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A Note from the Congressman…

Two-thousand six came to a close with two historical moments, the death of former President Gerald Ford and the execution of former Iraq dictator Saddam Hussein. The loss of each could not be more different.

The fair trial, concrete conviction and execution of Saddam Hussein closed another chapter in the effort to bring freedom from despotic leaders. Although Hussein had been behind bars for several years, many who had lived in agony under his torment for decades were still feared his resurgence. His execution has lifted their burden, and for some who lost their family members to his rule, perhaps a feeling of justice.

The loss of President Gerald Ford brought our country to a standstill on January 2, 2007 as we mourned together the loss of a great man. Taking the reigns of an office he never sought, during a time of great trials in America, President Ford was gallant. His forgiving nature and humble character placed America’s needs above his own ambitions. I was honored to attend his funeral as a representative of the people of the 26^th District of Texas.

Now, as we begin the 110^th Congress, I am moving swiftly to introduce sensible legislation that will have a positive impact for middle-class America. I continue to focus on providing affordable health care, better transportation, fundamental tax reform, and energy independence issues. These core topics are at the roots of our daily lives and affect every one of us. As the months move forward, I will keep you updated on these bills and recent news stories from Washington and the 26^th District.

Sincerely,

Michael C. Burgess

Member of Congress

Burgess Receives Special Recognition for Legislative Achievements from Children’s Medical Center of Dallas

Rep. Michael Burgess, M.D. receives award from
President and CEO Christopher J. Durovich of Children's Medical Center of Dallas

On Tuesday, December 12, 2006, U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX 26) was honored at a luncheon hosted by the Children's Medical Center of Dallas at their Annual Recognition for Lawmakers.

Children's Legislative Initiatives Nurturing Children (LINC) identifies and recognizes North Texas officeholders who provide leadership on issues that impact children. This event is a Joint Board Meeting held once a year. Past recipients of this award have been U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, U.S. Representatives Ralph Hall, Eddie Bernice Johnson, and Texas Senator Jane Nelson.

The following is a copy of Congressman Burgess thank you remarks from the luncheon:

“Thank you for this great honor. You know, the Children's Medical Center of Dallas has always been near and dear to my heart. Even though you are not located in my Congressional District, your excellent, and might I add, well-deserved reputation brings honor to all North Texans and admiration from across the globe.

“As a physician, I am all the more mindful of the talent and responsibility that often befalls Children’s Medical Center. At a science hearing in December of 2003, I remember heralding the news of how Children’s Medical Center of Dallas was the perfect example of where the intersection of mechanical engineering, bioengineering, pharmacology, medicine and surgery quietly and completely joined together to give two young children a chance at a much brighter future. Of course, I am referring to Ahmed and Mohamed Ibrahim the two formerly conjoined twins that underwent a remarkable separation procedure. Without you, that miracle would not have been possible.

“Your work is remarkable. From the doctors, the nurses, the technicians, to theoretical and practical professionals who developed the specialized operating room table, you all represent the best of medicine. Your work, quite simply, makes me proud and makes my job easier.

“In October of this year, President Bush signed into law H.R. 5574, the Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education Reauthorization Act. The legislation continues a vital children’s health program that ensures the training of pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists in the nation’s children’s teaching hospitals and authorizes $330 million through 2011 for this important program.

“I sit on the Energy and Commerce Committee where the bill originated under our Health Subcommittee Chairman Nathan Deal. I can confidently say it was one of the easiest votes I have ever cast. There are few other entities so deserving.

“You make sure the “Apples of Our Eyes” are given the best care possible. With grace and dignity you help the smallest and purest of us all. So to receive this honor today means a great deal to me as a Member of Congress, as a physician, but most importantly, as a father. Thank you.”

Burgess Supports Drought Bill Heading for Bush’s Signature

Representative Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) was a cosponsor of H.R. 5136, National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006 (NIDIS). This bill was introduced by fellow North Texan Representative Ralph Hall on April 6, 2006. H.R. 5136 passed the House of Representatives on September 26, 2006 and passed the Senate yesterday, on December 6, 2006. It now goes to President Bush’s desk for his signature.

Every year droughts cause between $6 and $8 billion in estimated losses to the national economy. According to several Texas economists, losses in the early 2006 droughts cost an estimated $1.5 billion in Texas alone. At that time, Governor Rick Perry declared drought disasters in 254 counties.

“In early 2006, Texas suffered the worst season of drought since the massive droughts of the 1950s – almost since the dust bowl,” said Congressman Michael Burgess. “During this crisis, it became apparent that dealing with drought situations as an emergency, reactionary response was inefficient. The NIDIS will change how we operate for the better.”

The NIDIS bill establishes a national integrated drought information system and designates the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as the lead agency. NOAA would be responsible for creating a drought early warning system and improved communication efforts with the public. This will be a comprehensive system helping national, state and local entities better predict, monitor and mitigate the problem.

NIDIS is part of the President's budget, and this bill formally authorizes the program. The legislation is supported by the Texas Farm Bureau and the Western Governor's Association.

Statement by Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26) on the recommendations of the Iraq Study Group:

“Our presence in Iraq is a critical component of the War on Terror. Today’s recommendations by the Iraq Study Group are aimed at returning the United States to its place as the watchdog of democracy and freedom for people all over the world.

“The most critical component of the recommendations focuses on the need for the Iraq government to step-up its responsibility of serving, protecting and providing for their countrymen. I could not agree more with this point; it is not an open ended commitment.

“We continue to train and encourage the Iraq Security Forces so that they will sooner, rather than later, be able to take the reigns of control completely. This is a recognized goal, and we are taking the actions to make it a reality. As soon as we can confidently depart Iraq, knowing it can defend itself, we will.

“However, we must remember this is not simply a matter of Iraq taking care of itself. It remains an important player in Middle East politics. A tentative balance of power in the Middle East continues, but should it falter, there would be a consider threat to the peace of the entire region which will inevitably spread across the globe. The negative ramifications of this failure could be felt for generations to come.

“It should come as no surprise that a powerful and vindictive Iran is waiting in the wings. As Iran gains nuclear power, its prominence and sway over the region will present an unprecedented threat to peace everywhere. Iraq must stand as the beacon of democracy and be able to balance the power of her surrounding neighbors who are openly hostile to any form of freedom.

“I plan to return to Iraq soon and review the progress of the Iraq Security Forces. They are being trained by the best in the world - our United States Armed Forces. I know that our soldiers have done all we have asked of them.

“But I also go to Iraq to meet face-to-face with new leaders I the Iraq government so I can share my political and governing experience in a complex and partisan government.

“I hope that all Members of Congress, in both Houses and on both sides of the aisle, will remember our overarching goal – to defend our homeland and to seek freedom for all. I will carefully and diligently review and support the best of the recommendations.”

Burgess Supports Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006

In the early morning hours of Saturday, December 9^th, Representative Michael Burgess (R-TX 26) voted in favor of the passage of H.R. 6111, the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, at the busy end of the 109^th Congress.

As part of the usual last minute flurry of activity before Congress adjourned for the year, the U.S. House and Senate passed the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (H.R. 6111). Approved in the House by a bipartisan vote of 367 – 45, H.R. 6111 accomplished three major goals:

1. Extensions of critical tax relief for working families and small businesses,

2. Reforms and improvements to our health care system, and

3. Provisions encouraging new energy exploration.

Tax Deductions

H.R. 6111 extends tax deductions for up to $4,000 in higher education expenses and deductions for up to $250 in teachers' out-of-pocket classroom expenses. It extends state and local sales tax deductions and includes important tax credits for small businesses seeking to employ welfare recipients. It also includes critical tax relief for research and development.

Health Care

H.R. 6111 expands and improves upon Health Savings Accounts, a critical tool that is revolutionizing the way Americans pay for health care. HSAs are tax-free which makes contributions to them tax-deductible, interest earned within each account is tax-free, and withdrawals are not taxed if they are used to pay for qualified medical expenses. HSAs can be used for medical expenses not covered by your insurance policy, including: insurance premiums, prescription drug costs, long-term care insurance, Medicare expenses, and even dental and orthodontic care. H.R. 6111 increases contribution limits and allows for roll-overs from IRAs into HSAs.

Gas Prices

H.R. 6111 encourages American companies to develop oil and gas from deep ocean reserves off the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). This is another good step in the effort to lower energy costs and reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. The OCS defined area (set aside in H.R. 6111) contains 1.26 billion barrels of oil and 5.8 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The natural gas supply alone would be enough to heat and cool nearly 6 million homes for 15 years.

This overarching bill keeps taxes down, improves access and the affordability of health care coverage and places America firmly on the road toward energy independence.