Burgess Remarks on the President's State of the Union Address

U.S. Representative Michael Burgess (TX-26) attended President George W. Bush's State of the Union address, for the 4th time. After the address Burgess made the following comments:

"As I sit and contemplate what I believe to be the critical issues facing our country, affordable health care, energy independence and security for our nation in general, it is good to know that the President and I are on the same page.

"Tonight, President Bush reminded the country that he has the vision and tenacity to continue his work in improving America for Americans. He has not wavered on his commitment to enhancing the nation's health care system, striving for energy independence, securing our borders and defending our country.

"As a doctor, I support President Bush's aggressive consumer-driven health care initiatives. In order for consumer-driven health care to succeed, we must strive for great transparency in health care costs. Expanding the use of tax-free Health Savings Accounts and implementing a sound health information technology system are two examples of how we can all work to bring down the costs of health care.

"Hailing from North Texas, the home of the natural gas rich Barnett Shale, it was heartening to hear the President discuss the importance of energy issues in this country. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita went a long way to show just how critical this issue is to all Americans. Conservation and alternative resources are integral parts in striving for energy independence. We can reach this goal; we must all do our part.

"Tonight, President Bush gave us all a vision. Although we are a country at war, we are a country that is strong, and piloted by a courageous and proven leader, and I look forward to working on his initiatives as well as my own in 2006."

For a complete copy of the Congressman's remarks, please click on the title of this statement. For more comments by Congressman Burgess on the State of the Union, listen to the following clips from The Mark Davis Show and the Ankarlo Mornings.

Statement on the Passing of Coretta Scott King

"I am deeply saddened by the death of Coretta Scott King. Mrs. King stood by the side of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., through the tumultuous struggle for civil rights. Her strength, integrity and compassion extended the reach of the cause.

Even after the tragic loss of Dr. King, she preserved picking up the mantel and continued the push for creating a true equality for all mankind. She was an amazing lady, and she will be mourned by the nation."

Statement on the Confirmation of Judge Samuel Alito

"Justice Alito will serve his post faithfully abiding by the U.S. Constitution that I myself have sworn an oath to uphold. He brings a wealth of experience and a genuine compassion for the laws of the United States and inalienable rights.

As we embark on year full of contentious Supreme Court cases, I am confident that his intelligence and wisdom will prove he was the correct choice for all Americans."

Congressman Burgess Reviews Border Security on the Texas Border

"Border security has to take front and center stage." ~Rep. Michel C. Burgess

Congressman Michael Burgess, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and other members of the Texas congressional delegation participated in a fact-finding mission of security measures on the U.S.-Mexico border in Laredo, Texas. The tour was an opportunity to see firsthand how recently passed border security legislation will help in preventing illegal immigration, holding lawbreakers accountable, and protecting American citizens.

Texas Reps. Tom DeLay, Michael Burgess, Henry Cuellar, and Secretary Michael Chertoff host a press conference on Border Security.

CONSTITUENT SERVICES

Fire Grant Update

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will soon initiate its 2006 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) process. DHS staff will host a number of workshops to facilitate the submission of AFG grants (District 26 attendees should utilize Region 6 information): http://www.firegrantsupport.com/Workshop/display/workshops.aspx.

To assist in the effort of firefighting and emergency response, the AFG grant funds can be utilized for such activities as: firefighting equipment purchases, personal protection equipment, training, firefighting vehicles, and firefighter/first responder safety projects. It is anticipated that the open application period will begin March 6 and continue through April 7, 2006.

For more assistance in the request for grant funding, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Bostic , Grants Coordinator, in my Lewisville District Office at (972) 434-9700.

Congressman Burgess Announces Class of 2010 Service Academy Nominees

U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess is pleased to announce that thirty young men and women from the 26th District of Texas have been selected as his Class of 2010 nominees to the United States Service Academies: the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY and the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, CO. If appointed, the nominees will enter this summer.

"I am very impressed by the high caliber of candidates that applied to my office; the selection process was very competitive," said Burgess. "I know that each of them will perform admirably and serve honorably as officers in our country's military services."

Nathan Brazzel of Denton attends the USAF Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, CO and has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Timothy Clark of Highland Village attends the Military Academy Preparatory School in Monmouth, NJ and has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy.

Matt Cook attends Denton High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.

Jonathan Curley of Fort Worth attends Justin F. Kimball High School in Dallas and has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy.

Sean Davis attends Flower Mound High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Military, U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. Air Force Academies.

Howard Eliason attends Keller High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.

Justin Fisk of North Richland Hills attends Birdville High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Military, U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. Air Force Academies.

Baker Flagg of Frisco attends Trinity Christian School in Addison and has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy.

Ernesto Garcia of North Richland Hills attends Birdville High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Military, U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. Air Force Academies.

Jonathan Herb attends Keller High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.

Frank Hlatky attends Lewisville High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Steve Hodges attends Denton High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Jacob Jones of Justin attends Texas State University in San Marcos, TX and has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Joshua Jordan attends Lewisville High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.

Jennifer Kapr of Trophy Club attends Northwest High School in Justin and has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Joshua Knight of North Richland Hills is a home schooled student and has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy.

Kimberly Madorran attends Flower Mound High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Jeff Martz attends Argyle High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.

Cody Matsler attends Gainesville High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.

Caleb McKinnon of Argyle attends Coram Deo Academy in Highland Village and has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.

Jackson Mershon of Keller attends the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM and has been nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Britny Miller of Highland Village attends Marcus High School in Flower Mound and has been nominated to the U.S. Military, U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. Air Force Academies.

Brack Nall attends Lewisville High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Christopher Olander attends Lewisville High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy.

Meredith Sakovitch of North Richland Hills attends Richland High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Military, U.S. Naval and U.S. Air Force Academies.

Robert Sparks of Hurst attends Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth and has been nominated to the U.S. Military, U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. Air Force Academies.

Hugo Spinoza of Hurst attends L.D. Bell High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Daniel Stovall of Whitesboro attends Callisburg High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Eric Stromme attends Frisco High School and has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy.

Zachary Taylor of Roanoke attends the U.S. Air Force Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, CO and has been nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Burgess Visits Saintsville Preparatory Academy in Fort Worth

Congressman Michael Burgess visited Saintsville Preparatory Academy to tour the school and read to students. The school follows Marva Collins Method of teaching which builds self-esteem through learning. Congressman Burgess read House Mouse, Senate Mouse by Peter W. Barnes and Cheryl Shaw Barnes to a happy group of Saintsville kindergartners. He watched fourth graders work algebra problems like wizards! Headmistress' Tiffany Pace-Whitaker's first grade class asked the Congressman questions about his work in Washington, DC.

Rep. Burgess reads to the students of Saintsville Preparatory Academy during a visit to discuss education issues.

Medicare Rx Drugs: Seniors Started Saving January 1, 2006

The Four Ws of the New Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit

WHO should sign up?

· Everyone enrolled in Medicare can join a drug plan to get this coverage.

· Even if a senior doesn't use a lot of prescription drugs now, he/she should still consider joining a Medicare drug plan. As we age, most people need prescription drugs to stay healthy and the drug benefit provides insurance against future high drug costs.

WHAT benefits can I expect from signing up?

· For the first time since it was established in 1965, Medicare will offer outpatient prescription drug coverage to America's seniors.

· It's voluntary. Seniors already enjoying employer-sponsored benefits can keep that coverage.

· Consumers can choose from at least 10 national plans and additional regional or state plans, depending on where they live, that cover brand name and generic drugs.

· Introducing competition to the Medicare program has had the intended effect - it is driving down prices; there are some plans that have zero premiums, some that have zero deductibles, etc.

· Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) estimates that the prescription drug benefit, on average, will cover about half of a person's drug costs next year.

· Those with low incomes will save even more. About one-third of all people with Medicare will qualify for extra help that will cover between 85 percent and almost 100 percent of prescription drug costs. You may qualify for additional assistance if your resources are less than $11,500 if you are single or $23,000 if you are married and living with your spouse.

· If needed, seniors can revisit their options and change their Medicare plan every year.

WHERE do I get information about signing up?

· Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and talk to a Medicare representative, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

· The Medicare & You handbook and other helpful information can be found at: www.medicare.gov.

· Contact your Member of Congress for sign-up information, or visit the Ways and Means Committee website for helpful phone numbers: http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/healthdocs/shipcontact.pdf

· Look for information about the drug benefit in your local newspaper, at your local pharmacy or area senior centers.

WHEN

· The benefits started January 1, 2006.

· Sign up for a stand-alone prescription drug plan by May 15, 2006 to avoid incurring a small penalty.

Additional Information: The State of Texas is providing contingency prescription drug coverage for Medicare beneficiaries that are eligible for Medicaid while plans work out technical glitches. Prescription drug plans are working through problems with plan enrollees. It is advised if you have problems, please contact your plan help line or work with the pharmacy to help resolve the problem and ensure you receive some medication if it cannot be resolved immediately.