Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), delivered the following remarks at today's Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing "Power Struggle: Examining the 2021 Texas Grid Failure." As prepared for delivery: Thank you, Ranking Member Griffith. Last month’s crisis in Texas and the surrounding region was utterly tragic. The worst winter storm in nearly one hundred years caused blackouts that impacted over 5 million Americans across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, among other states. Lives were lost, livelihoods were ruined, and our faith in ... Read More »
Washington, D.C. – In response to Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations' hearing on the COVID-19 vaccine, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) drafted an op-ed for the Denton Record Chronicle to stress the importance, safety, and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Congressman is appreciative of the efforts made by Denton County Public Health, Tarrant County Public Health, and the volunteers working out of Texas Motor Speedway and other vaccine hubs to help vaccinate the 26th District of Texas. Everyone should take advantage of historic development of C... Read More »
Dear Friends, This week during an Energy and Commerce hearing on the LIFT Act, I asked Dr. Tom Frieden about the importance of retaining health care staff in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining a strong health care workforce is critical to the health of this nation during normal times and especially during this public health emergency. National Update: AstraZeneca announced its vaccine is 79% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% effective in preventing serious disease and hospitalization. The White House will ship nearly 4 million doses of the AstraZeneca vacc... Read More »
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) joined Saturday Report with Joe Pinion to discuss the upcoming Energy and Commerce hearing on “Disinformation Nation: Social Media’s Role in promoting extremism and misinformation.” Highlights here: “Later this week the Energy and Commerce Committee will be hosting CEOs of the big tech firms Facebook, Google, and Twitter for a hearing. The primary purpose of the hearing is to figure out to stop the flow of disinformation. This issue will come us around the so-called Section 230 issues will also come up.” “Well first off if Section ... Read More »
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), delivers floor remarks opposing H.R. 1868 and seeking support for H.R. 1999 As Prepared for Delivery: I rise in opposition to H.R. 1868. Democrats made no effort to work with Republicans on what should be a bipartisan priority –provider relief. I have heard from physicians and hospitals in Texas who have struggled financially throughout this pandemic. This bill turns off statutory PAYGO for last week’s Coronavirus relief package and delays the Medicare sequester until December. This bill is an excuse to wipe out the scorecard on ... Read More »
Dear Friends, Yesterday, during a House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing, I asked Dr. Fauci about the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. To lead by example, I have received both shots for the vaccine. Operation Warp Speed was driven by science and data to determine the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine. I encourage every American to talk with their talk doctor and to receive a COVID-19 vaccine along with me. National Update: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 88% of individuals who received the first dose of a... Read More »
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), released the following statement after voting against H.R. 6 – the DREAM and Promise Act. “Republicans and Democrats agree that we must provide solutions for those who were brought here as children through no fault of their own. They should not be punished for their parents’ decisions; however, those solutions should not prioritize one group of immigrants over another," said Burgess. Congress should not be passing legislation that will incentivize our laws to be broken. Many who seek to come to the United States do so without aut... Read More »
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), released the following statement after voting against H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021. “President Biden and the Democrats are putting a big ‘Open Now’ sign at our border,”said Burgess. “This legislation basically says that it is okay to overstay your visa or to come here without the proper documents because eventually you will be given a free pass and a green card. “We are nearing the end of a pandemic that has left many Americans without work. Congress’ priority should be finding ways to encourage America... Read More »
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), released the following statement after voting against H.J. Res. 17 — Removing the deadline for the ratification of the equal rights amendment. "Congress does not have the Constitutional authority to retroactively revive a failed constitutional amendment," said Burgess. "I believe that protections for equal treatment and equal freedom are necessary, and that no person should face discrimination. Fortunately, all Americans already have equal protection under the law through the 14th amendment to the Constitution." "It seems as if D... Read More »
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), released the following statement after voting against the Democrats’ partisan legislation H.R. 1620 – the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021. "This legislation has a history of being a bipartisan issue. Yet, starting in February 2019, the Majority refused to include the Minority in drafting this reauthorization. The Majority even allowed the reauthorization to lapse rather than work with Republicans," said Burgess. "What is most disappointing is that once again there was a potential bipartisan solution brought for... Read More »
