Over the past few months, America has fallen under siege. While our lives are threatened by a global pandemic and our markets are being burdened by social distancing, foreign nations have started an assault on America’s oil and gas industry. As a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I believe that the American energy sector will not only overcome this challenge but will dominate the future energy market.
Since January 2020, global oil prices fell steadily as quarantines across the globe reduced energy demand.
On March 9, the oil market collapsed after Russia and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, better known as “OPEC”, failed to negotiate new production cuts. Both OPEC, specifically Saudi Arabia, and Russia have long been known to leverage their production capacity to distort global markets and advance their geopolitical position. This playbook is not new.
In the short term, both Russia and OPEC desire to starve each other to create a better bargaining position. In the long term, the true target is the United States shale industry. The American shale revolution has enabled our nation to become the global leader in energy production in less than a decade.
It is the shale revolution that provided affordable, reliable energy to our growing economy. Especially in my home state of Texas, this revolution created millions of jobs and billions in tax revenues for our schools, roads, and first responders.
Nonetheless, because retrieving oil from shale requires more capital-intensive processes and technologies, specifically horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, the industry requires the price of oil to be above a certain level to remain profitable. By subsidizing exports, Russia and OPEC hope to push the price of oil low enough for long enough to bankrupt American industry. U.S. industry is the true target of this oil war.
So how will this impact American consumers? Americans across the country are already enjoying low gas prices, which are desperately needed in today’s uncertain economic climate.
Most Americans have never seen our economy shift so dramatically or so quickly, and I’m grateful lower energy prices are a silver lining. We must be mindful that this will not last.
Low oil prices have the potential to put many shale companies and suppliers out of business. It is not hard to imagine a world in the not so distant future where oil prices rapidly increase if U. S. production capacity is significantly reduced. Americans may see a swing in their energy bills from very low to unbearably high.
Then why am I still so optimistic? First and foremost, I believe that this coronavirus will not drastically alter the world’s growing need for energy in the medium and long-term. The Energy Information Agency projects that between 2018 and 2050, global demand for energy will increase by 50 percent and natural gas demand alone will increase by 40 percent.
Hundreds of millions of people around the world live without electricity. Clean American energy exports are the solution. This oil crash will temporarily hurt U.S. industry, but the skills and technologies that have prioritized America’s resources remain ready for long term success.
As the oil war rages on, what role should the federal government take?
President Trump is right to request the Strategic Petroleum Reserve be filled while prices are low and this should be considered in any future coronavirus response legislation. This purchase could increase America’s energy security at a reduced price and temporarily stabilize the market so American businesses can develop plans for the coming months.
Ultimately, however, market forces are what incentivize companies to work better, quicker, and more efficiently. While our competitors risk bankrupting their countries with heavy-handed central planning and extravagant subsidies for politically connected producers, I believe it is the very dynamism of America’s energy sector that will enable us to emerge from this crisis stronger than ever.
As General George S. Patton once said: “Americans love to fight. All real Americans love the sting and clash of battle… Americans play to win all the time.”
This oil war may not be fought with tanks and guns but is nonetheless an opportunity for American ingenuity and persistence to overcome adversity.
One day, we will look back on this time and see that America’s energy producers seized the moment to improve their efficiency, refine their techniques, and respond to the needs of consumers both here and around the world for clean, reliable energy.
Republican Michael C. Burgess, M.D. represents Texas's 26th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Today, small business owners can apply for a loan, with the lender of their CHOICE, through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Yesterday, I held a conference call with the Republican Leader of the House Committee on Small Business, Steve Chabot (R-OH) to provide answers to North Texassmall businesses about PPP.
Congress authorizedPPP to provide $350 billion in 100 percentfederally guaranteed loans for8 weeks of assistance to small businesses and 501(c)(3) nonprofits that have less than 500 employees.
Small businesses can borrow up to $10 million or 2.5 times the average monthly payroll based on last year’s payroll, interest and fee payments aredeferred for 6 months.
The best part -- portionsof the loan can be COMPLETELY forgiven if it covers:
National Update: The Small Business Administration issued an interim final rule on the Paycheck Protection Program. The Paycheck Protection Program is intended to provide economic relief to small businesses adversely impacted by this Coronavirus. Additional resources regarding the CARES Act are available on the U.S. Department of the Treasury website.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a third set of FAQs for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These FAQs will help address questions states may have during this Coronavirus outbreak. Additionally, CMS released an addendum to the existing Medicaid and CHIP verification template to allow states to easily determine which verification options will be best during this national emergency.
CMS issued new guidance for nursing homes, state, and local governments. Nursing homes have been of unique concern during this outbreak. New guidance seeks to help nursing homes, and state and local governments mitigate the spread of this Coronavirus.
The FDA issued a new emergency use authorization for non-NIOSH-approved KN95 respirators made in China. This makes KN-95 respirators eligible for authorization if certain criteria are met. This will help mitigate the concerns about availability of filtering facepiece respirators.
The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced new enforcement discretion regarding HIPAA. The OCR will not impose penalties for violations of certain provisions of HIPAA against health care providers for good faith uses and disclosures of protected health information during this unprecedented time. Information about health information privacy and HIPAA during this time are available online.
Emergent announces a new partnership with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). BARDA will provide $14.5 million in funding to support development of COVID-Human Immune Globulin, a potential therapy candidate for this Coronavirus. This BARDA funding will help accelerate research into this plasma-derived therapy.
Texas Update: The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) announced an emergency rule to make it easier for Texans to refill their medications by home delivery. This emergency rule will make it easier to refill prescriptions for those with TDI-regulated health insurance by increasing locations for refills and expanding home delivery options.
The Texas Department of State Health Services launched a map to help you locate drive-thru testing. Check out the map to find testing locations close to you.
Until tomorrow, this is your doctor's note.
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.
My morning kicked off with an interview on Mornings with Maria. I spoke with her about the economic impact ofCOVID-19 and the importance of Congress waiting tosee the effect of the existing relief packages before putting together another. Congress needs to understand what is needed, not rush to pass something to say we did something.
National Update: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued resources on decontamination and reuse of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). Reusing disposable FFRs has been suggested as a method of mitigating the current shortage of medical supplies. Decontamination and subsequent reuse of FFRs should only be used as a last resort during a crisis of capacity.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)adopted a new process to manage federal ventilator resources.FEMA’s new process seeks to ensure that ventilators will be shipped to states in the amount needed to manage the immediate crisis, defined as necessary to sustain life within a 72-hour window. The federal government has 10,469 ventilators available.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its blood donation guidance to address the severe blood supply shortage. These updates will allow for increased participation in blood donation.
The FDA issued an emergency use authorization for an antibody test for COVID-19. This test is manufactured by Cellex and is the first that can test for antibodies in a patient’s blood that indicate the patient has this Coronavirus.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Justice (DOJ) distributed more than half a million medical supplies that were confiscated from those illegally price gouging. HHS and DOJ have been working together to ensure that bad actors who engage in price gouging are held accountable and distributing this hoarded personal protective equipment to health care workers in need. Anyone who learns of hoarding or price gouging of PPE should report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud by dialing 1-866-720-5721 or email: disaster@leo.gov.
The FDA will continue to issue warnings for products that made misleading claims about mitigating, preventing, treating, diagnosing, or curing COVID-19. Most recently, the FDA and FTC issued a warning letter to Neuro XPF, a company selling CBD products with misleading claims as to COVID-19.
The American Diabetes Association has resources and guidance for individuals with diabetes that are uniquely impacted during this Coronavirus outbreak. Those with diabetes may be at higher risk of getting sick or having worse symptoms from COVID-19 and should understand their risk and know their legal rights. Individuals who are struggling to pay for insulin or diabetes medication should visit www.insulinhelp.org.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has worked with FEMA to open up additional beds for Coronavirus patients. The VA has opened 20 beds at its East Orange, NJ Medical Center to help assist with Coronavirus patients in Northern New Jersey. These 15 acute care beds and five intensive care beds will help with a shortage of resources in caring for COVID-19 patients.
The VA has asked veterans to lead our communities in practicing social distancing. Veterans are asked to use VA telemedicine for health care and prescriptions. This will help keep our veterans and communities safe from this outbreak. Another way to practice social distancing is through reading – free audio books are available for veterans with disabilities.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has new resources explaining the refundable tax credits available to small and medium sized businesses. Certain small and medium businesses are required to provide leave under the CARES Act, and these refundable tax credits may help. Businesses that qualify are encouraged to use the resources put out by the IRS.
Texas Update: Tonight, Governor Abbott’s executive order requiring all Texans to stay at home except to provide essential services goes into effect. Governor Abbott released a video explaining this executive order and the importance of staying at home to save lives.
Until tomorrow, this is your doctor's note.
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.
Freshman members of Congress, particularly the newest female lawmakers, are leading the way on Capitol Hill in how they run their offices and serve constituent needs.
The Congressional Management Foundation announced Thursday the finalists for its Democracy Awards and nine people in their first terms — the most in the three years the awards have been handed out — made the cut.
Seven women are among the finalists, again the most in the short history of the awards, which honor members of Congress for their work in four categories: constituent service; workplace environment; transparency and accountability; and innovation and modernization.
Also for the first time, two members were chosen as finalists in two categories — prominent first-term House Democrats Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, an icon of the progressive movement, and Donna Shalala of Florida, who was Health and Human Services secretary in the Clinton administration.
"Now, more than ever, Americans need to hear about examples of their government officials performing at their best," said foundation CEO Bradford Fitch.
A committee, made up mostly of former members and staffers, will choose one Republican and one Democrat as winners in each category. The winners will be announced in a few months.
Today is Census Day, and it has never been easier to respond to the census, the 2020 Census can be completed online, by phone, or by mail.
National Update: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will continue to accelerate the development of Coronavirus therapies. The FDA established the Coronavirus Treatment Acceleration Program to support the development of COVID-19 therapies and make them available for patients in a timely manner.
There is a shortage of hydrochloroquine and chloroquine due to a surge in demand. The FDA is working with manufacturers to assess supply and manufacturing capacity to ramp up the supply of both hydrochloroquine and chloroquine. The FDA drug shortage list is updated regularly and health care providers are encouraged to monitor this list for real-time updates about availability.
New Treatment, Recovery, and Workforce Support Grants are available thanks to the CARES Act. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will be administering this workforce support opportunity to state and local agencies. This funding will support individuals in substance use disorder treatment and recovery to live independently and participate in the workforce.
Americans abroad have resources at the State Department to secure the assistance they need. The Smart Travel Enrollment Program is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to ensure assistance by the State Department.
Nickelodeon announced new resources and programs for children and their parents during a time of social distancing and telework. Nickelodeon launched a #KidsTogether campaign with resources for children and parents explaining social distancing and evolution of this Coronavirus in a digestible family-friendly way.
The Internal Revenue Service has issued guidelines for the Employee Retention Credit. Many businesses financially impacted by this Coronavirus pandemic may qualify to receive the Employee Retention Credit.This refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer. This credit seeks to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll.
Texas Update: Texas has been awarded grant funding through the federal Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP). The HPP promotes regional health care system preparedness, funding which will help Texas during this unprecedented time.
The Texas Department of State Health Services launched a free, statewide mental health support line. Texans are encouraged to call this 24/7 state mental health support line if they are experiencing anxiety, stress, or emotional challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This support line is available toll-free at 833-986-1919.
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has resources regarding unemployment, taxes, and more. There is specific information for employers, jobseekers, and child care on the TWC website.
Until tomorrow, this is your doctor's note.
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.
I started off my day by speaking with KLIF's Dave and Amy. On the show, I reminded them that there is a dawn on the horizon, but it's still a tough slog for everyone. The one thing that remains true as new reports come out each day is together we will defeat this coronavirus .
National Update: Nearly 100,000 people are being tested each day for this Coronavirus infection. HHS has released information between state and local public health laboratories, commercial laboratories, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and hospital laboratories, more than 1,018,415 samples have been tested in the United States as of March 31.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have issued new temporary regulatory waivers to ensure flexibility during this Coronavirus response. These new flexibilities are aimed at increasing hospital capacity, expanding the health care workforce, putting patients over paperwork, and promoting telehealth in Medicare. Physician owned hospitals will also be able to expand their capacity during this response for the first time since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act – a big win for patients. This is unprecedented flexibility to help our health care system treat patients during this unique time.
The Department of Health and Human Services has issued information on optimizing ventilator use during this Coronavirus outbreak. This open letter from the Assistant Secretary for Health and the U.S. Surgeon General outlines how to best optimize ventilator use.
Sanofi is partnering with Translate BIO on a second potential COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Sanofi is also working on another vaccine candidate with BARDA and will continue to work on both potential vaccines. Multiple vaccine candidates will help us get closer to developing a COVID-19 vaccine for the American people.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is deploying mobile units to increase medical resources during this Coronavirus outbreak. The VA will be sending these Mobile Vet Centers to hotspot areas such as New York City, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. These centers provide counseling, outreach, and care coordination to veterans impacted by this Coronavirus pandemic.
The VA is working to grow its telehealth system. Veterans will have unlimited data while using VA Video Connect to conference with VA providers. This will help ensure that veterans can access the health care they need and continue to free up medical resources to help combat this outbreak.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced $200 million for telehealth programs. This money will be spent on a telehealth program to be used during this Coronavirus outbreak. The FCC program seeks to help expand access to the necessary broadband connectivity and devices for telehealth services.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is working to move supplies to the United States to combat the spread of this Coronavirus. FEMA, in coordination with HHS and the White House Coronavirus Task Force, are working to facilitate the allocation of medical supplies to Coronavirus hotspots and other areas in need.
Treasury Department Update: The U.S. Department of the Treasury has issued new guidance for the small business paycheck protection program. The CARES Act funded $349 billion in emergency small business capital for this Paycheck Protection Program. This program is designed to help small businesses during and after this Coronavirus pandemic.
Texas Update: Today, Governor Abbott issued an Executive Order implementing new Essential Services and Activities Protocols. These new protocols direct all Texans to minimize non-essential gatherings and in-person contact within and throughout the state of Texas. This executive order renews previous orders regarding social distancing and amends protocols for schools and public places such as bars and restaurants.
Following itsapproval of Texas’ 1135 Waiver yesterday, CMS has issued new guidance on 1135 waivers. CMShas waived requirements in an effort to provide flexibility during this time and has allowed for states to best respond to the needs of its’ citizens.
Until tomorrow, this is your doctor's note.
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) today commended Congress and President Trump for supporting critical efforts to expand geriatrics expertise through the more than $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package (S. 3548).
"Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants, social workers, and all our geriatrics experts are vital--not just to the U.S. economy but also to our health, safety, and independence, which make our economy what it is.
As we continue to review the stimulus in detail, we applaud Senators Bob Casey and Susan Collins, as well as Representatives Michael Burgess and Jan Schakowsky, who were instrumental in helping prioritize long-term solutions serving older adults in this rapid response to COVID-19."
- Nancy E. Lundebjerg, MPA, CEO, American Geriatrics Society
The proposals included in the COVID-19 package incorporate language from the earlier proposed Title VII Health Care Workforce Reauthorization Act of 2019 (S. 2997) in the Senate and Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) for Health Act of 2019 (H.R. 2781) in the House.
While AGS experts remain pleased to see the GWEPs and GACAs reauthorized, they did express concern that the final authorizing level of $40.7 million could compromise the future success of both programs. The AGS continues to advocate for increased funding totaling $51 million, which would do much to close the current geographic and demographic gaps in geriatrics workforce training.
Powered by grantees working on local solutions to workforce shortages across the U.S., the GWEPs educate and engage the broader frontline workforce and family caregivers, and focus on opportunities to improve the quality of care delivered to older adults.
And as a program rooted in sustaining geriatrics education, the GACAs represent an essential complement to the GWEP. By supporting time for professional development and instructional advancement, the GACAs ensure we can equip early career clinician-educators to become leaders in geriatrics training and research.
As Lundebjerg summarizes:
The GWEP provides support for the current transformation of primary care, while the GACA develops the next generation of innovators to improve care outcomes and care delivery. Together, these programs play a critical role in developing the workforce we all need as we age."
Across both these efforts, the current coronavirus stimulus plan would authorize funding of $40.7 million annually through 2024. This would allow current and future GWEP and GACA awardees to:
Educate and engage with family caregivers by training providers who can assess and address their care needs and preferences.
Promote interprofessional team-based care by transforming clinical training environments to integrate geriatrics and primary care delivery systems.
Improve the quality of care delivered to older adults by providing education to families and caregivers on critical care challenges such as Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Support clinician-educators engaged in geriatrics education and research to develop the next generation of innovators to improve care outcomes and care delivery.
Both the legislative language itself and the individual programs it supports draw considerable insight from the Eldercare Workforce Alliance (EWA), a collaborative comprised of more than 30 member organizations co-convened by the AGS and the Gerontological Society of America (GSA).
Like EWA, the coronavirus stimulus package now reflects the diverse expertise of millions of health professionals who support older Americans--and understand the best path forward for sustaining that momentum.
The AGS expressed gratitude for the leadership and commitment of Senators Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), as well as Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and Michael Burgess (R-Texas), who spearheaded legislation in the Senate and House to reauthorize the GWEPs and GACAs.
0:29 — Congressman Michael Burgess joins Amy & Scott to talk about how the President is handling the Coronavirus pandemic, how close the stimulus package came to failing because of Nancy Pelosi, and how long we will be social distancing.
Today, is Doctor's Day. This day is celebrated each year in remembrance of Dr. Crawford Long. He was a pioneer in the medical field. As we reflect on this Doctor's Day, let us remember to be grateful for the doctors on the front lines of this pandemic. Remember today and every day to thank a doctor because not all heroes wear capes.
National Update: New information is available on how the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working to mitigate supply chain issues during this time. The FDA released detailed descriptions of its efforts to ensure access to necessary medical devices, such as personal protective equipment, drugs, blood supply, food, and veterinary medicine.
The FDA issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) to the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to allow for the use of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19. These drugs, traditionally used for the treatment of malaria, are now available to use for treatment of Coronavirus patients. The EUA also allows companies to donate these drugs to the Strategic National Stockpile. Today, 30 million doses of hydroxychloroquine were donated by Sandoz, and one million doses of chloroquine phosphate were donated by Bayer Pharmaceuticals.
BARDA announced that it will support vaccine trials. Today, BARDA said it will support non-clinical studies and a Phase 1 clinical trial of Janssen’s investigational COVID-19 vaccine. BARDA will also support Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the investigational vaccine spearheaded by Moderna and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Coronavirus Rumor Control – available at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website. FEMA has resources for how to help, including how to donate or volunteer and how to partner as a private sector entity. Any assistance will help FEMA continue its work, which includes collaborating with the National Guard to build temporary hospitals in New York City and across the country.
Cigna and Humana are waiving cost-sharing for COVID-19 related treatment. This will ensure that patients who need treatment will be able to receive it without facing financial barriers.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Update:
The federal tax deadline has been extended to July 15, 2020.
Secretary Mnuchin expects tax rebates for those with direct deposit information on file within three weeks. Those who want to sign up for direct deposit can do so on the IRS website once they upload that form, anticipated in just a few days.
There is no need to sign up, payments will automatically be based on 2018 or 2019 tax returns or a social security benefit statement.
Texas Update: Dallas will get the first pop-up hospital in Texas for Coronavirus patients. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the National Guard will work together to turn the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas into a temporary 250-bed hospital. This pop-up hospital is an innovative way to expand capacity during this Coronavirus outbreak.
Governor Abbott expands executive order mandating 14-day self-quarantine for travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and New Orleans. This executive order now includes travel from anywhere in Louisiana, Miami, Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, and anywhere in California and Washington state.
Texas granted additional flexibilities by CMS. Last week, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission submitted an 1135 waiver request to CMS to allow for flexibility regarding provider enrollment and prior authorization, among other things. CMS approved that waiver today.
Until tomorrow, this is your doctor's note.
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.
While it is important that we all do our part by staying home and social distancing, there is help on the way for the American taxpayers and small business owners.
Also, through the Paycheck Protection Program, small business owners are able to receive 100 percent federally-guaranteed loans for eight weeks. Here is the most helpful part - if a small business keeps its workers employed, that portion of the loan will be forgiven.
National Update: Medicare providers and suppliers will benefit from the Trump Administration’s new expansion of accelerated and advanced payments. Administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), this new expansion will ensure that providers and suppliers participating in Medicare have the resources they need to combat this Coronavirus. CMS will provide emergency funding and expedited payments to alleviate financial burden for eligible providers. More information can be found here.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a domestic travel advisory for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Due to extensive community transmission in these states, residents of these three states are advised to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days. This advisory does not apply to critical infrastructure employees.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will be assisting New York City during this Coronavirus outbreak. The VA will be opening a total of 50 beds to non-Veteran, non-COVID-19 patients to help free up beds in New York City hospitals. This will help ensure those infected with this Coronavirus will receive the care they need.
Abbott launched a new rapid point of care diagnostic test for COVID-19. This test – Abbott ID NOW – will be able to conduct rapid testing for this Coronavirus in as little as five minutes. Abbott will be ramping up manufacturing of ID NOW COVID-19 tests to deliver 50,000 tests per day.
Apple, in coordination with theCDC and the White House Coronavirus Task Force, has launched a new COVID-19 screening website and app. This new site provides individuals with information about testing and how to mitigate the spread of this Coronavirus. There is also a tool that individuals can use to screen for the illness by way of a series of questions.
Google has pledged over $800 million to support small and medium businesses, health organizations, and health care workers on the front line.This money will be in the form of grants to the World Health Organization, government agencies, and community financial institutions, among others. This commitment also includes Google Ads credits for small and medium businesses with active accounts of the past year and Google Cloud credits for academic institutions and researchers to enhance computing capabilities.
Governor Abbott announced new procedures to preserve and extend childcare capacity for front line workers during his outbreak. Governor Abbott waived certain Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) regulations to allow flexibility to respond to childcare needs and ensure that families using childcare subsidized by TWC will not lose their benefits during this outbreak.
The National Guard will be deployed in Texas to help combat this Coronavirus outbreak. Governor Abbott announced the deployment of three National Guard Joint Task Force Brigades as part of the ongoing response to COVID-19. This order will help support the state’s health care infrastructure and will not diminish the Guard’s ability to meet other operational commitments to the state.
New resources are available for businesses in Texas who are struggling to pay or remit taxes and fees. The Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar has a new webpage with information for businesses during these difficult and uncertain times. Businesses are also encouraged to contact the enforcement hotline at 800-252-8880 for options regarding compliance and avoiding interest and late fees on taxes.
Until tomorrow, this is your doctor's note.
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.
