U.S. House of Representatives Passes Appropriations Bills – Rep. Burgess Brings Tax Dollars Home to North Texas The federal appropriations process is one of the most important parts of public policy. Unlike authorizing bills, which establish programs and policies, appropriations bills fund programs and must pass every year or the federal government shuts down. There are 13 appropriations bills in all. Both the House and Senate pass bills separately, and then they meet in what is called a “conference” to produce a single bill that will then be sent onto the President. The House has passed 8 of the 13 bills as of today. Within these bills, representatives can vie for federal dollars for their districts. In the Defense Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2005 (FY05), Congressman Michael Burgess secured $2.8 million for the University of North Texas’ Center for Advanced Research and Technology or CART. The University of North Texas’s CART research provides a unique opportunity establishing an incubator for interdisciplinary research with experimentation in the materials, computer and engineering scientific fields. “The University of North Texas had the foresight to invest in nanotechnology research,” commented Rep. Michael Burgess. “I was pleased to bring several million dollars in funding to CART last November, and I am equally proud to continue the trend this fiscal year.” For more information on the Appropriations process, please visit the House Committee on Appropriations website: http://appropriations.house.gov For an updated chart on FY05 Appropriations Bills, click here: http://thomas.loc.gov/home/approp/app05.html ________________________________________ News from Congressman Burgess We Can't Afford NOT to Fix Medical Liability – July 12, 2004 Chairman of the House Policy Subcommittee on Health, Rep. Michael Burgess hosted a hearing focused on the mounting problem of medical liability. The event brought experts from insurers, medical professionals and Members of Congress. Citing Texas as an example of how to fix the problem, Rep. Burgess is longtime advocate and critical leader in the fight for federal medical liability reform. ”Mr. Speaker, $230 billion - that is the cost last year of the medical justice system in this country. Of that figure, 20 percent went to compensate patients for actual pain and damages, 20 percent went to lawyers' fees, 20 percent went to insurance overhead, and 25 percent was paid out in non-economic damages for things like pain and suffering.” – Statement from the House Floor Texas Business Group Honors Rep. Burgess for Pro-Job Votes – June 24, 2004 Congressman Michael C. Burgess was selected as a Federal Fighter for Free Enterprise award by the Texas Association of Business (TAB). The award, the first from TAB, recognizes 17 Texas lawmakers who consistently voted for a pro-job, pro-Texas agenda in the first session of the 108th Congress. “I am honored to receive this award for my pro-job votes in Congress,” replied Rep. Michael Burgess upon hearing the news of the award. “Promoting a health economy, career growth and free enterprise is one of my main objectives in Congress.” ________________________________________ 4th of July Celebrated in the 26th District Throughout the month of July, Congressman Burgess has been seen in almost every town in the 26th Congressional District. Over the July 4th holiday, Rep. Burgess enjoyed riding in an official NASCAR Pace Car in the Flower Mound 4th of July Parade and The Colony Independence Day Parade. Medicare Town Halls Pack ‘Em In In recent weeks, Rep. Michael Burgess has addressed senior citizens at Medicare Town Hall events where he has discussed the new prescription drug benefit that saves seniors money! For more information on the new Medicare law that benefits all seniors, please visit www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). “Immediate relief is available to seniors under this package. Seniors have the ability to enroll in a discount drug card program. With these discount cards, all seniors could save anywhere between 10 and 25% on the cost of their prescription medications.” “Congress rose to the challenge of modernizing Medicare. We recognized it was a necessity, and we will continue our oversight. For the first time in a federal program, Congress has added a cost containment measure. The current monstrosity that is our Medicare program would bankrupt itself in the near future if these crucial adjustments to improve the program were not made. We needed to build a foundation from which we could work to refine the program and make it ready for the 21st Century. “No action” was not an option.” “Congress will remain accountable and engaged in Medicare reform for years to come thereby ensuring it is remaining a viable, worthy program. This bill exists because both sides of the aisle and both chambers understand that improving Medicare is essential.” “This Medicare bill is the future of health care in our nation.” – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. ________________________________________ Town Hall Schedule – Summer 2004 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 1:00 p.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