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Recent News from Capitol Hill

Burgess Votes for Increased Enforcement of Texas Borders
Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) voted in favor of H.R. 2360, the Homeland Security Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2006 (FY06). The House bill provides $30.85 billion for operations and activities of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in FY06, an increase of $1.37 billion above the fiscal year 2005 (FY05) enacted levels.

“Voting in favor of the FY06 Homeland Security Appropriations bill indicates that the House is serious about making significant improvements to our border security,” stated Congressman Michael C. Burgess. “We already have many important immigration laws on our books, this bill will help provide the vital funds to enforce them.”

Click here for more news /News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=27411


Burgess Votes to Increase Funding for Military Personnel Past and Present


“I am proud Congress passed this bill increasing funds for those current and former service men and women, stated Congressman Michael Burgess. “The purpose of this bill is to improve their quality of life, and they deserve even more than the best we can give them.”

The FY06 bill provides a total of $85.2 billion to fund medical care for veterans, defense health programs, military construction and military housing. Veterans Medical Services, a central component of this bill, is funded at $21 billion, $1 billion above the budget request and $1.64 above FY05 levels. Over the last two years, funding for veterans medical care has increased by 18%.


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Burgess Votes for Increased Homeland Security Funding for Texas

Representative Michael Burgess has been on the front lines arguing for a more commonsense approach to the funding formula for first responders. Hotly debated during committee hearings last year, Congressman Burgess had this to say about today’s bill:

“Today’s passage was a necessary step in the often bumpy road to improving America’s homeland security allocation system. In December of 2004, the Department of Homeland Security allocated $12 million to Dallas in December 2004, but sent nothing to Tarrant County and Fort Worth. Tarrant County, home to Lockheed Martin, a Joint Reserve Base, and just south of the Texas Motor Speedway is considered a major metropolitan area. Under this bill, DHS would be able to rectify this inequity for Tarrant County. I believe that this legislation is a good first step to assist our community.”

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Congressman Burgess Argues Against Increased Federal Funding of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

There are two overarching principles concerning the debate of embryonic stem cell research.

1. Taxpayer Money Should Not Promote Research That Destroys Life. While the President George W. Bush’s current policy does not ban, limit, or restrict stem cell research of any kind, it does not provide federal funding for stem cell research that would require the destruction of human embryos, and I believe that the policy works.

2. Other Stem Cell Research Holds Great Promise Without Ethical Concerns. Stem cell research involving blood from umbilical cords or adult bone marrow has already led to medical advances and offers enormous potential for many more. Such research never requires the destruction of human life. In addition, researchers are exploring ways to obtain the same kind of cells now derived from embryos without harming or taking life.

To view Congressman Burgess participate in the House floor debate on the issue please visit the following link:
/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=27902





Rep. Michael Burgess Hires New Outreach Coordinator Faith Ellis

Faith Ellis grew-up in Southeast Fort Worth and currently resides in Southeast Fort Worth in the Carver Heights neighborhood. She attended Hampton University where she studied Journalism. Faith grew-up in a home where her father served on the Fort Worth ISD Board and watched him become a part of both Fort Worth and Texas-State politics. She then helped him run his Fort Worth real estate office while raising the first two of her three children.

Eventually, she returned to the workforce in the late 90’s and worked as a paralegal until the death of her Mother in 2003. Taking the past year off to spend with her blossoming four year old son, she is expanding the community commitments she involved herself in outside the home to serve the Congressman through Outreach in a community in which she is well-versed.

She is married to Bill Ellis and has three children: Caleb Larkin (Sandra), Lauren Fojtik (Lance Cpl. Justin M. Fojtik) and Blaine as well as one adorable granddaughter, Nadia Larkin.


Look for the Sign - Burgess Adds a New District Office in Fort Worth
In an effort to serve my new communities in Fort Worth, I opened an additional district office located at the Resource Connection of Tarrant County campus at 1100 Circle Drive, Suite 200 in Fort Worth, Texas 76119. The office serves as the primary resource for constituent services for those citizens in the Tarrant County portion of my District.

I am available at my other district office in Lewisville located just off I-35 East at 1660 South Stemmons Freeway, Suite 230, in Lewisville, TX 75067.




Constituent Services
With the addition of a Fort Worth Office, the Office of Congressman Burgess is ready to assist you closer to home! Staffing two local offices fulltime, we are better able to accommodate your constituent needs. Please see the following list of how we can help or visit our website at www.house.gov/burgess for a comprehensive list and more details.


Help With A Federal Agency
Sometimes it can be difficult to navigate the maze of the federal government. My district offices in Lewisville and Fort Worth can help you obtain reliable information, order forms and intervene on your behalf with a federal agency.

Help with Federal Grants
I am happy to provide links to government resources for constituents seeking grants and funding, including information on grant writing and grants awarded to local governments.

Obtaining a Federal Document
In recent years, increasing numbers of federal documents have become available on the Internet either through the Government Printing Office, the various websites of federal agencies or the Library of Congress' Thomas website.

Presidential Greetings
The office of Congressman Michael C. Burgess would be happy to help you in securing a Presidential Greeting. Please read this section for more details.

Federal Government Links
View a comprehensive list of federal agencies and their websites.

Service Academy Nominations
If you are interested in becoming a leader, serving your country, and receiving a high-quality education, you may want to consider applying to one of our nation's service academies.

Congressional Internship
Internships can be a valuable way for students and recent college graduates to obtain first-hand knowledge of Congress.

White House and Capitol Tours
My staff is happy to assist constituents with obtaining tickets for tours of the United States Capitol and other Washington tourist attractions.

Touring Washington, DC
Browse the following links for more information about intriguing sites in Washington!

Flag Requests
U.S. Flags that have flown over the Capitol may be obtained through my Washington, DC office. Please visit the next page for the appropriate forms.



Calendar Highlights

Economic Development Summit
Friday, June 3, 2005
8:00am - 3:30pm
Holiday Inn, Fort Worth South
100 Alta Mesa East Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76134
http://www.publicforuminstitute.org/activities/2005/tx/index.htm


Living Will Town Hall
Saturday, June 11, 2005
11:00am – 12:30pm
North Hills Hospital
4401 Booth Calloway Road
North Richland Hills, 76180
“I know most people are uncomfortable thinking about a time when these decisions might be necessary for them or a loved one to make, and that is why I am bringing together legal and medical experts to provide you with information and answer your questions in a public forum.”


Richland Hills Town Hall
Saturday, June 18, 2005
10:00am – 11:00am
Richland Hills City Hall
City Council Chambers
3200 Diana Drive
Richland Hills, Texas 76118


Flower Mound Town Hall
Saturday, June 25, 2005
10:00am – 11:00am
Central Fire Station
3838 Forums Drive
Flower Mound, Texas 75028


Gainesville
Saturday, July 16, 2005
10:00am – 11:00am
Gainesville City Hall
City Council Chambers
200 South Rusk
Gainesville, Texas 76240


Callisburg/Oak Ridge/Lake Kiowa
Saturday, July 16, 2005
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Callisburg Community Club
McDaniel St. (adjacent to City Hall, 59 Campbell Street)
Callisburg, Texas 76240



About Town Hall Meetings
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.










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The e-newsletter is designed to keep you informed on legislative initiatives, news and constituent services from my Washington, Fort Worth and Lewisville offices. Each edition will be unique and tailored to include the timeliest issues. I believe you will find these highlights useful and informative. I encourage you to daily visit my congressional website at www.house.gov/burgess for up-to-the-minute-news.