent that this committee continue the extensive oversight and investigation into the aftermath and recovery efforts of Hurricane Katrina. Through the Chairman’s leadership, over the past couple of years, this committee has had extensive oversight of the E-rate program. I continue to support the goals of the E-rate program, which would help bridge the technological gap and ensure universal telecommunication service to eligible schools and libraries by providing telecommunication services, Internet access, and internal connections at large discounts. At the same time, however, I also share the concerns of my colleagues with regards to this program. Even during the best of times, the E-rate program has been highly susceptible to waste, fraud and abuse. Over the past few weeks, leaders in both the private and public sectors have been employing innovative ideas to respond to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Three weeks ago, FCC Chairman Kevin Martin announced an order that the FCC would provide approximately $211 million for the E-rate program to assist those harmed by Hurricane Katrina. While I do not question Chairman Martin’s motive, we have a duty to question the implementation of the order. We have a duty to our constituents, to the taxpayers, to ensure that the implementation is as effective as possible and that millions of dollars are not squandered. Primarily, I would like to know the measures that are being undertaken to guard against the abuses that were so rampant in the past. This is one of many issues that I hope will be addressed in this hearing. I look forward to hearing this answer and entering into a discussion that will hopefully provide further insight. Again, Mr. Chairman, I thank you for this hearing in which we can address some of these important concerns with regards to the E-rate program in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
The Burgess Bulletin - October 2005
Posted by on October 4, 2005
Click here for the full version.
Please do not respond to this email. To contact Congressman Burgess, use the "Write Your Rep" service. If you would to be removed from our email distribution list, please click here. This link will redirect you to the main page of the congressional website where you can remove your email address. Column: Giving a Moment of Hope and a Future of Happiness Office of Rep. Burgess Reunites a Mother and Child Separated by Hurricane Katrina On the tumultuous Thursday night, during the first few days after Hurricane Katrina, a group of Louisiana evacuees stepped off the bus at the Tarrant County Resource Connection in Southeast Fort Worth where Congressman Michael C. Burgess has one of his district offices. From the bus emerged a petite woman with eyes that were filled with hopelessness and desperation. Her name was LaShawn Traylor; she had given birth to a 2 lb. 11.4 oz baby boy on August 25th, just days ahead of the hurricane, at Tulane University Hospital in New Orleans. She had given birth via C-Section while on a respirator, but with difficulty and emotional strain, she stepped off the bus and walked into the unknown world of evacuees and the caregivers from the city, county and Congressman Burgess’ office. For the rest of this compelling, emotional story, please click on the title of this article. For additional information concerning on-going relief efforts for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, please visit the following link: Giving a Moment of Hope and a Future of Happiness Burgess Presents Freedom Flat Tax to House Ways & Means Subcommittee Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) presented his Freedom Flat Tax Act (H.R. 1040) to the House Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures. Rep. Burgess was one of seven Members who presented their proposals for tax reform to the Committee under the leadership of Chairman David Camp (R-MI). Congressman Burgess spoke for five minutes about his H.R. 1040, the Freedom Flat Tax Act, explaining how the flat tax would conform to the principles for tax reform set forth by President George W. Bush - simplicity, fairness and pro-economic growth. “Families need more money, but they also need more time" said Congressman Michael Burgess. “My bill will give them both.” Burgess Set Medicaid Health Opportunity Legislation in Motion Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) and Rep. Mike Rogers (MI-108) introduced the Medicaid Health Opportunity Act of 2005 which would help many of our most vulnerable Americans, including families whose resources were devastated by Hurricane Katrina, as they work to manage their health care needs with Health Opportunity Accounts (HOAs). The Medicaid Health Opportunity Act of 2005 will give states the option to enroll Medicaid beneficiaries into flexible consumer based accounts. Health Opportunity Accounts will encourage use of preventative services and controlling spending that will create financial incentives for both beneficiaries and the taxpayer. “Giving Medicaid beneficiaries more control over their care will not only improve their health in the long-run, but will also help shore up a floundering Medicaid program,” said Congressman Michael Burgess, one of the main sponsors of H.R. 3757. “Given the right incentives, Medicaid enrollees can make better use of their health care dollars to manage their care. Health Opportunity Accounts are just what states need return the focus on Medicaid on quality health outcomes, not the same bloated program that will become more and more of a burden for all involved.” More information is available on this website. Column: U.S. Long Term Care Needs Better Strategy Burgess introduces H.R. 3511, the Medicaid State Long Term Care Partnership Act of 2005 There is a lot of talk and debate nowadays inside the Beltway on whether America is becoming more “red” or “blue.” While that may be an issue for the punditry to argue, it is undeniable that our country is becoming more “gray.” Most Americans have some experience with nursing homes or other long term care settings, and nearly half have had a family member or close friend in a home in the past three years. But even with this close familiarity to long term care, only a small minority of Americans are saving or preparing for this likely, future financial challenge. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, nearly a third of all Americans have not thought about ways to pay for long term care and fifty percent say that planning to pay for it is too costly. The disconnect between recognizing the need to plan for long term care and saving for it, is in part due to perceptions of the current system. It is a fact that long term care is expensive. The average cost of an annual stay in a long term care facility is around $70,000. It is nearly impossible for most families to pay this amount of money, and if a loved-one’s stay in a nursing home is in-line with the average three years, nursing home care can become extremely expensive. And because only a small minority of Americans have planned for this expense, the cost of this care usually falls on taxpayers who subsidize long term care through Medicaid to the tune of billions of dollars a year. In a system where the cost of care is hidden by taxes levied on your income, property, and business activities, it is no wonder why so many Americans rely on Medicaid to pay their long term care. The fact remains that most of us are anesthetized to the true cost and true value of long term care insurance. Those of us who can should consider the purchase of long term care insurance as the socially responsible thing to do. Providing this additional incentive to the purchase of long term care coverage may allow some of the burden to be shifted from the government to the private sector. This, while allowing great flexibility in coverage options, provides a win-win solution to what otherwise is a looming financial catastrophe. More information available on this website. Burgess Discusses the Success of the Texas Medical Liability Trust “Madam Speaker, just a little over 2 years ago Texas passed a constitutional amendment that allowed for caps on noneconomic damages in medical liability lawsuits. And what has been the experience in Texas over those 2 years? Well, we have seen insurance and doctors come back to the State. Texas had gone from 17 down to 2 medical insurance companies, and now they are back up to 12. Not-for-profit hospitals have seen significant increases in the money that they are now able to invest in plants and equipment, money that otherwise would have gone for their self-insurance programs. And perhaps most importantly, the rates of liability insurance for Texas doctors has come down. Texas Medical Liability Trust has reduced rates three times since the passage of House bill 4 and proposition 12, 12 percent in 2004, 5 percent in 2005, and now a recently announced 5 percent decrease in 2006, and, coupled with that, a 5 percent dividend rebate. So that now there is a total of 27 percent insurance savings for Texas doctors in medical liability. Speaking to physicians of the Texas Medical Association just last weekend, Dr. Dennis Factor said, ‘Access to health care and the malpractice environment in Texas has made a healthy recovery since the Texas legislature passed medical liability reform.’ I urge this body to take it up and get it done.” To watch the video, click here. Multimedia Now Available New “Multimedia” section available on the Congressional Website at /Multimedia. In this section, you’ll be able to choose from both audio and video files of Congressman Burgess discussing topics ranging concerning Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, the War on Terrorism and the confirmation of Chief Justice John G Roberts Jr. Recent local programs feature the Mark Davis Show and Ankarlo in the Mornings, as well as national programs Battle Line with Alan Nathan and BISNOW with Mark Bisnow. Help with a Federal Agency One of the most important things I do as your U.S. Representative is help residents of the 26th District of Texas gain access to a federal agency when their attempts have not been responded to. Although I cannot override the laws and regulations of a federal agency, I can ensure that constituents receive a response and the answers they need to their questions so they can cut through the red tape. Below you will find a list of federal agencies that I can assist you with. If a Congressional Inquiry is made, the Privacy Act requires that I first have your written authorization before I can be of assistance. Should you have questions about the Request for Congressional Inquiry Form, do not hesitate to contact one of my offices: (972) 434-9700 in Lewisville (817) 531-8454 in Fort Worth List of federal agencies includes: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers U.S. Department of Education Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Housing and Urban Development United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Internal Revenue Service U.S. Department of Labor Medicare Military U.S. Department of State - Passport Services U.S. Department of State - Visas U.S. Postal Service Social Security Administration Veterans Administration National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) 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 OFFICE 1721 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-7772 LEWISVILLE DISTRICT OFFICE 1660 South Stemmons Freeway Suite 230 Lewisville, TX 75067 Phone: (972) 434-9700 FT. WORTH DISTRICT OFFICE Located at the Resource Connection of Tarrant County campus 1100 Circle Drive Suite 200 Fort Worth, TX 76119 Phone: (817) 531-8454 COOKE COUNTY OFFICE HOURS An opportunity to meet with the staff of Congressman Burgess: Tuesday, October 11th 9:00 -11:00 a.m. North Central Texas College President’s Board Room, Room 103 Administrative Offices Building 1525 W. California Street Gainesville, TX 76240 (Behind flag poles) Monday, October 24th 9:00 -11:00 a.m. Lake Kiowa Lodge Southwest Room 905 Kiowa Drive West Lake Kiowa, TX 76240 The e-newsletter is designed to keep you informed on legislative initiatives, news and constituent services from my Washington, Fort Worth and Lewisville offices. Each edition will be unique and tailored to include the timeliest issues. I believe you will find these highlights useful and informative. I encourage you to daily visit my congressional website at www.house.gov/burgess for up-to-the-minute-news.
Rep. Michael Burgess Supports Leader Tom DeLay
Posted by Michelle Stein on September 28, 2005
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Michael Burgess (R-TX), made the following statement regarding Leader Tom DeLay:
"In this country one is innocent unless proven guilty of a crime. The current situation encircling Leader DeLay turns the legal system on its head. We are now administering punishment after an unsubstantiated accusation. There has been no conviction."
"Tom DeLay has hired a good legal team, and I have confidence in their ability. I believe Leader DeLay will prevail."
Guarding Against Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Post-Katrina Relief and Recovery: The Plans of Inspectors General
Posted by on September 28, 2005 Statement by the Honorable Michael C. Burgess, M.D. Guarding Against Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Post-Katrina Relief and Recovery: The Plans of Inspectors General September 28, 2005
Mr. Chairman, thank you for having this important hearing today. While many have called for an extensive investigation into the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, I feel that this committee should have the primary oversight investigatory powers over this complicated situation. Not only does this committee have both subpoena power and a history of bipartisanship, this committee’s jurisdiction will be significantly affected in coming months as the rebuilding and revitalization effort continues with programs related to public health, environmental cleanup, telecommunications, and economic development. Mr. Chairman, thank you for your leadership into this matter. Never before has our country been faced with the challenges, and perhaps opportunities, due to a natural disaster of this size and proportion. My prayers continue to go out to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and I firmly believe that our great nation has shown in the past that it can come together during times of great crisis; we will continue to rise to that challenge again now. But we must do this in a way that ensures we have accountability, not delinquency. We cannot let the needs of our citizens in the Gulf Coast Region be compromised by inefficient bureaucratic delay. I share my colleagues’ deep concern with regards to the coordinating relief and recovery efforts at the federal, state, and local level. Today, I hope this committee is able to learn of the current oversight initiatives being undertaken at the represented agencies before us. Hurricane Katrina taught us all that we need a better system in place when responding to catastrophic events. As a physician, I am particularly interested in hearing from the representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services. I’m still waiting for answers to basic questions such as why help was turned away. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this with you in further detail, and to also learn of anticipated regulatory changes needed to help ensure that our public health system isn’t endangered. Again, Mr. Chairman, I thank you for this crucial hearing in which we can address some of these essential concerns regarding post-Katrina relief and recovery. |
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