Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss the recent misrepresentation of the Jobs and Growth package passed by Congress before the Memorial Day Recess. Many of our friends in the press and on the floor have been claiming that this growth package is nothing but a tax cut for the wealthy. Well that’s just plain ridiculous! According to the Joint Economic Committee, this new tax bill provides the largest percentage reductions in the income taxes of low and middle-income groups, thereby shifting the tax... Read more

Today, U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) voted to ban partial-birth abortions. As a Member of the Bi-Partisan Congressional Pro-Life Caucus and a physician who dedicated 21 years of his life to pro-life obstetrics practice, Burgess calls on House and Senate conferees to ban this procedure and send the bill to the President to sign into law. In a speech on the House floor, Congressman Burgess said, “As a physician who practiced obstetrics and gynecology and delivered over 3,000 babies, ... Read more

U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) introduced legislation to modify the way the federal government distributes transportation funds in TEA-21. H.R. 2220 reforms the “borders and corridors” program in TEA-21, which will ultimately ease congestion in the Dallas/Fort Worth area brought on by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). “I-35 and all of the North Texas highways encompass a geographic crossroads for international trade. Ove... Read more

U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) voted in favor of the House and Senate’s compromise of H.R. 2, the Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act of 2003, which passed the House by a vote of 231 to 200. “Putting money in the hands of working Americans will stimulate the economy and create jobs. I am proud to support this historic legislation that begins to give American families needed relief, but we cannot stop here,” said Congressman Burgess. “My priority will remain to find additional way... Read more

Today, U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) voted to extend employment benefits under the House of Representatives new plan offering additional relief to unemployed workers who have recently lost their jobs. “Many unemployed Americans will continue to receive needed assistance to get back on their feet while they continue to look for new jobs, said Congressman Burgess. This legislation extends the Federal Temporary Extended Unemployment Compensation (TEUC) program for the second time sinc... Read more

U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) lends his support and becomes a sponsor of the Highway Funding Equity Act of 2003. This legislation addresses the inequities in the federal highway transportation program by requiring a more fair distribution of money from the Highway Trust Fund. ”Texas has previously sent more tax dollars to Washington than it ever gets back,” said Congressman Burgess. “The inequity must stop and this legislation will make needed changes for fairness to the Texas taxp... Read more

Today, U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess (TX-26) learned there is good news for students with college loans. The Department of Education announced that borrowers, who apply now to consolidate their federal student loans, would receive the lowest available rate -- even if interest rates drop on July 1st. Student loan interest rates -- now at 4.06 percent for most borrowers in repayment -- are expected to fall below four percent when new rates go into effect on July 1. Interest rates are adjusted a... Read more

U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) encourages local school districts to apply for grants to help them strengthen and improve their crisis plans. As part of a continuing effort to help keep our schools, our teachers and our students safe, U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige unveiled a new guide, Practical Information on Crisis Planning: A Guide for Schools and Communities, to help schools plan for any emergency, including natural disasters, violent incidents and terrorist acts. “It is ... Read more

U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) and Congressman David Scott of Georgia (GA-13) introduced the Health Access and Flexibility Act of 2003, (H.R. 2114), a bill that will expand the availability of Medical Savings Accounts (MSA) and create similar types of accounts for low-income Americans. “I came to Congress to improve America’s health care system. This legislation is a step in the right direction allowing consumers to have more control over their health care choices,” said Congressman... Read more

U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) took a first hand look at fuel-cell powered hydrogen vehicles and test drove a hybrid line pick-up truck to learn about the future of energy-efficient automobile travel. “Isn’t American ingenuity great? Investing into the future of energy-efficient transportation is the best way to someday make the United States energy independent. I know many North Texans would enjoy a hybrid line pick-up truck that is efficient, saves money and creates less pollution... Read more