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Year-End Report
They Wanted America Harmed
Posted by on April 21, 2004
Congressman Michael Burgess addresses the House Floor with stories and pictures on the aggression and hatred of Americans by Saddam Hussein's regime. Please click here to watch the video.
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H.R. 3970 Green Chemistry Research and Development Act
Posted by on April 21, 2004
H.R.3970 Passed 402-12 Burgess voted YES Title:To provide for the implementation of a Green Chemistry Research and Development Program, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Gingrey, Phil [GA-11] (introduced 3/16/2004) Cosponsors: 10 Committees: House Science; Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation House Reports: 108-462 Latest Major Action: 4/22/2004 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY AS OF: 3/16/2004--Introduced. Green Chemistry Research and Development Act of 2004 - Directs the President to establish a Green Chemistry Research and Development Program to promote and coordinate Federal research, development, demonstration, education, and technology transfer activities related to green chemistry and chemical engineering to design chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. Requires the President to establish an Interagency Working Group to oversee the planning, management, and coordination of the Program.
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H.R. 4030 Congressional Medal for Outstanding Contributions in Math and Science Education Act
Posted by on April 21, 2004
H.R.4030 Passed 411-7 Burgess voted YES Title:To establish the Congressional Medal for Outstanding Contributions in Math and Science Education program to recognize private entities for their outstanding contributions to elementary and secondary science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Sponsor: Rep Smith, Nick [MI-7] (introduced 3/25/2004) Cosponsors: 3 Committees: House Science; Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions House Reports: 108-465 Latest Major Action: 4/22/2004 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- SUMMARY AS OF: 3/25/2004--Introduced. Congressional Medal for Outstanding Contributions in Math and Science Education Act of 2004 - Requires the Director of the National Science Foundation to establish a Congressional Medal for Outstanding Contributions in Math and Science Education program. Requires the Director to name as finalists for medals annually up to: (1) 20 private entities with more than 500 employees; and (2) 20 private entities with 500 or fewer employees. Requires the Director to award medals annually from among such finalists up to: (1) five private entities with more than 500 employees; and (2) five private entities with 500 or fewer employees. Makes eligible for such a medal any private entity that has, whether working alone or in partnership with for-profit or nonprofit entities, for at least two years assisted students, teachers, administrators, or other support staff in at least one elementary or secondary school to improve student achievement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a school or community.
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H.R. 4109 To address the participation of Taiwan in the World Health Organization
Posted by on April 21, 2004
H.R.4109 Passed 416-0 Burgess voted YES Title: To allow seniors with Social Security and pension income to file their income tax returns on a new Form 1040SR without regard to the amount of interest or taxable income of the senior. Sponsor: Rep Burns, Max [GA-12] (introduced 4/1/2004) Cosponsors: 7 Committees: House Ways and Means Latest Major Action: 4/1/2004 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
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H.R. 1779 Guardsmen and Reservists Financial Relief Act
Posted by on April 21, 2004
H.R.1779 Passed 415-0 Burgess voted YES Title:To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow penalty-free withdrawals from retirement plans during the period that a military reservist or national guardsman is called to active duty for an extended period, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Beauprez, Bob [CO-7] (introduced 4/11/2003) Cosponsors: 34 Committees: House Ways and Means; Senate Finance Latest Major Action: 4/22/2004 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY AS OF: 4/11/2003--Introduced. Guardsmen and Reservists Financial Relief Act of 2003 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exempt from the ten percent additional tax retirement plan withdrawals made by military reservists or national guardsman: (1) called to active duty for at least 179 days or for an indefinite period; and (2) reimbursed within two years after the end of such active duty. Applies such provision to distributions after September 11, 2001.
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H.R. 2844 Continuity in Representation Act of 2004
Posted by on April 21, 2004
H.R.2884 Passed 306-97 Burgess voted YES Larson of Connecticut Burgess voted NO Larson of Connecticut Burgess voted NO Title:To provide dollars to the classroom. Sponsor: Rep Pitts, Joseph R. [PA-16] (introduced 7/24/2003) Cosponsors: (none) Committees: House Education and the Workforce Latest Major Action: 8/13/2003 Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Education Reform. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY AS OF: 7/24/2003--Introduced. Dollars to the Classroom Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education award grants to States for use by States and local educational agencies (LEAs) to improve classroom services and activities for students. Prescribes requirements for participation of private school children and teachers in activities and services. Repeals specified programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) and the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act, including: (1) mandatory independent evaluations of State student assessments; (2) grants for schools to develop comprehensive school reforms; (3) the Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund; (4) mathematics and science partnerships; (5) the Innovation for Teacher Quality; (6) Enhancing Education through Technology; (7) the Fund for Improvement of Education; and (8) Education for Homeless Children.
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Burgess Named Chairman of the Health Subcommittee for the Republican Policy Committee
Posted by Michelle Stein on April 19, 2004
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. has been named Chairman of the Health Subcommittee for the Republican Policy Committee. Rep. Burgess was appointed by Policy Chairman Christopher Cox (CA-48) and approved by House Speaker Denny Hastert to fill the position recently vacated by former Rep. Ernie Fletcher, M.D. of Kentucky who recently was elected governor. Dr. Burgess is the first and only freshman to Chair a House GOP Policy Subcommittee for the 108th Congress. “With his medical expertise, sound policy judgment and talent for achieving results, Dr. Burgess was the clear choice to lead the health subcommittee,” stated Policy Chairman Christopher Cox. Dr. Michael Burgess, a resident of Lewisville, was a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology for over 20 years before being elected to Congress in 2002. Representing the 26th Congressional District, Rep. Burgess has been active in Washington focusing on improving America’s health care system. “I am privileged to be singled out for my work on health care issues,” stated Rep. Michael Burgess upon hearing of his section. “It is a great honor to work for the policy committee and a unique opportunity for a freshman member.” The Republican Policy Committee develops sound legislative ideas into sound bills. Making quality health care more accessible and affordable for America is among Congress' top goals-and the Health Policy Subcommittee's mission. "I believe Dr. Burgess brings a depth of first-hand knowledge and fresh ideas to the subcommittee," commented House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL). "He understands the fundamental issues surrounding America's health care system and can forward 21st Century thinking to help solve many challenges facing both patients and providers." Patients' rights, prescription drug benefits, better treatments, fewer medical errors and healthier Americans require thoughtful policy leadership--the Health Subcommittee provides it. The Policy Subcommittee on Health has jurisdiction over House GOP policy as it affects public and private health facilities; healthcare tax policy; the Medicare and Medicaid programs; healthcare activities of the Department of Health and Human Services; and activities of the National Institutes of Health.
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America’s Fundamental Tax Reform
Posted by Michelle Stein on April 19, 2004
Good gracious. How did we miss it? Tax Freedom Day really snuck up on us this year. Tax Freedom Day is of course, that date on the calendar, after which we are earning money for ourselves. Prior to tax day we are working for our share of the federal tax burden. Perhaps it crept up on us because it is three days earlier this year than last year. In fact, it comes three weeks earlier than in 2000 before President Bush’s tax reforms began to take effect. Indeed we have made some progress, but simplicity and fairness in our tax system are still not a reality. Everyone knows the problem. Each year Americans waste billions of hours and billions of dollars complying with the complex tax code. Time is precious, and we never have enough for raising our families. Time is money, and valuable resources are lost that could be spent on productive activities such as growing the economy and creating jobs. This complexity is the outcome of dozens of deductions and exemptions stemming from years of trying to drive a social agenda with the tax code. The result is the almost unintelligible federal tax code which provides some people an opportunity for tax avoidance by exploiting loopholes and tax shelters. In 1993, I encountered what I call of the “Clinton paradox.” Ninety-three was the year that Congress increased the tax rate, retroactive to the first of the year. By some quirk of fate, Mr. Clinton and I earned almost an identical amount that year. But when it came time to settle and pay-up to the federal government, Mr. Clinton paid just over 20%, and I paid over 30%. Why should such a discrepancy exist? What is the benefit for the country when we are taxed at different rates on exactly the same income? Currently, simplicity and fairness in taxes are sacrificed for the sake of pursuing a social agenda. But a social agenda is not the purpose of the federal income tax code. Numerous changes could be made within our existing system. Full expensing of business capital investment, permanently repealing the estate tax and abolishing the alternative minimum tax are a few possibilities. President Bush’s recent savings initiative would also help simplify the tax code by consolidating all of the current fragmented savings vehicles into three tax-free savings accounts. A recent suggestion, by Congressman Chris Cox, Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, to simplify the tax code would be to allow taxpayers earning $100,000 or less to file a 1040 EZ form. Currently, taxpayers with an income above $50,000 must file a more complicated 1040 form. Future incremental reform is an important step towards tax simplification. This Congress has done a good job with incremental tax reform. The temporary alternative minimum tax relief provided by last year’s tax reform package was helpful. But Congress must soon act to prevent a huge tax increase on the middle class. It is estimated that more than 30 million taxpayers will be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax by the year 2010 if Congress does not act. This is truly a gathering storm. I believe that as more and more taxpayers must handover these ever-increasing amounts of money, the impetus behind fundamental tax reform will grow. I am a strong proponent for fundamental tax reform. I think simplicity and fairness demand that we replace our current tax system with a single rate system that taxes income only one time. And the good news is with all of the incremental reforms passed since 2001, we are on a glide path for a simpler and fair system. One year ago, I introduced the “Freedom Flat Tax Act” which would allow taxpayers to opt into a consumption based single rate flat tax system that would replace the federal income tax with a flat 17% wage tax rate. There would be no deductions, nor loopholes; however, some personal exemptions would be allowed. It is important to note that the Freedom flat tax does not tax Social Security income. Additionally, the Freedom flat tax does not tax savings or investments. In this time of deficits, we should in fact be encouraging savings and investment. The Freedom flat tax act will create a system that promotes fairness and economic prosperity by treating everyone the same, regardless of income or occupation, and removing the special preferences and disincentives for economic growth which characterize our current tax system. At the same time, the decision to move to a single rate system would be entirely up to the individual or business, not up to the government. If someone has constructed with their domestic finances, or their business finances, to maximize earnings under the current federal income tax code, they would be allowed to stay within the code. There would be no ability to move between the two systems. A flat tax would be much less costly, saving taxpayers more than $100 billion per year and reducing tax compliance costs by over 90%. According to one estimate, the resulting increased intake on pay will give people and businesses more money to spend, ultimately boosting economic activity. Fundamental tax reform remains a worthwhile goal, and this Congress should continue its pursuit. With the clouds on the horizon provided by the Alternative Minimum Tax, the wind is at our backs for affecting some type of fundamental reform, and we should do no less than seize the day.
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The Burgess Bulletin - April 2004
Posted by on April 15, 2004
The Burgess Bulletin - April 2004 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. Thank you! Greetings and welcome to the second installment of The Burgess Bulletin. The e-newsletter is designed to keep you informed on legislative initiatives, news and constituent services from both my Washington and Lewisville offices. Each edition will be unique and tailored to include the most pertinent issues of the time. I believe you will find these highlight, brief emails useful and informative. I encourage you to visit daily my congressional website at www.house.gov/burgess for updated voting records, my stance on specific legislative issues and upcoming calendar events. Sincerely, Michael C. Burgess Rep. Burgess Votes for Passage of House Transportation Bill 04.02.04 - “The United States has benefited greatly from having a strong transportation network, but we are approaching a crossroads,” stated Congressman Michael Burgess. “I hope that our work on transportation reauthorization is one step closer to finding solutions to this impending problem. I believe H.R. 3550 is bringing us closer to our policy goals in North Texas to achieve our region’s goal of efficient, seamless transportation corridors and combat congestion.” Project Descriptions for the 26th Congressional District of Texas 1. Widen from 4 to 6 lanes I-35E from Lake Lewisville to Loop 288 $14 million 2. Widen US 380 West from 2 to 4 lanes from the Denton, Texas city limits to western Denton County line $5 million 3. Relocation of FM 156 at Alliance Airport $5 million 4. Add shoulders to FM 156 from Ponder, Texas to Krum, Texas $4 million 5. Widening FM 423 $8 million 6. SH 114/SH 170 in South Denton County $2.5 million 7. SH 114/SH 121 “Funnel Project” – Preliminary Engineering Study $4 million 8. Tower 55 CMAQ Congestion and Preliminary Engineering Study (in coordination with Congresswoman Kay Granger) $2.5 million 9. FM 2499, Section 4 $1 million 10. Improvements to I-35E/I-635 Interchange $1 million For more information on H.R. 3550, please visit the following websites: Congressman Michael Burgess: /News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=3011 House Committee on Transportation: http://www.house.gov/transportation A summary of Rep. Burgess’ Transportation Bills is available at the following link: /Issues/Issue/?IssueID=249 Rep. Burgess Votes on Budget to Strengthen Economy, Lower Deficit 03.25.04 Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) voted in favor of the House Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 Budget Resolution (H.Con.Res. 393). The FY 05 Budget strengthens our national security, grows our economy and creates opportunity for every American—all while maintaining strict fiscal control. “In the end, I believe the budget, as passed, is sound policy and will ultimately balance the budget and lower our national deficit. We are moving in the right direction,” stated Rep. Michael Burgess. Congressman Michael Burgess Press Releases: /News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=2957 A summary of Rep. Burgess’ stance on Budget and Tax Issues is available at the following link: /Issues/Issue/?IssueID=621 Rep. Burgess Seeks United States Service Academy Applicants 04.06.04 U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) today announced that requests for application from students interested in attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York are being accepted for the class entering in the summer of 2005. “The United States Service Academies offer a top notch education for those who have the desire to serve our county,” said Congressman Burgess. “I am honored to be able to recommend local students who are dedicated to the peace and security of the United States and will one day serve our country with distinction.” For more information, please contact Robin Vaughan in the Lewisville Office at (972) 434-9700 or visit my website at: http://burgess.house.gov. 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. Please visit the constituent services section of my website for helpful links! /ConstituentServices/jobpostings.htm Event: Lewisville Town Hall Meeting Date: Saturday, April 24, 2004 Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m. Location: Lewisville City Hall City Council Chambers 151 West Church Street Lewisville, Texas 75057 Event: Frisco Town Hall (Frisco/Hackberry/McKinney/Prosper/Little Elm) Date: Saturday, April 24, 2004 Time: 1:00-2:00 p.m. Location: Frisco Municipal Complex City Council Chambers 8750 McKinney Road Frisco, Texas 75034 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.
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Rep. Burgess Seeks United States Service Academy Applicants
Posted by Robin Vaughan on April 6, 2004
U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) today announced that requests for application from students interested in attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York are being accepted for the class entering in the summer of 2005. “The United States Service Academies offer a top notch education for those who have the desire to serve our county,” said Congressman Burgess. “I am honored to be able to recommend local students who are dedicated to the peace and security of the United States and will one day serve our country with distinction.” For individuals interested in attending one of the four United States Service Academies, a nomination is an absolute necessity, so local high school &/or college students interested in seeking a nomination from Congressman Burgess to a service academy should send a letter of interest to his district office, which is located at 1660 South Stemmons Freeway, Suite 230, Lewisville, Texas 75067. The request must be received by October 15, 2004. Nominees are chosen based on personal merit. The criteria include evidence of character, leadership, academic excellence, physical aptitude, and extracurricular activities. An applicant must be a U.S. citizen and a legal resident of the Twenty-Sixth Congressional District, between 17 and 23 years of age by July 1 in the year of admission and unmarried with no dependents. Anyone having questions about the academy nomination process can contact: Robin Vaughan, Academy Nomination Coordinator, in Congressman Burgess’ Lewisville district office at (972) 434-9700.
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