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Burgess Announces Strong Transportation Bill Benefits for Texas
Posted by Michelle Stein on July 29, 2005
U.S. Representative Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) today 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. Funding has been guaranteed for the following projects.
Dollars
26th District of Texas Projects
$ 5,600,000
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes Interstate 35 East from Lake Lewisville to Loop 288
$800,000
Union Pacific Railroad Bridge replacement over Business US 287, Fort Worth
$800,000
Precinct Line Road Bridge
$1,600,000
Tower 55 CMAQ Congestion and Preliminary Engineering Study
$1,600,000
Add shoulders to FM 156 from
Ponder to Krum
$1,600,000
Interstate Highway 820 Widening Project
$6,500,000
Relocation FM 156; Alliance Airport
TOTAL - $18,500,000
Burgess Supports National Energy Policy Legislation
Posted by Michelle Stein on July 28, 2005
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. Congress has been working on legislation that would put such a policy in place since 2001, and it was ranked as a high priority for the 109th Congress. Both the House and Senate passed their respective versions of the bill earlier in the year, before conferring and bringing the final version for a vote today.
From a national perspective, the bill decreases American’s dangerous dependence on foreign oil by increasing domestic exploration and development on non-park federal lands and by authorizing expansion of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to 1 billion barrels.
“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.
The Act also helps the State of Texas by preserving ERCOT’s (Electricity Reliability Council of Texas) exemption from Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulation allowing this authority to continue to reside at the state level with the Public Utility Commission.
“In Texas, we are fortunate that the grid operation and reliability is managed by ERCOT,” stated Rep. Michael Burgess. “ERCOT has put tough, enforceable reliability standards in place which have ensured that Texans have ample access to electricity,” stated Burgess.
An amendment penned by Congressman Michael Burgess is included in the final conference bill. The amendment will increase the domestic supply of natural gas, “My amendment would authorize a study to identify and quantify low pressure/low volume natural gas resources and develop incentives to keep them in production,” explained Rep. Burgess. “As natural gas demand continues to rise faster than natural gas supply, I believe that that maximizing production from low-pressure gas is an efficient, environmentally friendly way to increase our domestic natural gas supply.”
In addition, the energy bill requires that dual gasoline-alternative fuel federal fleet vehicles are operated using the alternative fuel system and encourages the hybrid retrofit and conversion of conventional vehicle engines. Congressman Burgess, a proud owner of a Toyota Prius is a strong supporter of hybrid vehicles. This year's energy bill also strongly supports President Bush's hydrogen initiative.
While the conference report enhances production from traditional energy sources, it also encourages the use of clean-coal, wind and other renewable while promoting energy efficiency.
Several energy efficiency groups have praised the provisions in the energy conference report. The Alliance to Save Energy estimates those provisions would shave between 10 and 40 percent off the anticipated growth of energy demand by 2015, and the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy predicts that conservation measures will save 50,000 megawatts (MW) of peak electricity demand by 2020. That is the equivalent of 170 300-MW power plants.
One key conservation component included in the bill is the emissions reduction technology grant program, which will help reduce the amount of air pollution emitted from trucks and trains when idling. Mobile source emissions - cars, trucks and trains - are the source of much of the air pollution in the Metroplex. Additionally, the program provides incentives for truck stop electrification allowing heavy duty trucks to “plug-in” at a rest stop to operate air conditioners and other devices rather than leave the engine running.
“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 Act increases funding for the Department of Energy’s “Clean Cities” program, which provides grants to state and local governments to acquire alternative fueled and fuel cell vehicles, hybrids and ultra-low sulfur diesel vehicles. This will assist localities reduce emissions from automobiles and comply with the Clean Air Act requirements.
“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.”
Burgess Speaks in Favor of the Energy Policy Act of 2005
Posted by on July 28, 2005
Mr. Speaker, this has indeed been a long process. I thank the Chairman and the ranking member for providing us with the leadership that has given us this balanced legislative product.
Conservation, production, alternative energy sources, and new technologies, hybrid vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, are all part of this energy bill that we have before us today.
In my district, back in the Texas, this bill is significant because we have a big solar panel production plant in Keller, Texas; we have a wind turbine plant in Gainesville, Texas, up in Cooke County.
While people know we have lots of wind and lots of sun in Texas, they may not know we have garbage in Texas…in my hometown of Denton; we have a new biodiesel plant. The energy for that biodiesel plant is taken from the city dump - truly a balanced way to achieve new sources of energy.
Mr. Speaker, again, I thank the chairman for bringing this bill forward and I urge my colleagues to support it. I yield back.
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H.R. 5 - Medical Liability Reform
Posted by on July 28, 2005
A discussion on H.R.5, Medical Liability Reform:
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Energy & Transportation Bills are on the Way
Posted by on July 27, 2005
It's indeed been an incredible week in this congress where we have seen the conference reports for the energy bill and the highway bill both complete their work and likely they will come to this house this week.
I want to thank Chairman Barton on the Energy Committee who worked so hard on the energy bill. The Chairman was fair; he listened to all sides of every argument, and I believe he's produced a balanced bill.
The fact is, Mr. Speaker, we can neither drill nor conserve our way to energy independence. And indeed this bill addresses that fact and also applies significant attention to alternative energy sources as well as hybrid technology.
I
want to thank Chairman Young for pushing so long on a process that was frequently derailed by politics in the high way bill. I believe he also has a good product, and one we can afford. On the 50th anniversary of the interstate highway system, I believe it's appropriate we'll be voting to extend the highway reauthorization act this week. I yield back.
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Statement: Burgess Puts Patient Safety First
Posted by Michelle Stein on July 27, 2005
Today, 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
Posted by Michelle Stein on July 26, 2005
Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) issued the following statement congratulating the crew of Space Shuttle Discovery and their support team at NASA for today’s successful lift off into space:
“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 26, 2005, I am deeply moved as the shuttle returns to space –it is an impressive and hopeful moment for America.”
Today’s shuttle launch is the first since the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster on February 1, 2003. In the wake of that tragedy, NASA scientists made numerous improvements on the Shuttle, and have greatly increased the safety of the crew. The Columbia Accident Investigation Board made 15 recommendations implemented by NASA, and with the 29 other improvements to launch, orbit, and reentry, Discovery is ready to return Americans to flight.
The Discovery launch is NASA’s 114th shuttle mission, and the crew will conduct three spacewalks or Extravehicular Activities.
Burgess Honors the Space Shuttle Discovery Lift-Off
Posted by on July 26, 2005
“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 26, 2005, I am deeply moved as the shuttle returns to space –it is an impressive and hopeful moment for America.”
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Health Care Reform Measures: Medical Liability
Posted by on July 20, 2005 Opening Statement Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. Full Committee Mark-Up July 20, 2005
Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this important mark-up today. The bills before us today are critical elements in helping the uninsurable and improving the quality of health care in this country by improving patient safety, reforming the insurance market, and improving the tracking of prescriptions. I am disappointed that this Committee is not taking up medical liability reform legislation at this time, but I look forward to working with Chairman Barton and Chairman Deal to address this critical issue in the near future. Thank you and I yield back.
NIH Legislation Hearing
Posted by on July 18, 2005 Opening Statement Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. NIH Legislation Hearing July 18, 2005 Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this hearing today. I know that NIH reorganization is one of your highest priorities and I think we can see the fruits of your labor before us today. I look forward to hearing Dr. Zerhouni’s comments on the draft bill. Upon initial review, I think the draft strikes a balance of achievable reforms. Granting the director greater budgetary authority will go a long way in redirecting research priorities at NIH. With additional oversight and authority, the NIH director can plan in a more strategic manner and respond to research emergencies when needed. Having visited the NIH, talked to the researchers there, and talked to Dr. Zerhouni on numerous occasions, you get a real sense of how precious the NIH is to this country. The research conducted by NIH is truly groundbreaking. Be it a cure for cancer or a greater understanding of the Human Genome, the NIH has a proven record of innovation. Improvements can be made in its managerial structure, but this bill will only improve the quality of research conducted at NIH and the health of all Americans. |
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