Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) voted for the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act (S. 544) designed to encourage the anonymous reporting of errors to newly-created patient safety organizations, which will analyze the information and, working with doctors, identify the changes necessary to prevent these errors. The bill passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 428 to 3. The bill passed the Senate by a voice vote on Thursday, July, 21, 2005. The following statement m... Read more

Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) issued the following statement congratulating the crew of Space Shuttle Discovery and their support team at NASA for today’s successful lift off into space: “Congratulations to all those who worked so hard to get our shuttle program back on tract.” “As a former Member of the House Science Committee, I specifically acknowledge the wonderful work of the scientists, technicians, and crew of Discovery who uphold the great tradition of our space program. “Barely... Read more

“Congratulations to all those who worked so hard to get our shuttle program back on tract.” “As a former Member of the House Science Committee, I specifically acknowledge the wonderful work of the scientists, technicians, and crew of Discovery who uphold the great tradition of our space program. “Barely one month into my first term, the Shuttle Columbia and her crew were lost over the skies of Texas. The return to flight was pursued in a careful, methodical fashion, with a mission of strict adhe... Read more

Opening Statement Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. Full Committee Mark-Up July 20, 2005 Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this important mark-up today. The bills before us today are critical elements in helping the uninsurable and improving the quality of health care in this country by improving patient safety, reforming the insurance market, and improving the tracking of prescriptions. I am disappointed that this Committee is not taking up medical liability reform legislation at this tim... Read more

Opening Statement Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. NIH Legislation Hearing July 18, 2005 Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this hearing today. I know that NIH reorganization is one of your highest priorities and I think we can see the fruits of your labor before us today. I look forward to hearing Dr. Zerhouni’s comments on the draft bill. Upon initial review, I think the draft strikes a balance of achievable reforms. Granting the director greater budgetary authority will go a long way in... Read more

Opening Statement Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. Health Subcommittee Mark-Up Public Health Service Act July 14, 2005 Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding this important mark-up today. The bills before us today are critical elements in helping the uninsurable and improving the quality of health care in this country. First, patient safety. H.R. 3205 will hopefully complete the hard work of the committee that was left uncompleted at the end of the 108th Congress. We may disagree about the mag... Read more

"I know I, like many Americans, was looking forward to today's launch of the Discovery Space Shuttle. Although today will not be that day, I am confident, as are the scientists and engineers of NASA that the shuttle will return to flight soon. I do hope to return to Florida for that momentous occasion. It is important to remember that safety comes first, and that we cannot tolerate any discrepancy in the face of an unknown potential problem. Catching a potential problem, reporting it, and acting... Read more

The following statement may be attributed to Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) concerning today’s terrorist attach in the heart of London, UK: My prayers and condolences go out to the victims and families of the terrorist attack in London. We all thank those first responders and medical professionals who reacted swiftly to the emergency, at times placing themselves in jeopardy. These acts of such astonishing cruelty show a stark difference between those who strive for harmony, and those who... Read more

Congressman Michael C. Burgess released this statement concerning Kelo v. City of New London: “I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 3135, Private Property Rights Protection Act, authored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI). This bill prohibits the use of federal funds for any projects in which states and localities use eminent domain for economic development purposes. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of federal funds to enforce the eminent domain power over tha... Read more

Click here for the full version.NEWS SECTION Click on the headline for more information on each story. U.S. House Come in On Time and Under Budget The U.S. House of Representatives have accomplished what many doubted was possible. Before the July 4th District work period begins, the Members of the House have managed to pass all ten of their appropriations bills providing ample time for the Senate to complete their bills. Included in these ten bills is funding for defense, homeland security, tran... Read more