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Dr. Burgess Weekly Video Address: Presidential Overreach on Immigration
Posted by Jill Shatzen Kerr on December 05, 2014 This week, Dr. Burgess discusses President Obama's unilateral action when dealing with immigration policy. To read a copy of his remarks, click here.
Burgess Statement on Iran Talks Extension
Posted by Jill Shatzen on November 25, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) today issued the following statement in reaction to news that talks to dismantle large parts of Iran's nuclear program were extended by another seven months:
"The world looks to the United States in moments of global uncertainty, and this most recent action -- or inaction -- by the Obama administration appears not only weak, but dangerous. Instead of making a strong statement against a country that is a threat to global peace and has a deplorable human rights record, this administration has showed weakness and fragility by offering a seven-month extension. Stability in this region is in the best interest of the United States and its allies. It is time we see strong leadership from the Obama administration, who should hold Iran accountable for its actions." ###
Dr. Burgess Weekly Video Address: New Congress, New Priorities
Posted by Jill Shatzen Kerr on November 21, 2014 This week, Dr. Burgess discusses his new assignment as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade for the 114th Congress. To read a copy of his remarks, click here.
Burgess Statement on President's Immigration Announcement
Posted by Jill Shatzen Kerr on November 20, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) today issued the following statement in reaction to President Obama’s announcement that he will take executive action to unilaterally grant amnesty to the millions of illegal immigrants currently living in the United States:
“The president’s announcement comes at a curious time. I personally have a different perception of the urgency of this situation. Frankly, there is no evidence that the 11 million people currently living in the United States illegally are at immediate risk for deportation. In fact, the president’s comments earlier this year encouraged even more illegal and unsafe immigration that has put a terrible strain on our system in the state of Texas in particular and for the nation as a whole. “But the timing is also peculiar considering that just weeks ago, the American people made clear that they are unhappy with the president’s policies, power grabs and disregard for the rule of law when they overwhelmingly elected Republicans to public office. “And finally, the president has had six years to work with Congress – including two years in which his party held the majority in both chambers of Congress – to introduce immigration reform in a constitutional and legal way. The simple truth is that he could not get this done then, so he is resorting to using executive power – which is by definition temporary – to shove this measure through. Not only is it bad policy, but it is unfair to the millions of people who are waiting in line to come to the Unites States legally. It is a further erosion of the Constitution and American legal system that the Obama administration has perpetuated time and time again.” ###
Burgess to Serve as House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee Chairman in the 114th Congress
Posted by Jill Shatzen Kerr on November 19, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) today announced he will serve as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade (CMT) for the 114th Congress.
Burgess, a physician who served as vice-chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittees on Oversight and Investigations and Health in the 113th Congress, said he is prepared and committed to serving the committee effectively in his new role. “It is a privilege to serve on the Committee on Energy and Commerce, one of the hardest working and most successful committees in the House,” Burgess said. “Under the leadership of Chairman Upton, we have been able to accomplish many goals, including the launch of the 21st Century Cures initiative, the ‘Architecture of Abundance’ new vision for American energy, and have had a record of legislative success. During this Congress, our committee has seen 85 committee bills pass the House, 32 signed into law and 50 currently awaiting Senate action. These achievements have put us on a path towards even more success in the next Congress, and I am looking forward to doing everything I can as chairman of CMT to continue to that success.” “The times in which we live are trying and the issues are complex,” Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) said. "I have full faith that Chairman Burgess will do an excellent job leading efforts to create more American jobs, encourage manufacturing in the United States, protect consumers’ personal information and put an end to burdensome regulation and federal red tape that hurts the average American employer and family.” “I came to Congress as a country doctor looking to work on issues that affected patients and medical practices across the country,” Burgess added. “While my role in the House has expanded, I have not lost sight of the reasons I came to Washington years ago. I look forward to continuing that work and commitment in my role as chairman of the subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade.” Click here to visit the Energy and Commerce Committee website for a full list of subcommittee assignments. ###
Burgess: 'We Must Speak With Humility When Discussing Ebola'
Posted by Jill Shatzen on November 18, 2014
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), vice-chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, today delivered the following statement, as prepared for delivery, at a hearing titled, “Update on the U.S. Public Health Response to the Ebola Outbreak”:
“This Ebola epidemic will surely go down in history as one of the most serious public health crises of the last several hundred years. “At our last hearing, we had a lot to discuss. Overall, we failed in our response to the Ebola crisis. Communication was lacking, systems of protocol broke down, and provisions were never in place to deal with this crisis to begin with. We know better than to let this happen again. This summer’s emergency only emphasized that we must speak with humility when discussing Ebola. “As a physician, one of my biggest concerns over the last six months or so was the safety and protection of health workers. I could not – and still do not – understand why health workers on the front lines of the epidemic in Africa were so much better protected than the nurses and doctors who treated Ebola patients in the United States. It is not only vital to contain the Ebola virus wherever it may be, but we must also ensure we are doing all we can to protect those who are serving these very sick and contagious patients. Until it is in your back yard as it was in mine in Texas, it is hard to comprehend the depth of the issue at hand. “I commend Dr. Frieden, the CDC and the other members of the panel for making yourselves available to the Congress so we may discuss policies that better protect the American public from infectious diseases like Ebola. I thank all of our witnesses for being here today. “It is my hope that we continue to make progress in this fight. Today’s hearing is another good start. We must examine the response plan, protocol, U.S. guidelines, travel restriction policies, budget for dealing with this crisis and protective gear and proper precautions for health workers. But finally, we must also take great care to closely follow the epidemic in West Africa, as it is only a matter of time before another patient walks through the doors of an unsuspecting U.S. hospital. “When – not if – that happens, we must be prepared.” More information on today's hearing may be found here. ###
Dr. Burgess Weekly Video Address: Preventing Another Cold War
Posted by Jill Shatzen on November 14, 2014
This week, Dr. Burgess commemorates the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and discusses East-West relations. To read a copy of his remarks, click here.
Burgess Honors Local Veterans
Posted by Jill Shatzen on November 12, 2014
Highland Village, TX – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX) on Tuesday recognized five veterans who received this year’s 26th District Congressional Veteran Commendation (CVC) at a luncheon in Highland Village.
The CVC was created in 2005 to honor the distinguished living veterans of Texas’ 26th Congressional District. Nominations were received from the community, veterans’ organizations and civic groups. “Five extraordinary individuals were selected to receive the 2014 Congressional Veteran Commendation,” Burgess said. “They served in the Armed Forces of the United States with distinction and continued their dedication to the nation by working tirelessly on behalf of their fellow veterans and serving the people in their communities.” This year’s commendations were presented at the annual “Salute Our Veterans” luncheon sponsored by the Highland Village Business Association and the City of Highland Village. The five recipients of this year’s Congressional Veteran Commendation are: Charles Correll (Colonel - U.S. Air Force) of Denton Peter Lane (Colonel - U.S. Air Force) of Denton Jack Milligan (Lieutenant Colonel - U.S. Army) of Highland Village Pat Smith (Colonel - U.S. Air Force) of Denton William Splichal (Chief Warrant Officer 4 - U.S. Army) of Trophy Club “While we have singled out these veterans for recognition, I want to extend my deepest appreciation to all veterans for your service to the United States of America,” Burgess remarked to the approximate 300 luncheon attendees. “On behalf of the citizens of the 26th District and of a grateful nation, we are forever in your debt.” ###
Dr. Burgess Weekly Video Address: Election Day
Posted by Jill Shatzen on October 31, 2014 This week, Dr. Burgess explains the importance of voting next Tuesday. To read a copy of his remarks, click here.
Dr. Burgess Weekly Video Address: Ebola Hearing Recap
Posted by Jill Shatzen on October 17, 2014 This week, Dr. Burgess discusses the latest in the Ebola health crisis. To read a copy of his remarks, click here. |