Michael Burgess

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Well, and it does get to your point of playing politics with people's jobs. I just want to say a couple of other things about the predominant Democratic agenda items that have been pushed through this House of Representatives largely on--well, in fact almost entirely on--party line votes. In fact, the only thing that has been bipartisan about these bills has been the opposition. The health care bill, financial regulatory bill, cap-and-trade, probably more Democratic votes against, and made it a truly bipartisan opposition, and very few Republican votes in favor. But Vice President Biden over the weekend, in talking on an interview on one of the Sunday shows, said, ``Look, these are gigantic packages to deal with the problem we inherited. The vast majority of the American people and a lot of people really involved don't even know what's inside the packages.'' I assume he's talking about people involved in, like, conference committees and people involved in congressional committees who actually wrote this legislation. Going back to quote then, ``People don't know a lot of what's going on in the Recovery Act. Understandably, because this has been so much stuff that's been flowing our way.'' Well, Mr. Vice President, with all due respect, this is the problem. Because people don't know what's in this stuff, because no one bothered to take the time to bring along even public opinion while this stuff was done, as a consequence you've got people who are fearful of what is contained within this health care bill. We are now 3 months into it. The rules and regulations are being written in secret by the Department of Health and Human Services. And this new CMS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, director that nobody knows, the most important man in the country that no one ever heard of, Donald Berwick, it's no wonder that people are of necessity concerned. They're concerned for their own survival because they don't know what the implications are for these big things that we've already passed. And yes, Mr. Vice President, people are confused by the stimulus bill because, as Mr. Brady pointed out, there's so much stuff in there that was absolutely unnecessary, had nothing to do with stimulating the economy. I remember one morning in our Joint Economic Committee where it was revealed that there were so many jobs created in Arizona's Ninth Congressional District. Well, that was news to everyone because Arizona's Ninth Congressional District hasn't even been created yet. It may in the reapportionment after the census, but right now it doesn't exist. They stop at number eight. So is it any wonder that people have lost faith with their government's ability to do the things necessary to help this economy recover? It has certainly been educational to sit on that Joint Economic Committee to hear the testimony like we heard last week, all the happy talk coming from the administration that things are great, it's the recovery summer. I don't think so. Have you been out beyond the confines of Washington, DC to look at what's happening to real people and real people's lives? I know the gentleman has a number of facts and charts that he wants to share with us, so I will leave it to him at this point, but I did want to come and share with you some of the thoughts I had on this very important topic that I am so grateful that you brought up tonight.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Solar Car Team from Byron Nelson High School in Trophy Club, Texas. The seven- member Bobcats Solar Racing Team will be participating in the 2010 Hunt-Winston School Solar Car Challenge. The eight-day cross-country event tests the teams' abilities to build a vehicle powered exclusively by solar energy and drive it from Texas Motor Speedway in my district to Boulder, Colorado. The Winston Solar Car Team was launched over 15 years ago as an education program designed to teach high school students how to build and safely race roadworthy solar cars. The final product of each two-year education cycle is the Winston Solar Challenge. The Bobcats Team is one of 22 teams in the nation competing in this extraordinary event. The team will embark upon the 900 mile cross-country race at 8 a.m., Sunday, July 18, 2010. Madam Speaker, I submit the names of the Byron Nelson High School Solar Team's advisors, captains, and members who were instrumental in the support and building of this remarkable vehicle: Linda Parker--School Principal and Team Advisor Darren Klauser--Team Advisor Matt Klauser--Team Captain Cliff Campbell--Team Captain Peter Van Houten--Team Captain Taylor Douglas--Team Member Zach Randolph--Team Member Chad Loving--Team Member Austin Flickinger--Team Member Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to commend the hard-working and visionary students comprising the Byron Nelson High School Solar Team, competitor in the 2010 Hunt-Winston School Solar Car Challenge. It is an honor to represent Northwest ISD, Byron Nelson High School and its Solar Car Team in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today and congratulate Staff Sergeant Zackary T. Filip, of Denton, Texas, for winning the 2010 Army Times Soldier of the Year award. The United States has the strongest and best military in the world, and it is because of the service and dedication of members of our armed services like SSGT Filip that this is true. Each year, Military Times honors five ``Everyday Heroes''--service members who demonstrate pride, dedication and courage beyond what is expected. The awards are given to service members who exhibit exemplary achievement beyond the call of duty, a high level of professionalism, concern for fellow service members, and commitment to community service. SSGT Filip has embodied each of these qualities during his service in the U.S. Army. On November 5, 2009, while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, SSGT Filip found himself in the middle of the worst-ever mass killing on a U.S. military post. He came upon Sgt. Kimberly Munley, who had just shot- down the alleged gunman. SSGT Filip had no medical supplies with him, so he used his belt to create a tourniquet to stop the bleeding from a gunshot wound in Sgt. Munley's leg. SSGT Filip's actions are credited with saving Sgt. Munley's life. But SSGT Filip's assistance did not end there--he continued working with others to treat 55 other victims shot that day. This award is not SSGT Filip's first honor, though. During a tour in Afghanistan in 2008, on Christmas Eve, SSGT Filip was on a joint patrol with Afghan army soldiers. The group came under gunfire, and Filip and a fellow medic, during the course of the battle, spent three hours running from position to position, under heavy fire, to treat four wounded Afghans. Their heroic and selfless actions that day earned SSGT Filip a Bronze Star and an Army Commendation for Valor. SSGT Filip is currently the Platoon Sergeant for the U.S. Army's 4th Squadron, 9th Calvary Regiment's medical platoon at Ft. Hood, TX. He currently lives in Copperas Cove, TX, with his wife, Briana, and three young sons, Grayson, Gabriel and Gavin. Madam Speaker, I rise today with the highest esteem to honor and congratulate Staff Sergeant Zackary Filip for his well-deserved award, the 2010 Army Times Soldier of the Year award. May God bless SSGT Filip and all of the brave men and women fighting in harm's way to protect Americans and our liberties and freedoms, and may God bless America.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, it's tough economic times, and almost every family, every business back in my district knows in tough times you've got to sit down and put pen to paper and figure out a budget so you know where you stand and where you're going. But right now, people find it unbelievable that they're sitting down and going through this tough process but we, in Congress, are not. Until this year, we've never failed to pass a budget since the Budget Act was put into place in 1974. In fact, it is astonishingly insensitive of the Democratic leadership to not do a budget this Congress. Earlier this year, President Obama himself said in January, ``Like any cash-strapped family, we will work within a budget to invest in what we need and sacrifice what we don't.'' So why not do a budget this year? I can't understand it. My folks back home can't either. Last week, Brian Garlotte of Flower Mound, Texas, posted on my Facebook page, ``Where is our budget, Congressman? This is unacceptable.'' I agree with Brian. It is unacceptable that this year, of all years, Congress will not work on a budget.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Just as a historical note, I think I should point out when it comes to this issue, there's actually plenty of blame to go around because after all it was in 1988 when a Democratic Congress, voting under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1988, created this problem under the guise of the RVRBS, and it's gone through several names and several acronyms since then. But that's when it began. It was really a very predictable consequence of Congress' interference in the practice of medicine. Since 1988, there have been multiple Congresses; there have been multiple administrations, both Republican and Democratic. The opportunity to fix this thing has been there, but it has not been taken. Patching the payment system is extremely unsatisfactory, but the alternative is absolutely unthinkable. Let me tell you this for a minute what it means in a one- or two-doctor office practicing primary care when the head of CMS holds your paycheck for 1 week, 2 weeks, now 3 weeks. Even if you're doing as little as 15 percent Medicare in your business, that cash flow that's disrupted across the counter means that that doctor's office is likely not going to be able to take a paycheck that month; and what's even worse, they may have to go out and borrow money for operational expenses. I know that never troubles this Congress to borrow money for operational expenses--we do it all the time--but when you're a small businessperson and you're borrowing for operational expenses, it's extremely frightening because you don't know when you're going to be able to make that up. Now, we have a bill that's retroactive to the first of the month so those checks will be reissued, and that's a good thing. Unfortunately, the expiration date on this bill is November 30. As was pointed out previously by the ranking member on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee on December 31 of this year a 26 percent reduction occurs. What happens in early November of this year is that every private insurance company that pegs its reimbursement to Medicare is going to recalculate its reimbursement based on that 26 percent if we don't do something before then. Let us commit, with this window of opportunity that we have given ourselves between now and November 30, that we are going to work on this problem. I've had a bill up there some time, H.R. 3693. Yes, it's problematic because of the cost, but it's not a real cost because we've already dispensed that money to the doctors; the doctors have already used that to run their practices. This is ``Bernie Madoff'' accounting that should make any one of us in this body ashamed to continue it. Let's recommit to fixing this problem. Let's redouble our efforts. Let's leave aside the partisanship. I will remind some of the speakers on the other side, I have voted with you on this issue in the past. I didn't like the policy you put forward. I thought it was very bad policy at the time, but it was worth it to me to get this issue solved because our Nation's seniors, our patients, our doctors depend upon this.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Keller Independent School District in Keller, Texas. Keller ISD is the winner of the 2010 Texas Safe School Award, which is given to the school district with the most comprehensive security plan in the State. Keller ISD has implemented a system where campus doors are locked and visitors are buzzed in at one or two locations. At most schools, visitors are routed directly to the office where drivers' licenses are scanned through the Raptor System. The program compares the identification with sex offender databases and issues an alert if necessary. The system also prints out a sticker with the person's name and driver's license photo. Districts were judged on their collaborative efforts with local law enforcement and emergency personnel, the number of student resource officers, staff development and student training for emergencies, violence and drug abuse prevention, anti-bullying and safe dating initiatives, mentoring and community participation and innovations. Madam Speaker, I would like to submit for the Record the names of the Keller ISD staff that were instrumental in achieving this honor: Jeff Baker--Director of Planning and Development Cliff Jaynes--Coordinator of Emergency Management and Security Danny Mitchell--Security Specialist Scott Kessel--Director of Guidance and Counseling Marcene Weatherall--Coordinator of Drug and Alcohol Prevention The Texas School Safety Center solicits nominations each year for districts that demonstrate a multi-layered approach to security. The award will be presented at the annual Texas Safe Schools Conference. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to recognize Keller ISD, winner of the 2010 Texas Safe School Award. Keller ISD is to be highly commended for their ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of its students, faculty and staff. It is an honor to represent Keller ISD in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to honor the memory of one of Fort Worth's most respected and active community leaders, Judge Terry D. Lewis. Judge Lewis worked his entire life supporting his family, serving God and the Fort Worth community for which he cared so deeply. Terry D. Lewis was the 4th child of 10, graduating from Dunbar High School in 1969, where he was an Honor Student, receiving the National Merit Achievement Award at graduation. While he was there, he was a member of the Charles L. Scott Jazz Band, on the debate team, four-year letterman in football, and Vice President of the Student Council. He was recruited to go to the University of Chicago by a former Dunbar student, Dr. Calvin Lee Dixon. He attended the University of Chicago for four years and graduated in 1973 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science. While at the University of Chicago, he was a member of the school wrestling team, and developed a passion for the martial arts. From there, he became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was twice promoted before leaving active duty in 1976. While serving as a Marine Corps Officer, he participated in the evacuations of both Saigon and Cambodia. After leaving the Marine Corps, Terry went to work in the business world. He worked for Johnson & Johnson, Xerox, and Jewel Food Stores prior to finding his calling of working with juvenile delinquents and emotionally disturbed teenagers in Chicago. In 1987, while holding a full-time position and raising a family, he attended Chicago-Kent School of Law and served on the Law Review Committee, receiving his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1991, and being honored with the Golden Gavel Award from his graduating law class for his publications and volunteerism while in law school. He was then employed by the Office of Cook County Public Defender, where he specialized in law concerning the abuse and neglect of children. Upon moving home to Fort Worth in 1995, he acquired his license to practice law in the State of Texas, and worked with his brother, the Honorable Glenn Lewis and the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office. At the time of his death, he was serving as a Municipal Court Judge with the City of Fort Worth, where he was perhaps most proud of his efforts to match homeless people who appeared before him with social service programs. As recently as June 4, 2010, he is said to have written in an email to his colleagues: Some people share the socio-political philosophy that government should not or cannot afford to help those on the lower economic rungs of our social ladder . . . Then there are those of us who believe that government cannot afford to neglect them. We all share this City whether our income is considerable or nil. Fort Worth Star-Telegram (June 16, 2010). Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to remember Judge Terry Lewis for his legacy and service to the city of Fort Worth and specifically the community in which he was raised. Judge Lewis' indomitable spirit will always live here among those whom he has touched. We have been honored to have had the grace of his presence in our lives. As we stand today to celebrate the extraordinary life of this extraordinary man, I am proud to have represented such an outstanding citizen from the 26th District of Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Dedication of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church Family Life Center. Located within the predominantly African American ``Stop Six'' Neighborhood of Southeast Fort Worth, the Center will help meet challenges in relation to social, educational and cultural service needs of the community. The new 15,000 square-foot structure is named to honor two former Pastors of the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, Reverends Houston and Lockett, and will serve as a multi-purpose center. With the efforts of non-profit organizations, the Center intends to develop programs to address challenges such as illiteracy, job assistance programs and health needs such as the high infant mortality rates and other needs faced by the surrounding community. The Family Life Center will help improve the quality of life across a multi-generational spectrum. The area's children will find education in Art, Music and Dance. Seniors will find it a place of assistance, and families as a whole can participate in recreational activities to enjoy quality time together. I am honored to congratulate Reverend Bruce Datcher and the Congregation of Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church for their new addition and commitment to South East Fort Worth. It is my pleasure to extend my best wishes for success in their mission as they seek to meet the physical, mental, social and emotional needs of the community.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a bill that I believe has been given far too little attention by the Congress, especially considering the potential precedent that it may set. H.R. 4451, the Collinsville Renewable Energy Promotion Act allows the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to transfer the permit for a hydro-electric power plant once held by a private company into the hands of a public municipality. This bill went through the Energy & Commerce Committee, although I could hardly say it received regular order consideration. When this legislation was first presented to us at the subcommittee level, Members were told it was a non-controversial bill, and that all the interested parties agreed with the actions being taken. Members of the Energy & Commerce Committee subsequently learned otherwise when the company involved, Summit Hydro, LLC, told my office that not only were they opposed to the transfer of these permits, but that they were not even told our Committee was considering the legislation. I find it outrageous that this Congress would move ahead with transferring a privately-held permit to a public entity without so much as a legislative hearing. Despite my objections at the Committee level, voicing concerns that no hearing had been held, the Majority pushed this legislation forward. I am disheartened that this legislation was moved by the full House today, and hope that the Senate will provide Summit Hydro, LLC the proper deference in defending its actions and explaining its story before this bill becomes law and becomes yet another example of government taking over actions more properly suited for the private sector.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to honor the memory of Dr. Robert Minturn Lockwood III, a respected, active, and beloved member of the North Texas community. Known as ``Doc Lock'' to friends, employees, and patients, Dr. Lockwood provided exceptional radiological health care in Denton, Texas for 52 years, and his legacy will persevere for years to come. Dr. Lockwood was born on August 28, 1922 in Philadelphia, PA. A lifelong learner, he attended Harvard, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, and twice earned the Physician's Recognition Award in Continuing Education. In 1956, Dr. Lockwood arrived in Denton, Texas, and co-founded the Family Radiology Clinic. Dr. Lockwood was active in the Denton County Medical Society, and served as the President of the society for a number of years starting in 1966. Dr. Lockwood also belonged to multiple medical societies, including the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and the Texas Radiological Society. After his first wife's death, Dr. Lockwood established Ann's Haven Hospice, which provides nonprofit home health care regardless of a patient's complex condition or ability to pay. While Dr. Lockwood was a devoted medical professional, he also had many hobbies and interests. Described as a jolly man with an excellent sense of humor, Dr. Lockwood was an avid reader, fossil collector, gardener, birdwatcher, poet and playwright. He loved music, language and the arts, and was beloved by all who knew him. Dr. Lockwood is survived by his wife, Sandy; his children, Ben Lockwood, Millie Lockwood, Rachel Cross and her husband John; and his granddaughter, Anna Morshedi and her husband Grant. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to remember Dr. Robert Minturn Lockwood III, for his remarkable legacy and service to the community of North Texas. I am proud to represent such an outstanding citizen from the 26th District of Texas in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to reintroduce legislation I first authored in the 110th Congress. As our country moves toward clean, reliable energy, a natural progression will be toward nuclear energy. Indeed, earlier this year, President Obama announced $8 billion in new federal loan guarantees for two new nuclear power plants in Georgia. However, as we inevitably move toward greater use of nuclear energy, we cannot hide our heads in the sand about the need for safe, reliable ways to store and dispose of the waste created by such energy production. Nuclear power is praised for its zero carbon emissions, but it comes at a price--radioactive fuel rods that will continue to emit dangerous radiation and be the source of radioactive debris for thousands of years. Congress designated Yucca Mountain, Nevada, as the nation's sole candidate site for a permanent high-level nuclear waste repository in 1987. The unused Yucca Mountain site has cost taxpayers an estimated $9 billion. Over $1.2 billion has been spent on the seventy-one claims filed against the Department of Energy for the failure to abide by the 1987 contract to dispose of spent nuclear fuel. There remain deep concerns that Yucca Mountain does not present a long-term solution to nuclear waste because of uncertainty about the long-term geologic stability of the site. The amount of existing nuclear waste already exceeds the storage capacity at the site; moreover, the state of Nevada adamantly opposes the site, and other locations have not been offered. President Obama and the Secretary of Energy Steven Chu have both stated their objections to the proposed repository at Yucca Mountain, and President Obama stripped further funding for Yucca Mountain in the FY2010 budget. Delay in authorizing a nuclear waste site has wasted an enormous sum of taxpayer dollars and resources. One proposed alternative to Yucca Mountain has been to reprocess spent nuclear fuel in order to recover usable fuel and cut down on the volume of waste. The issue remains complicated; reprocessing carries the potential of creating weapons- grade nuclear material thus presenting a global proliferation risk as other nations employ the technology. As the United States continues to dissuade other nations, namely Iran and North Korea, from nuclear reprocessing, we take a dangerous political risk in engaging in the process ourselves. The legislation I am reintroducing today would encourage the creation of an efficient and safe process to store nuclear waste. The Nuclear Used Fuel Prize Act of 2010 would set up a competition to design the best way to remove and store nuclear waste. I am a strong supporter of nuclear power and I look forward to working toward finding a solution to storing nuclear waste. I believe this legislation will provide the incentives to find permanent solutions to our energy needs.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, just within the past hour, Governor Mitch Daniels came and addressed the Congressional Health Care Caucus. He gave us some particular insights as to what's been happening in his State of Indiana with regards to health care costs. But, in particular, he expressed how distressed he was over the health care bill that this Congress passed in March. He described it as a ``lost opportunity of historic proportions that perpetuates and extends the problems of the existing system.'' The plan is administratively complex, and States, in fact, have no hope of complying. In fact, the cost to States, the significant financial burden proposed to the States are truly going to be obstacles. It's odd. You know, every time consumer-directed health care posts a win, we find a way not to recognize the success, but Governor Daniels has. He described us as heading at warp speed down a dead-end road with a debt burden that threatens the actual vitality of our Republic. There is a better way. The simple truth is that something magic happens when people spend their own money. Governor Daniels, employing a system of consumer-directed health care in his State of Indiana, has held health care costs down by 11 percent in the past year. I wish Medicare and Medicaid could say the same.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Corinth, Texas Campus of North Central Texas College. For the past decade, NCTC-Corinth has provided thousands of North Texas residents with an opportunity to pursue higher education. The Corinth Campus first opened in 2000, and today is educating more than 4,000 students. The Corinth campus shares in the longstanding tradition of academic excellence that is characteristic of NCTC, the oldest continuously operating two-year college in the entire state of Texas. The NCTC-Corinth campus offers a variety of vocational degrees and certificate programs, as well as college credit courses and continuing education units. The first-class education NCTC-Corinth's students receive prepare them to join the area's workforce as well-trained professionals. NCTC-Corinth has been an invaluable asset to the many communities that call North Texas home, serving its students well. I have no doubt this trend will continue well into the future and impact many more students, as NCTC-Corinth is planning for future growth that its administrators anticipate will be able to serve some 12,000 students in the coming years. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to honor the 10th Anniversary of the opening of North Central Texas College's Corinth campus. I am proud to represent Texas' 26th Congressional District, which is home to this fine educational institution.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. That money in the health care bill that was cut from Medicare should have dealt with the doctor fees first, and anything else left over should have gone to pay for the other programs that they wanted to buy. Quoting from Ms. Moon: ``They should have used Medicare dollars to fix this. It is irresponsible'' that the health care law left such a major issue unresolved, while at the same time claiming--claiming--to reduce the Federal deficit. Continuing to quote: ``I think we should have put a crowbar in our wallets.'' Well, look, here is the problem. We passed a bill. We cut half a trillion dollars from Medicare, and we didn't fix the fundamental problem that is preventing our Medicare patients from having care. You want access to an insurance policy, fine. I would always rather have access to a doctor.

Mr. BURGESS. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Let's talk just a little bit about fires and who set them and when they were set. I rise today to talk about the so-called doc fix that is contained within the bill. But first I think a little history is in order. Quoting from a paper by Dr. John Shay from December of 2006: Originally, Medicare doctors were reimbursed under what is called the customary prevailing rate, the CPR. Congress thought that spent too much money, so in 1989 in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act--sound familiar?--they enacted what was called the relative value payment system, RVRPS. That was supposed to hold down payments. In between, we had something called the Medicare economic index that based doctor pay on the cost-of-living adjustment. None of these things satisfied Congress in holding down costs, so in 1992, remember, George Bush was not President in 1992, George W. Bush was not President in 1992, although we like to blame things on the previous administration; the Congress was controlled by Democrats, and they enacted the volume performance standard, or VPS, which was in fact the forerunner of today's SGR. This is not a problem that began in the last administration. This is in fact a problem that was set in motion by administrative pricing when Medicare was enacted back in 1965. Now, here is the deal. We are going to pass this thing today, and I appreciate the fact we separated out the doc fix from the other parts of the legislation. But it is not going to benefit America's doctors, because the Senate went home. If we really wanted to help America's doctors, we would have done this in the weeks that we gave ourselves in April when we passed the last extension. But we didn't. We were in recess all day Wednesday, for crying out loud. The Senate has gone home. June 1, doctors get their pay cut. CMS says don't worry, we will hold their checks for two weeks. Do you know what happens when you hold a check in a one- or two-doctor office for two weeks? That doctor doesn't have a paycheck at the end of their month, their margins are so tight. Now, here is the real legislative malpractice that occurred here two months ago when we passed the health care bill. Here is the Clinton Medicare economist, Marilyn Moon, who said the health care legislation's $500 billion cuts to hospitals, insurers, and other Medicare providers should have been earmarked to deal with the doctor fees first.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, we find ourselves up against another deadline for the so-called ``doc fix,'' and this happens because this Congress lacks the courage to solve the problem. The fact is, Mr. Speaker, the longer we put off doing a permanent fix, the more expensive it gets. If the problem had been fixed 5 years ago, it would have cost $49 billion. Here is an ad that the AMA has been running in some of the papers here on Capitol Hill. The cost to fix the bill now is $210 billion, but if we wait 3 years, it almost doubles to $396 billion and then balloons to half a trillion dollars in 5 years. But there is a better way. H.R. 3693 would make a permanent fix to the formula Medicare uses to determine payments to doctors, and it's critical for our patients because patients cannot get access to a Medicare physician because, consider this, Medicare physician payment rates are about where they were in 2001. Medical practice costs have increased more than 20 percent. What's worse, the current fee pays doctors less each year for performing the same procedures. I urge the Congress to pass a reasonable Medicare physician fix. The time has come and gone.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to congratulate the Town of Westlake with the high school matriculation of the first graduating class of the Westlake Academy. Founded as a public charter school in 2003, Westlake Academy is the first and only municipality in Texas to receive a charter designation. It has a mission to achieve academic excellence and develop life-long learners who will become well-balanced responsible citizens. Westlake Academy promotes intercultural understanding, respect, independent thought and prepares their students to become active participants and agents of positive change through its International Baccalaureate curriculum. Westlake Academy is the fifth school of only ten schools in the United States, and the only public school, to offer the full International Baccalaureate curriculum for grades K-12. I'm honored to celebrate this first graduation with Mayor Laura Wheat, the Town Council/Trustees, former Board of Alderman/Trustees, former Mayor Scott Bradley, the parents, graduates and Community of Westlake. I appreciate the opportunity to speak at their first commencement and to represent the Town of Westlake and Westlake Academy in the United States House of Representatives. I'd like to submit the names of the First Graduating Class for the Record. These 24 graduating seniors have been offered over $3.7 million in scholarships/grants, and 100 percent have been accepted to colleges and universities. Brooke Awtry, Kent Bordelon, Elena Ceballos, Alexandra Champagne, Anisha Chandra, Bailey Cockrum, Chelsea Cooper, Ryen Degan. Tim Drews, Olivia Flowers, Josh Frey, James Grover, Erik Herbst, Viky Kalyta, Sean Kennedy, Christina Kolokotroni. Connor Lenio, Corey Lenkiewicz, Samantha Moon, Shivam Purohit, Stephanie Schultz, Kali Spates, Tyler Springer, Yasya Vasyutynska.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, today I sent, along with Representative Scalise of Louisiana, a letter to the United States Army Corps of Engineers supporting Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal's request for an emergency permit to dredge and build sand barrier islands. The United States Corps of Engineers must conduct an environmental assessment before granting the State a permit to build the barriers. Governor Jindal petitioned the Corps of Engineers on May 10, more than 2 weeks ago, for approval to dredge and build the sand barriers. He has yet to receive a response. In the meantime, oil has begun to inundate Louisiana's fragile coasts and marshes. The proposed sand barriers would create a permanent barrier to prevent oil from reaching the shores and the wetlands. We support Governor Jindal's efforts to protect the fragile ecosystems and natural resources that are of critical importance, not just to Louisiana, but in fact the entire national economy, and we urge the Army Corps of Engineers to act swiftly so that they may assist the governor in protecting these valuable resources. Mr. Scalise and I were both part of a congressional delegation that visited the Gulf and the protected area 3 weeks ago. We have seen the spill and the waters firsthand and seen the way it is threatening Louisiana's coastline. Every resource should be utilized to stem this spill and protect the Nation's coastline. I insert for the Record a copy of the letter we sent to Lieutenant General Robert L. Van Antwerp. Congress of the United States, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, May 24, 2010. LTG Robert L. Van Antwerp, Commanding General and Chief of Engineers, Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, DC. LTG Robert L. Van Antwerp: As oil from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill begins to reach the fragile marshes and estuaries of the Louisiana coastline, it is imperative that the federal government do everything possible to stop the flow of oil and act immediately to protect the natural resources along Louisiana's coast. On May 23, 2010, the Associated Press reported that Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, frustrated with Army Corps of Engineers delays over environmental impact studies, will move forward unilaterally in building sand barriers to protect the coastline. Gov. Jindal petitioned the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the week of May 10 for approval to dredge and build sand barriers to protect the wetlands, but the USACE has yet to grant approval of that request, and oil continues to damage areas of Louisiana's coasts. We support Gov. Jindal's efforts to protect the fragile ecosystems and natural resources that are of critical importance not only to Louisiana but also to the entire national economy. And we hope the Army Corps of Engineers will expedite any environmental studies so that the Corps may assist the Governor in protecting these valuable resources. The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a serious tragedy, resulting in the loss of 11 lives onboard the exploratory rig. Every resource should be utilized to stem this spill and protect the nation's coastlines. We appreciate your assistance in this matter. Sincerely, Michael C. Burgess, M.D. Steve Scalise.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember Deborah Vernice Reynolds-Hazen of Fort Worth, Texas. Debbie danced her way into the lives of her parents, Alverta and Clarence Reynolds on January 12, 1953 in Fort Worth, Texas. She graduated from Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School, Nolan Catholic High School, and Paul Quinn College. Before her college graduation, she attended Tarrant County Junior College, where she was crowned Miss TCJC, and she attended Texas Wesleyan College. Debbie was one of the first Black finalists for the Miss Texas pageant and one of the first Black models for the Kim Dawson modeling agency. In her work in the Water Quality Protection Division of the Environmental Protection Agency, she served as both a water specialist and the Texas Tribal Outreach Education Coordinator. Debbie also worked for the Corps of Engineers. Debbie loved Fort Worth and she dedicated her life to helping others through her very active community involvement. Mrs. Reynolds-Hazen was the first African-American chair of the Tarrant County Historical Commission. She also served on the Kupferle Board of the Harris Methodist Hospital system, as well as the boards of the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society, the Arlington Landmarks Commission, Historic Preservation Council for Tarrant County and Historic Fort Worth. Debbie was a Fort Worth Assembly debutante and she continued her involvement with the distinguished organization as a general member and as a member of the Executive Board. She was a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Links. She was a graduate of Leadership Fort Worth and was involved in her church of 57 years, the historic Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Fort Worth's beautiful South Side. It was there that she was a member of St. Anne's Altar Society and had sung with the first OMM Gospel Choir. Always the life of anyone's party, Debbie was an enthusiastic and great dancer. In her lifetime, she had won many dance contests. It was not uncommon for her to make any floor her dancing arena. Her passion for dancing was infectious. She would pull people on the dance floor and made everyone want to dance with her, including those who were the most shy. Debbie never met a stranger. She had an unparalleled flair about her. She could sashay into any crowd of people she didn't know and would walk away knowing the majority of them or the majority of people would walk away knowing who Debbie was. This social butterfly was a very well-rounded person. An avid supporter of visual and performing arts, Debbie was a patron of museums and theatre, she travelled around the world, won many trivia contests, and played classical piano. She even recorded an album showcasing her musical talent. She is survived by her beloved and devoted husband of 15 years, Robert J. Hazen, stepdaughters Robin Renee Black, UVanna Miller, brother, Clarence Reynolds, Jr., nieces, Judith M. Bell, Shelly Bell, and Jessica Reynolds, cousin (and unofficial younger sister), Glenda Batts Williams and uncles Roscoe Marion Means, Marshall Batts, and Melvin Buckner, and a whole host of loving relatives and dear friends. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Alverta and Clarence, by her sister, Clarece, sister-in-law, Alma, and stepson Wes Hazen. She danced her way back into these beloved relatives' lives on May 14, 2010. A Wake will be held in Debbie's memory on Friday, May 21, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church at 1001 Terrell Avenue, in Fort Worth, Texas. The funeral Mass will be held at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church on Saturday, May 22, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a gift to the National Kidney Foundation be made in Mrs. Reynolds-Hazen's memory. Madam Speaker, today I rise in remembrance of the very talented, enthusiastic, dedicated and selfless Deborah Vernice Reynolds-Hazen. She has had a profound effect on many, and will be dearly missed.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Eddie Reyes, who has been named the 2010 Minority Small Business Champion of the Year by the United States Small Business Administration. Reyes, coordinator of the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program at the University of North Texas (UNT) in Denton, Texas, will be honored at the Small Business Administration's National Small Business Week celebration in Washington, DC, May 23-25, 2010. Joining award winners from across the country, Reyes will be recognized for his personal successes as a small business owner, the contributions he has made to small businesses and the economic well-being of the country, and the special impact made by outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners. Reyes works with UNT and state programs to reveal opportunities to bid on goods or services and helps small business owners navigate the procurement process. He also informs them on how to obtain certification as a HUB vendor. Reyes deserves many thanks for his outstanding achievements and continuing dedication to UNT and to small business. Reyes has received many notable honors, including being the first- ever International Business Achievement Award Recipient by the Greater Dallas Chamber, the Texas Association of Mexican-American Chambers of Commerce's H.U.B. Coordinator of the Year Award, the Pillar of the Community Award from the D/FW Association of Hispanic Contractors, and Small Business Advocate of the Year by Alliance Texas, among others. Reyes was born and raised in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and continues to live in the area with his wife. He hosts ``Diversity in Action with Eddie Reyes,'' a business radio program that offers information about being a successful minority or woman-owned business. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today and congratulate Eddie Reyes, winner of the 2010 Minority Small Business Champion of the Year award. It is an honor to represent Reyes and many small businesses across North Texas in the United States Congress.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, last week, our committee on Energy and Commerce, the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, held the first of what is likely to be many hearings into the events going on in the Gulf of Mexico. So far, the hearings and investigation have been decidedly ``asymmetric.'' My committee demanded and obtained thousands of pages of documents and testimony from the four companies involved in the spill, but virtually nothing--nothing--from the administration. In fact, my committee made no document requests and asked for no testimony from the administration. The Federal role would appear to be an integral part of this story. We should have representatives from the Department of Interior and the Minerals Management Service explain why in March of 2009, in the Initial Exploration Plans for Deepwater Horizon, a blowout scenario was simply not contemplated, and why the Department of Interior did not require a site-specific oil spill response plan. We've had no word from the Federal Government and related agencies. When will the administration begin to work with Congress, rather than against Congress and against the American people?

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to recognize Denton County, Texas and members of the Denton County leadership delegation who are visiting here in Washington, D.C. this week. These local officials and business leaders understand that what goes on here in Washington affects their local communities. So this trip, this trip they make every 2 years, is a very important one. Over the next several days, these individuals will meet with members of the leadership here in Congress, Senators and Representatives from Texas and across the country and, in addition, will find time to visit the soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. I'm pleased to welcome members of some of the chambers of commerce and business associations of Denton County, along with several Denton County local officials to the Nation's Capital. I also want to thank them for helping to make Denton County a place of entrepreneurship and economic opportunity. Mr. Speaker, I will submit the names of the Denton County delegation for the Record. Sandra Kathleen Beahm Kent Collins Patrick L. Davis Andrew Thomas Eads Ginger Ann Eads Al Filidoro Chuck Fremeux Kelly Leigh Heslep Cynthia Rae Howard Claude E. King Michael Leavitt Dee Leggett Tod Mahoney Matthew McCormick Tami McCormick Scott Ran all McDearmont Shannon McGary Brandon McGary William J. Meek Stan Morton Jody Smith Suzene Thompson Harold Dean Ueckert Catherine Ann Ueckert Charlotte Jeanette Wilcox

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to congratulate Erma Johnson Hadley, the newly appointed Chancellor of the Tarrant County College District, and to recognize her many accomplishments to TCC and her community. Hadley is not only the first female to be named Chancellor of TCC, but also the first African American. Hadley has been with TCC, which includes five districts and has an enrollment of more than 45,000 students, for over 40 years. Prior to being named Chancellor, Hadley has served as both a faculty member and administrator, including Director of Personnel, Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, and Vice Chancellor for Administration. During her distinguished tenure at TCC, Hadley has been voted ``Outstanding Teacher'', she established the District's call center, and created the TCC Employee Scholarship Program, among other notable accomplishments. Hadley has also served as Equal Opportunity Officer and formerly oversaw the Admissions, Records and Registration departments. In addition to her service to TCC, Hadley has contributed significantly to the local community for more than 35 years. She has served as Chairman of the Tarrant County Hospital District Board of Managers, Chairman of the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Board, and Chairman of the North Texas Commission. Hadley was also selected by former Texas Governor Bill Clements for the Trinity River Authority of Texas and former Texas Governor George W. Bush for the Texas Governor's Committee on Volunteerism. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to congratulate and recognize the accomplishments of Erma Johnson Hadley, Chancellor of the Tarrant County College District. It is a privilege to represent such a dedicated community member and public servant, and such a superb educational institution, in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to recognize Dianne Costa, the Mayor of Highland Village, Texas. After years of impressive leadership and commitment to the community, Dianne will be retiring from the City Council. Mayor Costa was elected Mayor of Highland Village in May 2006, and re-elected in May 2008. Previously, she had served as Mayor Pro Tem from 2005-2006, and before that she served as Deputy Mayor Pro Tem from 2003-2005. Mayor Costa's dedication to Highland Village has spanned more than a decade. She began her service by participating with the Highland Village Women's Club, and served as the Outreach Chairman until 2001. Dianne continued her involvement through positions with Parks and Recreation, Police Auxiliary, and was awarded for her excellence in 2000 by receiving the Police Department Community Service Award. Mayor Costa and her husband Dennis live in Highland Village with their sons and she is co-owner of Sharp Focus Centers. In addition to being Mayor, she currently serves as a member of the National Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Board of Directors for the Highland Village Community Development Corporation, the Texas Association of Mediators, the National Council on Family Relations, and Rockpointe Church. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today to commemorate the accomplishments and service of Highland Village Mayor Dianne Costa. It is my honor to represent such a dedicated community member in the United States House of Representatives.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, how many times did we hear during this past year, year and a half, ``If you like what you have, you can keep it''-- talking about health insurance, talking about your doctor. We even heard the Presidential candidate of 2008 who eventually won the Presidency, ``If you like your doctor, if you like your insurance company, nothing about my law will require you to change that.'' But now we're finding out an entirely different story. Published on CNN Money, published in Fortune magazine this past week, ``Many companies are examining a course that was heretofore unthinkable, dumping the health care coverage they provide to their workers in exchange for paying a penalty in fees to the government.'' Consider this, from CNN Money on May 6: ``Internal documents recently reviewed by Fortune, originally requested by Congress, shows what the bill's critics predicted and what its champions dreaded: Many large companies are examining a course that was heretofore unthinkable, dumping health care coverage they provide to their workers.'' A large company that employs 300,000 employees spends $2.4 billion a year on health care coverage. That figure would drop if they simply paid the fines to $600 million. $2.4 billion to $600 million. What choice are they going to make?