Protecting the American people requires more than playing the politics of tobacco. That’s what the bill that passed this House yesterday is—cynical politics intended to provide red meat for special interests and the media. Read more »

In its final major act before adjourning for recess, the House voted 409-4 Friday to approve the fiscal 2009 Military Construction-VA spending bill that would provide $72.7 billion in discretionary funding for military construction initiatives and veterans programs. Read more »

A proposal to add a $400 million oil refinery project to a military appropriations bill has fallen through, the office of Rep. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, said Friday. Citing a need for the armed services to be less dependent on foreign oil, Burgess drafted an amendment to the 2009 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill that would support construction of petroleum refineries on U.S. military bases. Read more »

Lingering lines of traffic have long been a complaint along Eldorado Parkway in northwest Frisco, but recently another kind of line has residents upset. CoServ has been building power lines along both sides of the street, running two deep at some points. Residents in the area said they are concerned that the poles are unsafe and visually unpleasant. Read more »

Lancaster County Commissioner Scott Martin said he figures county taxpayers will shell out about $1 million this year for a medical bill that should be covered by the federal government. That's how much Martin expects it will cost in 2008 to provide health care to unconvicted inmates at Lancaster County Prison who were covered by federal medical insurance programs before they entered the prison. Read more »

Gasoline prices fueled U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess’ town hall meeting Saturday at Wakeland High School where he discussed how national events are influencing the 26th district and took questions from constituents. Read more »

U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess is now welcoming nominations from the community for the 2008 Congressional Veteran Commendation. The Congressional Veteran Commendation, in conjunction with the Veterans History Project sponsored by the Library of Congress, has been created to honor the distinguished veterans of Texas' 26th Congressional District and to preserve their stories for future generations of Americans. Read more »

The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved by voice vote today a bill aimed at creating a nationwide system of electronic medical records. The approval came only after sponsors modified several information-sharing provisions to alleviate concerns of lawmakers and stakeholders from healthcare, high-tech and consumer groups. While the changes made since the bill's passage by a key subcommittee in June were substantial, some lawmakers did not think they went far enough. Read more »

...Lawmakers, aides and lobbyists say House Democratic leaders may schedule a vote in September on an expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)...But one Republican, Michael C. Burgess of Texas, was skeptical. Read more »

Note: When you click "more" you will be directed from Rep. Burgess' website to the publication's site (Page 16) More than a thousand people gathered at South Grand Prairie High School on June 7 to say good-bye and good luck to the men and women of the 2nd Battalion, 149th General Support Aviation Battalion (GSAB), at the unit’s deployment ceremony. The Soldiers and their guests were… Read more »