Striving to increase funding for research for Alzheimer’s, the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-Texas) last night introduced H.R. 6169, the Making Investments Now for Dementia (MIND) Act. The legislation authorizes the establishment of United States Alzheimer’s Bonds, providing all Americans a way to aid in the search for a cure for this difficult and costly disease. “Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most burdensome diseases facing Americans today, taking an immense emotional, physical, and financial toll on those affected. There is no cure, yet research funding is not equivalent to other comparable illnesses,” Burgess said. “It is important that additional avenues of funding are designated, and the MIND Act will help bring research funds for Alzheimer’s up to par, so we can work to find a cure to this devastating disease.” Read more

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-Texas), ranking member of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement explaining the dispute that occurred earlier today during the subcommittee hearing on the outbreak of salmonella in eggs: “It is very unfortunate that the Majority chose to turn today’s hearing on a bipartisan food safety issue into a vicious coordinated character assassination on Senator Tom Coburn. Even more appalling was the Majority's refusal to allow the other side of the issue to be aired. It was never my intention to use today’s hearing for political purposes, but I could not stand by and allow misleading statements to go unanswered. Read more

With an eye towards maximizing the freedom of every man, woman, and child, our Founding Fathers, in drafting the Constitution, enshrined into our history the rules under which our new union would operate, and set important limits on the government. In America, freedom became a reality for all, and it was the Constitution, the pact between the governing and the governed, that did this. It seems today that too many politicians have forgotten that the federal government is bound by the words of the Constitution – that they are real, concrete limitations to what legislators can impose on the citizens of this country. During this time of heightened interest in the role of the federal government a return to a Constitutionally-focused government of representatives who listen to the will of the people would be a welcome change for many. On this Constitution Day, we remember this important document that helped shape our nation, and has stood the test of time for 223 years. Read more

U.S. Reps. Michael Burgess, R-Texas, Joe Barton, R-Texas, and Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., today introduced H.R. 6144, the Better Use of Light Bulbs Act. The BULB Act repeals Subtitle B of Title III of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which is a de facto ban on the incandescent light bulb that has its origins in Thomas Alva Edison’s laboratory. “The unanticipated consequence of the ’07 act – Washington-mandated layoffs in the middle of a desperate recession – is one of many exampl... Read more

Members of the Texas Republican Congressional delegation, led by Congressman Michael C. Burgess (R-Lewisville), today introduced legislation to repeal language in last month’s education funding bill that discriminates against only the state of Texas, and could prevent Texas from receiving its fair share of the federal education funding. The legislation, H.R. 6108, calls to strike the paragraph, which was written and inserted by Texas Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin), that calls for Texas to make additional requirements beyond what all other states are required to make in order to qualify for the funding. These additional requirements are not only inequitable, but according to Texas officials, would require the state to make assurances that violate the Texas Constitution. Further, requiring only Texas to meet additional requirements under the section titled “Additional Requirements For The State Of Texas” that no other states are required to make puts Texas schoolchildren at an unfair advantage. Read more

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-Texas) released the following statement on the 9th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001: “While it has been nine years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we as Americans, and many across the world, still feel the stinging grief and sadness we felt on that terrible day. Today we remember the 2,977 Americans who perished because of the attacks, and we also remember the 5,661 American soldiers who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan and gave their lives, and thank them for their sacrifice, so that we may be safe and free. Our country was deeply wounded that day, and for many the wound has not fully healed. We must never forget, though, the way Americans came together in the days and weeks following the attacks, and presented a united front against evil and hate. Some may feel sadness today, others anger – but as we reflect on the anniversary of 9/11, we should all feel pride for our country’s efforts since that day, which have paved the way across the globe for democracy and freedom for those who otherwise would have never known the blessings of liberty.” Read more

Congressman Michael Burgess, R-Texas, ranking member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, and Congressman Joe Barton, R-Texas, ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, today wrote to Committee Chairman Henry Waxman requesting that the Secretary of Health and Human Services testify before the committee on implementation of the health care law. “It has now been six months since the passage of the PPACA, and this Committee has yet to hear from Secretary Sebelius on her efforts to administer the law. Secretary Sebelius is the head of the department now responsible for overseeing a dramatic change to one-fifth of the American economy, and Members of Congress should have the opportunity to discuss the PPACA with her,” the lawmakers wrote. Read more

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (Texas-26) today wrote to Texas Governor Rick Perry requesting that he add Denton County to his Disaster Declaration for counties affected by Hurricane Hermine. “While 40 Texas counties were included in your initial assessment, Denton County was not included. The damage to both public and private property within the county is substantial and deserving of state and federal assistance,” Burgess wrote. “Tropical Storm Hermine resulted in numerous fatalities, injuries, and destruction of property. This storm and the subsequent flooding that occurred has seriously impacted my constituents. I fully support your proclamation declaring a state of disaster, and believe the damage done in Denton County constitutes adding the county to the list of places deserving emergency assistance,” the letter continued. Read more

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (Texas-26) will bring together local, state and federal representatives, area stakeholders and the public at-large for the 6th Annual East and Southeast Fort Worth Economic Development Summit on Friday, September 17, 2010. The annual event is held to highlight areas where the community can spur economic growth, and serves as a facilitating mechanism for interested parties to discuss available resources, showcase current and potential projects, identify potential funding opportunities and highlight the needs of this community. “This area of the district faces many challenges with regards to spurring economic growth and sustaining that growth, and the communities’ needs are substantial,” Burgess said. Read more

As the fiftieth anniversary of the armistice ending WWII approaches, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) proudly announces a special salute to honor local veterans and welcomes nominations for the 2010 Congressional Veteran Commendation. The Congressional Veteran Commendation, in conjunction with the Veterans History Project, sponsored by the Library of Congress, honors the distinguished veterans of Texas’ 26th Congressional District and preserves their stories for future generations of Americans. “Our nation’s veterans have proudly and honorably served our country and preserved our freedom, and it is because of their service that we enjoy all the liberties we are afforded. They deserve our thanks and praise, and I am proud to recognize the veterans in Texas’ 26th Congressional district and honor their service through the 2010 Congressional Veteran Commendation,” Burgess said. Read more