Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) released the following statement after President Biden delivered his first Joint Session of Congress Address.

"For the first time in 18 years, I was not allowed to attend a Joint Session of Congress," said Burgess. "The Speaker of the House strictly limited attendance using the excuse of this Coronavirus. A majority of Members in both Chambers of Congress have been vaccinated. How are we to expect Americans to have confidence that life will return to normal if they receive the COVID-19 vaccine when a vaccinated Congress is not leading by example?"

"We listened to the President give words of unity and bipartisanship, but his actions during his first 100 days have been the opposite. He proposed plans that the only way to fund them will fall on the backs of hardworking Americans. I agree that we are nearing the end of this pandemic, but we cannot charge every hardworking taxpayer for the policies only supported by some.

"Instead, I appreciate the words of Senator Tim Scott. Senator Scott delivered a response outlining Republican efforts to bring unity and put forward solutions every American wants."