Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4902, to give philanthropist, golfer and North Texan Byron Nelson the Congressional Gold Medal. Introducing the legislation on March 8, 2006, Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) worked feverously to garner more than 300 cosponsors for the bill in three week’s time achieving the two-thirds requirement for a floor vote. It passed the House by a voice vote. “The outpouring of support to give Byron Nelson the Congressional Gold Medal was astounding,”... Read more

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman of the Subcommittee on Health and Chairwoman Johnson for bringing this important bill to the floor of Congress this evening. Mr. Speaker, we have heard some talk about how complicated the program is and how confusing it is. I would like to just take a moment to point out that if you have a couple of things at your disposal it is not that confusing at all. And if you will put your prescriptions in one hand and in the other hand your Medicare card, and then call 1... Read more

STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD - MICHAEL C. BURGESS ENERGY AND COMMERCE HEARING "Gasoline: Supply, Price, and Specifications" May 10, 2006 Mr. Chairman, thank you for convening this hearing this morning. And thanks to our panelists for coming before us today. As we are hearing from our constituents on this topic, I think the information provided by the panelists today will help this committee get beyond the rhetoric to the facts. There are a number of factors that contribute to high gasoline prices, ... Read more

Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4902) to award a Congressional gold medal to Byron Nelson in recognition of his significant contributions to the game of golf as a player, a teacher, and a commentator. Reading of the bill. Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4902, the Byron Nelson Congressional Gold Medal Act, sponsored by my friend from Texas (Mr. Burgess). Mr. Speaker, while ... Read more

STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD - MICHAEL C. BURGESS ENERGY AND COMMERCE HEARING “Department of Energy's Fiscal Year 2007 Budget Proposal” May 9, 2006 Mr. Chairman, Thank you for convening this hearing today. One of my most important responsibilities as a Member of Congress is to ensure that my constituents' tax dollars are being spent wisely. It is for that reason that I look forward to the ongoing debate about our national funding priorities. Secretary Bodmin, thank you for appearing before us this ... Read more

(Submitted to The Hill – Congress Blog) On May 3, the White House released the Implementation Plan for the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza, which includes over 300 actions for Federal agencies and other entities to take. As a doctor, I believe that the plan is a great step towards ensuring a timely and appropriate pandemic influenza response at the federal level as well as providing clearer guidance to state and local communities on further needed preparedness efforts. The implementatio... Read more

STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD - MICHAEL C. BURGESS ENERGY AND COMMERCE HEARING "World Crude Oil Pricing" May 4, 2006 Mr. Chairman, thank you for convening this hearing this morning. As we are hearing from our constituents on this topic, I think the information provided by the panelists today will help this committee get beyond the rhetoric to the facts. The geography of oil and gas has led our country to place our energy assurance in the hands of leaders such as Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and ... Read more

Opening Statement Community Health Center Hearing Congressman Michael C. Burgess May 4, 2006 Mr. Chairman, thank you for calling this hearing today to a subject that is very important to me. Community Health Centers comprise an important component of our health care system. By providing comprehensive primary health, oral, mental health and substance abuse services to low-income and uninsured patients, health centers fill an important gap in the health care safety net. More that 60 percent of FQ... Read more

U.S. Representative Michael C. Burgess (TX_26) cosponsored the Tax-Free Health Savings Act, H.R. 5262, to build on the success of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). HSAs are allowing more Americans to access quality, affordable health care and have more control over their health care costs and decisions. Today, Dr. Burgess, alongside U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary John W. Snow and bill author Deputy Majority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA), addressed members of the press about the particulars of the... Read more

STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD - MICHAEL C. BURGESS ENERGY AND COMMERCE MARKUP A bill to authorize the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to set passenger car fuel economy standards Improvement Act of 2002 May 3, 2006 Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank you for holding today's mark-up, as well as the hearing last week on this legislation. We’ve heard testimony from a number of experts, including Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, on a draft version of the committee print. I'd... Read more