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H.J.Res. 83 - Special Elections/Appointments Provisions bill
Posted by on June 2, 2004
H.J.RES.83
Failed, 63-353 Burgess voted NO
Title:Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States regarding the appointment of individuals to fill vacancies in the House of Representatives.
Sponsor: Rep Baird, Brian [WA-3] (introduced 12/8/2003) Cosponsors: 2
Committees: House Judiciary
House Reports: 108-503
Related Bills: H.RES.572, H.RES.657
Latest Major Action: 6/2/2004 Failed of passage/not agreed to in House. Status: On passage Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 63 - 353, 2 Present (Roll no. 219).
Note: On 4/20/2004, a motion was filed to discharge the Rules Committee from consideration of H.Res. 572. H.Res. 572 provides for the consideration of H.J.Res. 83. A discharge petition requires 218 signatures for further action. (Discharge Petition No. 108-7: text with signatures.)
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SUMMARY AS OF:
5/19/2004--Reported to House, without amendment. (There is 1 other summary)
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Constitutional Amendment - Requires an individual, who is elected to serve as a Member of the House of Representatives for a Congress, before taking the oath of office, to present to the chief executive of the State from which the individual is elected a list of at least two qualified nominees to take the individual's place in the event he or she dies or becomes incapacitated before the individual's term of office expires. Allows the individual, after such oath, to revise the list at any time during a Congress.
Provides that if at any time a majority of the whole membership of the House is unable to carry out its duties because of death or incapacity, or if any time the House adopts a resolution declaring that extraordinary circumstances exist which threaten the ability of the House to represent the interests of the people of the United States, the chief executive of any State represented by a Member who is dead or incapacitated at that time shall appoint, from the most recent list, an individual to take the Member's place. Requires: (1) the individual to be appointed as soon as practicable (but in no event later than seven days) after the Member's death or incapacity has been certified; (2) the individual to serve until the Member regains capacity or until another Member is elected to the vacancy; and (3) the State to provide for an election. Allows the appointed individual to be a candidate in the election. States that these provisions do not apply to any Member of the House who dies or becomes incapacitated before the seven-day period which ends on the date on which the event requiring such appointments occurs.
Provides that if the appointed individual is unable to carry out a Member's duties, the chief executive of the State involved shall appoint another individual from the same list of nominees.
Declares that Congress may by law establish the criteria for determining whether a Member of the House or Senate is dead or incapacitated, and shall have the power to enforce this Amendment through appropriate legislation.
S.J.Res. 28 Recognizing the 60th Anniversary of the Allied landing at Normandy during World War II
Posted by on June 2, 2004
S.J.RES.28
Approved, 419-0 Burgess voted YES
Title: A joint resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the Allied landing at Normandy during World War II.
Sponsor: Sen Campbell, Ben Nighthorse [CO] (introduced 2/25/2004) Cosponsors: 69
Committees: Senate Judiciary; House Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 6/3/2004 Presented to President.
H.Con.Res. 413 - Honoring the contributions of the women, symbolized by Rosie the Riveter
Posted by on June 2, 2004
H.CON.RES.413
Approved, 417-0 Burgess voted YES
Title:Honoring the contributions of the women, symbolized by "Rosie the Riveter", who served on the homefront during World War II, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Capito, Shelley Moore [WV-2] (introduced 5/4/2004) Cosponsors: 85
Committees: House Education and the Workforce
Related Bills: S.CON.RES.103
Latest Major Action: 6/3/2004 Received in the Senate. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 540.
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SUMMARY AS OF:
5/4/2004--Introduced.
Honors the extraordinary contributions of the women whose dedicated service on the home front during World War II was instrumental in achieving an Allied victory. Recognizes the lasting legacy of equal employment opportunity and support for child care and health care that developed during the "Rosie the Riveter" era. Calls on the people of the United States to study, reflect on, and celebrate the stories and accomplishments of women who served the Nation as "Rosies" during that war.
H.R. 4109 - Simple Tax for Seniors Act of 2004
Posted by on June 2, 2004
H.R.4109
Approved, 418-0 Burgess voted YES
Title:To allow seniors to file their Federal income tax on a new Form 1040S.
Sponsor: Rep Burns, Max [GA-12] (introduced 4/1/2004) Cosponsors: 14
Committees: House Ways and Means; Senate Finance
Latest Major Action: 6/3/2004 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
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SUMMARY AS OF:
4/1/2004--Introduced.
Simple Tax for Seniors Act - Allows eligible seniors (or their spouses in the case of a joint return) with Social Security and pension income to use new Form 1040SR (similar to Form 1040EZ) to file their Federal income tax returns without regard to the amount of their taxable interest or other taxable income.
Health Policy Subcommittee Chairman Burgess Discusses Medicare Rx Drug Card Rollout
Posted by Michelle Stein on June 1, 2004
H.Con.Res. 417 Honoring the Tuskegee Airmen
Posted by on June 1, 2004
H.CON.RES.417
Approved, 378-0 Burgess voted YES
Title:Honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and their contribution in creating an integrated United States Air Force, the world's foremost Air and Space Supremacy Force.
Sponsor: Rep Porter, Jon C. [NV-3] (introduced 5/6/2004) Cosponsors: 26
Committees: House Armed Services; Senate Armed Services
Latest Major Action: 6/2/2004 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
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SUMMARY AS OF:
5/6/2004--Introduced.
Urges the U.S. Air Force to continue to honor and learn from the example provided by the Tuskegee Airmen (people of color who served during World War II) as it faces the challenges of the 21st century and the war on terror.
Homeland Security Funding Hearing
Posted by on June 1, 2004
Statement by Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) Homeland Security Funding Hearing June 1, 2004 Thank you for giving me the opportunity to make a brief statement Mr. Chairman. I am pleased that the Economic Development Subcommittee is taking up this very important piece of legislation today. As our country continues to address the homeland security vulnerabilities it is prudent to periodically review how we prioritize threats and allocate funding to address these threats. Reorganizing thousands of federal employees and essential homeland security functions has not been easy and there are sure to be additional bumps along the way. A troubling example of how inequitable our current system of funding local homeland security priorities came to my attention last week. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, a local paper in my district, the City of Fort Worth, Texas has been receiving a much lower level of preparedness funding than Dallas, which is just 30 miles to the east of Fort Worth. According to the article, the Department of Homeland Security allocated $12 million to Dallas in December 2004, but sent nothing to Tarrant County and Fort Worth. Working through the North Texas Council of Governments, Dallas has since made a much appreciated gesture by giving Fort Worth up to $350,000 of its own funds. Here is an instance when the City of Dallas recognizes that Fort Worth and Tarrant County are struggling to meet preparedness benchmarks, but the federal agency tasked with protecting our homeland has been lax in doing so. Tarrant County and Fort Worth is home to Lockheed Martin, a military base, the Texas Motor Speedway and is considered a major metropolitan area. I am hopeful that by reevaluating how the Department of Homeland Security allocates homeland security dollars, that we are able to rectify this inequitable situation. I believe that this legislation is a good first step to assist communities like Fort Worth, Texas. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Memorial Day 2004
Posted by on May 31, 2004
Memorial Day 2004
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26)
May 20, 2004
And so it was said by Pericles, the Athenian leader some 24 centuries ago, “Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.”
As Memorial Day 2004 approaches, I am awed by a greater sense of pride for our fallen soldiers and those serving aboard. We approach this day with solemn affirmations of the sacrifices of our brave men and women, and in celebration for every joy and freedom bestowed to us from the Almighty.
This day was born of human necessity and the answer to an overwhelming desire to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live without fear, but with hope. No matter where he has fallen, a soldier stands in place for you, for me, for us as a country and for freedom everywhere.
May they always be honored for their commitment and respected for their bravery. For the stance taken by each man and woman is written down in the archives of history. The stories and memories shape our vision of the world and provide footsteps for future generations.
Bow one head; lay one flower; remember one soldier; pray continuously; and may you be blessed this Memorial Day.
Missing the BIG Story in Iraq
Posted by Michelle Stein on May 24, 2004
One of these days, the BIG story out of Iraq will be that the media missed the big story. This is a recurrent theme I have heard during my two trips to that country this past year.
Indeed, the recent prison story was available to any interested reporter at several points since the first of the year.
In the first weeks of January, Army Specialist Joseph M. Darby provided photos of the mistreatment of prisoners. On January 16, 2004, Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt, Deputy Director for Coalition Operations, reported, to all major media outlets, the prison abuses. This press conference was covered, but no “big” story was unveiled.
By mid-January, Brigadier General Ricardo S. Sanchez began intense investigation into the reported abuses. On Saturday, March 20, 2004, during a Department of Defense Briefing, with media outlets present, General Mark Kimmitt announced the specific list of offenses, “As a result of the criminal investigation, six military personnel have been charged with criminal offenses to include conspiracy, dereliction of duty, cruelty and maltreatment, assault, and indecent acts with another.” It is clear that the media was not seeing the story then, yet it is not ironic that the real complaint appears to be that the politicians did not get involved until last week.
Both the media and the politicians have been aware of this story since early January. Although details may not disseminate as quickly as we might prefer, our legal system and our Department of Defense are thoroughly and accurately investigating these abuses. Justice will be served to offenders. The American public and indeed citizens in other countries should not be led to think that America will stand for these abuses. Do not be derailed thinking that America will stand for the behavior of these few individuals.
Let us not forget the main point. We are in a war with people who want to kill us. The abuses, which are not justified, and the punishers, who will be reprimanded, do not represent the whole picture of Iraq.
There are 2.2 million men and women in the United States Armed Services. Over 300,000 soldiers have rotated through Iraq. Some 135,000 soldiers are excelling at their job to bring freedom to Iraq and a victory in the War on Terror. Of those brave fighting soldiers, 16,000 have received Bronze Stars and 3,000 Purple Hearts. We cannot continue to be obsessed with literally a handful of corrupted troops. We owe our support and freedom to all of the troops that are fighting for us.
I have personally reviewed the pictures and videotapes made available to us as Members of the U.S. Congress. The pictures are difficult to look at. Now the discussion surrounds releasing the remainder of the pictures – to put them all in the public domain. This might extend some risk to those aligned with the coalition who are held by insurgents and criminals. Because there is nothing more in them than already seen, I favor limiting any further exposure – to prevent further loss of life.
The investigations will continue – those responsible will be tried, and if found guilty, they will be punished. Commanding superior officers will not be spared or treated differently. This is the way a system based on the rule of law works.
I have met General Sanchez while on missions to Iraq. He has been there for over a year, and I can say without reservation, the he has the best interest and safety of his troops foremost on his mind. And although the pictures are indeed hard to look at, they are insignificant compared to the photograph of the coffins of fallen servicemen. They are inconsequential compared to what I have seen at Walter Reed Hospital.
So as we approach this Memorial Day, let us not forget the real heroes fighting for us today in the War on Terror. We must never confuse who the true villains are – those who want to see the defeat of United States of American and all for which she stands. Remember that thousands of brave soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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