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Posted by
Whitney Thompson
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September 26, 2012
Burgess Presses Obama Administration on Inconsistent Libya Statements
Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26), sent a letter to President Obama regarding the erroneous statements made by officials of the Obama administration regarding the attack on the United States consulate in Benghazi, Libya. “This administration has not been forthcoming. We deserve better, and the four Americans who lost their lives deserve better.” “Following the attack, several administration officials inaccurately stated that the assault was a result of an Internet video, when in fact it was a terrorist attack,” said Dr. Burgess. “President Obama and his administration have made no effort to clarify their miscommunication, and have failed to provide any information on what exactly transpired. The release of such incomplete information drives improper conclusions, misdirects anger, and could lead to policy changes that would undermine our diplomatic and military efforts abroad.” The assault, which happened on September 11th, was also the 11th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks on America. It lasted nearly four hours, and resulted in the deaths of United States Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, Foreign Service Information Management Officer Sean Smith, and diplomatic security officers and former Navy SEALs Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods. “On September 20th, Secretary Clinton, and Director Clapper of the National Intelligence briefed Members of Congress, but critical questions were not answered or were deflected,” said Dr. Burgess. “This administration has not been forthcoming. We deserve better, and the four Americans who lost their lives deserve better.” To view the letter, click here. ###
Posted by
Whitney Thompson
on
September 24, 2012
Modernize CBO Scoring: The Preventative Health Savings Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) and Congresswoman Donna Christensen (D-VI) have introduced The Preventative Health Savings Act of 2012, H.R. 6482. The legislation would create a more accurate budget scoring system for legislation dealing with health care spending, and would allow the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to collect data past the current ten year window. “As health care costs continue to rise, we must apply all applicable data to ensure that the CBO accurately measures the cost of preventative health care and long term cost savings,” said Dr. Burgess who serves as Vice Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health and is Chairman of the Congressional Health Care Caucus. “Chronic diseases account for over seventy percent of all health care spending, and this legislation will help bend the cost curve and provide long-term costs savings. Allowing the CBO to analyze scientific data, and having the ability to provide projects past the ten year scoring window will provide a more accurate projection for programs with children and other populations or diseases with longer development periods. This legislation is a responsible approach and will ensure that the government calculates the savings of preventative health.” "This legislation will play an integral not only in modernizing the CBO scoring of prevention, but also in ensuring that pay-fors that likely exist in health bills that have robust preventive health provisions are more adequately captured and calculated," added Congresswoman Christensen, a physician and Chair of the CBC Health Braintrust. "Additionally, this legislation will play a key role in helping to reduce the racial and ethnic, as well as gender and geographic disparities that exist across all of the nation's most costly chronic conditions and diseases because it will play a pivotal role in ensuring that sound and forward-thinking preventive health proposals are given a more accurate score and thus chance to move in Congress." The bill will define preventative care narrowly and will require that associated treatments be credible and proven through publicly available epidemiological projection models that incorporate human clinical trials or observational studies. This approach is already taking place in the private sector and this legislation will allow, with bipartisan agreement, for the federal government to catch-up. Upon introduction, the legislation was co-sponsored by: Brett Guthrie (KY-02), Steve Womack (AR-03), Sue Myrick (NC-09), Leonard Lance (NJ-07), Marsha Blackburn (TN-7), Phil Gingrey (GA-11), Bill Cassidy (LA-06), Tim Griffin (AR-02), Kay Granger (TX-12), Barbara Lee (CA-09), Laura Richardson (CA-31), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), and Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34). The legislation is supported by: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Aetna, American Association of Diabetes Educators, American College of Occupational Medicine, American College of Preventative Medicine, American Diabetes Association, Building Healthier America, BlueCross BlueShield Tennessee, Care Continuum Alliance, Council for Affordable Health Coverage, Dialysis Patient Citizens, The Endocrine Society, Healthcare Leadership Council, Healthways, International Health Racquet & Sportsclub Association, Johnson & Johnson, Marshfield Clinic, MemorialCare Health System, National Retail Federation, National Kidney Foundation, Novo Nordisk, Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, Sanofi, Texas Health Resources, and Weight Watchers. To download the PDF of the legislation click here. ###
Posted by
Whitney Thompson
on
September 19, 2012
8th Annual Economic Development Summit Aims To Boost Growth in East and Southeast Fort Worth
“This area of the district faces many challenges with regards to spurring economic growth and sustaining that growth, and the communities’ needs are substantial.” Washington, D.C. - Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) will bring together local, state, and federal representatives, area stakeholders, and the public at-large for the 8th Annual East and Southeast Fort Worth Economic Development Summit on Friday, September 28, 2012. The annual event highlights development in the East and Southeast quadrant of Fort Worth, showcasing current and potential projects and featuring a perspective of the broad macro-environment as well as specific project accomplishments, and anticipated development. “This area of the district faces many challenges with regards to spurring economic growth and sustaining that growth, and the communities’ needs are substantial,” Dr. Burgess said. “I’ve hosted this event every year since 2005 with the goal of bringing together stakeholders and to facilitate partnerships and revitalization efforts to overcome the obstacles East and Southeast Fort Worth faces. The short-term goal is to recognize ways growth can be spurred, and the long-term goal is to ensure that the projects and improvements are sustainable, which is a key component to success.” 8th Annual East and Southeast Fort Worth Economic Development Summit
Friday, September 28, 2012 8:30 am to 1 pm *registration begins at 8 am Texas Wesleyan University Lou’s Place Pavilion 1112 Wesleyan Street Fort Worth, TX 76105 Summit Highlights
Constituents wanting more information regarding the 8th Annual East and Southeast Fort Worth Economic Development Summit can visit burgess.house.gov/economicdevelopment. To RSVP for the summit constituents can send an email to TX26RSVP@mail.house.gov or call (817) 531-8454. ###
Posted by
Whitney Thompson
on
September 14, 2012
Dr. Burgess spoke on the House Floor in support of the No More Solyndras Act that the House will vote on today. You can watch the video below.
Posted by
Whitney Thompson
on
August 20, 2012
Congressman Michael Burgess announces that his district office staff will be hosting an additional “Cooke County Office Hours” on Monday, August 27, 2012, 9:00-11:00 AM at the Callisburg Community Club, 59 Campbell Street (corner of McDaniel & Campbell Street), Callisburg, TX 76240. Dr. Burgess’ staff will be available to assist individuals with concerns related to various federal agencies or take direct comments from constituents on national issues. No reservations are required to attend.
Each month Congressman Burgess’ staff holds regularly scheduled Cooke County Office Hours at Gainesville City Hall on the 2nd Monday of each month from 9:00 - 11:00 AM. Check upcoming dates by clicking here. If you have questions regarding an upcoming staff visit, please contact Robin Vaughan, District Administrator, in the Lewisville District office by phone at (972) 434-9700 or by e-mailing her at robin.vaughan@mail.house.gov.
Posted by
Whitney Thompson
on
August 02, 2012
Burgess Statement on Solyndra Committee Report
“The Department of Energy’s loan guarantee program is just another chapter in the Obama administration’s failed economic novel and another example of their broken promise to be transparent.” Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee released an extensive report outlining key findings of the committee’s investigation into the Department of Energy’s management of the loan guarantee program. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26), released the following statement after the report’s release: “In a rush to create a success story following his inauguration, President Obama directed his agencies to fast track billions of taxpayer dollars in grants and loan for companies that would have otherwise never qualified for loans in the private sector. Solyndra is unfortunately only one of many examples of companies that received federal dollars, over half a billion dollars, and then subsequently filed for bankruptcy. “During our committee’s 18-month investigation, we’ve reviewed over 300,000 pages of documents, held hearings, and are now able to provide a thorough review of what we’ve uncovered. This entire ordeal was avoidable had the Obama administration chosen to provide the information from the start. Why was it necessary to draw this out for as long as they did? What happened to the transparency they promised? Why were they withholding information? “What we have learned is that the Department of Energy violated the law and knew that the Solyndra loan guarantee was destined to fail, yet they continued to parade its so-called “success.” The Department of Energy’s loan guarantee program is just another chapter in the Obama administration’s failed economic novel and another example of their broken promise to be transparent.” To view the report, click here. To view the supporting documents, click here. ###
Posted by
Whitney Thompson
on
August 01, 2012
Burgess Requests Nominations for 2012 Congressional Veteran Commendation
“Our nation’s veterans have proudly and honorably served our country and preserved our freedom, and it is because of their service that we enjoy all the liberties we are afforded.” Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) proudly announces a special salute to honor local veterans and welcomes nominations for the 26th Congressional District Veteran Commendation. The Congressional Veteran Commendation, in conjunction with the Veterans History Project sponsored by the Library of Congress, honors the distinguished veterans of Texas’ 26th Congressional District and preserves their stories for future generations of Americans. “Our nation’s veterans have proudly and honorably served our country and preserved our freedom, and it is because of their service that we enjoy all the liberties we are afforded,” said Dr. Burgess. “These brave men and women deserve our thanks and praise, and I am proud to recognize the veterans in Texas’ 26th Congressional District and honor their service through the 2012 Congressional Veteran Commendation.” To nominate a veteran for the 26th Congressional District Veteran Commendation, please fill out the nomination form, which can be found on Dr. Burgess’ website at http://burgess.house.gov. The deadline for submitting nominations is September 10, 2012. The completed nomination form, along with any additional information pertaining to the veteran's service, should be submitted to Dr. Burgess’ Lewisville office. To be eligible for nomination, veterans must be currently residing in the 26th District of Texas, have served the nation honorably during their military career, and subsequently demonstrated dedication to their community. Those individuals selected to receive the Congressional Veteran Commendation will be recognized and honored at the annual “Salute Our Veterans” luncheon sponsored by the Highland Village Business Association on November 8, 2012. An in-depth interview will be conducted with commendees and that interview will be forwarded to the Veterans History Project to be added to the Library of Congress collection. For more information regarding the project, visit the Library of Congress’ website. To obtain additional information regarding the Congressional Veteran Commendation, the Veterans History Project, nomination forms, or to confirm residency within the 26th District of Texas, please contact Dr. Burgess’ District Administrator, Robin Vaughan, at (972) 434-9700 or visit Dr. Burgess’ website. ###
Posted by
Whitney Thompson
on
July 31, 2012
Working to ensure there will be no more Solyndras By: Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. and Rep. Fred Upton With millions out of work and rising prices on basic living expenses, American families are struggling across this country just to make ends meet. They have sent their representatives to Washington to ensure that their voices are heard, and that their tax dollars are used wisely. When this doesn’t happen, Congress must hold the proper people accountable, and do everything in our power to ensure that the waste stops and never happens again. The Obama administration’s decision to give a $535 million loan guarantee to Solyndra, when the writing was on the wall about the company’s troubled financial condition, is just the kind of waste that shouldn’t happen – and that Congress should take every step to prevent. In the waning days of the Bush administration, the Department of Energy Credit Committee reviewing Solyndra’s loan guarantee found the application insufficient and decided not to engage in further discussions with the solar company. Just over two weeks later, days after President Obama took office, Solyndra’s loan guarantee was on the fast track for With millions out of work and rising prices on basic living expenses, American families are struggling across this country just to make ends meet. They have sent their representatives to Washington to ensure that their voices are heard, and that their tax dollars are used wisely. When this doesn’t happen, Congress must hold the proper people accountable, and do everything in our power to ensure that the waste stops and never happens again. The Obama administration’s decision to give a $535 million loan guarantee to Solyndra, when the writing was on the wall about the company’s troubled financial condition, is just the kind of waste that shouldn’t happen – and that Congress should take every step to prevent. In the waning days of the Bush administration, the Department of Energy Credit Committee reviewing Solyndra’s loan guarantee found the application insufficient and decided not to engage in further discussions with the solar company. Just over two weeks later, days after President Obama took office, Solyndra’s loan guarantee was on the fast track for approval. Every step of the way, warnings were raised by experts both inside and outside the Obama administration, but every red flag was ignored. One expert at the Office of Management and Budget bluntly stated that Solyndra was “not ready for prime time.” As the loan guarantee was being finalized in late 2009, a DOE expert prophetically warned, “the model runs out of cash in September 2011… how can we advance a project that hasn’t funded working capital requirements…” Despite all of its troubles, Solyndra was a darling of the Obama administration right up until its bankruptcy last September, widely promoted as a stimulus success story. Even as Solyndra was encountering financial problems in May of 2010, President Obama traveled to the plant in Fremont, California, proudly declaring, “It’s here that companies like Solyndra are leading the way toward a brighter and more prosperous future.” During Solyndra’s rapid decline, DOE made every effort to save the company no matter what the cost to American taxpayers. They went so far as restructuring their loan guarantee in February 2011, putting Solyndra’s investors ahead of taxpayers, which violated the plain letter of the law. As Solyndra’s finances deteriorated, the Obama administration was even considering a second $469 million loan guarantee for the company. Solyndra eventually went bankrupt, was raided by the FBI, and left taxpayers on the hook for half a billion dollars. The Energy and Commerce Committee has relentlessly pursued information on what happened leading up to the Obama administration granting approval for Solyndra. The committee has issued subpoenas, held hearings, and requested documents that pertain to how Solyndra was selected to receive funding and how DOE restructured their loan. While nearly all of the $535 million was given to Solyndra, we were able to rescind $100 million in funding from DOE’s loan guarantee program to prevent other Solyndras from occurring. Sadly, Solyndra isn’t the only company that received loan guarantees from the Department of Energy and then fell into trouble. The failures are starting to pile up - first Solyndra, then Beacon Power, followed by Abound Solar which filed for bankruptcy earlier this month, and now media reports indicate Nevada Geothermal is running out of cash. Uncle Sam should not be in the business of funding risky projects. Congress has a responsibility to ensure that there will be no more Solyndras. That is why the Energy and Commerce Committee is working on the “No More Solyndras Act” to bring an end to the ill-fated loan guarantee program. While this is an important step, there is still more that we can do. We must impose penalties on any executive branch official who violates the terms of the loan guarantee as set forth in the legislation that was signed into law in 2005. The concept is simple: when a federal employee breaks the law, and loses taxpayer dollars, he or she should be held accountable. Included in the No More Solyndras Act is an amendment that will impose administrative penalties for such violations. The goal is not just to end the program, but to hold those who are responsible for spending taxpayer dollars accountable. While President Obama and his administration refuse to apologize for their failed investment in Solyndra, and have even worked to block the committee’s investigation, the Energy and Commerce Committee has continuously searched for answers and has pushed for legislation that will aggressively ensure that taxpayer dollars will never again be used to fund these types of projects. It is not the place of the government to pick winners and losers in the business sector; rather, the market should. In this time of economic uncertainty, we should be careful stewards of the taxpayers’ hard earned dollars.
Posted by
Whitney Thompson
on
July 30, 2012
Burgess To Hold Keller and Fort Worth Town Hall Meeting
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (Texas-26) has announced that he will hold a town hall meeting on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 in Fort Worth. The town hall will provide residents of Texas’ 26th Congressional District the chance to learn more about what is happening in Washington and how legislation will impact North Texans. Issues such as unemployment, taxes, and the health care are expected to be discussed. Keller and Fort Worth Town Hall Meeting
Wednesday, August 8, 2012 7 pm to 8 pm Timber Creek High School Cafeteria 12350 Timberland Boulevard Fort Worth, Texas For constituents unable to attend the meeting in person, the town hall is scheduled for live broadcast on Dr. Burgess’ website. For more information on the town hall meeting visit burgess.house.gov/TownHall. *Persons requiring special accommodations should contact Robin Vaughan, District Administrator, at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting at 972-434-9700 or robin.vaughan@mail.house.gov. ###
Posted by
Whitney Thompson
on
July 24, 2012
Dr. Burgess delivers his opening statement at the No More Solyndras Act mark-up. You can watch the video below.
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