Michael Burgess

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that we withdraw the unanimous consent request of the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, may I ask a question? May I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton) before he begins the 15 minutes?

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I don't disagree with a word that was just said.

Mr. BURGESS. I thank the distinguished Republican leader for yielding. Mr. Speaker, here we are back again, not quite two years from when we had this debate the last time, and a good deal has changed in the world of science over that 2-year time interval. Unfortunately, the bill that we have before us has not significantly changed. We have already heard mention of the amniotic fluid stem cells that are now available to open a broad new area of research. Have we had one hearing in our committee, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, of which the distinguished chairman spoke to us this morning? I think the American people would welcome us having a hearing to understand more about this promising new area of science. As it stands today, we will simply have to debate the bill on the merits of information that is well over 2 years old, and I think that is unfortunate. Mr. Speaker, regenerative medicine, the words themselves, speaks to great hope among the healer and patient alike that some of the most tragic of human afflictions may one day find relief. This concept is powerful. It is a powerful lure to participants on both sides of this debate. And I would stress, Mr. Speaker, that on both sides of this debate are people of good character and good will. We simply disagree about a single point. As we proceed with today's debate on H.R. 3, I would like to ask my colleagues whether there is any common ground by which the two sides may seek resolution of this conflict. The recent findings of the pleuripotent epithelial cells, an undifferentiated mesenchymal cell that is present in all amniotic fluid at all stages of fetal development, demonstrates how quickly the world has changed since we last held this debate less than a year ago. Mr. Speaker, we don't know, we don't know what the mesenchymal cell will do if it is extracted at 11 weeks versus 40 weeks. Wouldn't it be nice to have the researcher before our committee and be able to ask those questions so we may make the best possible judgment for the American people? Well, those individuals, the researchers at the Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Wake Forest, have determined these cells they have extracted from amniotic fluid can adapt and form other types of tissue, such as brain, muscle, and skeletal cells, and remain stable for years and not form tumors into those in whom they are implanted. That is a pretty powerful piece of information, Mr. Speaker. If I were given the choice of a stem cell that might cure an affliction but one might cause a tumor and the other wouldn't, I think that is information I would like to have before I made that decision. Clearly, this new technology, as it is further developed, may well prove a way toward that path of regenerative medicine without sacrificing nascent human life and in fact sacrificing human dignity. For almost a decade, clinicians have used what is called preimplantation genetics, where a single cell is taken from an early gestation, the 8-cell blastocyst, a single cell is taken through micromanipulative techniques without causing harm to the donor embryo. This single cell is then used for genetic studies. I have had patients in my practice who have undergone preimplantation genetics. But this same procedure could be used to create new embryonic stem cell lines without sacrificing human life and without endangering fundamental human dignity. This technique was proposed by Mr. Bartlett in the last Congress. It was brought up under suspension, and, unfortunately, did not pass. But I believe this Congress should be considering this again as a means towards achieving that elusive common ground between the two sides. As we have witnessed, science moves faster than we do here in the United States Congress. At the very least we should strive to defend life and attempt to establish the ethical boundaries of this potentially lifesaving research. Consider the words spoken by President Kennedy at his inaugural almost half a century ago: ``Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors.'' H.R. 3 does not strike this balance and does not allow us to invoke the wonders of science. Instead, it offers a very vague outline posing as ethical guidelines but is in no such way an ethical guideline; and, unfortunately, as a consequence, human dignity is discarded by the wayside. We can do better, and we should do better. Instead, we offer false promises to those that suffer from some of the most debilitating chronic conditions and we fail to protect what is human life and erode the concept of humanity. Mr. Speaker, again, let me express my regret that we are not holding hearings in arguably what is the most powerful committee in this United States Congress, and that is the Committee on Energy and Commerce, so that we may fully evaluate this area of science. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, would it be in order to inquire where we are in the 100 hours time? I see it is 3 o'clock in the afternoon; in Texas, that is 2 o'clock.

Mr. BURGESS. Parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. BURGESS. I thank the gentleman from Florida. I will yield any time remaining to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. King).

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tim Leslie, Mayor of Aubrey, in the 26th District of Texas. Mr. Leslie was a courageous leader devoted to the best interests of his community. Mayor Leslie dedicated his life's work to the citizens of Aubrey. During the 1980's, he was elected to two terms as Mayor. Mr. Leslie's commitment to local children led him to serve on the school board for over a decade. When Mr. Leslie was elected Mayor again in 2003, he championed modern improvements to community and school facilities, and promoted cooperation between the city and schools of Aubrey. As Mayor, Tim Leslie directed projects for the building of a new library and a water treatment facility. After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year and enduring intensive chemotherapy treatments, Mr. Leslie courageously continued to fulfill his obligations as Mayor. In addition to his career in local government, Mr. Leslie served as editor and publisher of the City of Aubrey's weekly newspaper, The Town Charter. As a founding member of the Aubrey Lions Club, he was also active in the Aubrey Chamber of Commerce and Aubrey Education Foundation. His legacy of public service will long benefit the City of Aubrey. Mayor Leslie is survived by his wife, Allison, and their three children. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the memory of such a courageous individual. Mayor Tim Leslie was a dedicated public servant, and serves as a role model to all citizens. I extend my sincerest sympathies to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed and his service to his community will always be greatly appreciated.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Weldon Burgoon and his business, Weldon's Saddle Shop and Western Wear, for 50 years of outstanding service in the Denton community. Weldon Burgoon began hand-tooling leather goods during his teenage years while attending a class at Sanger High School, in the 26th District of Texas. There he met and later married his wife, Joy. His own business evolved after hand-tooling leather belts as a side job to working in his father's plumbing business. After opening its doors on the outskirts of Denton in 1957, today Mr. Burgoon's saddles are known worldwide for their quality and craftsmanship. Mr. Burgoon's generosity and commitment to the Denton community has remained strong during the past 50 years. His shop is a principal supporter of the Denton County Livestock Association's Annual Youth Fair and Rodeo. Weldon's Saddle Shop is a family affair and will continue its successes under the capable assistance of his daughter Kippie Wilkerson, and her two sons. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I stand here today and congratulate the 50th year of business for Weldon's Saddle Shop and Western Wear. I am honored to serve Mr. Weldon Burgoon in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 934) supporting the goals and ideals of Plan Ahead with an Advance Directive Week.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material on the resolution.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, just a housekeeping detail: I would point out that the House has previously passed this legislation. It went over to the Senate. Some modest changes were made, and this is now the legislation that will conform to those changes. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize another physician from Georgia, Dr. Tom Price, for 3 minutes.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, we have had good participation from the House Physicians Caucus this morning, and I just wanted to make note of that. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to our third speaker, who is one of our newest Members, another physician colleague from Houston, Texas, the recently elected Shelley Sekula Gibbs.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 934, supporting the goals and ideals of Plan Ahead with an Advance Directive Week. The resolution encourages all Americans to take time to discuss with their loved ones what their wishes would be in a health care situation where that person is unable to communicate. As many of my colleagues are aware, an advance directive may comprise two types of legal documents that enable individuals to plan for and communicate end-of-life wishes in the event an individual is unable to convey them due to failing health. The first type of advance directive is what is known as a living will. It documents a person's wishes concerning medical treatments at the end of life. The second type of advance directive is a medical power of attorney or a health care proxy which allows individuals to appoint a person they trust as their health care agent. This person is authorized to make medical decisions on another's behalf. Mr. Speaker, living wills and medical powers of attorney are valuable tools to help communicate the wishes about future medical care. Thoughtfully prepared advance directives can ease the burden on those who must make health care decisions for us. In conclusion, I want to encourage all Americans to set aside time to have what may well be one of the most important conversations that a family can have. At this time, I would like to thank Dr. Gingrey for helping bring this important issue to the American people, and I urge my colleagues to support the resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to the bill (H.R. 864) to provide for programs and activities with respect to the prevention of underage drinking.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to insert extraneous material on the bill.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska, the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in support of H.R. 864, as amended, the STOP Underage Drinking Act. This legislation takes crucial steps to address the problem of underage drinking at the national level. The Senate-passed version of H.R. 864 contains several beneficial changes to the House bill which I am pleased to support. At this time I would like to recognize Representative Roybal-Allard, lead sponsor of the bill, as well as Representative Tom Osborne of Nebraska for their hard work on this important piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers. I also would just like to point out what a privilege and an honor it has been to serve with Tom Osborne here in my short time in the House. And, Coach, we will miss you next year. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Eriele Johnson for earning a spot on the Texas Girls Coaches Association's All-State Volleyball Team. This honor is awarded to top female athletes for their superior performance on the court. The Texas Girls Coaches Association is the largest group of girls' athletic coaches in the nation, and serves the coaches and administrators at every level of education. The elite All-State Volleyball Team is selected by a committee panel of coaches and administrators, and is comprised of the most competitive female athletes in the state. As a senior at Pilot Point High School in the 26th District of Texas, Eriele manages to give her absolute best efforts when the team requires it most. As a 4-year starter, she has led the LadyCats to regional quarter and semifinal games. Ms. Johnson was named the District 9-3A Most Valuable Hitter. I extend my most sincere congratulations to Eriele Johnson, and I wish her the best of luck in her academic and athletic career.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kelsey Owens for earning a spot on the Texas Girls Coaches Association's All-State Volleyball Team. This honor is awarded to top female athletes for their superior performance on the court. The Texas Girls Coaches Association is the largest group of girls' athletic coaches in the nation, and serves the coaches and administrators at every level of education. The elite All-State Volleyball Team is selected by a committee panel of coaches and administrators, and is comprised of the most competitive female athletes in the state. As a senior at The Colony High School in the 26th District of Texas, Kelsey manages to give her absolute best efforts when the team requires it most. Ms. Owens has also been named the MVP and Captain of her Lady Cougars team. I extend my most sincere congratulations to Kelsey Owens and I wish her the best of luck in her academic and athletic career.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lauren McKean for earning a spot on the Texas Girls Coaches Association's All-State Volleyball Team. This honor is awarded to top female athletes for their superior performance on the court. The Texas Girls Coaches Association is the largest group of girls' athletic coaches in the nation, and serves the coaches and administrators at every level of education. The elite All-State Volleyball Team is selected by a committee panel of coaches and administrators, and is comprised of the most competitive female athletes in the state. As a senior at Frisco Centennial High School in the 26th District of Texas, Lauren manages to give her absolute best efforts when the team requires it most. Ms. McKean led the Lady Titans to the Class 4A Regional finals for the first time in school history. I extend my most sincere congratulations to Lauren McKean and I wish her the best of luck in her academic and athletic career.