Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (Texas-26) released the following statement after joining the Congressional Tea Party Caucus: "The Tea Party movement has transformed politics since average Americans started speaking out against the irresponsible spending, debt, and deficits in Washington. I am one of the few Members of Congress to vote against every bailout, stimulus, and tax increase – over $2.6 Trillion that is being passed down to our children and grandchildren. "As a legislator, I have always been guided by the principles of limited government, fiscal responsibility, adherence to the Constitution, and national soviergnty. These are the same values of the grassroots Tea Party movement, and this is why I joined the Congressional Tea Party Caucus, which is an effort to give concerned citizens a chance to have their voices heard in Congress. "Through my participation in the Tea Party Caucus, I will work to remind our country’s leaders that Americans are concerned about the direction of our country, and it’s time to start legislating responsibly."