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Medicaid: Empowering Beneficiaries on the Road to Reform
Posted by on September 8, 2005
 

Opening Statement

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.

Medicaid: Empowering Beneficiaries on the Road to Reform

September 8, 2005

Mr. Chairman, thank you for this hearing today.

I think that this hearing is especially timely in light of the national disaster that has befallen the Gulf Coast. Millions of Americans have been displaced from their homes and hundreds of thousands of Americans will need some kind of assistance to get back on their feet. I believe it is essential that we empower Medicaid beneficiaries to meet their health needs and give them the ability to make more decisions about the care they need, not less.

At this time, it is essential that Medicaid resources go to the neediest Americans. More resources need to be directed to the beneficiary and the bloated program that we currently have doesn’t do that as well as it should.

Creating incentives to purchase long-term care or giving beneficiaries more choices to meet their health care needs is not victimizing the poor, elderly and disabled, as we’re sure to be accused of today by our colleagues on the other side of the aisle. Nobody here today is talking about eliminating this entitlement, but about improving the program to act as true safety-net.

I look forward to working with the chairman and my colleagues on this committee to improve Medicaid by increasing quality of care and empowering beneficiaries. Thank you and I yield back.

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In Memory of Specialist Ernest Dallas, Jr.
Posted by on September 7, 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, just before we left at the end of July, I received notice from the Department of Defense about the death of one of my constituents, Specialist Ernest Dallas , Jr., in the country of Iraq on July 24. I wanted to take some time this evening to talk about the life of Specialist Ernest Dallas . Many of the remarks that I am going to make tonight were taken from an article that appeared in the Denton Record Chronicle on July 27, written by Matthew Haag. Mr. Speaker, I think it is appropriate tonight to honor the memory of Specialist Ernest Dallas . He was from my district, the 26th Congressional District of Texas, and he was serving his country during Iraqi Freedom. Again, he died on July 24 with three other soldiers when a roadside bomb exploded next to their Bradley fighting vehicle. Specialist Dallas was assigned as a scout in the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment in Baghdad. He was 21 years old. Celebrating and recognizing the life of Specialist Dallas is important. He was a graduate of Fred Moore High School, and he enlisted for a 3-year term in the Army in November of 2003 because he wanted to serve his country and he felt he needed the training that he would be provided to meet his future goals, a future that he hoped included a job as a Denton police officer. Specialist Dallas was a loving family member and he always took time to phone home to get his family caught up on news of what was going on with their unit. He was the first Denton, Texas, resident to die in the conflict in Iraq. His first love was baseball, his family said. He started playing when he was 9, and he idolized the former Texas Rangers Catcher Ivan (Pudge) Rodriguez. In 2000, he decided to forgo baseball and enrolled in the Denton Police Department's Citizen Youth Academy. He turned out to have another dream. He wanted to be a Denton policeman, said his stepfather, Manuel Sauseda. In the program, Specialist Dallas would ride along with Denton police officers. As soon as school let out in the afternoon, Specialist Dallas would race home and get ready to go out with the officers. The program was scheduled from 3 p.m. until midnight when the officers' shift was over. But his stepfather said that Specialist Dallas would frequently call at midnight and ask to stay a little longer, and a little longer frequently turned out to be 6 a.m. in the morning. His mother joked that the neighbors must have grown suspicious of the police cars that were constantly stopping by her house and bringing him home. I know what the neighbors thought: that little boy must be in so much trouble, said his mother, Charlene Sauseda. Specialist Dallas' family said he always wanted to protect the people he loved. So 2 years after 9/11, he enlisted in the Army. He said that the attacks inspired him to enlist. He saw how it affected everybody, his mother said. Enough was enough, said Ernie. He wanted to go over there and take care of things. I had the opportunity to sit down with Specialist Dallas' family during the August break and they told me of his love of the Police Academy. They told me how he came to love the Police Academy. Specialist Dallas was sometime earlier prone to leadership that was taking him in the wrong direction. He was brought home one afternoon by a sheriff's deputy in Denton, a gentleman I know well, named Greg Levling, who now works for the Dallas Sheriff's Department. Apparently, Specialist Dallas was at that time, at 8 years old, a lookout man for someone who had figured out how to get free pinball games on a pinball machine. Specialist Dallas was to watch and tell if anyone was coming. Well, when the sheriff's deputy came around the corner, Specialist Dallas sang out ``Here comes somebody.'' The sheriff brought him home and his mother said that the sheriff's deputy, Mr. Levling, provided some firm direction for the young man; and it was then and there that he got his love for the police force and his wish to, hopefully, one day serve in the military. Just a few weeks prior to his death, Specialist Dallas sent an engagement ring to his girlfriend. He was truly a soldier who understood his duty, and he planned for a future beyond the service to his country. Mr. Speaker, it was my honor to represent Specialist Dallas . I extend my deepest sympathies to his family. On behalf of the United States Congress, I want his family to know that his service and their sacrifice were deeply appreciated and we thank them. Watch Video
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Recovering Katrina
Posted by on September 7, 2005
 

STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD - MICHAEL C. BURGESS

ENERGY AND COMMERCE HEARING

RECOVERING FROM KATRINA

September 7, 2005

First, I want to thank Chairman Barton for convening this hearing today. The Chairman has indicated that this will be the first of a series of hearings to examine impact of Hurricane Katrina.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, many of my constituents have contacted me with concerns about price gouging by gasoline retailers.

It is tempting to be led by emotion and make quick decisions in order to show that we are "doing something." But I believe that the best thing to do in this situation is to study the issue as deliberately as possible.

In the Dallas-Fort Worth area gasoline prices increased by anywhere between 30-50 cents per gallon in the last week alone. I know Chairman Upton indicated that he received reports that one point that gasoline increased by a dollar per gallon overnight in Michigan.

At the same time, we know that Hurricane Katrina resulted in the suspension of 25 percent of U.S. oil production and took 25 percent of U.S. refining capacity offline. Since domestic oil and gas refineries have operated at nearly 100 percent capacity over the last few years, the loss of even one U.S. refinery would have reduced supply and increased prices at the pump.

We need to determine if the problem is price gouging or a problem with supply.

We need to make sure to fix the right problem. Trying to fix the wrong problem can only make things worse - we all remember the long lines at the gas pump in the 1970s.

If it is determined that illegal price gouging has occurred, I will support prosecution of wrongdoers to the utmost of my ability. I think it is unconscionable that opportunists would take advantage of this national tragedy for financial gain.

But, it is important that we, as policy makers, avoid knee-jerk reactions which can translate into untenable public policy. We should examine the strategy in place for dealing with this type of emergency situation; and if no such strategy exists, we should work to develop one. We need to learn from this experience and determine how we can prevent this loss of supply in the future.

In conclusion, I'd like to again thank the Chairman for holding this hearing. I look forward to hearing from the witnesses who are appearing before us.

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Thanking North Texans for Their Help During Hurricane Katrina
Posted by on September 6, 2005
THANKING THE PEOPLE OF TEXAS FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN PROVIDING RELIEF TO THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE KATRINA -- (House of Representatives - September 06, 2005) [Page: H7649] GPO's PDF --- (Mr. BURGESS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to take this minute and thank the people of my home State of Texas for opening their hearts and opening their State to their neighbors in Louisiana. Almost a quarter of a million residents from the State of Louisiana are now seeking shelter in the State of Texas. In my district in north Texas, truly an unbelievable story has unfolded. The Dallas County Medical Society sent out a fax last week to 3,600 doctors and their membership; 800 members immediately sent back the response: Where do I show up and when? That group put together a response for the hurricane victims that is absolutely unprecedented in my experience in medicine. In my own district in north Texas, from Gainesville to Denton to Keller, to the City of Fort Worth, shelters have been set up, sometimes at a church, sometimes at a summer camp, sometimes at an old hospital, but these centers have provided the shelter and the comfort to the victims of this devastating hurricane. And h opefully, we will get them back on their way, get them the help they need and allow them to rebuild their lives. Mr. Speaker, I again want to thank the people of the great State of Texas for all that they have done to help their neighbors in Louisiana. Click here to watch the video .
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Dallas/Fort Worth Community Leaders and Top Federal Health Officials Join Forces to Raise Awareness on Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
Posted by Michelle Stein on August 19, 2005
Dallas/Fort Worth Community Leaders and Top Federal Health Officials Join Forces to Raise Awareness on Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage WHO: Mike Leavitt, Secretary, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Mark B. McClellan, M.D., Ph.D., Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Michael C. Burgess, US Congressman, 26th District of Texas WHAT: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will join local Dallas/Fort Worth community officials and representatives to spotlight community-based resources that will help educate and enroll seniors and disabled beneficiaries in the new Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. WHEN: Monday, August 22, 1:00 PM Note: Media should arrive by 12:45 PM WHERE: Medical Center of Lewisville 500 W. Main Lewisville, TX 75057 Phone: 972-420-1713 BACKGROUND: Beginning January 1, 2006, prescription drug coverage will be available to all Americans with Medicare. Every person with Medicare – no matter how they get their health care today or whether they have existing drug coverage – will be eligible for drug coverage under a Medicare prescription drug plan. The drug plans will be available in all parts of the country, and they will cover brand name and generic drugs. Prescriptions can be obtained from neighborhood pharmacies and through mail order. All Medicare beneficiaries will have a choice of plans, so they can get the coverage that best meets their needs. They will need to make a decision soon about signing up for Medicare’s new prescription drug coverage – and President Bush has launched a nationwide outreach effort to help them to make an informed decision. Enrollment begins November 15, 2005. Coverage begins January 1, 2006. Contact: HHS Office of Public Affairs Danielle Yaggi Dan Morales 202) 690-6343 For more coverage of the event, please visit CBS News Coverage .
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Burgess Presents Freedom Flat Tax to House Ways & Means Subcommittee
Posted by Michelle Stein on August 5, 2005
Before departing for the August district work period, 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). Other members testifying were: Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA), Rep. Phil English (R-PA), Rep. John Linder (R-GA), Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL), Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), and Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY). Congressman Burgess spoke for five minutes about his 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.” Rep. Michael Burgess also credited Former Majority Leader Dick Armey and Former presidential candidate Steve Forbes for their work on the flat tax.
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Burgess Introduces Long Term Care Bill to Help Every American, in Every State
Posted by Michelle Stein on August 4, 2005
In the flurry of activity on Capitol Hill prior to the August District work period, Congressman Michael C. Burgess introduced H.R. 3511, the Medicaid State Long-Term Care Partnership Program Act of 2005 with John Peterson (R-PA), Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.), Bobby Jindal, (R-LA) and Nancy Johnson, (R-CT) as cosponsors. The Long Term Care Partnership bill works to address the country’s growing long term care crisis. With medical advancements increasing ever day, Americans are living longer, more productive lives than ever. From this increased longevity has emerged a new health care conundrum for legislators to solve – long term care. Per the 2005 Cost of Care Survey conducted by Genworth Financial, the cost of “Nursing Home Private Room Average Daily Rate” in the Dallas, Texas region (comprising Ellis, Tarrant, Wise, Delta, Kaufman, Collin, Dallas, Rockwall, Johnson, Parker, Hunt and Denton counties), is $147.83. The cost of a “Semi-Private Room” is $107.50. Currently, a large portion of the burden for paying for long term care insurance falls on a state’s Medicaid program. Long term care costs are rapidly becoming untenable at the current rate of growth. People are often not aware of the staggering costs associated with long term care. H.R. 3511 will help ensure the sustainability of the Medicaid program and give consumers more choice in long term health care needs. Specifically, Congressman Burgess’ bill would expand Long Term Care Partnership Insurance to all 50 states. Long Term Care Partnership Insurance allows individuals to purchase qualified state policies to meet their long term health care needs as they age. The unique nature of these policies allows enrollees to protect their assets if the insurance coverage is exhausted and they have to look to state Medicaid programs to cover their long term care expenses. “Long Term Care Partnership Insurance will change the way Americans finance their long term health care,” said Rep. Michael C. Burgess. “This innovative approach will protect the hard-earned assets and hopefully alleviate the financial concerns associated with financing long term care. Families should not become poverty stricken in order to pay for their loved ones.” The original program was limited to 4 states (Connecticut, New York, Indiana and California) in 1993. The program has been quite successful in each state. These public-private partnerships encourage advanced planning by incentivizing the purchase of long term care insurance and will help states save money in Medicaid long term care costs. “This program provides benefits to each American faced with the dilemma of financing long term health care and to all 50 states that must grapple with a Medicaid program bankrupting their coffers,” stated Congressman Burgess. For more information on Texas’ long term care situation, please visit the Texas Department of Aging and Disabilities website at Click here to go there .
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Burgess Champions Infant Mortality Awareness Month
Posted by Michelle Stein on August 3, 2005
Infant mortality is still a significant cause of death in the United States. In 2002, the infant morality rate in the United States reached 7 deaths per 1000 live births, the first increase since 1958, ranking the United States 28th among industrialized nations in the rate of infant mortality. Among minorities, the problem is especially devastating--the mortality rate for African American women is more than double that of Caucasian women. Congressman Michael C. Burgess introduced House Resolution 402 directing Congress to observe September 2005 as Infant Mortality Awareness Month. The goals of Infant Mortality Awareness Month are to increase national awareness of infant mortality and contributing factors and urge community leaders to assist in efforts to meet the objective of reducing the rate of infant mortality in this country by 2010. “As an obstetrician, I understand how important pre-natal health is to the well-being of babies,” said Rep. Michael Burgess. “I hope that this resolution helps increase awareness of infant mortality and how as a community we need to do a better job in protecting the health and well-being of mothers and babies. I look forward to working with community leaders to improve the maternal and infant health in the 26th District of Texas, and indeed the nation.”
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The Burgess Bulletin - August 2005
Posted by on August 1, 2005
Click here for the full version.
Burgess Supports National Energy Policy Legislation


Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) voted in favor of a national energy policy. The conference report on H.R. 6, The Energy Policy Act of 2005 passed the House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 275-156.

“With our ever-increasing dependence on foreign oil, I knew it was vital to our national security, and our economy, to make the United States self-sufficient when it comes to our energy needs,” stated Rep. Michael C. Burgess. “The time has come that we completely revamp our system and focus on a national policy that will benefit all Americans.”

The Energy Act of 2005 is of particular interest to North Texas because it ensures that energy production in the Barnett Shale, an unconventional natural gas source in the North Texas region, can continue to provide natural gas for Texas and the nation.

“In addition to the thousands of cars and trucks on our roads, there is significant railroad traffic through Tower 55 in Fort Worth and the Alliance Corridor in Denton and Tarrant Counties,” noted Congressman Michael Burgess. “This emissions reduction provision will help to clean up our air in North Texas,” said Rep. Michael Burgess.

“The bill was a longtime in the making, but well worth the wait,” stated Congressman Michael Burgess. “This is a win-win for my constituents.”

For more specifics on the Energy Policy Act of 2005 or to view a video clip of Congressman Burgess participating in a press conference with Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman, please follow this link: /Multimedia/ and selected the “Energy Policy Act Press Conference.”



Burgess Announces Strong Transportation Bill Benefits for Texas

U.S. Representative Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) today (July 29th) voted in favor of the 2006 Transportation Authorization Bill, increasing Texas’ rate of return for federal transportation dollars. The bill passed 412-8.

As a member of the House Transportation Committee in the 108th Congress, Rep. Burgess was an early advocate to bring home more of Texas’ hard-earned tax dollars.

“The long overdue passage of this year’s transportation bill is an accomplishment for Texas’ transportation system. Improving roads, growing our rate-of-return and increasing safety measures ultimately benefits Texas,” Congressman Michael Burgess said.

Key among issues for Texas lawmakers was the increase of the rate-of-return for federal transportation dollars. Currently, for every $1 Texans send to Federal Highway Administration, they receive only 88 cents back. The 2006 Transportation Authorization Bill will allow for a gradual increase in the national rate of return from 90.5 percent in 2005 to 92.0 percent in 2009. The bill designates $286.4 billion to be distributed over the six-year life of the legislation among highway, transit and safety projects throughout the country.

Because of Texas' proximity to Mexico and being at the crossroads for national trade, the state faces unique transportation challenges. Because of this situation, H.R. 3 directs $211.8 million to Texas to address border transportation needs. The Borders and Corridors Program under this bill has been dramatically modified to reflect the growth in travel, largely due to commercial activity, along the border region. The changes reflect a commitment to safely develop this vital corridor between the United States and Mexico.

Congressman Michael Burgess was also able to secure his legacy issues from last term, namely his design-build concept and use of toll credits. “Design-Build” is a term to describe an innovative project delivery method that combines the design and construction of a toll road project into one contract rather than the traditional “Design-Bid-Build” method of having individual contracts for separate, sequential phases of a project. Congressman Burgess seeks to modify existing law give states additional flexibility to design and build roads concurrently, not sequentially.

“By integrating the design-build portion of a project, we can complete projects in a more efficient and inexpensive manner,” stated Congressman Michael Burgess. “This philosophy of road building would bring relief to dangerous and congested roads that can’t wait another 20 years to get fixed.”

Rep. Michael Burgess played an integral role in the development of the House of Representatives’ bill and offered an amendment on the floor. The amendment allows states to receive transportation development credits (“toll credits”) in a timely manner so they have available resources to reinvest in their transportation systems without constantly requesting additional federal monies to meet their needs. Toll credits recognize the non-federal state and local investment in toll facilities to help address traffic congestion in urbanized areas. Toll credits build on that state and local investment to provide financing options for needed highway, transit, and highway safety projects.

"Congressman Burgess stuck with this from the minute he arrived on Capitol Hill. Burgess's ideas to multiply the value of our federal dollars are marbled throughout the bill: faster project delivery, new tolling options, transportation development credits, and inducements for private investment in public infrastructure. He has left an indelible print on this legislation and Texas will benefit from more options to fight congestion," said Ric Williamson, Chairman of the Texas Transportation Commission.

Included in the six-year plan of the transportation bill are seven projects designed to improve the transportation system and structure in North Texas.





Statement: Burgess Puts Patient Safety First
On July 27th, Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) voted for the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act (S. 544) designed to encourage the anonymous reporting of errors to newly-created patient safety organizations, which will analyze the information and, working with doctors, identify the changes necessary to prevent these errors. The bill passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 428 to 3. The bill passed the Senate by a voice vote on Thursday, July, 21, 2005.

The following statement may be attributed to Congressman Michael C. Burgess:

“Medical errors are an unfortunate aspect to the delivery of modern health care. The bill uniquely combines a non-punitive backdrop where doctors can share information with patient safety specialist who monitor and look for solutions and improvements of the system. All information will continue to be available to the public and consumer organizations will receive information on medical errors, trends and other details concerning medical mistakes reported.”

“The litigious environment that doctors and patient live in today serve neither well. This bill will increase transparency in medicine, encourage reporting, and assist in targeted quality improvements.”

“I’m very pleased that the House and Senate were able to work out differences on this important legislation and clear the way for President Bush to sign it into law.”




Rep. Burgess Honors and Congratulates Discovery’s Crew, Scientists, and Technicians on Successful Launch


Space Shuttle
“Congratulations to all those who worked so hard to get our shuttle program back on tract.”

“As a former Member of the House Science Committee, I specifically acknowledge the wonderful work of the scientists, technicians, and crew of Discovery who uphold the great tradition of our space program.

“Barely one month into my first term, the Shuttle Columbia and her crew were lost over the skies of Texas. The return to flight was pursued in a careful, methodical fashion, with a mission of strict adherence to safety.

“On momentous occasions like today, we remember those who have sacrificed their lives, and we can honor them by continuing America’s quest to observe and learn from our galaxy and universe.

“On Wednesday, January 28, 2004, I introduced House Resolution 507 to commemorate the crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia and their final mission. Today, Tuesday, July 13, 200, I am deeply moved as the shuttle returns to space –it is an impressive and hopeful moment for America.”

For more specifics on the Space Shuttle Discovery launch press release or to view a video clip of Congressman Burgess presenting remarks on the floor, please follow this link: /News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=31091.



STATEMENT: London Terrorist Attack

July 7, 2005 -- “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.”




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 from National Institute of Health’s Reauthorization and Stem Cell Research to Iraq and a national energy policy.

A recent public service announcement video features Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt and Congressman Burgess discussing how Texans will benefit from the “New Medicare Drug Benefits.”


Looking for a federal government job?
Constituents often contact my office inquiring about job opportunities within the federal government. Below are some resources that should help anyone interested in finding employment with the federal government.
/ConstituentServices/jobpostings.htm

Please visit the constituent services section of my website for helpful links!


TOWN HALLS

Lewisville
Saturday, August 13th, 10-11 a.m.
Lewisville City Hall
City Council Chambers
151 West Church Street
Lewisville, Texas 75029

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

About Town Hall Meetings
As your United States Congressman, I hold town hall meetings in different cities to give constituents a chance to hear from me and to discuss issues before the United States Congress.

Some of the issues I have been working on in the U.S. House of Representatives this year include protecting America; curbing federal spending; strengthen our economy; developing innovative financing for road construction; and improving and refining our health care system.

Watch your email and mailbox for more information on a meeting in your area.



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





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.

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