Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. has been named Chairman of the Health Subcommittee for the Republican Policy Committee. Rep. Burgess was appointed by Policy Chairman Christopher Cox (CA-48) and approved by House Speaker Denny Hastert to fill the position recently vacated by former Rep. Ernie Fletcher, M.D. of Kentucky who recently was elected governor. Dr. Burgess is the first and only freshman to Chair a House GOP Policy Subcommittee for the 108th Congress. “With his medical expertise, sound policy judgment and talent for achieving results, Dr. Burgess was the clear choice to lead the health subcommittee,” stated Policy Chairman Christopher Cox. Dr. Michael Burgess, a resident of Lewisville, was a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology for over 20 years before being elected to Congress in 2002. Representing the 26th Congressional District, Rep. Burgess has been active in Washington focusing on improving America’s health care system. “I am privileged to be singled out for my work on health care issues,” stated Rep. Michael Burgess upon hearing of his section. “It is a great honor to work for the policy committee and a unique opportunity for a freshman member.” The Republican Policy Committee develops sound legislative ideas into sound bills. Making quality health care more accessible and affordable for America is among Congress' top goals-and the Health Policy Subcommittee's mission. "I believe Dr. Burgess brings a depth of first-hand knowledge and fresh ideas to the subcommittee," commented House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL). "He understands the fundamental issues surrounding America's health care system and can forward 21st Century thinking to help solve many challenges facing both patients and providers." Patients' rights, prescription drug benefits, better treatments, fewer medical errors and healthier Americans require thoughtful policy leadership--the Health Subcommittee provides it. The Policy Subcommittee on Health has jurisdiction over House GOP policy as it affects public and private health facilities; healthcare tax policy; the Medicare and Medicaid programs; healthcare activities of the Department of Health and Human Services; and activities of the National Institutes of Health. Congressman Michael Burgess: /News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=3273 The House Republican Policy Committee: http://policy.house.gov/html/subcommittees.cfm Congressman Michael Burgess on Health Care: /Issues/ Rep. Burgess Announces 2004 Congressional Art Competition Winners May 7, 2004 U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess (TX-26) announced the winner of the second annual 26th Congressional District art competition, “An Artistic Discovery.” A freshman at Lewisville High School North, Arturo Noyola, won first prize in the 2004 competition with his oil pastel entitled “Blue Clouds of Freedom.” The art competition was open to public and private high school students residing in the district. “This contest is designed to highlight the artistic achievements of our local high school students and to share the results of those talents with our area and the rest of the country,” Rep. Michael Burgess said. “Arturo’s work makes the 26th District proud. He is an extremely talented young man with a tremendous gift.” Arturo’s work will be displayed in the United States Capitol complex for the coming year. A ribbon-cutting ceremony opening the national 2004 “An Artistic Discovery” exhibition will take place to honor the winning artists from all over the country. Rebecca Cheek of Southwest Airlines presented Noyola with plane tickets for him and a family member to fly to Washington, DC to attend the unveiling celebration on July 13, 2004. Noyola will also be receiving a $100 savings bond from Bank One. Arturo is an art student of KarYn Lee at Lewisville High School North and the son of Alma Aguirre of Lewisville. Three Honorable Mention winners were also announced and their artworks will be displayed in Congressman Burgess’ Lewisville District Office: Willette Griffin of Carrollton, representing Hebron High School; Abbie Marshall of Flower Mound, representing Coram Deo Academy; and Liz Schmiedel of Southlake, representing Carroll High School. The Honorable Mention winners will be receiving $50 savings bonds from Bank One. Rep. Michael Burgess, Alma Aguirre (Arturo's mother), Arturo Noyola, KarYn Lee (Arturo's art teacher at LHSN) Rep. Burgess Seeks United States Service Academy Applicants U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) announces that requests for application from students interested in attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland, the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York are being accepted for the class entering in the summer of 2005. “The United States Service Academies offer a top notch education for those who have the desire to serve our county,” said Congressman Michael Burgess. “I am honored to be able to recommend local students who are dedicated to the peace and security of the United States and will one day serve our country with distinction.” For more information, please contact Robin Vaughan in the Lewisville Office at (972) 434-9700 or visit my website at: http://burgess.house.gov. OTHER NEWS… NASCAR Adds Second Race to North Texas Venue May 17, 2004 National Safe Boating Council Present Burgess with Confluence Award May 19, 2004 TOWN HALL SCHEDULE Highland Village/Copper Canyon July 17, 2004 10:00 a.m. Highland Village City Hall, City Council Chambers 1000 Highland Village Road Highland Village, TX 75077 Euless/Hurst/North Richland Hills/Bedford July 17, 2004 1:00 p.m. Euless City Hall, City Council Chambers 201 N. Ector Drive Euless, TX 76039 Southlake/Keller/Westlake/Colleyville July 24, 2004 10:00 a.m. Southlake Town Hall, 3rd Floor 1400 Main Street Southlake, TX 76092 Denton/Argyle July 24, 2004 10:00 a.m. University of North Texas, Gateway Center 1st Floor Ballroom #34 801 North Texas Blvd. Denton, TX 76201 Flower Mound/Double Oak/Bartonville August 14, 2004 10:00 a.m. Flower Mound Central Fire Station 3838 Forums Drive Flower Mound, TX 75028 The Colony/Hebron August 14, 2004 1:00 p.m. The Colony City Hall, City Council Chambers 6800 Main Street The Colony, TX 75056 As your United States Congressman, I hold town hall meetings in different cities to give constituents a chance to hear from me and to discuss issues before the United States Congress. Some of the issues I have been working on in the U.S. House of Representatives this year include protecting America; curbing federal spending; strengthen our economy; developing innovative financing for road construction; and improving and refining our health care system. Watch your email and mailbox for more information on a meeting in your area.