“The Supreme Court made a strong decision in favor of upholding the principles behind Texas redistricting which sought to accurately reflect the voting trends of the State. As the State government of Texas moves forward in tweaking the current map, I am confident the Supreme Court’s decision will be a useful and constitutionally sound tool. I am proud to represent the 26th District as it stands today, and I will continue to work hard for my constituents in Washington.” Read more

STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD - MICHAEL C. BURGESS ENERGY AND COMMERCE HEARING Growth, Opportunity, Competition -- America Goes to Work June 28, 2006 Mr. Chairman, thank you for convening this hearing this morning. And thank you, Mr. Secretary, for appearing before us today. The Department of Commerce has one of the widest jurisdictions of all of the federal agencies -- which, of course, gives the Energy and Commerce Committee one of the broadest jurisdictions in the House. Agencies under the umbrel... Read more

Statement by the Honorable Michael C. Burgess, M.D. Making the Internet Safe for Kids: The Role of ISPs and Social Networking Sites June 27, 2006 Thank you Mr. Chairman, and thank you for having this important series of hearings. Since we have started this intense investigation on the sexual exploitation of children over the Internet, we have heard from a range of parties including courageous child victims, journalists who bring these stories to light, and law enforcement agencies charged with ... Read more

Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) voted in favor of passing H.R. 4843, the Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Act of 2006. The bill passed the House of Representative 408-0. “Recognizing the natural cycle that prices and expenses have risen, it was only just that we pass a bill providing our veterans and their dependents a cost-of-living increase,” said Congressman Michael Burgess. “For those individuals who have bravely served their country, we owe them t... Read more

Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess reviewed the classified version of concerning the Review of Secret Documents on Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction in a secure setting in the U.S. Capitol. Some of the information is declassified and has been included on the document under “associated files.” Read more

In Fiscal Year 2006, more than $60 billion in federal student loans will be distributed to approximately 8 million student borrowers. For loans that were disbursed on or after July 1, 1998, but before July 1, 2006, new higher interest rates will go into effect on July 1, 2006. To lock in current, lower interest rates, borrowers under both the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) and Direct Loan programs may consolidate their loans before July 1. “It is important for students, parents and famili... Read more

Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) hosted Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney at a meeting of the House Republican Policy Committee in Washington. On the agenda was a detailed discussion of Governor Romney’s new health care legislation that works to provide affordable, quality and personally-accountable health care to the citizens of Massachusetts. “Personal responsibility is a hallmark of Americans not to mention a tenant of the Republican Party,” said Congressman Michael Burge... Read more

Click here to watch the video. I thought it was important to come to the floor and talk about an issue that pops up from time to time on our news shows and the American consciousness, and that is the issue of avian flu, or the bird flu. Mr. Speaker, as far as a little background is concerned, there are several types of influenza. There is the common flu, or seasonal flu, that we all receive inoculation against every year. Because of modest genetic changes that occur in this virus year over year... Read more

This past week, the House passed legislation to reauthorize the Health Centers Renewal Act which ensures health centers are open to all in a community regardless of their ability to pay. The centers provide access to comprehensive primary and preventive health care services. The community health centers legislation, H.R. 5573 passed by a vote of 424-3. “The effectiveness of community health centers lies in their preventive health care services,” said Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26)... Read more

Drought Situation - June 2006USDA DESIGNATES COUNTIES IN TEXAS AS NATURAL DISASTER AREAS Decision Allows Farmers and Ranchers to Apply for USDA AssistanceWASHINGTON, June 22, 2006 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture designated three counties in Texas as primary natural disaster areas, making all qualified farm operators in the designated areas eligible for low- interest emergency (EM) loans from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). McLennan County was designated a primary disaster area due to los... Read more