U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. 26th District of Texas

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National Security

When we talk about "National Security", there are several topics that must be addressed. First and foremost, our Armed Services and Defense Department must have all necessary resources in order to protect our country from terrorism and threats to our freedom. This War on Terror is fought on many levels, both civil and militarily.

Our Department of Homeland Security must also be able to respond to any type of disaster - whether it be man-made or natural - and it is Congress' job to make sure they do. Bioterrorism is also an issue that we must not lose sight of. We do not know how or when the terrorists plan to attack our freedom and liberty next, but it is imperative that we be prepared on all levels.

Armed Services, Defense and War on Terror
On September 11th, the lives of over three thousand innocent people were taken in senseless acts of terror. Since then, thousands of brave men and women of our military have gone to the far corners of the world to defend the very freedoms that were attacked that day. Many troops stationed abroad include brave soldiers from the 26th District. These troops, along with the other units that have been activated in Texas, are making our state proud as they serve our nation in the War on Terror.

This war is fought on many levels, both civil and militarily. As U.S. engagement with the enemy evolves over time, it is important that Congressional and judicial oversight remains active to guarantee that U.S. personnel are acting within U.S. law and pursuant to standing treaty obligations. Recently, the U.S. Congress enacted the Military Commissions Act of 2006, S. 3930. This new law creates a full and fair judicial system to ensure terrorists captured during the Global War on Terrorism are brought to justice.

The congressionally-authorized military commissions system established in this legislation fully conforms to Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, as well as all applicable U.S. laws and international treaty obligations. This legislation establishing this new law is narrowly tailored to apply only to foreign-national enemy combatants engaged against the U.S. or its citizens. This law does not authorize torture and makes clear that cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment as defined by the Detainee Treatment Act of 2005, fully satisfies the United State’s obligations with respect to Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions. Additional clarification is provided for what is considered a war crime in U.S. law by codifying the offenses and crimes triable for serious violations of Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions. In essence, this new law creates a legal framework to protect the basic rights of terrorists and protects U.S. military or intelligence personnel by creating bright-lines of acceptable strategies that can be used to obtain intelligence from terrorists.

In 2006, I traveled to Guantanamo Bay to see the detainee camps for myself and to review the conditions of the detainees there. I was impressed by the professionalism of camp personnel and the capabilities of the Joint Task Force leadership. Guantanamo houses some extremely dangerous individuals, some of whom would threaten U.S. national security and the security of key allies in the War on Terror. I believe that the detainees are treated well and every effort is made to ensure that their cultural and religious needs are met. I saw nothing there that could currently be classified as harsh, and evidence was quite to the contrary.

The Joint Task Force at Guantanamo Bay is a strategic intelligence gathering platform where ongoing interviews with detainees assist our global operations against terrorist organizations. Important intelligence is gathered from the detainees there, and has led to key revelations that have resulted in successful coalition operations in the field against a committed and hardened enemy.

As this war continues, I believe it is important that we do not lose our resolve against an extremely capable and committed enemy. The people that wish to do us harm, as we saw with the embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania, the bombing of Khobar Towers and the U.S.S. Cole, 9/11, the Bali Bombing, or the Madrid and London bombings, show little if any regard for the legal, cultural, and moral structures that we rely on to maintain a society based upon the rule of law and respect for individual rights. Their goal is to kill as many Americans, or Westerners, or anyone that stands between them and the realization of their dark vision of a society based upon rule by religious fiat and a view of human rights that would be more at home in the 5th century than the 21st. I believe that we will prevail over this threat just as we have against dark threats of the past because the American vision of hope is superior to our enemies’ reliance on despair. This is a fight that we cannot win without sacrifice, but we will achieve victory.

War in Iraq
Is it in America’s best interest to ensure success in Iraq? I believe that that answer is “yes.” Can we realistically achieve this objective? The answer is likewise affirmative.

In September 2002, Congress approved a resolution providing the President with the authorization to use force against Iraq to ensure its compliance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and to safeguard our national security. In September 2007 General David Patraeus, Commander MNF Iraq, and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker presented a set of strategic and tactical recommendations to Congress. Before I discuss those recommendations, I would like to discuss why I believe it is important for America to achieve our national security goals in Iraq.

The War in Iraq is an important part of our Global War on Terrorism. A stable Iraq will provide a key ally in an extremely volatile part of the world, and defeating AQI and other extremist groups will have reverberations to other parts of this war. Having visited Iraq seven times in the past few years, most recently in February 2008, I am impressed by the magnitude of this task and the ability in which our armed services and other coalition forces bring to this fight.

This is not merely a military fight, but a diplomatic fight as well. Iraqi political leaders must make progress toward achieving reconciliation between different sects and the establishment of law and order, as well as a creation of a legal and business environment where the Iraqi economy can recover from years of neglect under Saddam Hussein. As the security situation stabilizes, this will create some breathing room for these representatives of the Iraqi people to make solid progress toward achieving these national legislative goals.

Neither can one ignore what is happening on the ground. There has been a local political shift in some areas away from radicalism to seeking stability and at a local level Iraqis are beginning to rebuild civil society.

To withdraw now, the country will surely fall into the hands of murderers and terrorists whose vision of Iraq is one where no true political process exists, where disputes and dissenters are met with violence and bloodshed, and where a radical ideology would limit human freedom and consign some in society to a brutal existence. This vision was rejected by the tribes of Western Iraq in al Anbar province during what has been called “the Anbar Awakening”. With the assistance of the American military, AQI has been routed in places like Ramadi and Fallujah—once places AQI proclaimed as the capital of the new caliphate. This was a strategic defeat for AQI and showed that Iraqis and Americans can work together to pacify the enemy, re-establish law and order, and allow for the re-emergence of civil society. Joint Iraqi and American operations are beginning to show results in Salah ad-Din, Diayala, and As-Sulaymaniyahh provinces as well. Before the Anbar Awakening, I believe we had a window on what Iraq would look like if we were unsuccessful in achieving our military and civil objectives and that vision should be unacceptable.

On September 10, 2007, General Patraeus and Ambassador Crocker, presented a report based on General Patraeus’ strategic and tactical recommendations on how the American military should prosecute the war from this point forward. General Patraeus states:

“As a bottom line up front, the military objectives of the surge are, in large measure, being met. In recent months, in the face of tough enemies and the brutal summer heat of Iraq, Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces have achieved progress in the security arena. Though the improvements have been uneven across Iraq, the overall number of security incidents in Iraq has declined in 8 of the 12 weeks, with the numbers of incidents in the last two weeks at the lowest levels since June 2006.”

He goes on to say that we must maintain military pressure on AQI and other insurgent groups and begin transitioning Iraqi Security Forces to lead components in areas where they are not in his report to the members of his chain of command and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. This report is titled, “Security While Transitioning: From Leading to Partnering to Overwatch”. He further recommends that American forces begin to transition down to the pre-surge level of 15 brigade combat teams by mid-July 2008 because of continued predicted success by coalition forces.

Political progress in Iraq will only take place if sufficient security exists. This is a point I believe and it is underscored by General Patraeus and Ambassador Crocker. We must continue to push Iraqi leaders to complete important legislative work that will begin to mend a broken Iraqi society. The path to our country’s success in this endeavor will be challenging and complex at times. I believe the future of our country is better served by achieving stability and greater certainty in Iraq than by drawing down our forces prematurely or handing over security responsibilities to Iraqi Security Forces before they are ready to assume them. I believe these goals can be achieved but it will take hard work. We have sent the finest among us to endeavor in this difficult and deadly work and we must be resolved that they will achieve victory.

House Armed Services Committee Report
“BIG TURNAROUND” GREETS FIVE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF OPERATIONAL IRAQI FREEDOM

Violence levels have declined throughout most of Iraq, particularly in Baghdad and al-Anbar Province.

According to the most recent Department of Defense “Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq” report to Congress, violence levels are down throughout Iraq:

- Overall violence has decreased to levels that were last seen consistently in early 2005.
- Total civilian deaths have dropped by more than 70% since June 2007.
- Deaths from ethno-sectarian violence are down approximately 90% since June 2007.
- Coalition deaths have dropped by more than 70% since June 2007.
- Security incidents in al-Anbar Province have decreased approximately 90% since January 2007.
- Security in Baghdad continues to improve as total attacks have decreased by 46% during the last three months. Within the Baghdad Security Districts, “attacks have fallen from an average of almost 225 per week in the summer of 2007 to approximately 57 per week in the last four months.” (“Measuring Stability And Security In Iraq,” Department Of Defense Report To Congress, March 2008)
- Security and economic progress in Al-Anbar Province since 2006 has “stunned” U.S. Marine General.

Marine Major General John Kelly, commander of the U.S. forces fighting in al-Anbar Province, said he was “stunned” by progress made in al-Anbar Province since 2006 and called the security and economic gains “remarkable.”

Kelly commands 30,000 U.S. troops in a region “that military planners once considered all but unwinnable because of Sunni tribal opposition and support for foreign al-Qaida fighters.”
Citing the strong cooperation of local citizens and political leaders, Major General Kelly believes the Iraqi Security Forces will soon be able to take the security lead in al-Anbar Province. (“Marine commander 'stunned' by Anbar progress;” Mark Walker, North County Times; March 10, 2008)
The “surge” of U.S. troops into Iraq was met by an Iraqi “surge” as well. The Iraqi Security Forces—the police and military—and the “Sons of Iraq” Awakening movement continue to grow and improve.

According to the most recent “Measuring Stability and Security in Iraq” report, Iraq’s security forces continue to grow in size and operational capability:

The Iraqi government is responsible for security in nine of Iraq’s 18 provinces. On December 16, 2007, Basrah Province became the most recent province transitioned to Provincial Iraqi Control.
As of January 1, 2008, the Iraqi Security Forces numbered 531,616 personnel—an increase of 40,000 during the last three months.

The Ministry of Defense has generated 134 army combat, infrastructure, and Special Operations battalions that are conducting operations at varying levels of capability.

Of all formed Iraqi Army units, 77% are rated as being able to plan, execute, and sustain operations with minimal or no assistance from coalition forces. Since December 2007, six additional units have improved their proficiency and can now conduct counterinsurgency operations with support from coalition forces.

The National Police (NP) also continues to increase its proficiency—with nine operational battalions fully capable of planning, executing, and sustaining counterinsurgency operations with varying degrees of coalition support. Another 18 battalions are partially capable of conducting counterinsurgency operations with coalition support.

Iraq’s Ministry of Interior has expanded its training facilities from four to 17 over the past year, illustrating the Iraqi Government’s political and financial commitment to training a capable police force.

The “Sons of Iraq” Awakening movement—established by local Iraqis as “neighborhood watch” groups—has grown to approximately 91,000 and individual units work closely with American and Iraqi security forces. Approximately 20,000 personnel have already transitioned to the formal Iraqi Security Forces or to civil employment. (“Measuring Stability And Security In Iraq,” Department Of Defense Report To Congress, March 2008)

Iraq’s economy is projected to grow 7% in 2008, resulting in an estimated nominal GDP of $60.9 billion.

Core inflation for 2007 was 12.28%, compared to core inflation of 31.92% in 2006.
In 2007, capital budget execution occurred at more than double the 2006 rate.
In the last three months, mentoring by Provincial Reconstruction Teams helped 17 of 18 Provincial councils submit Provincial Development Strategies to the Ministry of Planning. (“Measuring Stability And Security In Iraq,” Department Of Defense Report To Congress, March 2008)

For other related websites, please visit the following links:

Defend America allows you to send online thank you cards to our troops.
Doing Business in Iraq (Reconstruction)
USO Cares allows you to contribute to the purchase of a care package of items requested by troops such as sunscreen, disposable camera, and prepaid callings cards.
America Supports You program will showcase these community activities and projects on a new website America Supports You so that the American public and the U.S. military serving at home and overseas will know firsthand how much the American people appreciate their service and sacrifice.
Iraq Index is a statistical compilation of economic, public opinion, and security data. This resource will provide updated information on various criteria, including crime, telephone and water service, troop fatalities, unemployment, Iraqi security forces, oil production, and coalition troop strength.

Defense
The first decade of the 21st Century has already proved to be a dangerous and unstable time around the world. Numerous threats challenge our national security: terrorism, nuclear weapons proliferation, asymmetric warfare, and destabilizing local conflicts. This calls for continued transformation of our intelligence agencies and armed services. Since being elected to the U.S. Congress, I have been working to ensure the United States maintains the most capable military in the world. I believe it is essential to provide the most up-to-date technology to our war-fighters so they may complete their mission successfully and return home safely to their loved ones. In order to maintain the dedication and professionalism of the all-volunteer force, we must be proactive on issues of personnel policy and pay matters.

North Texas is home to several companies that provide the war-fighter essential tools to defend our nation. As the nature of warfare changes, we want to ensure that our men and women have the weapons and equipment to defeat any enemy. Next generation fighters, like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, will give American pilots stealth capabilities as well as “first look, first kill” capabilities and platforms that can adapt to a variety of missions. The V-22 Osprey, the first operational tilt-rotor aircraft, will be able to extend the reach of the U.S. Marine Corps and provide revolutionary lift and combat troop transport options that enhance U.S. strategic capabilities. These North Texas produced aircraft, as well as other cutting edge military technologies enhance our national security and the economy of North Texas. It is important that we maintain vital industrial, manufacturing, and scientific training opportunities so our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines have the equipment necessary to protect our country and win any fight we find ourselves in the future.

In announcing “America Supports You,” Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Charles Abell said that thousands of Americans, including individual citizens, businesses and organizations, have spearheaded activities and projects in their communities to show their support for America’s Armed Forces, especially those serving in harm’s way. “These activities of support have a positive impact on the morale and spirit of those who serve,” said Abell. He said the “America Supports You” program will showcase these community activities and projects on a new website America Supports You so that the American public and the U.S. military serving at home and overseas will know firsthand how much the American people appreciate their service and sacrifice.

For more information, please visit the following links:

U.S. Department of Defense
Operation Iraq Freedom
Ready.gov
KnoWhat2Do – North Texas Preparedness
CDC – Emergency Preparedness and Response
www.PandemicFlu.gov
World Health Organization – Avian Flu
WHO XDR-TB Frequently Asked Questions
Humanitarian Early Warning Service (Inter-Agency Standing Committee) - this website provides detailed maps that show the progression of avian flu.
Denton County Pandemic Influenza

Homeland Security and Preparadness
As the United States responded to the September 11th attacks on New York and Washington, D.C. and the anthrax attacks on Capitol Hill, we have all seen the bravery and selflessness that our first responders have exhibited in responding to these horrific attacks. Despite the billions that Congress has allocated to First Responders, much of the funds are failing to reach the men and women on the front lines quickly enough.

Homeland Security doesn’t just mean defending against man-made disasters though. As we have seen, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and Rita, our first responders must be prepared to meet the challenges of natural disasters as well. With an influx of Katrina evacuees into the North Texas area and with the evacuation of large parts of southeast Texas when Rita struck, we were once again reminded that nature can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable. I am committed to taking the lessons from these two storms to improve our local, state, and national response to a natural disaster of this magnitude.

Recently, the U.S. Congress enacted several measures that will improve domestic vulnerabilities to the threat of terrorism and natural disaster. The first, H.R. 4954, the SAFE Port Act authorizes $400 million per year for port security grants, authorizes and codifies the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDC), and requires the Department of Homeland Security to deploy nuclear and radiological detection systems to cover nearly all cargo entering the United States. H.R. 4954 also establishes demonstration programs to determine the feasibility of screening 100 percent of cargo containers entering the U.S. for nuclear and radiological material at foreign seaports.

As part of the Fiscal Year 2007 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, important legislation was added that will provide resources to improve security at vulnerable chemical plants around the country. The measure directs DHS to establish risk and performance-based standards for chemical facilities; requires chemical plants to conduct vulnerability assessments and create and implement site security plans based on their specific vulnerabilities; and gives DHS the authority to require compliance, including shut-down authority.

The 2007 DHS Appropriations Bill also included important legislation that will improve the federal government’s response to natural disasters. I supported the inclusion of language that would improve and reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by elevating the standing of FEMA within DHS by promoting the Administrator of FMEA to level of Deputy Secretary and granting the agency with autonomy similar to that of the U.S. Coast Guard. The new law requires that the FEMA Administrator be an experienced emergency manager, eliminate waste fraud and abuse within the agency, and improved communication between federal, state, and local disaster response officials and first-line responders.

I am committed to working with local fire departments and law enforcement agencies in the 26th District as they seek out federal funding opportunities to improve training, purchase important equipment, or hire additional staff. If you are an employee of a local fire department or law enforcement agency, please inquire with my district office as to what federal funding opportunities may be available to you.

When we began investigating the problem of avian flu, we realized that although avian flu initiated the discussion of our vulnerability to pandemics, our preparation can be effective against a variety of threats: rapidly transmitted diseases, bioterrorism, and natural disasters.

Let me explain. Media focus has recently been on a nasty strain of avian influenza referred to as H5N1. H5N1 is unusual in that birds may not have had prior exposure to it, become infected more easily, and are more susceptible to dying. The larger concern is that H5N1 has shown the ability to infect humans who are in close contact with infected birds. Many of these people have died. What would we do if H5N1 mutated and gained the ability to easily transmit between humans? The three major flu pandemics that have occurred over the last century - 1918, 1957, and 1968 – illustrate that this has happened and could happen again. However, other diseases also have the potential to cause pandemics.

For example, tuberculosis (TB) has been around for years. TB is an airborne bacterial infection, usually of the lungs, that can cause coughing, thick and sometimes bloody sputum, night sweats, and weight loss. TB is difficult to treat and requires an intensive regimen of antibiotics. Because many people do not initially feel ill, they often take their medications intermittently or do not complete the full course. This has led to new, drug-resistant strains of TB. There has been recent news coverage of extreme drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) in South Africa that is particularly virulent and virtually untreatable.

It is hard to predict when the next pandemic will take place or what disease will cause it, but the repercussions of such an event would be devastating. In this era of air travel, the protection of geographical distance is waning. It would be all too easy for an infected individual to bring an airborne illness to the United States. I believe that preparedness is essential to protect our citizens.

Fortunately, by preparing for pandemic disease, we bolster the public health system in ways that would also serve us well in case of bioterrorism or natural disaster. By creating emergency action and communication plans that people have practiced and are familiar with, we can protect the public safety and continue providing medical care in emergency situations.

While we must continue to monitor outbreaks internationally, outbreaks are best contained rapidly at the local level. Therefore, states across the nation are holding pandemic summits to better assess their preparedness levels and build on their response capabilities. I am working closely as well with local health providers, the Texas Department of State Health Services, World Health Organization, and United Nations to ensure that we are utilizing every possible resource to reduce the impact of a possible pandemic and prepare ourselves for emergency situations.

For more information, please visit the following websites:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
House Homeland Security Committee
Ready America
Texas Homeland Security
Red Cross - Chisholm Trail (Ft. Worth)
Red Cross - Dallas Area Red Cross
The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation