The following statement may be attributed to Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26): I commend Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for issuing guidance on how Medicare claims will be paid in 2006 to reflect impending congressional action to avert a cut in Medicare payments to physicians. Physicians have not had a positive increase in Medicare payment rates reflecting the growing cost of services since 1987. Periodic adjustments have kept up with inflation, but not with the exploding... Read more

Click here for the full version. NEWS Burgess’ Iraqi Special Tribunal Resolution Passed in the House December 16 – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.Res.534 which recognizes the importance and credibility of an independent Iraqi judiciary in the formation of a new and democratic Iraq with a vote of 408-1. The path to a free and democratic Iraq has not been easy. Yet, after years of oppression and torture, the Iraqi people are growing closer to having a nation ruled by the people inste... Read more

Today, the House of Representatives passed the Deficit Reduction Act bringing momentous reforms to the country’s Medicaid system. “The purpose of our work today is not about money,” said Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26). “It is about saving a vital, federal program.” Medicaid is a federal-state program that provides medical care to 53 million low-income and/or elderly patients which constitutes nearly one in five Americans. Medicaid is already the biggest item in state budgets exceeding el... Read more

In the early morning hours, the House of Representatives passed the Deficit Reduction Act which reduces the deficit by over $39 billion and, with pressure from Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26), included language providing for a one year freeze in payment rates for physician services under Medicare. The Act implements changes in government programs to make them more efficient and ensure that the money that is appropriated to these programs reaches the people most at need. “While my vote und... Read more

Burgess’ Iraqi Special Tribunal Resolution Passed in the House Today, the House of Representatives passed H.Res.534 which recognizes the importance and credibility of an independent Iraqi judiciary in the formation of a new and democratic Iraq with a vote of 408-1. The path to a free and democratic Iraq has not been easy. Yet, after years of oppression and torture, the Iraqi people are growing closer to having a nation ruled by the people instead of by terror and fear. Earlier this year, the pas... Read more

Congressman Michael Burgess introduced his resolution, H. Con Res 534, RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE AND CREDIBILITY OF AN INDEPENDENT IRAQI JUDICIARY in the House Floor. For the video, please scroll down to the bottom of the page.Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 534) recognizing the importance and credibility of an independent Iraqi judiciary in the formation of a new and democratic Iraq. The Clerk read as follows: H. Res. 534 Whereas ... Read more

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, the gentleman from Pennsylvania is exactly right. In fact if my arithmetic is correct, the polls in Iraq closed just a little over an hour ago. Of course, we owe the great success of three successful elections in Iraq to the dedication of our troops that have served so well over there. In fact, this past weekend in Waco, Texas, citizens of Texas welcomed back the 56th Combat Brigade, over 2,000 Texans from the Texas Army National Guard who have been serving for 11 mo... Read more

Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess spoke at a press conference and on the House floor concerning the importance of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). The link below provides the video link to the his remarks on the House floor. > watch the videoMr. Speaker, another 2-year anniversary that we observed this week is the passage and signing of the Medicare Modernization Act. A part of that act which really has not received the notice that it deserves is the part that expanded health savings accounts... Read more

We cannot continue to depend on leaders such as Hugo Chavez for our energy needs. I believe that Congress should dedicate itself to achieving energy independence by 2015. This is an ambitious goal; one which will require industry, policy makers, and Americans to think of innovative approaches to meet our energy needs. Our traditional energy sources will only get us so far; we can't drill our way to energy independence; we need a balanced approach. But then the temperature drops and heaters go on... Read more

STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD - MICHAEL C. BURGESS ENERGY AND AIR QUALITY HEARING "Understanding the Peak Oil Theory" December 7, 2005 First, I want to thank Chairman Hall for convening this hearing today. There have been a number of articles in the press on this subject and I think the information provided in today's hearing 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 Ve... Read more