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Bugress Welcomes Findings of Colubmia Accident Investigation Board
Posted by Michelle Stein on August 26, 2003
The Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB), led by retired Admiral Harold Gehman, Jr., released its final report today after months of independent investigation. The CAIB was tasked with determining the cause of the accident and how to improve NASA’s Shuttle program. The CAIB’s report does indicate that management flaws at NASA were a contributing cause of the Columbia accident.
“First and foremost, I applaud the thorough research and analysis conducted by Admiral Gehman and the CAIB,” stated Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26). “The report raises several questions not only about the technical failures that led to the accident, but also the human and organizational failures that seem to have exacerbated the situation. This is a critical juncture in NASA’s history, and I will actively work with Chairman Boehlert and my colleagues on the Science Committee to find answers to the difficult questions raised by the report and chart the future of the human space flight program.”
"Safety must be a high priority for our space program. We must ensure that safety comes first if we are to continue manned space flight. We owe that to the men and women who risk life and limb to explore the mysteries of space," stated Congressman Burgess.
The Science Committee will hold a series of hearings this fall to fully understand the risks, costs, and benefits of the human space flight program and to determine precisely how to reform NASA. The first hearing will be September 4, at which Admiral Gehman will present the CAIB’s conclusions. NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe is tentatively scheduled to testify on September 10. At least four hearings on specific aspects of the Shuttle program will follow. The Committee’s findings will, among other things, be the basis of the NASA reauthorization bill next year.
Waste Watchers: Fraud and Abuse - Special Order
Posted by on July 23, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to add my voice to those of my fellow freshman representatives calling for increased efficiency in our federal government. Our charge is to protect precious dollars taken from the taxpayer by streamlining and improving our federal government.
There are many important programs that are being hurt and neglected with the expenditures that could have been handled with much greater care. With careful stewardship, we could ensure that public servants have more prudent oversight when allocating American taxpayer dollars for federal programs.
I believe there is a need for increased efficiency in the U.S. Department of Transportation programs. Savings in transportation programs, such as federal-aid highways and Federal Transit Administration programs, will mean more money invested efficiently for our country’s transportation infrastructure.
As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I wanted to make sure the U.S. Department of Transportation was ensuring the most efficient business practices within the agency. On March 19, 2003, I met with Inspector General Kenneth Mead to discuss the business practices of the agency and how the Congress can better facilitate the decrease of inappropriate expenditures in relation to transportation spending.
Inspector General Mead and I discussed the need for greater stewardship and oversight of all of DOT’s programs. In fact, the House Transportation Committee believes government efficiency is important because yesterday, the Committee held a hearing on the elimination of waste, fraud, and abuse in mandatory transportation programs as required by the FY 2004 budget resolution reconciliation instructions.
In yesterday’s hearing, U.S. Department of Transportation Inspector General Mead and Federal Highways Administrator Mary Peters outlined several ways in which we can make the most of federal dollars used in state transportation projects. One option is improving financial management and increasing revenue collections by stopping fuel tax evasion. For example, it has come to the attention of Congress that enforcement efforts in certain areas of tax collection lag behind the efforts of the criminal element to beat the system and reap untold criminal profits from our government coffers. Specifically, fuels excise tax enforcement technologies have not kept up with aggressive organized crime group’s methods to adulterate fuels and deny the appropriate collection of taxes. These uncollected tax dollars should be going directly to fund programs that are critical to the maintenance and development of our nation’s transportation infrastructure.
I recently visited a company in my district called Isotag to learn about their progressive technologies. Isotag's mission as a science and technology company is to deliver comprehensive authentication solutions to defeat brand compromise. Isotag’s comprehensive authentication solutions allow companies to identify, deter and remediate problems in their supply chains and ultimately recover significant revenue being lost to fraudulent activities. This company has invented invisible molecular and near-infrared markers that are impossible to counterfeit, cost effective, and legally defensible as evidence in court proceedings. I believe Isotag’s technology is one such example of a cost-effective measure that the U.S. Department of Transportation could investigate in relation to stopping fuel tax evasion.
I certainly hope that in addition to examining the issues of waste, fraud, and abuse in mandatory transportation programs that the Committee also considers methods that will allow for the increased enforcement necessary to stop fraud of all types. The Washington Waste Watchers are dedicated to protecting taxpayers hard earned dollars from being spent on government’s inappropriate expenditures. We need to work together to ensure our federal government is more effective and efficient for the American taxpayer. I believe the Committee’s report and ongoing work with the U.S. Department of Transportation is one step closer toward that goal.
BURGESS ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING TRANSPORTATION FULL COMMITTEE HEARING & MARK-UP ON HOUSE RESOLUTION 288
Posted by on July 15, 2003
U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) issued the following statement to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee concerning the use of Federal resources to locate missing members of the Texas Legislature earlier this year as stated in House Resolution 288:
“I believe House Resolution 288 is absurd and should be reported unfavorably by the Committee and ignored.
“Over the past few weeks, multiple inquiries either are underway or have been completed. The Department of Homeland Security's Inspector General recently cleared the Department of any improper involvement in the Texas Legislature redistricting session. The Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Justice has already begun an investigation into this issue. As we have heard today, the Federal Aviation Administration also has been cleared of any improper activities.
“The U.S. Department of Transportation's Inspector General concluded in the report that the requested information is already available in the public domain. In fact, the FAA staff got the same exact information on the plane from the Internet within weeks. What other documents does the author of this resolution have any basis to believe exist? Do the supporters of the resolution question the objectivity or competence of the Inspector General?
“I believe these investigations, not a partisan resolution inquiry, are the proper way to obtain information on government activities. Unless we have some reason to believe that this process is not working, we have no legitimate reason to make broad demands on the three federal agencies in question.
“I believe we have wasted too much federal government time and money on this issue. Two investigations have been completed. This Committee has the Inspector General report. The Congress must now move on.
“We have very important issues to address this year in the Committee. I believe this hearing is a waste of this Committee's time and efforts. This Committee does a good job of working together in a bipartisan manner on the many matters before it. This resolution is nothing more than a political stunt to revive a non-issue, and it is not worthy of the favorable disposition.”
Burgess Seeks United States Service Academy Applicants
Posted by on July 2, 2003
U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) today announced that requests for application from students interested in attending the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticut and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York are being accepted for the class entering in the summer of 2004.
“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, 2003.
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 office at (972) 974-9700.
Burgess Presents Homeland Security Grant
Posted by on July 1, 2003
Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced a grant to the Aubrey Fire Department in Denton County under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.
“This grant program is proving to be helpful to communities throughout Denton County. Aubrey is now the fifth community to be awarded money since I took office in January,” said Congressman Burgess. I am glad to see this funding for the Aubrey Fire Department and its firefighters who but their lives on the line each day to protect our families, homes, and communities. Our first responders deserve a lot of credit and a lot of help.”
This program administered by the Department of Homeland Security will put $750 million directly into fire departments across the country this year. The grant program assists rural, urban, and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. The Aubrey grant is the first awarded in Denton County under this year's funding.
The Aubrey Fire Department will receive $117,018, in the category of Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety. The department will address basic equipment and communication needs with the grant and purchase the following equipment:
· Self Contained Breathing Apparatus,
· Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Voice Amplifiers,
· Self Contained Breathing Apparatus Spare Bottles,
· Portable Radios, Extra Batteries and Chargers, and
· Complete sets of Structural Fire Fighting Protective Clothing, and Gear (helmet, nomex, coat, pant, suspenders, boots and gloves).
"Our first responders are critical to the nation's emergency preparedness and response system," said FEMA Acting Regional Director Gary Jones. "This grant will help to get the right equipment to the right people so that they are ready to help the residents of Aubrey."
Burgess Announces Law Enforcement Grants
Posted by on June 30, 2003
Today, U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) announced funding for twenty-one cities in the 26th Congressional District that will receive a total of $117,586 to purchase 383 bullet-resistant vests for their police officers.
"The men and women of law enforcement put their lives on the line each and every day to protect citizens and our growing communities," said Burgess. "The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program is helping to make their jobs safer."
The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Act authorizes $25 million a year for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program. Administered by the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), the purpose of the Act is to protect the lives of law enforcement by helping states and units of local governments equip their law enforcement officers with armor vests. Armor vests include bullet-resistant and stab-resistant equipment. The costs of the vests are split between the federal government and the local jurisdiction. According to FBI statistics, more than 40 percent of officers killed by firearms in the line of duty between 1980 and 1998, could have been saved had they been wearing a bulletproof vest.
"The simple fact is that many communities simply cannot afford to purchase bullet proofs without assistance," said Burgess. “This grant is a tremendous effort to protect our officers and ensure that their safety is of the highest priority."
Burgess Hails the Modernized Medicare System
Posted by on June 27, 2003
U.S. Representative Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) voted in favor of the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003. H.R. 1 passed by a bipartisan vote of 216-215 and will bring Medicare into the 21st Century by strengthening the program, including a prescription drug benefit for all seniors enrolled in Medicare.
“Medicare was established in 1965 and was frozen in time. Medicine has changed with new drugs and innovative life-saving procedures; Medicare hasn’t. The current Medicare program does not meet the health needs of today’s seniors, but last night Congress answered the call of the American people and passed a modernized, strengthened system,” said Congressman Burgess.
The Republican prescription drug plan guarantees all seniors affordable and voluntary prescription drug coverage in both the traditional fee-for-service and in new integrated health plans under Medicare. After paying a $250 deductible, seniors will have access to a drug benefit that covers 80 percent of the next $1,750 in drug costs, at a premium of about a dollar a day. Since the average senior spends roughly $1,300 per year on prescriptions, this bill is front loaded with coverage to help America’s retirees pay for needed medications.
In addition to this benefit, seniors will also see reductions in the overall cost of drug prices, since the plans they enroll in will have the group purchasing power to negotiate better prices from drug manufacturers. This will drastically lower the cost seniors pay for prescription drugs. By giving 40 million Medicare beneficiaries real bargaining power through group purchasing discounts and drug rebates, seniors can lower their drug bills by as much as 25 percent.
The following measures are also included to provide significant and immediate savings for seniors’ medications:
· Prescription drug discount card providing and the choice to use any pharmacy;
· Catastrophic coverage by picking up 100 percent of all out-of-pocket drug cost over $3,500. This is adjusted on a sliding scale for the five percent of seniors with the retirement income greater than $120,000 per couple;
* Assistance for low-income seniors;
* Beneficiaries have the option to choose between at least two different plans to find the program that best fits their needs;
* Chronic case management is available for 84% of all seniors to give them the ability to manage their diseases, reduce their health care cost and improve their overall health.
In order to continue to keep moving America’s prescription drugs costs down, Congressman Burgess introduced legislation earlier this week that moves the U.S. trade policy in a direction more favorable to the U.S. drug consumer. H.R. 2577, requests the Government Accounting Office (GAO) to study the impact foreign price controls have on the price American consumers pay for their prescription drugs and to what degree the U.S. Trade Representatives have engaged in negotiations with foreign governments to dismantle anti-competitive prices.
“It is my belief the United States, through our trade representatives, must actively work with foreign countries to dismantle their drug price control structures and embrace free market principles in order to lower overall drug prices and create a global environment where innovation is rewarded. I look forward to working on this issue in the months to come and championing common-sense proposal that will hold down the cost of prescription drugs,” commented Burgess on the House floor.
This bill will give policy makers valuable information to direct U.S. trade policy in the realm of prescription drug cost to ultimately reduce the price that U.S. consumers pay for their life saving drugs.
“This is a historic time for Americas seniors. Medicare will now reflect the 21st century and take care of those in need while providing seniors with savings.”
Burgess Votes in Support of America's Defense
Posted by on June 26, 2003
Last night, U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act, H.R. 1588 to show his support for America’s Armed Forces just days before Memorial Day. The legislation passed overwhelming in the House by a bipartisan vote of 361 to 68.
“We must be ready at all times to meet the challenges ahead. The men and women in our Armed Forces deserve nothing less than the essential equipment and tools to help them defend America and the changing threats of the world,” said Congressman Burgess. “Over the past months, our troops have seen nearly every type of conflict, from air campaigns and armored warfare, to special operations and urban street fighting. Drawing on the lessons learned from operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, this legislation funds many of the tools and programs needed to sustain our military.”
This legislation provides $114 billion for readiness accounts critical to the day-to-day operations of the military, such as funding the up-keep of maintenance facilities, spare parts, and flight operations current. It provides funding to continue to make our homeland safe by providing $7.3 billion for counter-terrorism programs at the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy.
Through the process of liberating Iraq, the need to react immediately with specific core capabilities and deliver force from great distances was reinforced. The legislation includes increased funding for heavy armor, deep strike capability, precision guided munitions, aerial refueling, and a missile defense system.
The legislation seeks to increase the effectiveness of the U.S. Department of Defense and modernizes their personnel system to allow for better retention and recruitment of important military personnel. A pay raise of 4.1 percent is included, as well as a reduction of out-of-pocket housing costs for personnel and their families.
“Days before Memorial Day, I recognize the sacrifices made by our military personnel. The needed pay raise and increased housing cost allowances are a great step in the right direction of honoring those who serve.”
BURGESS ANNOUNCES LOCAL STUDENT RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS UDALL SCHOLARSHIP
Posted by on June 20, 2003
Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) announced today that Jeremy Holman, a resident of Denton, has been named one of 80 Morris K. Udall Scholars nationwide for the 2003-2004 school year. Holman is entering his senior year at the University of North Texas.
“I am delighted one of my constituents is a recipient this year and congratulate Jeremy for his hard work and dedication to his education,” said Congressman Burgess.
The 2003 awards complete the eighth annual competition of the scholarship program created by Congress in 1992 to carry on the legacy of the late Congressman Morris K. Udall, who served Arizona with distinction for 30 years. Colleges and universities nominate students during their sophomore and junior years for the Udall Scholarship. Students are named Udall Scholars during their junior or senior years and receive up to $5,000 for educational expenses. Institutions may nominate outstanding students with a grade point average of 3.0 or above majoring in fields related to the environment. The scholarship is also available to Native American and Alaska Native students majoring in fields related to health care or tribal public policy. The 2003 class of 80 outstanding men and women was selected from a field of over 480 nominees from institutions throughout the country.
During the eight-year history of the Morris K. Udall Scholarship Program, there have been 3,248 nominees for 595 scholarships. The scholars have come from more than 215 different institutions and all 50 states. Approximately 62% of the scholarships have been awarded to females and 38% awarded to males. More than 12% of the scholarships have been awarded to students in the Native American and Alaska Native category.
Interested applicants can get details about Udall Foundation scholarships, Ph.D. fellowships, and Native American congressional internships on-line by accessing www.udall.gov.
Burgess Votes to Expand Access To Quality Health Care for Uninsured Families
Posted by on June 19, 2003
Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) voted in favor of a bill to improve access and reduce the costs of health insurance for employees of small businesses. The Small Business Health Fairness Act, H.R. 660 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 262-261.
“Americans should have access to health insurance,” said Congressman Burgess a physician with other 25 years of experience. “Today Congress took the first step to bring health benefits to Main Street small businesses, so more Americans will have quality, affordable health coverage.”
The Small Business Health Fairness Act creates association health plans (AHPs) to allow small businesses to join together through bona-fide trade associations to collectively purchase health insurance.
Under AHP’s associations that represent a group of employees such at retailers, churches or organizations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce or the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) could form large regional or national groups that could provide health insurance to their employees. This would increase their bargaining power with health care providers, give them freedom from costly state mandates, and lower their overhead costs by as much as thirty-percent.
Associated Health Plans will expand and improve health coverage because AHPs will be required to cover specific diseases, maternal and newborn hospitalization, and mental health illnesses.
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates 41.2 million Americans have no health insurance. Many are small business employees whose employers cannot afford to offer health insurance to their worker because of skyrocketing health care costs. Sixty-percent are either employed by small businesses or dependent on someone who is employed by a small business and recent studies show that up to 8.5 million uninsured workers and dependents could gain coverage immediately under the House plan.
“While there is much more Congress can and will do to help families get health care, this plan is a constructive first step and a prescription for success.”
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