Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) was named Vice Chair of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations and will continue to serve as the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Health. Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI), announced the members who will serve atop the six subcommittees in the 113th Congress. As the only Member of Congress serving as the Vice Chair of two subcommittees, Dr. Burgess will continue to vigorously push health care issues, work to cut wasteful federal spending, and perform oversight of the executive branch, including overseeing the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

“As a doctor and as a legislator I know the impact Washington has on doctors, hospitals, and patients, and I have been a strong advocate for health care legislation aimed at reducing health care costs, improving choices, reforming liability laws to put the needs of patients first, and ensuring there are enough doctors in the public and private sector to care for America’s patients,” said Dr. Burgess. “As Vice Chair of two Energy and Commerce Subcommittees I will continue to push these important issues, including the critical oversight of the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.”

Chairman Upton named Dr. Burgess for the key slot on the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, in addition to his current role as Vice Chair of the Health Subcommittee, because of this medial background and his extensive oversight experience.

“The Energy and Commerce Committee will continue the critical oversight of the Affordable Care Act, and as Vice Chairman of both the Health Subcommittee and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, Dr. Burgess will be at the forefront of our aggressive efforts,” said Chairman Upton. “He has the legislative expertise, the medical background, and the oversight experience that will ensure the Obama administration is held accountable.”  

Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) notes that Dr. Burgess has been at the forefront of the health care debate from the beginning.

“As the Vice Chair of both the Subcommittee on Health and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, Dr. Burgess will continue to lead House Republican efforts in crafting health care legislation and overseeing the implementation of the Affordable Care Act,” said Speaker Boehner. “He’s been here every step of the way in holding the Obama administration accountable, and in supporting legislative efforts that will bring real reform to our health care system. As the only House member that is a Vice Chair of two subcommittees, he will continue to play a vital role.”

Dr. Burgess will serve on the Health Subcommittee with Congressman Joe Pitts (R-PA) as Chair, and on the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee with Tim Murphy (R-PA), who was named the Subcommittee’s Chair.