Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), sent a letter today to Speaker Nancy Pelosi requesting that she provide a classified briefing for Members concerning ongoing security threats at the Capitol.
“Our national Capitol, the city and the building, now more closely resemble a foreign war zone rather than the seat of democracy,” Burgess wrote. “Due to the significant security failures, Members of Congress deserve to know what Congressional,Capitol Police, and other federal agencyleadership knew leading up to January 6th.
“I am pleased that Lieutenant GeneralRussel Honorébegan a review of the Capitol security posture immediately following January 6th… I would welcome the opportunity to hear his assessment of the Capitol security posture and the need for ongoing fencing and National Guard deploymentto the Capitol region.If Members of Congress have access to the same information as Congressional and Capitol Police leadership, we may make different decisions. Rather than keep us divided and in the dark, weshould be offered the opportunity to unify behind the protection of this great institution.
“Allow Members of Congress the ability toreceivethe same information available to you so that we can make more informed decisions for ourselves, our staff, and our constituents.”
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX),released the following statement after learning about the death of Congressman Ron Wright, (R-TX).
"Ron was a friend and colleague who dedicated his life to serving the American people," Burgess said. "I got to know Ron well when he was District Director for Congressman Joe Barton before serving as his Chief of Staff. He will forever be known as Mr. Tarrant County, dedicating his life to his faith and serving the community he loved so dearly. Ron served as Tarrant County Tax Assessor-Collector, Arlington’s Mayor pro tem, congressional staff member, and as the U.S. Representative for the 6th District of Texas. Our country is better because of his service. Please join me in praying for his wife, Susan, and their family and friends during this difficult time."
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Republican Leader Designee/Rules Committee Member to the Budget Committee, released the following statement after voting against S. Con. Res. 5.
"Even though Groundhog Day happened a few days ago, we are experiencing it here in the People’s House. Just two days ago we voted on this measure, but since the Senate version is slightly different, we had to vote again. So again, I ask, ‘what was the rush? Why did we have to circumvent the Budget Committee? Why could we not take the time and work together in a bipartisan manner to produce a piece of legislation that will actually help the American people? Last Congress, we wasted time with partisan fights, and it looks like this Congress we are set to do the same," said Burgess.
"For the first time since 1974 when the budget process was established, Congress has now twice in one week bypassed the Budget Committee and gone straight to the floor with a budget resolution. Barely a month ago, Congress passed a $900 billion Coronavirus relief package. Combined with previous relief packages, there remains $1 trillion in unspent funding. If we had gone through the committee process, we would have been able to assess how much additional funding was needed instead of just increasing the deficit and not adequately addressing the needs of those affected by this pandemic.
"It is past time for Congress to return to regular order and recommit to doing the work of the people."
Great news to kick off the weekend with Johnson and Johnson announcing it filed for its COVID-19 vaccine application for emergency use authorization (EUA) with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee will review the data on February 26.
The FDA revised the EUA granted for convalescent plasma, limiting the use of the treatment.
The FDA is working to support medical product development to address new variants of COVID-19.
The University of Oxford and AstraZeneca reported that the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is 75% effective against the U.K. COVID variant.
Starting February 4, race and ethnicity are required to be reported in ImmTrac2.
Governor Abbott extended Texas’s COVID-19 disaster declaration for an additional 30 days.
The Governor declared a legislative emergency item for pandemic-related liability protections for health care providers and businesses. This will allow the legislature to prioritize liability protections before any regular order of business.
DSHS believes CVS, HEB, Walmart, and a consortium of independent pharmacies have been selected under the Federal Pharmacy Vaccine Program, potentially providing Texas with an additional 80,000 doses on top of the usual weekly allocations.
Until next time, this is your doctor's note.
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), released the following statement after voting against H. Res. 72—Removing a certain Member from certain standing committees of the House of Representatives.
"The remarks and actions of Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene were wrong. While the comments in question were made when the Member was a private citizen or as a candidate for Congress, it does not excuse her inflammatory remarks. The code of conduct governing the behavior of Members does not apply until Member is sworn in as a representative, and thus we must evaluate the precedent being set," said Burgess.
"All Members should understand the influence our words and actions have on the American people and the consequences that result because of them; however, the Majority party should not dictate how the Minority party handles its membership. The placement of members on committees is up to each party’s steering committee. Never before has the Majority party sought to remove a member of the Minority party from his or her committees through a vote of the full House. No matter which party is in power, the Majority should not dictate how the other party handles those placement decisions. That must come from each party’s leadership, who may decide to remove a member from their assigned committees or positions.
"Several times I have called on the Majority to remove members from specific committees because of their actions, remarks, and even most recently, questionable relationships with foreign agents. The Majority’s leadership chose to ignore those calls. I must respect that decision, just as the Majority must respect the decisions of the Minority leadership. Congress needs to return to its mutual respect for each other and debate policy issues."
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) released the following statement after reintroducing H.R. 689 the Premium Relief Act of 2021.
“The government response to addressing any health care issues facing the country should always focus on the patient and affordable, accessible care. This legislation will provide states the freedom to repair their markets that have been damaged by Obamacare by establishing a Patient and State Stability Fund. States can choose to utilize these dollars to lower health insurance premiums and support programs to increase access to preventive health services, maternity care, substance use disorder and mental health treatment, and much more. This legislation is fully paid for by stopping bad actors from gaming the system, making this a fiscally responsible policy. Before coming to Congress, I practiced medicine for nearly 30 years. I know and understand the daily struggles doctors and patients face, which is why I introduced this legislation. I urge fellow Members to join me in supporting and quickly passing this bill,” said Burgess.
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Republican Leader Designee/Rules Committee Member to the Budget Committee, released the following statement after voting against H. Con. Res. 11.
“Americans are tired of watching the government negate process and push through partisan legislation. On January 20, 2021, President Biden called for the country to unite. Just two weeks later, Democrats are bypassing the committee process and ramming through a partisan budget resolution that could increase the national deficit by 2 trillion dollars. Americans are suffering from this pandemic. Defeating this Coronavirus is not a partisan issue. Republicans are ready to work with Democrats to provide real solutions that will get Americans back to work, back to school, and move the economy forward again. It is disappointing that when a budget is nine months overdue the majority would not even take the time to hold a Budget Committee hearing. This is the first time since 1974 that Congress has bypassed the Budget Committee and gone straight to the floor with a budget resolution. Where was this urgency last April? Americans deserve better,” said Burgess.
The Department of Health and Human Services in collaboration with the Department of Defense awarded Ellume USA a $231.8 million grant to expand capacity for at-home COVID-19 antigen tests.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)updated their COVID-19 guidance and toolkit for individuals with disabilities.
The CDC requires face masks while on public transportation and at transportation hubs.
The CDC released an MMWR report on early COVID-19 vaccination coverage among residents and staff members of skilled nursing facilities.
The Department of Homeland Security announced a National Emergency Determination, enabling the TSA to implement the Biden Administration’s Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel.
Texas Updates:
The Texas Motor Speedway will now serve as a COVID-19 vaccine hub, providing 31,000 vaccinations by the end of the week.
Until next time, this is your doctor's note.
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.
The National Institutes for Healthannounced the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine was 72 percent effective in the U.S. trial in preventing moderate to severe COVID-19. This vaccine was reportedly 66 percent effective overall.
Eli Lillyannounced new Phase 3 data showing COVID-19 treatment with both bamlanivimab and etesevimab reduced the risk of hospitalizations by 70 percent.
The White House released a fact sheet on new steps to boost vaccine supply and increase transparency.
The Department of Health and Human Services issued an amendment to the Declaration under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (PREP Act) to add additional qualified persons authorized to prescribe, dispense and administer COVID-19 vaccines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published an article analyzing policies schools can implement to limit the spread of COVID-19 and create a safe learning environment.
CDC released a new MMWR investigating COVID-19 cases and compliance with mask use among K-12 schools. The report indicates that schools can help limit in-school spread by implementing proper safety measures, and that in doing so, out of 191 cases identified in the schools studied, only 7 were linked to in-school spread.
CDC released information and data on the variant strains of COVID-19, which can be found here.
Texas Updates:
Week 8 vaccine allocations will be posted here.
Until next time, this is your doctor's note.
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) put out the following statement after President Biden signed another partisan wish list executive order - this time targeting Americans health care.
“Today’s executive order is just another example of how Democrats are trying to erase the positive policy measures that were proposed and implemented over the last four years. These actions will not create the unity President Biden spoke about in his inaugural address,” said Burgess.
“Americans are suffering and trying to survive during this pandemic. Reverting to and building on the failed policies of the Affordable Care Act will not provide the lasting health care coverage relief Americans desire. We should be expanding freedom, choice, transparency, and affordability in health care.
“Government mandates do not drive innovation and the flexibility that American patients seek and that our states need. The Federal Government needs to get out the doctor’s office and allow doctors to be doctors again.
“Finally, the reversal of the Mexico City Policy and allowing taxpayer dollars to potentially fund abortions should not be decided by the Executive Branch. Life should be protected at all stages and the decision on how taxpayer dollars are spent should be decided by the Legislative Branch as dictated in the Constitution.
“I have made maternal health a priority in my time in Congress. We should focus on how to improve access to pre- and postnatal care for American women, not on partisan abortion politics.”
