NEWS

Burgess Unveils Byron Nelson Congressional Gold Medal Design

Photo: Congressman Michael Burgess and Peggy Nelson at the Byron Nelson Championship.

The following is the text of Congressman Michael C. Burgess' remarks from the Unveiling of the Byron Nelson Congressional Gold Medal Saturday, April 28, 2007:

"It is with sincere joy and great honor that I stand before you today, for the unveiling of the Byron Nelson Congressional Gold Medal design. While my public effort to award the fine gentleman from Texas with this distinct honor began a few years ago, my respect and admiration for Mr. Nelson extends back to my earliest memories.

"My mother, a wonderfully sweet woman, remarked that Byron Nelson was the kind of man we should aspire to be. Gracious, kind, intelligent, caring and above all, compassionate. He was a gentleman by definition but more importantly, by his actions.

"As we celebrate his life today at his namesake tournament, it is not without sadness that we miss his warm heart and cheerful smile.

"Modest in all respects, and honest to the core, I was honored to watch a golf tournament with him just about a year ago in his home, with Peggy, in Roanoke. He was sharp, witty and a consummate educator even though only Peggy and I could hear the tips and pointers he provided the players at the Master’s.

"Even while he was chiseling his way into being a golf legend, Byron Nelson remained an avid learner. He kept a notebook about his own golf skills and reviewed them carefully ensuring he learned from his mistakes. This small nugget of continuing to strive to be your best is something that he instilled in others – many of whom are here with us today.

"As he moved on from golf, he continued to expand his vibrant personality to his family, friends and fans. He championed many causes. He easily could have rested on his laurels, but instead he turned to a life of service.

"He loved the Lord, he love Peggy, and he cared about humanity. He strived to put his best foot forward without stepping on others. He strove to be the best man he could without ever being prideful. Perhaps my largest challenge in pushing the bill into law, was actually convincing Byron that he deserves this award – the highest civilian award which may be bestowed by the United States Congress.

"I am thankful that I knew Byron Nelson. I hope those of you here today had that same honor. And I believe that the Byron Nelson Congressional Gold Medal will stand as a testament through the ages of Byron generous spirit."

Bronze duplicates of the medal will be available to purchase via the U.S. Mint's website. The official ceremony and presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to Peggy Nelson will occur later in 2007 in Washington, DC.

Photo: Obverse and reverse images of Byron Nelson Congressional Gold Medal designed by Peggy Nelson.

Burgess Announces Winners of “An Artistic Discovery” Competition

Richland High Student’s Work to be Displayed in U.S. Capitol

Photo: Art pieces lined up for the 5^th Annual 26^th District Artistic Discovery Competition

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. honored all the participating student artists at a reception recently at the Center for the Visual Arts in Denton hosted by the art competition’s co-sponsor, The Greater Denton Arts Council. The juried competition was judged by Dr. Sara Wilson McKay and Mr. Keith Owens; both are assistant professors of art education at the University of North Texas School of Visual Arts.

The winner of the 5^th Annual 26^th Congressional District art competition, “An Artistic Discovery” is a freshman at Richland High School in North Richland Hills, Jennifer Mundhenk. Her her mixed media piece entitled “Aim for the Spotlight” will be hung in the U.S. Capitol. Jennifer is the daughter of Vickie and Brian Mundhenk and an art student of Victoria Peloubet.

Three Honorable Mention winners were also selected by the judges and announced at the Denton reception: Morgan Bentz and Kendra Arrington, both representing Richland High School in North Richland Hills and Susie Seo, representing Ryan High School in Denton. In addition, this year’s contest marked the inauguration of the “Congressional” and “Texas Choice” awards; Congressman Burgess and staff selected the entry of Kelly Palma, a student at Guyer High School in Denton, to be publicly displayed in Burgess’ Lewisville district office for one year. Reception attendees voted on their favorite for the “Texas Choice” award, which will hang for one year in Burgess’ Fort Worth district office. The artwork submitted by Terra Henderson of Lake Dallas High School was selected as the winner.

The art competition was open to public, private and home-schooled high school students attending schools in the 26^th District.

Burgess Comments on Supreme Court’s Decision to Uphold Partial Birth Abortion Ban

House Republican Policy Committee Vice Chairman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) issued the following statement after the United States Supreme Court decision to affirm the ban on “partial birth” abortion:

“With an overwhelming majority of Americans, across all socio-economic levels, agreed that partial birth abortion should be banned in the United States. I am grateful that the Supreme Court has upheld the law Congress passed.

“While I find it troubling that the vote was 5-4 on an issue that had such obvious support of the people, I still recognize that today is a day to celebrate.

“As a practicing ob-gyn for 25 years in North Texas before heading to Congress, I can say that this procedure was never necessary, and that a doctor’s ability to provide the very best care to his or her patients is not compromised by this decision.

“America’s voice was heard by Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court.”

Burgess Critical of Iraq Supplemental Bill

House Republican Policy Vice Chairman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) issued the following statement after House Democrats approved a supplemental conference report:

“Our troops deserve the best; and the Democrats provided the worst in the supplemental conference report. With the news full of inaccurate and biased stories from Iraq, I am not surprised by the Democrats’ push for a timetable to bring our troops back from Iraq.

“However, the facts speak for themselves. The two month surge in Iraq is making a difference, and I am appalled that votes this monumental in importance are being made based off of television reports.

“General Petraeus gave an honest assessment of the situation on the ground in Iraq. He admitted there have been significant challenges, especially with sectarian violence, but he nonetheless accounted for remarkable strides of progress. But, the vote on the floor to withdraw troops simply sweeps the truth under the carpet.

“I voted against the supplemental conference report. I believe it is a disgrace to place our soldiers in the field, ask them to do a job, and subsequently jeopardize their mission by giving the enemy a clear timeframe to simply sit around and wait until our departure. I can only hold out hope that the President stands by his decision and vetoes this legislation.”

FOLLOW-UP STORY:

Burgess Sees Strength in President’s Veto

The following statement may be attributed to Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) concerning President George W. Bush’s veto of the Iraq Supplemental legislation:

“The President’s veto of the Iraq Supplemental bill was the strongest statement he could send to our troops. Bush supports the troops and so do most of my Republican colleagues.

“Despite the Democrats efforts to curb our success in Iraq by placing arbitrary dates to remove troops, the President made it clear that forging a path to freedom and defeat of terrorism is through Iraq.

“I was also pleased that the President pointed out another egregious mistake by the Democrats. Lining the bill with pork projects in a feeble attempt garner votes, the Democrats have shown their lack of concern for the being good stewards of the American taxpayer.

“It is my hope that the leaders in both chambers understand what their duty is. Fund our troops. It is not only hypocritical but also simply wrong to send our soldiers to fight and then to remove their funding.”

The Diminished Capacity: Can the FDA Assure the Safety and Security of the Nation’s Food Supply?

Opening Committee Statement by Congressman Burgess

“America has the safest, least expensive, most abundant food supply of any country in the world. In the past, whenever I went to the market to buy food for my family, I never stopped and wondered “Is this food safe to eat, or is it going to make my loved ones ill?” The security of our food supply, in my mind, has never been in question. I still believe that out food supply is generally safe and secure, but the recent outbreaks of both E.Coli and Salmonella have caught the country’s attention, and quite frankly, mine.

“In addition to the human food safety issue, I am pleased that this committee is also investigating the recent pet food recalls. Like many of my constituents back home in Texas, I have been outraged by the contamination of pet food and the fact that thousands of beloved animals that have died. The fact that companies mixed a form of plastic with wheat gluten to manipulate the protein levels in the food is not only abhorrent, it’s criminal.

“Unfortunately, nothing in this world is ever 100 percent safe; however, I look forward to hearing what the companies view as their role and responsibility in this entire situation.”

Water Resources Bill Trickles through Congress

The U.S. House of Representatives today approved H.R. 1495, Water Resources Development Act of 2007, legislation that authorizes critical flood control and policy improvements that are vital to the nation’s economy and environment. This legislation, known as WRDA, authorizes approximately $14 billion for water resources studies and construction projects by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Army Corps’ civil works program is the nation’s largest water resources program. Congress has increased the Army Corps' responsibilities in the past twenty years to include ecosystem restoration, municipal water and wastewater infrastructure and disaster relief.

A key element was missing from WRDA’s final language. The bill failed to include the Texas Environmental Infrastructure Program (TEIP) which would have directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to align with state goals and objectives for planning, engineering design and construction of water supply, wastewater, water quality and environmental projects. Reauthorization was certainly needed, but exclusion of TEIP hampers state-federal partnerships

“While I am disappointed that the WRDA Reauthorization before us today does not include TEIP, I will continue to work with Senators Hutchison and Cornyn to include in the Senate version and any future conference report,” said Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26). The bill passed by both Houses of Congress must go through a conference committee before a final bill is voted upon to be sent to the President for his signature into law.

"The Texas Water Development Board appreciates the support of Congressman Burgess in highlighting Texas' priorities for the Water Resources Development Act,” said Texas Water Development Board Chairman E. G. Rod Pittman. “The Congressman and his staff continue to advocate for Texas water interests at the national level, helping the Board to ensure adequate, clean water for Texas. We look forward to continuing our work with Congressman Burgess to pass a WRDA bill that helps our great state.”

Photo: Congressman Burgess with some of our Nation's Leaders at Liberty Christian’s “America's Foundation Essay Program.” The essay competition focused on the U.S. Presidency. During the ceremony, Congressman Burgess read a letter from President George W. Bush to the students.

Burgess Recognizes Gainesville’s Medal of Honor Program

Introduction of H.RES.271, a bill written by Congressman Michael C. Burgess, recognizes the heroism and sacrifice of Medal of Honor recipients. Inspired by the work done by the City of Gainesville, Congressman Burgess included language that commends the efforts of the Medal of Honor Host City Program in Gainesville and specifically encourages the expansion of the program. The City of Gainesville recently hosted a Medal of Honor banquet.

“I hope my legislation will spur other Members of Congress to take Gainesville’s example and spread it across the nation,” said Congressman Burgess. “We should do more to give tribute to Medal of Honor winners. They are true Americans who have risked everything so we can have better lives.”

CONSTITUENT SERVICES

Say Good-bye to $0.39 Postage Stamps

Beginning May 14^th, the U.S. Postal Service will change the postage rates. This comprehensive universal rate change affects all classes of mail. For more information, and to make sure you have the correct postage, please visit the U.S. Postal Service.