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Statement by Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) on the situation concerning Terri Schiavo:
Posted by Michelle Stein on March 18, 2005
“I support Speaker Hastert and Majority Leader DeLay in their efforts to save the life of Terri Schiavo.
I would like to take this opportunity to encourage families to discuss and create living wills or advance directives in order to avoid the agony and stress the Schiavo family is experiencing.
You do not need an attorney –simply use a search engine and type in “living wills” to find the simple forms or speak to your family physician.”
A Review of Security Initiatives
Posted by on March 18, 2005 Statement by the Honorable Michael Burgess, MD A Review of Security Initiatives March 18, 2005
Thank you Mr. Chairman, and thank you for having this important hearing. At this time in American history, our national security has become the most important issue facing our nation. It is critical that we do everything within our power to ensure that our nuclear weapons are highly secured and protected. We cannot allow our national security to be compromised because of inadequate safeguards that are poorly implemented. The recent security incidents at the Los Alamos National Laboratory illustrate that changes must be made to guarantee the safety of weapons and top clearance material. I share my colleagues’ deep concern with regards to the safety of nuclear sites in America and abroad. I look forward to the opportunity to review both the security status of nuclear weapon facilities and discuss security initiatives that can be implemented to better ensure that our nation is protected. I also hope that additional insight can be provided regarding the security matters at Los Alamos. Again, Mr. Chairman, I thank you for this crucial hearing in which we can address some of these essential concerns regarding nuclear facilities and the security of our nation.
Hearing on the National Institutes of Health
Posted by on March 17, 2005 Opening Statement Congressman Michael C. Burgess Subcommittee on Health Energy and Commerce Hearing on the National Institutes of Health March 17, 2005
Mr. Chairman, thank you for calling this very important hearing. I thank Dr. Zerhouni for being here today to talk to us about the important research being conducted at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Zerhouni is what we call in the medical profession “a thinking doctor”. I am glad he could join us here today to offer his insight into the inner workings of NIH and how he administers the 27 institutes and centers that make up NIH. A daunting task no doubt. Today, we have an opportunity to look at how this country prioritizes our health research and the future of NIH. NIH has its roots in researching medical treatment for our soldiers in WWII, but has since evolved into a world class research institution. I believe that the institution must continue to evolve with medicine and shouldn’t be stymied by bureaucratic lethargy. It cannot be understated that Dr. Zerhouni has a very difficult job ahead of him. As NIH Director, Dr. Zerhouni is allocated only 3 percent of the overall NIH budget to coordinate the 27 institutes and centers at NIH. It was only last year when this chamber debated the reorganization of our intelligence community in an effort to fight the war on terror more effectively. It almost went without saying in these halls that the National Intelligence Director needed to have budget authority over the intelligence agencies in order to wield true authority and coordinate this country’s intelligence activities. I believe that we have a similar situation at NIH. With a budget of nearly $30 billion the Director of the NIH has limited authority to direct the research activities of each institute. Having talked with Dr. Zerhouni and finding him a very capable administrator, I doubt even he with only 3 percent of the budget can properly coordinate and direct the research of the individual institutes. Mr. Chairman, we shouldn’t take NIH for granted and we shouldn’t let it succumb to bureaucratic drift. I look forward to working with you Mr. Chairman and you Dr. Zerhouni as we seek solutions on improving the quality and direction of our medical research in this country. Thank you Mr. Chairman.
Problems with the E-rate Program: GAO Review of FCC Management Oversight
Posted by on March 16, 2005 Statement by the Honorable Michael Burgess, MD Problems with the E-rate Program: GAO Review of FCC Management Oversight March 16, 2005
Thank you Mr. Chairman, and thank you for having this important hearing. This hearing resumes a two-year continuation of our oversight regarding the E-rate program. This program deserves vigorous Congressional oversight, and I support the Chairman’s investigation of this important issue. I 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. While there have been some E-rate success stories, especially in cities such as Chicago and Philadelphia, there are also severe concerns that must be addressed. I share the concerns of my colleagues, especially with regards to the high potential for waste, fraud and abuse throughout the E-rate program. I commend Assistant Inspector General Bennett for his efforts in exposing and assessing the level and scope of waste, fraud and abuse in the program; I look forward to hearing his additional remarks on this matter and entering into a discussion that will hopefully provide further insight. The GAO’s report that we have in front of us today addresses many of our particular concerns, and I look forward to discussing the GAO’s review and recommendations concerning FCC management and oversight of the program. Congress may have to ultimately decide if the FCC is the proper agency to oversee a program that will ensure that schools and libraries are wired to the Internet. This is one of many issues that I hope will be addressed in this hearing. 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.
Anthrax Contamination Closes Mail Facility in Washington, D.C.
Posted by Michelle Stein on March 15, 2005
In response to initial tests showing anthrax contamination in two Department of Defense mailrooms, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has closed the facility that processes government mail, temporarily halting delivery to all D.C.-area federal agencies, including Capitol Hill.
The USPS closure followed the Defense Department’s decision to shut two mail processing centers — a Pentagon-based facility and a Fairfax County, Virginia site — Monday evening, after hazardous materials sensors detected anthrax in the mail.
Should these mail facilities remain closed, delivery to Capitol Hill could be affected beginning Thursday, March 17. Due to the current mail situation, constituents are urged not to send mail to the Member’s Washington Office. Should constituents wish to communicate with Congressman Michael Burgess or his staff in Washington, D.C., they should go to the office website at www.house.gov/Burgess and send an email through the “Write Your Rep” service provided.
U.S. Chamber Honors Rep. Michael Burgess with “Spirit of Enterprise” Award
Posted by Michelle Stein on March 14, 2005
The United States Chamber of Commerce today presented Rep. Michael Burgess (TX-26) with its 2005 “Spirit of Enterprise” award for his strong support for its pro-business legislative agenda in the second session of the 108th Congress.
“It is critical to have Members of Congress fighting for American business and their employees at this time of economic expansion and opportunity,” said Thomas J. Donohue, Chamber President and CEO. “Michael Burgess is a leader who has voted time and again to create jobs, improve our domestic security and promote economic expansion.”
The Chamber awards the “Spirit of Enterprise” based on rankings it gives members of Congress for key business votes set out in its annual publication How They Voted. Rep. Burgess earned a 100 percent score with the Chamber last year and has compiled a 100 percent cumulative ranking during his tenure in Congress.
Chamber-designated “key votes” are recorded floor voted on issues established as priorities by the Chamber’s board of directors and on which the Chamber communicates its position prior to the votes receive the “Spirit of Enterprise” award.
“It is an honor to receive the “Spirit of Enterprise” award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,” stated Representative Michael Burgess upon hearing he was selected again for the award. “I believe that America’s economic success rests on enterprising minds and common sense legislation. I hope that my voting record continues to keep us on top.”
For the second session of the 108th Congress, the Chamber designated 21 House votes as key votes. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.
In Remembrance of Dr. Charles R. Baxter
Posted by on March 14, 2005
Mr. Speaker, it is my sad duty to report to the House that we lost a pioneer in medicine this weekend down in Dallas: Dr. Charles Baxter , a surgeon whose research in clinical skills saved thousands of lives over the years.
Dr. Baxter will be remembered for a lot of things back home, not the least of which was his treatment of a severely burned patient and his introduction of very aggressive fluid management in the initial hours after the burn had occurred, saving countless patients from going into acute renal failure, dealing with what was then one of the principal causes of death in the severely burned patient.
It was reported in the newspaper this weekend that Dr. Baxter , in an effort one time to bring the spirits up of a young 8-year-old girl who had been burned over 92 percent of her body, brought an Airedale puppy into the burn unit at Parkland. He scrubbed it down with antibacterial cleanser and brought the girl a new reason to continue on in her struggle to recover from her burn.
I remember Dr. Baxter when I was a resident down in the operating room. He had a heart attack a few days before, but was down there in the wheelchair in the surgery office barking out orders to his residents at the surgery board to keep them on schedule.
And, of course, the country remembers Dr. Baxter . From that terrible day in November of 1963, Dr. Baxter was the head of the emergency room when John Kennedy was brought into the facility at Parkland Hospital.
Mr. Speaker, all of us in Dallas and across the country mourn the passing of Dr. Baxter , and our thoughts and prayers will be with his family during this time.
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Burgess Honors “Stop the Violence Against Women” Campaign
Posted by Michelle Stein on March 10, 2005
Congressman Michael C. Burgess participated in an event in support of Lifetime Television Network’s Stop Violence Against Women campaign this week in Washington. Alongside his fellow Texas representatives, Dr. Burgess stood for a photograph while wearing the Lifetime Television Network’s necktie designed to promote the weeks’ activities.
“Violent acts against women cuts across every line of geography and income,” stated Congressman Michael Burgess. “Abuse is found in every community in our country, and we must fight it every step of the way.”
The federal government has been taking an increased role in advocating for justice for abused women. Since its inception in 1995, the Office on Violence Against Women, within the Department of Justice, has handled policy issues regarding violence against women and has coordinated all efforts at the national level. In addition to policy, the Office of Violence Against Women has awarded more than $1 billion in grant funds to help state, tribal, and local governments and community-based agencies to train personnel, establish specialized domestic violence and sexual assault units, assist victims of violence, and hold perpetrators accountable.
In 2002, women experienced an estimated 494,570 rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault and simple assault victimizations at the hands of an intimate. Intimate violence is primarily a crime against women -- in 1998, females were the victims in 72% of intimate murders and the victims of about 85% of non-lethal intimate violence. Women age 16-24 experienced the highest per capita rates of intimate violence (19.6 victimizations per 1,000 women). (Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Statistics).
“As an obstetrician for over two decades and now a Congressman, I support getting the message out to end violence against women,” stated Congressman Burgess.
Congressman Burgess Votes in Favor of $284 Billion Highway & Transit Funding Bill
Posted by Michelle Stein on March 10, 2005
Legislation that would provide $284 billion in federal highway, transit and road safety projects through 2009 was overwhelmingly approved by the House of Representatives by a vote of 417 to 9. The legislation, H.R. 3 - “The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users,” is a critical bill which determines the federal funding amounts for America’s transportation infrastructure including highways, transit and aviation. H.R. 3 authorizes $225.5 billion for the Federal Highway Administration, $52.3 billion for the Federal Transit Administration, $3.2 billion for the National Traffic and Highway Safety Administration and $2.9 billion for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
“For North Texas, this is a big win,” stated Congressman Michael C. Burgess. “As a former Member of the House Transportation Committee, I spent considerable time advocating for much-needed transportation dollars back in my district.”
Rep. Michael Burgess played an integral role in the development of the bill and offered an amendment on the floor. The amendment allows states to receive Transportation Development Credits (known as 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. The amendment passed by a voice vote and will be included in the House bill.
“If Houston or Dallas or Austin wants to build new lanes with local tolls, the federal government shouldn’t impede their efforts,” stated Majority Leader Tom DeLay of Texas. “This is a fundamental state issue and Michael Burgess is addressing the problem so we can take care of our own roads quickly and efficiently.”
In addition to this amendment, Congressman Burgess entered into a colloquy with Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), the Chairman of the Transportation Committee, to discuss including language from his “design-build” concept. This guarantees that the “design-build” language supported by Congressman Burgess will be addressed during conference. “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 allowing environmental studies to move ahead of a project, we will be able to have roads where they are needed, when they are needed,” 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.”
Although the U.S. Senate has passed their version of the transportation bill, a conference committee, composed of Senate of House Members, will meet to negotiate the terms of a final conference bill to be voted on by both houses before being sent to the President for his signature.
26th Congressional District of Texas
Project Descriptions AS PASSED by the House of Representatives
$ 7,000,000
Widen from 4 to 6 lanes Interstate 35 East from Lake Lewisville to Loop 288
$1,000,000
Union Pacific Railroad Bridge replacement over Business US 287, Ft. Worth
$1,000,000
Precinct Line Road Bridge
$2,000,000
Tower 55 CMAQ Congestion and Preliminary Engineering Study
$2,000,000
Add shoulders to FM 156 from Ponder to Krum
$2,000,000
Interstate Highway 820 Widening Project
$1,000,000
Relocation FM 156; Alliance Airport
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Insuring State Transportation Financing Flexibility - Oppose Kennedy Amendment
Posted by on March 9, 2005
Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose this amendment. Our State department of transportation is very opposed to the language in the Kennedy amendment and would ask that the House defeat this amendment and use the language that is in the main bill.
In Texas, we have such a unique problem because we have such a large geographic footprint, second only to Alaska. Yet at the same time, we receive nowhere near the Federal funding the State of Alaska receives. As a consequence, we are constantly behind and constantly looking for ways to finance necessary and needed road projects in my State.
We have farm-to-market roads and State highways in my State that carry traffic, burdens of traffic they were never intended to carry, and they cannot be financed with the gas tax alone. We need the flexibility to take the money from a toll road and move it to a near neighbor, near-time project, which I understand that this amendment would prohibit.
Finally, we cannot allow the sunsetting of the tolls on a toll project. The prototype for that was the Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike 30 years ago. That was a 1960s solution, and we have a 21st-century problem.
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