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Year-End Report
H.R. 1516 - National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003
Posted by on October 29, 2003
H.R.1516 Title:An act to provide for the establishment by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs of additional cemeteries in the National Cemetery Administration. Sponsor: Rep Gerlach, Jim [PA-6] (introduced 3/31/2003) Cosponsors: 22 Committees: House Veterans' Affairs; Senate Veterans' Affairs House Reports: 108-199; Senate Reports: 108-164 Related Bills: H.R.197, S.1077 Latest Major Action: 11/11/2003 Became Public Law No: 108-109 Burgess voted YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY AS OF: 7/21/2003--Passed House, amended. (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on July 10, 2003. The summary of that version is repeated here.) National Cemetery Expansion Act of 2003 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, within four years after the enactment of this Act, to establish five new cemeteries, one each to be located in the following areas: (1) Southeastern Pennsylvania (the city of Philadelphia and specified neighboring counties); (2) Birmingham, Alabama; (3) Jacksonville, Florida; (4) Bakersfield, California; and (5) Greenville/Columbia, South Carolina. Requires the Secretary to: (1) solicit the advice and views of State and local veterans organizations representatives in determining specific cemetery sites; (2) submit an initial report to Congress on the establishment of such cemeteries; and (3) submit annual implementation reports until all five cemeteries are completed and have opened.
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H.R. 3365 - Fallen Patriots Tax Relief Act
Posted by on October 29, 2003
H.R.3365 Title:An act to amend title 10, United States Code, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the death gratuity payable with respect to deceased members of the Armed Forces and to exclude such gratuity from ross income, to provide additional tax relief for members of the Armed Forces and their families, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Renzi, Rick [AZ-1] (introduced 10/21/2003) Cosponsors: 48 Committees: House Ways and Means; House Armed Services Latest Major Action: 11/11/2003 Became Public Law No: 108-121 Burgess voted YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY AS OF: 11/3/2003--Passed Senate, amended. (There are 2 other summaries) Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003 - Title I: Improving Tax Equity for Military Personnel - (Sec. 101) Amends the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) to authorize a member of the uniformed services or the Foreign Service serving on "qualified official extended duty" (any duty in excess of 90 days while serving at a duty station which is at least 50 miles from the principal residence or while residing under Government orders in Government quarters), to extend for ten years the five-year period utilized in determining full exclusion of gain from the sale of a principal residence. Includes among the uniformed services: (1) the armed forces; (2) the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and (3) the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service. Makes such provisions effective as if included in section 312 of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. States that if a refund or credit resulting from this section is prevented before the close of the one-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act by the operation of any law or rule of law (including res judicata), such refund or credit may be allowed if claimed before the close of such period. (Sec. 102) Doubles, from $6,000 to $12,000, the military death gratuity payment and amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide that the full payment shall be tax exempt. (Sec. 103) Exempts amounts received under the Homeowners Assistance Program from inclusion as gross income. (Sec. 104) Extends combat zone filing rules to contingency operations. (Sec. 105) Includes ancestors or lineal descendants of past or present members of the armed forces or of cadets as qualifying members of veterans' organizations for purposes of such organizations' tax-exempt status determination. (Sec. 106) Includes dependent care assistance provided under a dependent care assistance program for a member of the uniformed services by reason of such member's status or service as an income-excludable qualified military benefit. (Sec. 107) Exempts distributions from an education individual retirement account from the ten percent additional tax for non-educational use: (1) if made for an account holder at the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy, or the United States Merchant Marine Academy; and (2) to the extent that the distribution does not exceed the costs of advanced education. (Sec. 108) Suspends the tax-exempt status of a designated terrorist organization (as defined by this Act). Denies: (1) deductions for contributions made to such an organization; and (2) administrative or judicial challenge to such suspension or denial. Provides for refund or credit in a case of erroneous designation. (Sec. 109) Provides a deduction for itemizers and non-itemizers for unreimbursed overnight travel, meals, and lodging expenses of National Guard and Reserve members who must travel more than 100 miles away from home and stay overnight as part of their official duties. (Sec. 110) Provides tax relief for families of the Columbia Space Shuttle by making the tax relief provisions applicable to terrorist attack victims applicable to the Columbia Space Shuttle. Title II: Revenue Provision - (Sec. 201) Amends the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 to extend customs user fee authority until March 31, 2005.
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H.RES. 414 - To encourage the People's Republic of China to fulfill its commitments under international trade agreements, support the United States manufacturing sector, and establish monetary and financial market reforms
Posted by on October 29, 2003
H.RES.414 Title:To encourage the People's Republic of China to fulfill its commitments under international trade agreements, support the United States manufacturing sector, and establish monetary and financial market reforms. Sponsor: Rep English, Phil [PA-3] (introduced 10/28/2003) Cosponsors: 47 Committees: House Ways and Means Latest Major Action: 10/29/2003 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 411 - 1 (Roll no. 579). Burgess voted YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY AS OF: 10/29/2003--Passed 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.) Commends the President for continued efforts to engage the Government of the People's Republic of China. Joins the President in encouraging the People's Republic of China to meet its commitments as a member of the World Trade Organization and the international community. States that the Chinese economy would benefit from a market-determined exchange rate to avoid market and trade distortions. Joins the President in continuing to encourage China's efforts to modernize its financial system which includes the establishment of a more flexible exchange rate and compliance with its trade agreement obligations. Urges the Administration to continue its efforts to facilitate moves towards a market-based valuation of the renminbi, relaxation of capital controls, and reform of its banking sector. Encourages U.S. government efforts to promote innovation, reduce costs, and level the international playing field in the manufacturing sector.
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H.RES. 377 - Providing for recommittal of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2115) to amend title 49, United States Code, to reauthorize programs for the Federal Aviation Administration, and for other purposes
Posted by on October 28, 2003
H.RES.377 Title:Providing for recommittal of the conference report to accompany the bill (H.R. 2115) to amend title 49, United States Code, to reauthorize programs for the Federal Aviation Administration, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Diaz-Balart, Lincoln [FL-21] (introduced 9/24/2003) Cosponsors: (none) Committees: House Rules House Reports: 108-284 Related Bills: H.R.2115 Latest Major Action: 10/28/2003 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 407 - 0 (Roll no. 569). Burgess voted YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY AS OF: 10/28/2003--Passed House, without amendment. (There are 2 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Provides for the recommittal of the conference report on H.R. 2115 (Federal Aviation Administration programs reauthorization) to the committee of conference.
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H.R. 2359 - Basic Pilot Extension Act of 2003
Posted by on October 28, 2003
H.R.2359 Title:To extend the basic pilot program for employment eligibility verification, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Calvert, Ken [CA-44] (introduced 6/5/2003) Cosponsors: 5 Committees: House Judiciary; House Education and the Workforce House Reports: 108-304 Part 1, 108-304 Part 2 Related Bills: S.1685 Latest Major Action: 10/28/2003 Failed of passage/not agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 231 - 170 (Roll no. 570). Burgess voted YES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY AS OF: 10/7/2003--Reported to House, amended, Part I. (There is 1 other summary) Basic Pilot Extension Act of 2003 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 to extend for an additional five years: (1) the basic employment verification system pilot program; (2) the citizen attestation pilot program; and (3) the employment eligibility confirmation pilot program. (Sec. 3) Authorizes use of the employment eligibility confirmation system for Government agency inquiries, including provision of citizenship or immigration status information in addition to identity and employment eligibility information. (Current law prohibits such access except as provided for under a pilot program.) (Sec. 4) Expands the basic pilot program to all States. (Current law limits the program to at least five of the seven States with the highest illegal alien population.) Directs the Department of Homeland Security to maintain a list of basic pilot program participants on its website.
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A Doctor’s Cure for the Uninsured of America
Posted by Michelle Stein on October 24, 2003
The U.S. Census Bureau recently released a new report that shows an increasing number of Americans go without health coverage. According to the latest report, nearly 44 million Americans are without health coverage having risen by 1.5 million people between 2001 and 2002. As you read varying news accounts of this new report, it is important to keep in context the state of the economy: unemployment has remained high and job growth has been stagnant. American workers for decades have enjoyed high quality benefits, at little to no cost them. A majority of Americans have their health coverage through their employer. But health care costs, for a variety of reasons, have increased sharply throughout the last decade and the early part of this decade forcing businesses to either cut or roll-back health benefits leaving much of the financial burden of coverage on their employees. When Americans lose their jobs, they often lose the health care that comes along with that job. And even if they remain employed, the rising cost of health care has undercut the guarantee of employer provided health insurance. But it is crucial to remember two solutions are on the horizon. One is the short-term resolution. As the economy improves, as it has over the last several months, more jobs will be created. With more jobs, more Americans will have access to employer benefits. The second solution is one of long-range thinking. Even with the benefits of the economic upturn we, in Congress, are working to ensure that we are never faced with the predicament of such a large uninsured population again. Some will say that with this new report on the uninsured policy makers must take bold steps to address the situation. Candidates for elected office from the courthouse to the White House will include “covering the uninsured” as part of their campaigns—and they should. Office holders and office seekers alike will reference the numbers that I have in this column, lamenting the loss to American families—and they should. Creating a broad public dialogue on this important issue will serve to raise its profile and seek out solutions. But I offer these words of wisdom: don’t be seduced by their “chicken in every pot; car in every garage” promises unless they address the root causes of this problem. Fundamental reform of the U.S. health care system is the only way we can dramatically cut the number of people without insurance. If their solution does not address holding down costs and increasing access without reducing the high level of quality care in this country, thank them nicely, and send them on their way. The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives has already made important progress this year toward achieving fundamental reform. We have approved a bill that will make it easier for small businesses, major employers in Texas, to lower the cost of health insurance for their employees by allowing them to band together to purchase health coverage. Because of their size, small businesses are at an automatic disadvantage when it comes to providing health benefits to their employees. Because their pool of employees are so small the resulting health insurance premiums are very high if not outright cost prohibitive for small businesses to pay. By being able to band together in what are called Association Health Plans, the pooling of several businesses’ employees, small businesses will have a better negotiating position with health plans when it comes to the cost of coverage and the benefits they can provide. The House has also approved legislation that will make it easier for Americans to put money, tax-free, in investment-type accounts dedicated to their health expenses. These Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) give individuals the ability to save for future medical expenses and give them maximum portability. So if a worker changes or loses their job they can take the money that they have saved in the account with them to use for any health needs that may arise. Under the House-passed bill, businesses may opt to contribute to these accounts as well. If the management of a traditional health plan is too burdensome from an administrative standpoint businesses could contribute to an employee’s Health Savings Account again, tax-free. With Americans changing jobs more and more often, this flexible and portable account will address the health needs of millions of Americans. Finally, fundamental tax reform is essential. Fundamental tax reform allows Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money so they can contribute to their health care costs. A bipartisan bill currently moving through the House would allow millions of low-income Americans to claim a tax credit that they could use purchase health insurance. Mark V. Pauly, Chairman of Health Care Systems Department at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, estimates that such a proposal could reduce the number of Americans without health coverage by 50 to 80 percent. The number of Americans without health insurance in this country is deplorable but policymakers are already working towards root-problem reforms that would preserve the high level of quality health care that is a characteristic of the U.S. health care system. These solutions will not only increase access to health care coverage but also hold down associated costs.
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A Twin Story of Success
Posted by Michelle Stein on October 22, 2003
There is a natural tension between competing constituencies in the arena of vying for federal dollars. Funding for research for health care may at times intersect sharply with those dollars required for engineering research. But sometimes, it may all coalesce and condense around a single event or group of events that serves to demonstrate the importance of collaboration. We witnessed just such an event this weekend in North Texas with the apparently hugely successful separation of Ahmed and Mohamed Ibrahim. The intersection of mechanical engineering, bioengineering, pharmacology medicine and surgery quietly and completely joined together to give these two otherwise healthy boys their best chance at a normal life. With the image of the two Iranian sisters, who recently were lost during a similar operation still fresh in our minds, who was not apprehensive that evening as the 34-hour operation commenced. And almost too quickly, the panel of medical experts was out in front of cameras, serious and professional, but the inadvertent smiles that they could not suppress told the story better than all the jargon and anatomical drawings. These boys could be ok. These boys would be ok. I know that feeling, leaving the operation room just after a lengthy case when no amount of fatigue or physical protestation can quell the feeling or elation when – you realize what you just did saved a life! – But, I also know the obverse side of that feeling when things go, in spite of your hard work, terribly wrong and someone’s mother, daughter, friend or infant will not be leaving the OR, ER or ICU. I have a new job now – one which deals with policy rather than surgical skill. And my new job, while rewarding, sometimes has days of doubt. So how nice it was to stand with one foot in the political world, but one, not too far removed from the medical world, and to vicariously savor the moment of triumph not only for our medical professionals, but everyone who devotes a life to making things better for those around them. Everyone who was involved in the effort - from doctors, nurses and technicians, to the theoretical and practical professionals who developed the specialized O.R. table, monitors and medicines. Individuals from both the private and public sector entities who pushed the research and development of these incredible devices –all of these people deserve our gratitude and admiration. Without them, the miracle at Dallas’ Children’s Hospital may not have been possible. And we are all reminded of how sometimes, when we focus on very big and noble causes, we are all rewarded many times over. No one would have faulted the team at Children’s Medical Center Dallas had they said – this is too dangerous and unpredictable. As sad as the Iranian twins in Singapore were, we were comforted by the fact that two grown women voluntarily took that risk – the same could not be said for these children. So the risk of failure was that much greater; the avenue of criticism that much wider if success were not the outcome. But Children’s Medical Center responded to the challenge, and the world today is a better place because they did. Printed in the Star Community Newspapers
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Reverend Tom Nelson, Denton Bible Church Opens U.S. House in Prayer
Posted by Michelle Stein on October 21, 2003
Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess introduced and welcomed Reverend Tom Nelson, Senior Pastor at Denton Bible Church to the U.S. House of Representatives as Guest Chaplain. Reverend Nelson opened the official proceedings of the House by leading the chamber with the following prayer: “Our Father in heaven, You created us. Your law . . . the edict of Thy very nature is our protection and guide. Your benevolence continually sustains us. Your grace has protected us always in the defense of the weak. Guide now these men and women to steer a clear path and to guide our nation amidst the obstacles of our day. Grant them discernment to perceive the TRUE the courage to stand in it and mercy to administer it to all. And in so doing, may You be pleased and may You lift up the light of Thy countenance upon us. For Your pleasure is our solitary good and our confidence. May evil be winnowed at this our gate and may the sun of Thy favor rise upon us In Thy saving name we pray, Amen.” After the prayer, Congressman Burgess gave brief remarks of thanks to Rev. Nelson for his ministry stating, “His messages are powerful and prepare us well to go onto the playing field of life.” While home in Highland Village, Dr. Burgess enjoys attending Nelson’s Tuesday Bible Study.
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Burgess Gives Closing Remarks at Partial Birth Abortion Press Conference
Posted by on October 21, 2003
Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) gave the closing remarks at a bicameral press conference on partial birth abortion. The Senate voted in favor of the legislation just weeks after its passage in the House. Speakers included U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference; Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN), Congressman Congressman Steve Chabot (R-1-OH), Congressman Joe Pitts (R-16-PA) and many others.
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Reverend Tom Nelson - One Minute
Posted by on October 21, 2003
Today I am pleased to introduce and welcome Reverend Tom Nelson. Born in 1950 in Waco, Texas, Tom grew up in a family of 4 boys. For higher education, he chose the University of North Texas, my alma mater as well, where he graduated in 1973. Reverend Nelson received his calling to ministry early and entered Dallas Theological Seminary from 1977to 1982 while he was an associate pastor of Denton Bible Church. He has been pastoring at Denton Bible Church twenty-five years and is presently Senior Pastor. Some of his outreach has included being a National Speaker for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and active leader for Campus Crusade for Christ and the Navigators. In the past 15 years, Tom has built Denton Bible Church into one of the largest congregations in North Texas. Besides the four Sunday services at Denton Bible Church, Tom disciples 30 plus young men each year. The program includes ministry, evangelism, and service and meets four times a week. Tom also teaches two Men’s Bible Studies, one on Tuesdays in Lewisville at Lakeland Baptist Church and one on Wednesdays at Denton Bible Church. When I am at home in Highland Village, I attend his Tuesday Bible Study. His messages are powerful and prepare us well to go onto the playing field of life. He has authored three books: "The Big Picture", “The Book of Romance” and “The Problem of Life With God”- A Commentary on the Book of Ecclesiastes. He is also the teacher for three video series and his taped messages travel throughout the world. His wife, Teresa, is his best friend and secretary. Their older son, Benjamin and his wife Amanda, live in Lewisville, Texas and just made them the proud grandparents of a baby boy, Thomas Clark. Their other son, John Clark, played baseball for the University of Kansas Jayhawks and has gone on to play professional baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals. I am honored that Reverend Tom Nelson could be with us here today.
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