Congressman Michael Burgess Hosts Majority Whip Roy Blunt on his Tour of North Texas Manufacturing Centers Lewisville, TX, Aug 12 - Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) played host to visiting Congressman and Majority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Missouri). During his stay, Representative Blunt toured two of North Texas’ successful manufacturing centers Peterbilt Motors Company, headquartered in Denton, and Retractable Technologies of Little Elm. “I was honored to show Representative Blunt the str... Read more

The following statement is attributed to Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26): “President Bush’s selection of Florida Rep. Porter Goss as Central Intelligence Agency Director is a wise decision. A veteran Member of the House, Goss’ resume is ideally suited for the task of supervising the CIA. A former CIA operative in Latin America and Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Porter Goss has the background, charisma, dedication and respect required for the promin... Read more

H.R.4056 Passed 423-0 Burgess voted YES Title:To encourage the establishment of both long-term and short-term programs to address the threat of man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) to commercial aviation. Sponsor: Rep Mica, John L. [FL-7] (introduced 3/30/2004) Cosponsors: 4 Committees: House Transportation and Infrastructure; House International Relations House Reports: 108-565 Part 1 Latest Major Action: 7/22/2004 Passed/agreed to in House. Status: On motion to suspend the rules and pass... Read more

Congressman Michael C. Burgess Statement for the Record - MANPADS Defense Act of 2004 July 19, 2004 Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4065, The MANPADS Defense Act. In response to the September 11, 2001 attacks, Congress passed The Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) to ensure the safety of airline passengers. This legislation expanded the federal air marshal program, required that all cockpit doors be strengthened, armed pilots, increased screening of passengers ... Read more

U.S. House of Representatives Passes Appropriations Bills – Rep. Burgess Brings Tax Dollars Home to North Texas The federal appropriations process is one of the most important parts of public policy. Unlike authorizing bills, which establish programs and policies, appropriations bills fund programs and must pass every year or the federal government shuts down. There are 13 appropriations bills in all. Both the House and Senate pass bills separately, and then they meet in what is called a “confer... Read more

Aviation Subcommittee Hearing: Inline Explosive Detection Systems: Financing and Deployment Michael C. Burgess - Statement July 14, 2004 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. As the Congressman who represents a large part of the Dallas Fort Worth Airport, I would like to commend you for holding this important hearing on Inline Explosive Detection systems. Securing the safety of passengers and crew is of paramount importance to the airline industry and the Department of Homeland Security. After the September... Read more

H.R.4548 Passed 360-61 Burgess voted YES Title:To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2005 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Goss, Porter J. [FL-14] (introduced 6/14/2004) Cosponsors: (none) Committees: House Intelligence (Permanent Select); Senate Intelligence (Select) House Reports: 108-558 Related ... Read more

Last night, the House defeated an amendment, introduced by Rep. John Sweeney (R-NY), which would have drastically reformed the formula used to determine how Homeland Security funds are allocated to state and local governments. The amendment would include “risk of terrorism” as criteria for determining allocations. The current criteria depends too much on state population without factoring in potential targets of terrorism. “With the number of high profile industrial, entertainment, historical an... Read more

H.R.4567 Passed 400-5 Burgess voted YES Title:Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep Rogers, Harold [KY-5] (introduced 6/15/2004) Cosponsors: (none) Committees: House Appropriations House Reports: 108-541 Related Bills: H.RES.675, S.2537 Latest Major Action: 6/21/2004 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 588. ----------... Read more

Statement by Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) Homeland Security Funding Hearing June 1, 2004 Thank you for giving me the opportunity to make a brief statement Mr. Chairman. I am pleased that the Economic Development Subcommittee is taking up this very important piece of legislation today. As our country continues to address the homeland security vulnerabilities it is prudent to periodically review how we prioritize threats and allocate funding to address these threats. Reorganizing ... Read more