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NEWS
REP. BURGESS HOSTS RE-ENLISTMENT CEREMONY FOR CONSTITUENT SERGEANT FIRST CLASS JAMES GREIG
Today, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) hosted Sergeant First Class James Greig and his family for an Oath of Reenlistment Ceremony held in the United States Capitol.
Sergeant First Class James Greig of Keller, Texas, joined the U.S. Army nine and a half years ago and completed training in Texas. Over the past decade, Sergeant Greig has been stationed in Germany; Bosnia; Kosovo; Monterey, California and currently is stationed in Fort Meade, Maryland.
Rep. Burgess witnesses the presentation of
the certificate of oath for Sergeant First Class
James Greig.
STATEMENT ON ISRAEL-LEBANON
Under the leadership of Hezbollah, an Islamic military political party whose platform has consistently called for the destruction of Israel, Lebanon has been become an arena for its two extremist neighbors Syria and Iran to incite a war. The kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers was the tipping point.
Remember it is Hezbollah, not Israel, who has declared all out war. Israel has the right to defend itself by all means necessary.
As a global power, the United States is right to voice its condemnation of these aggressive acts of Hezbollah and to champion the cause of Israel. America has an obligation to defend itself and its allies.
While this battle ensues, the Administration and both Houses of Congress will work together first, to evacuate our citizens to a place of safety and second, to seek an end to this mantra of destruction and hatred that continues to act as a catalyst to war in the Middle East.
For more updates, please continue to visit my website.
STATEMENT ON MARRIAGE PROTECTION ACT
I was a cosponsor of H.J.Res.88, The Marriage Protection Amendment, and I voted in favor of the legislation. I believe that the institution of marriage is a legal and moral bond between a man and a woman, and I will oppose any efforts on the federal level to legally recognize same-sex marriages during my tenure as a United States Congressman. Texas, along with 22 other States, already has a Constitutional Amendment that prohibits same-sex marriage.
WHITE HOUSE PRESS CONFERENCE STEM CELL RESEARCH
"President Bush’s policy only limits funding for embryonic stem cell research. This is nascent research, and the President is right to enforce policy boundaries that are responsible and ethical. The facts are clear – to date, embryonic stem cell research has brought no bona fide medical treatments.
Unfortunately, misleading promises by the proponents of embryonic stem cell research have not been substantiated by any concrete evidence of an achievable therapeutic intervention today or in the foreseeable future.
In contrast, I know there is evidence that cord blood or adult stem cells can bring significant advances in working towards a cure for many diseases. These two stem cells do not endanger a life and therefore their research should be supported.
Yes, we should support ground breaking technology, but not at the risk of sacrificing innocent life. I believe human life begins at conception, and that is exactly where embryonic stem cell research takes its place."
REFORMING THE WRIGHT AMENDMENT - Testimony before Congressional Committee
While I would have preferred for the Wright Amendment to stay intact, I have always believed that the fate of the Wright Amendment should be decided locally between the cities since they are the entities that actually own DFW Airport. If the Wright Amendment is to be modified, it should first come from the local level and not from Washington. Just a few short months ago, the North Texas Delegation charged Mayor Moncrief and Mayor Miller with this difficult task. Considering the history between the two cities, some felt it was an impossible task. However, Mayor Moncrief and Mayor Miller rose to the challenge, and we now have before us a local agreement signed by all major stakeholders. It is now our opportunity to rise to the challenge and, if possible, pass legislation which reflects this agreement. If it is impossible to enact legislation that reflects this agreement, then the Wright Amendment should stay firmly intact.
Click here to watch the video of his remarks during the bi-cameral Wrigth Amendment press conference.
Journal of CODEL Deal: Iraq & Afghanistan
As part of his ongoing committment to our Armed Forces, Congressman Michael Burgess took on a mission to visit the troops stationed in the Middle East. During his mission, he reviewed the health care provided to our troops in the field. In addition, he met with members of the World Health Organization to discuss the global threat of avian flu. The following are the journal notes from this mission.
Rep. Burgess discusses health care and defending our
country with residents Ward Blacklock (of Irving)
and Tammy Abundiz (of Flower Mound).
07/3-4/06 Ramstein Air Force Base Major General Bob Dulaney
07/03/06 World Health Organization
07/05/06 10th Combat Surgical Hospital
07/6-7/06 General Peter Chiarelli
07/07/06 General Casey Briefling
REP. BURGESS GOES ON MISSION TO GUANTANAMO
Statement on Supreme Court’s Rejection of Guantanamo Military Tribunals:
“I am saddened by the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling which rejects the Guantanamo military tribunals. An essential component of the War on Terror includes detaining those who wish to do us harm, and our soldiers have, sometimes at the cost of their own lives, worked to contain these individuals. I can only imagine the frustration of our soldiers overseas upon hearing this decision."
 Congressman Burgess at CAMP V at Guantanamo
Bay reviewing the detainee facilities.
Rep. Burgess Introduces Legislation H.R. 5866 to Increase Medicare Patient Access
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26), a member of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, introduced legislation that would improve Medicare patient access and establish a market-based system for paying doctors.
Over the past two decades, doctors have received inadequate inflation adjustments, pay cuts and freezes. This trend has led to a crisis situation in health care circles where doctors and patients alike are faced with a dilemma. Patients are finding that few doctors can afford to take Medicare patients, leaving more of those who need help in search of assistance. For doctors, they are facing staggering Medicare costs without equitable reimbursement. In effect, physicians and patients are unable to end the cycle due to the structure of the current government reimbursement program.
“The primary focus of my bill is to ensure that Medicare patients have better access to the health care they so desperately need,” said Congressman Michael Burgess.
CONSTITUENT SERVICES
Burgess Welcomes Nominations for Congressional Veterans Commendation
U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. proudly announces a special salute to honor local veterans and welcomes nominations from the community for the Congressional Veteran Commendation. The Congressional Veteran Commendation, in conjunction with the Veterans History Project sponsored by the Library of Congress, has been created to honor the distinguished veterans of Texas’ 26th Congressional District and to preserve their stories for future generations of Americans.
To nominate a veteran for the Congressional Veteran Commendation, please visit Rep. Burgess’ website to get more information and to obtain a nomination form. The completed nomination form, along with any additional information pertaining to the veteran's service, should be returned to my Lewisville office. The deadline for submitting nominations is September 15, 2006. Veterans who are nominated must be residents of the 26th District of Texas and have served our nation with honor consistent with the finest traditions of military service. For more information, please contact my District Administrator, Robin Vaughan, at (972) 434-9700 or robin.vaughan@mail.house.gov.
District Office Internships Available
Outstanding students who are enrolled in local colleges or universities who are interested in serving a fall or spring internship in my Lewisville or Fort Worth District offices should contact Robin Vaughan in my Lewisville office at (972) 434-9700 or robin.vaughan@mail.house.gov for more information or to request an intern application. Although this internship is unpaid; it may be possible to arrange academic credit from your educational institution for an internship
Congressional Youth Advisory Council
Congressman Burgess announces the start of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council, which is open to junior and senior public, private, home schooled students who reside in the 26th District. The council’s goal will be to educate students on various legislative issues with Congressman Burgess while allowing its members to share their views on those issues. The Council will meet three times each school year. Contact Robin Vaughan in the Lewisville district office at (972) 434-9700 or robin.vaughan@mail.house.gov for more information by Monday, August 21st.
CONTACT the CONGRESSMAN
"Write Your Rep" - - you can write Congressman Burgess
To email Congressman Burgess, please click on the above link and follow the simple directions outlined on the website. This process ensures that we receive emails from 26th Congressional District of Texas residents only.
WASHINGTON, DC
1721 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-7772 |
LEWISVILLE DISTRICT
1660 South Stemmons Freeway
Suite 230
Lewisville, TX 75067
Phone: (972) 434-9700 |
FT. WORTH DISTRICT
1100 Circle Drive
Suite 200
Fort Worth, TX 76119
Phone: (817) 531-8454 |
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Meet with Congressman Burgess' staff for
"Cooke County Community Office Hours"
Congressman Burgess holds “Community Office Hours” in Cooke County twice each month; on the second and fourth Mondays. On the second Monday of each month, his staff will be at Gainesville City Hall; on the fourth Monday of each month, staff will be in Oak Ridge, Lake Kiowa or Callisburg. Representatives of Burgess’ office are available to take opinions on various issues and assist individuals with claims through federal agencies. Please contact Robin Vaughan in the Lewisville District Office at (972) 434-9700 for more information.
The “Office Hour” dates and locations are below:
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Monday, August 14, 2006
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Gainesville City Hall
Conference Room
200 South Rusk
Gainesville, TX 76240 |
Monday, August 28, 2006
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Lake Kiowa Lodge
Dining Room
905 Kiowa Drive West
Lake Kiowa TX 76240
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REP. BURGESS HOSTS NEW TELE-TOWN HALL FORMAT
“It is a fireside chat for the 21st Century,” said Congressman Burgess. “The process provides direct interaction between me and my constituents. I hear straight from them about the issues that are most important to them.”
Monday’s call was the second Tele-Town Hall hosted by Congressman Michael Burgess. The July 24th call reached out to a wide range of towns in Denton County. Constituents from Aubrey, Denton, Highland Village, Ponder, Copper Canyon, Flower Mound and many other towns had the opportunity to ask Congressman Burgess a question. Over 20,000 constituents received a message from the Congressman with over 7,000 people participating during the call. | |
