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Burgess Votes to Support America's Soldiers
Posted by on March 20, 2003
Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess voted in favor of H.R. 1307, the Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2003, a bill to improve the standard of living and offer tax relief to the brave members of America’s Armed Forces. The legislation gives military personnel and their families $478 million in tax breaks on home sales, travel expenses, and death benefits.
“We must support the members of the American Armed Forces in every way possible for their bravery and commitment to our country during these extraordinary times,” said Congressman Burgess. “I stand in strong support to help improve the lives of the military and their families as they fight for the freedom we all cherish. During this important time in our history, it is even more important for everyone to stand behind the men and women who put themselves in the front lines of defending democracy.”
The Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act includes the following provisions:
* Capital Gain Exclusion for Home Sales - The bill includes a provision to ensure that members of the Armed Services, Foreign Services and Peace Corps who are transferred away from home on official duty can benefit from the maximum $250,000 ($500,000 for married couples) exclusion of capital gain for home sales.
* Tax-Free Death Gratuity Benefits - Under current law, survivors of members of the military receive a $6,000 death gratuity payment, only half of which is tax-free. The bill provides that the full $6,000 payment is tax-free.
* Exclusion for “HAP” Payments - Under current law, members of the Armed Forces receive payments under the Homeowners’ Assistance Program to compensate them for a drop in home values resulting from military base closures or realignments. The legislation makes these payments tax-free.
* Extend Combat Zone Filing Rules to Contingency Operations – Applies the extension of deadline rules for individuals serving in a combat zone to individuals serving in “contingency operations” (i.e., military operations designated by the Secretary of Defense in which personnel are or may become involved in military actions during a war or national emergency declared by the President or Congress).
* Modify Eligibility Criteria of Tax-Exempt Veterans' Organization - Modifies the definition of a tax-exempt veterans' organization by allowing ancestors or lineal descendents to be treated as members for purposes of one of the membership requirements.
* Exclusion for Dependent Care Benefits - Clarifies that dependent care benefits provided under a military dependent care assistance program are tax-free.
* Treatment of Distributions from Qualified Tuition Plans or Coverdell Education Savings Accounts for Individuals Appointed to Military Academies - Under current law, distributions from a qualified tuition plan (a "section 529 plan") or a Coverdell Education Savings Account are subject to a penalty if not used for qualified higher education expenses. An exception is made if the student receives a scholarship. Without the exception, families who save for college would be penalized if their children receive scholarships. The bill clarifies that appointments to a military academy are treated like scholarships for purposes of the exemption from the penalty.
* Above-the-Line Deduction for Travel Expenses of Military Reservists - The bill provides an above-the-line deduction for up to $1500 of unreimbursed travel expenses incurred by military reservists who serve more than 100 miles away from home on overnight stays.
“I am proud to be an American and show my support for our Armed Forces by voting in favor of the Armed Services Tax Fairness Act, said Burgess immediately after he voted.
Support the Troops Resolution - Special Order
Posted by on March 20, 2003
Mr. Speaker,
I rise today to honor the men and women in our Armed Services by supporting the Support the Troops Resolution.
I believe the time has come for Americans to put aside our differences concerning war and stand together to show solidarity for the men and women in our Armed Forces. It is time for all Americans to show their support for mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, and friends and loved ones who are serving our nation and defending our freedom. Our nation, at the guidance of our President, is facing what is to be an inevitable war with Iraq.
War is something that we would never dream for our children to see or hear. There comes a time, however, when we must unite together and show the enemy that we will stand up for the freedoms our forefathers fought for, and we will fight to ensure that the United States remains a beacon of hope and freedom for our country and the world.
One woman in my district, Judith Allen of Denton, Texas has done her part. After saying good-bye to her son, Private Joseph Paul Terrace, who is part of the Army’s 101st Airborne Division, Judith formed the Military Family Support Group of Denton, Texas. The group is open to families and friends with loved loves in the Armed Forces.
Judith’s son answered the call to duty and said in a recent telephone interview with the Denton Record Chronicle, “Nobody actually wants to go to war, but they want to do their job and they want to keep people safe, and we realize how much a real threat things are these days.”
In my home county, Denton County Judge Mary Horn and her husband Jim have a son in the Gulf region. Keith Self, who ran for this office last year was reactivated and is somewhere in the Gulf region. My own son, Mike serves in the Air National Guard in Fort Worth, Texas. While he has not been called into active duty, part of his unit has and is now in an undisclosed in the Gulf.
I don’t think in our ordinary lives we think about the sacrifices our U.S. military personnel make, from the hardship of time away from families and children to the hundreds of reservists who unselfishly answer the call to duty. They would all willfully give of their lives to protect democracy and peace.
These men and women protect our borders, shield our skies, guard our country and believe in America.
These brave souls will march the same steps of previous generations who gave of their lives to defend our homeland and secure liberty for our country and for our friends and allies.
While our troops and allies exemplify the true spirit of patriotism, we, the citizens at home, must remain united for freedom to show the world we believe in liberty more than the horror of allowing a deadly dictator to threaten the world’s security.
During these extraordinary times, I urge America to support our President and our troops. This is a fight for everyone’s freedom.
Even though most of us will never be called to duty as Private Terrace is, I do encourage all Americans to show the world we are united as a country and ready to defend our way of life and our freedoms.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on Iraq. I am confident we will be victorious because ours is a just mission to rid the world of a regime with an arsenal of unimaginable weapons that threatens our way of life. And, helping the Iraqi citizens to build a united, free country is our end goal. Nevertheless, when our troops return, we can rest peacefully knowing we have done our duty to our country and the world.
May God Bless America and all who defend her.
I yield the floor.
Congress Overwhelmingly Puts Children First
Posted by on March 16, 2003
Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) voted in favor of protecting children by supporting HR 1104, the “Child Abduction Prevention Act.” The House today overwhelmingly approved legislation by a 410 to 14 margin.
“A missing child is any parents worst nightmare. We must ensure that law enforcement has every tool necessary to locate a missing child quickly and safely,” said Congressman Burgess. This legislation not only notifies the public of a kidnapping, but also takes necessary, strong steps to prevent them from occurring in the first place.”
Highlights of H.R. 1104 include:
· Eliminates the statute of limitations for child abductions and sex crimes and denies pretrial release for child rapists or child abductors.
· Establishes a national AMBER Alert communications network to facilitate the recovery of abducted children.
· Requires a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment for twice-convicted child sex offenders.
· Reauthorizes and doubles the annual grant to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to $20 million each year through 2005.
· Mandates a minimum 20-year prison sentence for the kidnapping of a person under the age of 18 by a non-family member.
· Authorizes COPS funding for a Sex Offender Apprehension Program. This would allow money to be used by local law enforcement to track sex offenders that violate terms of their release.
· Adds four new wiretap predicates that relate to sexual exploitation crimes against children.
“It is time we give law enforcement agencies necessary tools to prevent, investigate, and prosecute crimes against children.”
Burgess: Decent Nations Treat POW’s Humanely
Posted by on March 12, 2003
Following the capture of U.S. soldiers by Iraqi forces, Congressman Michael C. Burgess today voted for a resolution warning Saddam Hussein and his regime of their obligation to treat prisoners of war humanely and abide by the rules of the Geneva Convention.
“Words can not describe the outrage I felt when Al-Jazeera televised captured allied forces on national television. This is in direct violation of Article 13 of the Geneva Convention. These tapes will be used as evidence against those responsible.”
“Decent nations treat POW’s humanely. Under the Geneva Convention rules, Saddam Hussein must treat prisoners of war with dignity and humanity, as well as take responsibility for their health and safety,” said Congressman Burgess. Americans must speak in one collective voice and demand Iraqi authorities abide by the principles and obligations of the Geneva Convention just as the United States will always do.”
“Any individual who mistreats a prisoner of war in violation of the Convention rules will be considered a war criminal and prosecuted to the fullest extent of United States and international law.”
“This country will not waiver, we will not tire, and we will not forget the man and women in our Armed Forces who are fighting for freedom. And, during these extraordinary time, my heart and prayers go out to the families of those who have been killed, wounded, declared missing in action, or taken prisoner by Iraqi authorities.”
U.S. service personnel have said there are currently at least 7 U.S. and 2 British prisoners of war (POWs) in the Iraq conflict.
Statement from Congressman Michael C. Burgess Regarding President George W. Bush’s Address to the American People
Posted by on March 12, 2003
Congressman Burgess released the following statement:
“President Bush made a somber but powerful speech this evening before the American people regarding Saddam Hussein’s corrupt Iraqi regime.
“I support President Bush for giving a final ultimatum to Saddam Hussein to leave Iraq in exile or the coalitions of the willing will unite to bring stability, peace and ultimately democracy to Iraq. We cannot compromise our security and sit by allowing Saddam to proceed with his path of destruction and terror. We must take action with those who stand for freedom and democracy or risk the consequences of doing nothing.
“Our nation is facing war with a dictator who is known for committing heinous crimes against his own people such as burying thousands of Iraqis alive and wiping out entire villages with chemical weapons – acts similar to those orchestrated by history’s deadly dictators. Saddam Hussein has stock piled ten-of-thousands of liters of nerve and mustard gas which he admits to formerly possessing but remain unaccounted for to this day. We cannot wait any longer for these terrible agents to be placed in deceitful hands and the peace and security of the world threatened.
“The unity of the United Nations is broken, but there is a coalition of countries who want to rid the world of the gravest danger of our time – a regime that seeks and harbors nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and threaten freedom. President Bush has used every form of diplomacy to secure peace, as countries such as Britain and Spain stood by our side understanding as most American’s do, the gravity of what the world would be if Saddam Hussein continues to rule Iraq.
“I salute the men and women in our armed services who are prepared to fight for peace and pray they are protected from harm. Our county will unite behind them, if Saddam Hussein chooses not to leave the country, as they fight on the front lines for democracy.”
Burgess Applauds Legislation to Improve Patient Safety and Reduce Preventable Medical Errors
Posted by on March 12, 2003
Congressman Michael C. Burgess today showed his support for America’s patients by voting for The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2003. This bill works to reduce the growing problem of preventable medical errors in America. The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2003, passed the House of Representatives with a bipartisan vote of 418 to 6.
“Medical errors are just that, they are unintentional, but can be devastating and deadly,” said Congressman Burgess. “The medical community must work in the spirit of cooperation in order to wipe-out tragic errors that have impaired our healthcare system.”
The Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act of 2003 promotes voluntary and confidential reporting of medical errors by healthcare practitioners by protecting them from legal retaliation. Through a centralized, nationwide database, errors will be analyzed, national trends or reoccurring problems identified, solutions created, and feedback will be given to help prevent future mistakes.
Additionally, the plan creates two significantly funded grant programs encouraging qualified doctors and hospitals to incorporate technological advances designed to significantly reduce and prevent medical errors.
“Doctors are dedicated to helping their patients and making them well, so must work together to create a society that is honest and forthright about their human errors. We must put patients first and foster a ‘culture of safety’ to prevent future mistakes. This bill is important to the continued improvement of America’s healthcare system,” said Burgess after the vote.
Burgess Named as Key Health Care Advocate as a New Member of Speaker Hastert's Policy Committee
Posted by on March 12, 2003
Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) was appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives to serve a two-year term as an at large member of the House Policy Committee for the 108th Congress.
“As a physician I am looking forward to sharing my expertise and ideas with members of the House leadership, said Burgess immediately after learning of the announcement. When it comes to health care reform, fiscal conservative policies, and forward thinking legislative initiatives I want to help guide the path to improving Americans quality of life.”
The Policy Committee is the House Majority’s forum for evaluation and considering future legislative initiatives, the enunciation of official Republican policies, and the resolution of inter-jurisdictional policy disputes in the Conference. The Committee contains members of Leadership, Representatives elected under the Steering Committee structure, Class Representatives, and Members appointed by the Speaker of the House.
"Selecting Representative Burgess to the Committee was a simple decision. He is a man of solid conservative principles who is dedicated to developing sound legislation that will benefit the American people,” commented Speaker Hastert.
The Policy Committee serves an important role of reviewing all legislation once it is reported from committee, and before it reaches the House floor. It is vital that House majority views must are aired and reconciled, first. It is the Policy Committee’s responsibility to promote discussion and understanding of legislation across the entire Conference, thereby enhancing opportunities to enact sound legislation.
“Representative Burgess is a perfect fit for this committee. His background and expertise will serve as a key voice in shaping legislation and reforms for the coming two years. I look forward to working with the Congressman and leaning on him for sound, educated advice to shape policy initiatives,” said Chairman Chris Cox upon announcing the new committee members.
Christopher Cox of California serves as Chairman of the House Policy Committee. The Committee contains 48 members and Speaker of the House, J. Dennis Hastert, appointed 17 of these members. Each Thursday, the Policy Committee will meet to discuss upcoming legislation and issues.
“I sought the position because I wanted to have the ear of Leadership, which will allow me an extra avenue to contribute to the legislative process.”
Medical Liability, HR 5 - Special Order
Posted by on March 4, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to protest the increase of medical liability costs and an environment where it has become all too commonplace to name the innocent in lawsuits, drive good doctors from the practice of medicine, and play games with the health care of vulnerable patients.
This crisis has reached my home state of Texas, and even reached the cities and towns I represent in Congress.
For instance, Dr. John Marsden, a vascular surgeon in my district, must pay $6,600 per month for his medical liability insurance coverage.
That is nearly $80,000 a year just to purchase his insurance to stay in business.
I don’t think we would find it acceptable if other types of businesses had to absorb this kind of overhead.
After being named in numerous unfounded lawsuits where there has been no affirmative finding in favor of the plaintiff, Dr. Marsden notes if he sustains another increase in his medical liability rates, he will be forced to leave his medical practice.
If he ceases his surgical practice, the City of Lewisville and the outlying areas would no longer have ready access to a vascular surgeon, severely impacting the health of Dr. Marsden’s elderly or institutionalized patients who would then have to travel longer distances over bumpy roads to receive health care.
Another doctor in my district, Dr. Hatton, has faced an equally similar situation.
Dr. Bill Hatton is a surgeon at the Medical Center of Lewisville.
In 1994 he performed a gall bladder operation on a pregnant woman and at the time found she also had appendicitis—the appropriate operation was done and the woman was sent home to recover from her surgery.
4 weeks later, the same woman was admitted to the hospital, exhibiting a high fever.
It was feared that she could be suffering from peritonitis—an inflammation of the tissue (peritoneum) that lines the abdominal cavity and covers the abdominal organs.
If nothing were done, the mother could die—however, in trying to save the mother, the child’s life could be put in jeopardy.
Surgery was performed on the woman but they were unable to find a problem.
The child was delivered but sadly died of extreme prematurity—the mother’s condition improved within 24 hours.
After all these tragic events, an attorney sued Dr. Hatton on the behalf of the shocked and saddened family of this young woman.
Every practitioner involved in the case was sued, but Dr. Hatton was the ultimate target.
The case went to trial, and eventually Dr. Hatton prevailed.
What the attorney should have recognized at the point depositions were taken, had he not been blinded by greed, was the fact that in this tragic and sad case, there was no negligent party.
However, that attorney continued to drag Dr. Hatton through a long and arduous legal battle and delayed the time that the family could take to heal.
This was a costly, time consuming, and emotional process for both Dr. Hatton and the family of the young woman—all for the agenda of a third party.
There are thousands of other doctors with similar stories.
This crisis is at a breaking point.
Doctors are being driven from their practices, leaving areas of the nation with serious health professional shortages.
This debate is not a tournament of greed that pits doctors against trial lawyers.
The legal environment in which doctors must work is lopsided to favor a very narrow special interest group—trial lawyers.
Patients are losing access to the specialized care they need because doctors are being driven out of business.
Doctors are not able to provide affordable care to patients without fear of being named in a lawsuit.
Trial lawyers prey on vulnerable patients and doctors rarely in pursuit of justice but frequently in pursuit of material gain.
Nearly every state in the country now faces this crisis.
A national solution is needed now.
HR 5 will immediately address this problem by providing the national solution that is needed.
Burgess Supprts Remembering Legacy of Former Majority Leader
Posted by on February 26, 2003
Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) recognized former Majority Leader Dick Armey, an eighteen-year Texas lawmaker, for his years of service to the constituents of the 26th District, the State of Texas, and nation by cosponsoring a resolution to rename a room in the U.S. House of Representatives wing of the Capitol the “Richard K. Armey Room.”
“The former Majority Leader was a man of great leadership who put Texans first. Our great nation is better off as a result of his dedication in Congress,” said Congressman Burgess. “It is a privilege for me to serve the same district after such a distinguished Leader. I will follow in his steps by championing the same solid conservative principles of personal freedom, less government, and free enterprise.”
Congressman Armey represented the 26th Congressional District of Texas for 18 years (1985-2003) and was elected by his peers to serve as the 22nd Majority Leader of the House of Representatives in 1995. He served in this position for eight consecutive years until his retirement in January of 2003.
The role of the Majority Leader began in the late 19th Century in order to expedite legislative business and to ensure the respective parties in power remained united. Under Armey’s leadership, he transformed the way Congress worked. He championed the end of big government. Armey is notably known for advancing his conservative fiscal policies and leading the fight in 1995 with the Contract for America.
Congressman Burgess is a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and sits on the Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management Subcommittee, which oversees the naming of federal buildings. A long time friend and colleague of Armey’s, Congressman Jim Nussle of Iowa introduced the resolution.
“I can think of no more appropriate way to honor the leadership and service of former Majority Leader Armey than naming a room in the U.S. Capitol in his honor. Generations from now when his great grandchildren visit the Capitol, they will know that his dedication to this great nation has not been forgotten,” said Burgess before the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
Burgess Announces First Piece of Legislation
Posted by on February 25, 2003
On Friday, February 28th, Congressman Michael C. Burgess and key community leaders will announce the introduction of the North Texas Mobility Improvement Act of 2003 (HR 783) into the United States Congress. The legislation will authorize $2.5 million to widen a portion of Interstate 35 from four lanes to six lanes. A press opportunity will take place at the North Texas Central College, Room 301 (1500 N. Corinth Street) at 10:00 a.m. Please call Lori McMahon for further information.
“The residents of North Texas have waited far too long for the expansion of this segment of Interstate 35 East,” said Congressman Burgess. “I-35 is the backbone of North Texas highways. I want to make sure North Texans have highways and roads that can handle daily traffic as well as transport them and their families in a timely and safe manner.”
This legislation adds an additional lane of traffic in each direction of the highway from FM2181 to Exit 460 going North on Interstate 35. This portion of the highway is one of the most congested sections because drivers must move from six to four lanes in each direction as they travel the highway.
This expansion project began several years ago between Denton County and the North Central Texas Council of Governments. With the passage of Congressman Burgess’ legislation, the project will be fully funded and allow for extra money for other projects in the Denton area.
Denton County Judge Mary Horn said, “On behalf of the citizen’s of the County, we are all appreciative of the Congressman’s quick involvement with the area’s transportation issues and specifically Interstate 35. I know businesses in the area as well as each commuter will see an ease in traffic once the highway is complete.”
"Denton County residents have spoken loud and clear on the importance of funding transportation infrastructure via their support of the 1999 Better Safer Roads Bond Project. Denton County responded and has continually worked in partnership with other agencies to provide funding and advanced planning for this project on I-35. I am excited that Congressman Burgess is making transportation a priority and look forward to federal funding for other critical transportation projects in Denton County, said Commissioner Cynthia White of Denton County."
Congressman Burgess is a member of the prestigious Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and is on the Highways, Transit and Pipelines Subcommittee. The subcommittee handles legislation dealing with issues relating to road construction and transit facilities and the subcommittee has jurisdiction over many programs at the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“With the ever-increasing demands of our transportation system, I want to ensure my district has the transportation funding it needs to increase everyone’s quality of life,” commented Burgess after submitting the legislation to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
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