Monthly Burgess Bulletin

The September Burgess Bulletin

THE SEPTEMBER BURGESS BULLETIN

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NEWS

Statement by Rep. Michael C. Burgess on North Texans Generosity to
Hurricane Katrina Evacuees

“I have always believed that the people of North Texas are kind and giving to all. During natural disasters and difficult times in the past, citizens of North Texas have always dedicated their time and resources to helping one another.

“The stories of care and kindheartedness were not unique during the Hurricane Katrina, but I am particularly honored to represent North Texas and all her volunteer heroes.

“I admit that there have been significant obstacles in the government’s efforts to rebuild. Congress has appropriated a considerable amount of funds to this purpose, but we must do more. The federal funding not withstanding, it is imperative that we step-up our congressional oversight responsibility to insure that these funds are utilized effectively and wisely for both the American taxpayers and the citizens of the Gulf Coast.

“For my work, I have committed to working through the roadblocks, problems and bureaucratic red-tape that hindered and unduly prolonged the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. I have supported legislation aimed at streamlining emergency response efforts at the federal level as well as bills to bring monetary relief and support to those who lost everything.

“Although we are not able to control natural disasters, we are able to control our response to them. We are a resolute country, and I know that we must constantly strive to mitigate the pain and suffering from disasters. We have learned from Katrina, but we must continue to improve our efforts and adapt accordingly. Everyone one of us has a responsibility to look after ourselves and a duty to help our fellow man. On this one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, I am proud to say that North Texans showed their true grit, determination and generosity. Thank you again.”



Rep. Michael Burgess meets with disaster
medical assistence teams (DMATs) in
New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Statement on Bush’s Push for Health Care Transparency



The following statement may be attributed to Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) concerning President George W. Bush’s signing an executive order committing the federal government to making health care pricing more transparent:

“President Bush receives my praise for committing the federal government to promoting health care transparency. The President's executive order applied to the federal government closely mirrors the principles I am addressing at the state level through the bill I intend to introduce this fall.

“A lack of transparency has created a system where customers do not have the ability to hold providers and payers accountable. We have reached a point where all providers have difficulty being cost conscious because nobody really knows what anything costs anymore. Congress must play a role in leveling the playing field in favor of the health care consumer.

“My health care transparency legislation will require the laws of the states to disclose information on hospital charges, to provide access that information, and to provide a statement of the estimated out-of-pocket costs of an individual for anticipated future health care services.

“Additionally, the bill will call upon the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to conduct research on the types of cost information that individuals find useful in making decisions regarding health care. The study should unveil how useful this information is and how it varies according to an individual’s health insurance coverage. Ideally, the study will also show ways that information may be distributed in a timely and simple manner. I envision this bill paving the way for a future where the true cost of health care is evident to all.

“The American health care system needs a healthy dose of transparency so that consumers can truly be knowledgeable and responsible for making their own health care decisions.”


White House Executive Order


White House Executive Order Fact Sheet



Rep. Burgess Hosts 2nd Annual East and Southeast Fort Worth
Economic Development Summit


Rep. Burgess speaks with Roy Priest during
the East and Southeast Forth Worth Economic
Development Summit.

"There is an incredible local drive for economic development in East and Southeast Fort Worth,” said Congressman Michael Burgess. “It is my job, as their representative in Congress, to provide the tools necessary to end the cycle of neglect; it is the communities’ responsibility to utilize those tools – it is a joint effort.

"We have made progress from last year’s summit, but I want to see more and expect to see more in the near future as we band together to revitalize the area.”

For the full report from the conference, please visit the Public Forum Institute.




U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess on Thwarted Terrorist Plot

"Cooperation among the international intelligence community was critical in thwarting this terror plot. Locally, DFW Airport, American Airlines and my office began communicating early this morning about flight operation status and the impact on North Texans traveling.

"I realize that some individuals may experience longer lines at the airports, but I believe, as we are nearly one month away from the 5th Anniversary of 9/11, that a little accommodation and patience on our part is well worth the security we are provided. The minor frustration over new security measures may inconvenience individuals, but to the best of their abilities the Transportation Security Administration is working to balance security and comfort for all passengers.

"Intelligence work is a tedious investment of time and energy, but its dividends catch terrorists and keep us all safe."



Rep. Burgess discusses critical security issues with local media at DFW International Airport.


CONSTITUENT SERVICES


DEADLINE for Congressional Veteran Commendation Nomination September 15th

U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. is sponsoring a special salute to honor local veterans and welcomes nominations from the community for the 2006 Congressional Veteran Commendation (CVC). The CVC, 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.



Academy Day
Congressman Michael Burgess will co-host an Academy Day with fellow Congressman Mac Thornberry on Saturday, September 9th at the State Theater in Gainesville. Representatives from each of the five service academies will be present to meet with students.

Saturday, September 9, 2006
8:30 - 11:00 AM
State Theater
200 E. California Street
Gainesville, TX 76240

Academy Day provides interested students and parents an opportunity to learn more about our nation's service academies, requirements for admission and the nomination process. The event is free and open to the public. High school students preparing for college within the next couple of years and considering the service academy option should attend. Middle school students interested in the service academies are also encouraged to attend.




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

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:


Monday, September 11, 2006
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Gainesville City Hall
Conference Room
200 South Rusk
Gainesville, TX 76240



Monday, September 25, 2006
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Callisburg Community Club
McDaniel Street
(adjacent to City Hall)
59 Campbell Street
Callisburg, TX 76240