Congressman Burgess Returns from Russia September 21, 2004 - Congressman Michael C. Burgess (R-Flower Mound) returned from a congressional delegation visit to Russia. Rep. Burgess traveled, with U.S. State Department approval, to Russia to express the sympathy of America for the recent tragedy to befall a Beslan school. “There is no just cause for the abhorrent attack on the lives of innocent children, teachers and parents,” declared Rep. Michael Burgess. “It was my honor to pay my respects, and those of Americans across the country, to the brave souls terrorized during the hostage crisis.” Before departing for Russia, Congressman Burgess asked several local schools if they would like to participate in a card giving program. The response was overwhelming. Rep. Burgess was able to present well-wishes of local students to survivors and their families through hundreds of cards. “The smiles on the faces of those injured and suffering was enough to bring a grown man to tears,” remarked Rep. Michael Burgess. “The hearts of American children truly shined in the eyes of the Russian children, and I am truly thankful for their care and cheer.” The following schools participated: Rockbrook Elementary School (Lewisville), Sanger Middle School, Calhoun Middle School (Denton), Wilshire Elementary (Euless), Florence Elementary (Southlake), Christ Our Savior Lutheran K-5 (Coppell) and Lewisville High School North (9th Grade). Over fifty cards from Lewisville High School North contained Russian phrases provided by a young Russian émigré, Sasha Watson. In addition to several political meetings, Congressman Burgess focused his time at two hospitals visiting survivors and their families. During his time in Russia, Congressman Burgess spoke on Russian national radio where he expressed sympathies and a strong commitment to battling terrorism. Congressman Michael Burgess commented on his mission overall: “The immediate connection with the Russians, after what is often described as Russia’s 9/11, is unforgettable. I will continue to monitor that aid and supplies are available to those who suffered during this attack. By bringing the War on Terror straight to children, terrorists have sunk to a new low. America will continue to build relations with those countries dedicated to combating terrorism. We will succeed.” For more information about Congressman Burgess’ recent mission to Russia, please visit his website at www.house.gov/burgess. ________________________________________ Speaker Appoints Burgess to Sit on Additional Committee: Government Reform September 24, 2004 – Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) was nominated by Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (IL-14) and approved unanimously by the House Steering Committee to a seat on the coveted Committee on Government Reform. A unique honor, Congressman Burgess now sits on three separate committees of jurisdiction; Transportation and Infrastructure, Science and Government Reform and presides as Chairman of the House Policy Subcommittee on Health. “Working on the Government Reform committee will be both challenging and rewarding,” stated Rep. Michael Burgess. "Representative Burgess is an articulate, dedicated Member of the House who is capable of handling the responsibilities of three separate committees," stated Speaker Dennis Hastert (IL-14) about his decision to appoint Rep. Burgess. "Dr. Burgess speaks frequently on the floor about winning the war on terrorism and brings the Government Reform committee a fresh perspective to establish swift, yet sensible legislation to keep America safe." Rep. Michael Burgess’ new position as a Member of the Government Reform team adds greater responsibility and scope to his congressional schedule. The Committee on Government Reform has the specific responsibility to oversee whether laws and programs are being implemented and carried out in accordance with the intent of Congress. The Government Reform Committee determines if the laws and programs should be continued, curtailed, or eliminated. Additionally, the Committee may also, at any time, conduct investigations of any matter regardless of whether another standing committee has jurisdiction over the matter. “Within the next few weeks, we will be working on the legislation that has arisen as a result of the 9/11 Commissioner’s Report. We have seen some activity in the transportation committee on this issue, and I look forward to now contributing on the Government Reform committee.” “Congressman Burgess has traveled with the Government Reform committee to Iraq and Afghanistan twice in the last year,” stated Chairman Tom Davis (VA-11). “His intellect and attention to detail will clearly be an asset to the committee as we move forward on delicate legislation connected to our nation’s security.” ________________________________________ Burgess is Two-Time Winner of Tax Award September 17, 2004 - Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) awarded Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) with their annual “Hero of the Taxpayer” award for the second time. On the same day, the American Shareholders Association (ASA) presented Rep. Burgess with the “Friend of the Shareholder” annual award. “I have been, and will continue to be, a consistent supporter of conservative fiscal policies,” stated Congressman Michael Burgess after receiving news of his awards. “It is an honor to be recognized again this year.” Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform and prominent D.C.-based activist stated, “Looking at these votes, taxpayers back home can tell if they have a friend or an enemy in Washington. As far as Michael Burgess is concerned, they have a friend.” For more information on Congressman Burgess’ fiscal policies, please visit the following webpage: /Issues/Issue/?IssueID=621. ________________________________________ Bush, Burgess and Fundamental Tax Reform Op-Ed by Congressman Michael C. Burgess President Bush gave the topic of tax reform a metaphorical shot in the arm when he highlighted it during his convention acceptance speech. As a long-time advocate of fundamental tax reform, I applaud him for his attention to this issue. Since President Bush took office in 2001, Congress has passed several major tax cuts at the President's urging. This tax relief has reduced the tax burden for millions of families while making a number of important steps towards fundamental tax reform. Indeed we have made some progress, but simplicity and fairness in our tax system are still not a reality. Everyone knows the problem. Each year Americans waste billions of hours and billions of dollars complying with the complex tax code. Time is precious, and we never have enough for raising our families. Time is money, and valuable resources are lost that could be spent on productive activities such as growing the economy and creating jobs. This complexity is the outcome of dozens of deductions and exemptions stemming from years of trying to drive a social agenda with the tax code. The result is the almost unintelligible federal tax code which provides some people an opportunity for tax avoidance by exploiting loopholes and tax shelters. In 1993, I encountered what I call of the “Clinton paradox.” Ninety-three was the year that Congress increased the tax rate, retroactive to the first of the year. By some quirk of fate, Mr. Clinton and I earned almost an identical amount that year. But when it came time to settle and pay-up to the federal government, Mr. Clinton paid just over 20%, and I paid over 30%. Why should such a discrepancy exist? What is the benefit for the country when we are taxed at different rates on exactly the same income? Currently, simplicity and fairness in taxes are sacrificed for the sake of pursuing a social agenda. But a social agenda is not the purpose of the federal income tax code. Numerous changes could be made within our existing system. Full expensing of business capital investment, permanently repealing the estate tax and abolishing the alternative minimum tax are a few possibilities. President Bush’s recent savings initiative would also help simplify the tax code by consolidating all of the current fragmented savings vehicles into three tax-free savings accounts. A recent suggestion, by Congressman Chris Cox, Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, to simplify the tax code would be to allow taxpayers earning $100,000 or less to file a 1040 EZ form. Currently, taxpayers with an income above $50,000 must file a more complicated 1040 form. Future incremental reform is an important step towards tax simplification. This Congress has done a good job with incremental tax reform. The temporary alternative minimum tax relief provided by last year’s tax reform package was helpful. But Congress must soon act to prevent a huge tax increase on the middle class. It is estimated that more than 30 million taxpayers will be subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax by the year 2010 if Congress does not act. This is truly a gathering storm. I believe that as more and more taxpayers must handover these ever-increasing amounts of money, the impetus behind fundamental tax reform will grow. I am a strong proponent for fundamental tax reform. I think simplicity and fairness demand that we replace our current tax system with a single rate system that taxes income only one time. And the good news is with all of the incremental reforms passed since 2001, we are on a glide path for a simpler and fair system. Over one year ago, I introduced the “Freedom Flat Tax Act” which would allow taxpayers to opt into a consumption based single rate flat tax system that would replace the federal income tax with a flat 17% wage tax rate. There would be no deductions, nor loopholes; however, some personal exemptions would be allowed. It is important to note that the Freedom flat tax does not tax Social Security income. Additionally, the Freedom flat tax does not tax savings or investments. In this time of deficits, we should in fact be encouraging these types of pro-growth activities. The Freedom flat tax act will create a system that promotes fairness and economic prosperity by treating everyone the same, regardless of income or occupation, and removing the special preferences and disincentives for economic growth which characterize our current tax system. At the same time, the decision to move to a single rate system would be entirely up to the individual or business, not up to the government. If someone has constructed with their domestic finances, or their business finances, to maximize earnings under the current federal income tax code, they would be allowed to stay within the code. There would be no ability to move between the two systems. A flat tax would be much less costly, saving taxpayers more than $100 billion per year and reducing tax compliance costs by over 90 percent, according to one estimate. The resulting increase in take-home pay will give people and businesses more money to spend, ultimately boosting economic activity. Fundamental tax reform remains a worthwhile goal, and this Congress should continue its pursuit. With the clouds on the horizon provided by the Alternative Minimum Tax, the wind is at our backs for affecting some type of fundamental reform, and we should do no less than seize the day. For more information about Congressman Burgess’ Freedom Flat Tax Bill, please visit one of the following website: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query. ________________________________________ How to Contact the Congressman If you are looking for Congressman Burgess’ opinions on various pieces of legislation before Congress, visit his website at www.house.gov/burgess. By clicking on this website, you can view recent votes, press releases, op-eds, issue briefs and the latest news from Dr. Burgess. The website also provides links to other government sites and information on how Rep. Burgess can assist you with Constituent Services.