Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. released the following statement upon learning of the death of the Hon. Tom Vandergriff: “Texas has lost a great public servant. “During his 55 years of public service, Judge Vandergriff served as the first Congressman of the 26th District, was the youngest elected mayor of Arlington, and for 16 years served as Tarrant County judge. Read more

Right at midnight, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (Texas-26), voted against President Obama’s compromise tax bill that was introduced earlier this month, and comes with a price tag of $858 billion. The bill has an estate tax provision that will be set at thirty-five percent and is not even set to expire for two more years, extends unemployment benefits for thirteen months, provides ethanol subsidies, and makes $11 billion available in energy tax breaks. The legislation comes at the price tag of $858 billion. Read more

Yesterday, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26), was named Vice Chair on the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health. Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), the incoming Chairman of the Committee, announced the members who will serve atop the six subcommittees in the 112th Congress. Serving as the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Health will continue to afford Dr. Burgess to vigorously push health care issues, and cut wasteful federal spending. Read more

Due to the last-minute announcement in the House of Representatives that a vote on major tax legislation would be before the House on Wednesday December 15, and Thursday, December 16, Congressman Michael Burgess (TX-26) was unable to travel to Austin to attend the Sunset Commission’s hearing regarding the Commission’s review of both the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Texas Railroad Commission. Below is his written testimony for the Commission. Read more

Two times each month, Congressman Burgess' staff visits Cooke County for “Community Office Hours.” Generally, staff is in Gainesville at City Hall on the 2nd Monday of each month and in Lake Kiowa, Callisburg or Oak Ridge on the 4th Monday of each month (allowing a quarterly staff visit to each of these cities in addition to a monthly visit to Gainesville.) Community Office Hours are held 9:00-11:00 AM on the posted dates. Read more

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (Texas-26), sent a letter to Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intellignece, Silvestre Reyes, requesting a Member-only briefing on the recent release of classified information by the website WikiLeaks. "Despite the grave nature of these leaks, no information has been given to Members of Congress regarding this issue. As lawmakers who will be setting intelligence policy and will need to review whether laws governing the classification procedure need to be updated in light of these leaks, Members must be given access to the full story surrounding this issue. Issues of such importance to national security cannot be taken lightly." Read more

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (Texas-26), a member of the Joint Economic Committee, released the following statement on the November jobs report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics today: “Uncertainty does not create jobs; if it did then we would be well on our way to recovery. Today’s announcement of 9.8% unemployment rate, an increase since last month, is a sobering realization... Read more

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (Texas-26), sent a letter to the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission regarding its findings on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC). "The interconnectedness and often overlapping roles of both the TCEQ and the RRC surrounding regulating and overseeing the exploration and development of natural gas production has led to much frustration within the communities of North Texas," Burgess said. " With the increased activity of oil and gas drilling in urban, residential areas, the role of the TCEQ and the RRC has never been more critical. Ensuring the success of both of these agencies must be the priority of every elected official in this state." Read more

Over 300 years ago a determined group of people in search of greater freedoms came to the new world. Their struggles and triumphs set the stage for the founding of this great country. On this Thanksgiving, it is important we remember and give thanks for the liberties and opportunities available in America. I am thankful and honored to live in this great country and serve the constituents of the 26th District of Texas in the United States Congress. This year, on behalf of myself, my family and my staff, I want to wish you all a happy and safe holiday, and God Bless America. Read more

Congressman Burgess and TxDOT Commissioner, Fred Underwood, will be hosting the Eighth Annual Transportation Summit. The event will take place Monday, November 29 at 8:00am at the Hurst Conference Center. Read more