Michael Burgess

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, from its very inception, this law was bad and remains bad for America. It was written in secret down at the White House. Now our committee has exposed all the secret deals that went on literally 3 years ago this month that led to the formation and the writing of the legislation behind closed doors--the very doors that the President, when he was running for office, said would always remain open. He said this would be an open and transparent process. But when it came time to actually write the law, they invited the lobbyists in, they closed the doors, and they wrote the law. We all remember the travesty of December 2009 when the Senate passed a bill out the day before Christmas, right before a snowstorm, and this bill that was hastily drafted, full of errors, full of problems, was passed out of the Senate, and that's what was signed into law. It wasn't even a good rough draft. It never came back to the House, and it never came to a conference committee. The dog ate our homework on the way to the President's office, and we just passed the rough draft and sent it on to the American people, and, by golly, they'll just have to live with it. Look, there were some promises made by the President 4 years ago. One of those promises was, if you liked what you had you could keep it. It turns out what he should have been saying was, do you know what? It's going to cost you a lot more to get a lot less. There were promises made to seniors that their care would not be harmed with the passage of this law, but we all know now that that's anything but true. What about our provider communities? They were promised relief from the sustainable growth rate formula. They were promised some medical liability reform. They were promised that if we expect doctors to hold down costs, we're going to at least let them get together and talk about price. But none of these things came into being, and instead, what did we get? A bill that contains 23 new taxes, albeit one has been repealed and one has been postponed under the CLASS Act, but, still, 21 taxes that remain out there for the American people. It was not necessary for it to be like this. There were Republican ideas that were stymied at the committee level, and then, of course, ultimately every House idea was stymied because the House simply took up and passed a very bad Senate bill. Kids on until 26, this was part of the Republican plan from 3 years ago. It could have been part of a bipartisan plan had the Democrats chosen to do so. They rejected that notion. I urge you to repeal this law. Let's get back to work and do it right for the American people. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, today The Dallas Morning News and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram carried stories that only 31 percent of Texas doctors are accepting new patients who rely on Medicaid. In 2010, the last time the survey was taken, it was 42 percent. In the year 2000, it was 67 percent. The Texas Medical Association conducted the survey and attributes the dropping numbers to a low reimbursement rate for physicians and increasing red tape. Doctors appear to be losing patience with government-funded health plans and government-run health care in general. You know, shortly after the Supreme Court decision, all of the cable talk shows talked about it's free riders that are driving up the cost of health care in this country. No, it's not. The biggest freeloader is the Federal Government. The Federal Government, with its Medicare and Medicaid programs being structured the way they are, is actually causing the cost of health care to skyrocket in this country, and that's something that needs to stop. They're freeloading on an underfunded program, and it's costing us money. And more importantly, it's inexcusably hurting patients. The Affordable Care Act is a bad law. We all knew it was bad law when it passed. It was written by lobbyists in secret down at the White House. It was a rough draft passed by the Senate that got forced to the House. This House is going to hold a repeal vote this week. I suspect it will pass. I urge the Senate to take up and pass this repeal vote so we can get on to the important business of reforming the system in this country.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Highland Village Fire Department Chief Lonnie Tatum. Chief Tatum has spent over 42 years in public service; he began his notable career as a Firefighter/Paramedic for the City of Nacogdoches, advancing through the ranks over the next 32 years serving as Driver/Operator, Lieutenant, Captain and Arson Investigator. In 2001, he began his ten year tenure as Fire Chief at the City of Highland Village, Texas. Chief Tatum is a graduate of the National Fire Academy and attended St. Edwards University, Angelina College and graduated from Weatherford College with a degree in Fire Service Administration. He holds Masters Level Certifications from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and the Texas Department of Public Safety. On numerous occasions, he has been recognized for his expertise in fire administration and personal dedication as a firefighter. Chief Tatum was chosen by the Angelina College Board of Regents to establish a Fire Academy and Training Facility at Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas, serving as Director for five years. He also served as Regional Faculty for the American Heart Association CPR training program at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas. In 1992, he was recognized as ``Outstanding Firefighter'' of the year, and in 1994, he received the department's Medal of Valor. Under his laudable direction, the Highland Village Fire Department has expanded from all volunteer to a professional full-time staff comprised of fifteen Firefighters/Paramedics and additional administrative personnel. The Highland Village Fire Department has garnered recognition reflective of Chief Tatum's capable direction; in 2006, the Highland Village Fire Department was awarded an ISO Classification of 2 and celebrated the grand opening of their new state-of-the-art Central Fire Station in May 2008. After a decade as Highland Village Fire Chief, Chief Tatum's bravery and dedication to the safety and well being of his community will be greatly missed; his positive contributions will continue long past his retirement. It is my pleasure to recognize Highland Village Fire Chief Lonnie Tatum, and I am privileged to represent the City of Highland Village in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, there has been a lot of discussion about the use of unmanned aircraft, commonly referred to as drones, in United States airspace, and rightfully so. Beginning with the FAA reauthorization bill which passed this House earlier in the year, the expansion of the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the continental United States was expanded. Arguably, this was a useful expansion because we have vast areas of our border which are difficult to monitor. Sometimes there are search and rescue occurrences that happen in rough terrain where an unmanned aerial vehicle may be indispensable. But since that time, there has been a growing body of people who have been concerned about the effect of allowing these unmanned aerial vehicles the ability to surveil citizens. There has also been talk about the EPA using it to monitor herd size and the grazing habits of farmers. These are questions that are going to need to be answered. But in recent weeks, I have become aware of some discussion that in certain police jurisdictions they were talking about an army of unmanned aerial vehicles to assist in law enforcement. Maybe that's something that's worthwhile to consider, but I can't help but feel that a step taken that far is something that this body should consider. While I appreciate the subcommittee chairman's concern about legislating on an appropriations bill, we're in new territory. We're in uncharted territory, and this amendment is a first-aid maneuver. It is to place a bandage, if you will, on a growing problem to see if we can't stop and have the discussion before the Secretary spends money authorizing the use of armed unmanned aerial vehicles. No one disputes in war zones and in battle space the use of an unmanned aerial vehicle. An armed unmanned aerial vehicle is incredibly useful. No one argues the utility of these unmanned aircraft in that situation. All I would say is that before we allow that to be occurring in our backyards, on our highways and byways, we need to consider the effects of that. Are we, in fact, ensuring the constitutional rights of the people who not just are being surveilled, but who may be being controlled by the armaments that would be present in these weaponized vehicles? My amendment would prevent the Secretary of Transportation, the head of the FAA, from approving any application to use an unmanned aircraft in the United States airspace for the purpose of arming or weaponizing that aircraft. It does not affect the surveillance question. So surveillance drone applications certainly, if they are authorized, may go forward. Nor does it affect weaponized drones that are operating outside the United States airspace. The amendment that I offer today is preemptive. As to my knowledge, no actual applications have been filed with the FAA to use armed drones in U.S. airspace. But I believe it is necessary, as there has been some discussion in the public media about the ability to arm unmanned aerial vehicles. I personally believe this is a road down which we should not travel. It is the old argument of sacrificing safety for security, and ultimately achieving neither objective. I think this is an amendment that would be well advised by this body to consider this evening. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of it if it is allowed to stand, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BURGESS. Here is the problem. It was a simple line in the FAA reauthorization bill. We were all happy when we reauthorized the FAA. It hadn't been done in some 26 attempts--``the dog ate my homework,'' we got IOUs and extensions on the FAA. But then here was this very simple language allowing for the expansion of unmanned aerial vehicles in the national airspace. None of us really thought that was much of a problem, but our constituents are bringing it back to us. They are concerned about privacy, and they're concerned about Federal agencies surveilling normal activities of commerce in which people may be engaged. But then we have gone one step further. If these drones are weaponized, you can--if you've been surveilled unfairly, you can go to court and perhaps seek a remedy. But if a bullet is fired from one of these platforms, you don't have any remedy if you're the recipient of that bullet. All I'm asking is that we take all due care and caution, and exercise all due care and caution. We are entering a Brave New World here, and it is incumbent upon every one of us to be certain we do so with all care and caution before we proceed. I appreciate the gentleman allowing me to express my thoughts on this amendment. I wish it could stand. I wish we could vote on it this evening. I understand for consistency why he is insisting on his point of order. But we're going to have to revisit this. H.R. 5950 is standalone legislation that would prohibit this activity. I encourage Members of Congress to look into cosponsoring that.

Mr. BURGESS. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit the following: Dallas Healthcare Policy Conference Congressman Pete Sessions, Congressman Michael Burgess, MD., Congressman John Fleming, MD, and Congressman Bill Cassidy, MD. statement of principles Safety Net We support a healthcare safety net, which guarantees all Americans access to healthcare that is consistently and adequately funded by a rational system that ensures coverage regardless of employment or economic status to encourage maximum participation by physicians. Funding for this safety net should be government subsidized without mandates. Patient/Doctor Relationship The sanctity of the patient-physician relationship must be the foundation of healthcare in America and is the product of every individual's right to choose. This bond is freely chosen and based upon mutual trust, informed consent, and privileged confidentiality involving every citizen. This sacred trust must not be violated. Personal Responsibility In order to have a sustainable healthcare system every patient has to have a personal investment in the cost and maintenance of their care. The patient should be empowered to responsibly choose the best use of their health care resources. Choice (Physicians and Patients) Patients are entitled to the maximum possible freedoms in choosing how to care for themselves and their families. Physicians and healthcare professionals are entitled to the maximum possible freedoms in choosing how they provide care for their patients, manage their practice, and compete in the market. Privacy (Digital and EMR) Privacy must stand at the core of the trusted and inviolable patient/physician relationship in order to maximize the quality of care we provide our patients. Patient's personal information, particularly digital, must be protected. That information must be owned by the patient. It is the only the patients' to share with their informed consent and must be protected from all third parties including the government. Patient Ownership/Portability Health insurance may be purchased across state lines consistent with interstate commerce. Each American deserves the opportunity to own their individual healthcare policy with guaranteed renewability and community rating that is appropriate for their family needs, not contingent upon a specific job, and irrevocable except by personal choice or cases of fraud. Payment and Price Transparency Transparency should be encouraged by all those who participate in the healthcare marketplace. It is the patient's right to know the cost of care and the payment provided by insurance or government. It is the core of the free market for consumers and professionals to know the true costs and prices of all goods and services provided. Funding (Premium Support/Defined Contributions) Individual citizens should be permitted to own a Health Liberty Account (HLA) that may receive defined contributions from employer or government, or a tax-deductible contribution from any source, that is dedicated to the purchase of healthcare coverage and payment for healthcare services. Those unable to fund their own HLA would be eligible for adequate funding for annual healthcare coverage with a defined contribution from the government. Tax Parity (Deductions) The purchase of health benefits are should be tax deductible whether purchased by the employer or individual, regardless of income. Charitable healthcare should be a tax deductible item by the physician. Fraud, Waste and Abuse (Inefficiency) Physicians are committed to protecting the taxpayers by stopping fraud (e.g. phantom billing, home health, and medical equipment fraud) and considering methods to accomplish this goal, including smart cards. Physicians are committed to strengthening and reinvigorating the peer review system. Physicians and their professional scientific organizations should continue to seek efficiencies by eliminating wasteful healthcare spending that does not improve outcomes. Liability Reform The fear of lawsuits drives up the cost of medical care due to the practice of defensive medicine. Tort reform will lower inefficient spending and help to ease the upward pressure on healthcare costs. Examples of such reforms include caps on non-economic damages and the formation of expert medical panels to evaluate and when indicated compensate significant adverse outcomes to eliminate costly litigation.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, here we are, 32 hours away from the Supreme Court's decision on the Affordable Care Act. No one has a clear idea of what their decision will be. We've worked hard in preparing for any decision that might come from the Supreme Court, and their announcement will certainly be watched by all. As the chairman of the Congressional Health Caucus, I've held a series of policy forums to discuss the future of health care in this country. Today we heard from Dr. John Goodman, president and CEO of the National Center for Policy Analysis in Dallas. Dr. Goodman has put a considerable amount of time into how to craft health care policy that will be beneficial to all Americans without the burdensome law that we currently have. Additionally, doctors in Dallas convened with four Members of Congress earlier this month. They produced a set of principles that I will provide for the Record. I encourage people to spend some time and look at those, and understand that we have to have health care in this country that's patient-centered, doctor-led, and most of all, we keep the government out of the way.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the leadership of Dr. Ray Braswell as Superintendent of the Denton Independent School District (DISD) for the last 14 years. After 33 years of distinguished service with Denton ISD, he is retiring. Dr. Braswell has led the transformation of Denton ISD from a small school system to a large district with progressive and dynamic instructional programs. The population of the district more than doubled and has also added 20 schools and four other facilities. Braswell was named one of the Top Five Superintendents in Texas in 2003 and 2009. During his tenure as superintendent, accountability test scores have improved every year and Denton ISD has twice attained the prestigious recognized status from the Texas Education Agency. One of Dr. Braswell's proudest accomplishments was the opening of the Advanced Technology Complex for the juniors and seniors of Denton ISD in 2006. This complex has afforded over 3,000 students the opportunity to attain certifications, technical skills, and credit for college level courses in such varied fields as health occupations, media technology and cosmetology. In 1979, Dr. Braswell began his long career with the Denton ISD. He served as an interim superintendent and associate superintendent before being named superintendent in 1998. Dr. Braswell had been the executive director for policy, planning and evaluation, executive director of research and development and director of secondary education. He also served as associate principal and assistant principal at Denton High School. Dr. Braswell's sincere compassion and strong rapport with his staff and students has helped him build and maintain strong partnerships within the district. On behalf of the Denton Independent School District, faculty members, students, family and friends, I would like to congratulate Dr. Ray Braswell on his many years of public service, his accomplishments, and his commitment to Denton ISD. I am honored to represent Denton ISD and the 26th District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. I thank the chairman for yielding and the Speaker for the recognition. Today, we are considering the Food and Drug Administration's Safety Innovation Act, and I urge my colleagues to support it. This bill reauthorizes Food and Drug Administration's user fee programs. The bill will allow industry to continue to partner in providing our physicians the tools they need to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The legislation retains significant reforms that were made in our House bill and enhances other provisions, such as those on drug shortages. The bill will ensure that the Food and Drug Administration has the scientific and medical expertise they need when reviewing products utilizing emerging science, or for those populations with very rare diseases. This bill will spur innovation for antibiotics, will help those with rare diseases, and be particularly helpful to the community of physicians that takes care of our pediatric cancer patients. The Food and Drug Administration is now required to notify Congress before issuing guidance regarding the regulation of laboratory- developed tests. I still believe we should strengthen and improve CLIA's oversight of laboratory-developed tests, instead of even contemplating any type of duplicative regulation. The bill avoids provisions added by the other Chamber that I thought crossed the line into the practice of medicine by Congress and actually threatened patient treatment. It will address numerous other issues to enhance the work of the FDA, while correcting missteps of the Agency in such areas as public input, good guidance practices, and the manufacture of custom devices. The process to this vote from the very beginning was respectful and resulted from hundreds of hours of negotiations. Chairman Upton, thank you, and Chairman Pitts, Ranking Members Waxman and Pallone. I specifically want to thank Ryan Long and Clay Alspach on the staff of the majority who sacrificed much to get this product to the floor today. This vote is really about patients who will be served by the passage of this bill, and I urge its expeditious passage.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, the administration showed it is less concerned with supporting policies that will put millions of unemployed Americans back to work and instead has decided to go in an entirely new direction. Unilateral changes in law that have been done for political expediency put individuals ahead of the 12.5 million people who have been seeking work for the past 3\1/2\ years. Mr. Speaker, the administration has produced an executive order that is a political decision--purely political--and one that will continue to block opportunities for American citizens trying to find employment. Prosecutorial discretion is what we heard this was. This is not prosecutorial discretion. Prosecutorial discretion means you decide whether or not to prosecute an individual for a crime they may or may not have committed. What this is is new policy, new policy that is being implemented by the administration unilaterally--no respect for the people's House, no respect for the United States Congress, no respect for the legislative branch. Instead, prosecutorial discretion now has morphed into, well, we'll provide you a work permit good for 2 years that's renewable for 2 years. This administration has a history of picking winners and losers. This time it's got to stop. This Congress needs to stand up to this administration starting today.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Denton Public Library, an esteemed local institution, in celebrating 75 years of service to the whole Denton community. The three-branch library system currently provides a full online catalog and a web-based automation system that houses more than 240,000 items. It has also assisted the community by providing over 1,400,000 quality resources of educational, informational, and cultural value. To achieve this service, took a great deal of commitment. In 1914, the City Federation of Women's Clubs gave a report stating the clear need for a free public library for the City of Denton. Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie would contribute a building if the city contributed a location and maintenance for the building. When the City Council could not guarantee their support, Carnegie withdrew his offer. In the Depression Era, the federal government established the Works Progress Administration. One of its services was the sponsorship of school libraries. This program allowed the Denton County Schools Superintendent to employ Mattie Pyrene Wilson as the library supervisor and establish a program of interschool loans. In order to expedite the loans, a bookmobile service was inaugurated. Wilson opened a small 3,000 volume library on the third floor of the courthouse and the bulk of the material was acquired through a $10 state teacher allowance and books donated by the Parent Teacher Association of Denton. In 1935, the Junior Shakespeare Club commenced a movement to combine the Denton County School Library with a public library. The club encouraged the county school board and the city and county commissions to join together to support a library that would be free to all citizens of Denton County. The club also conducted a book drive and collected more than 4000 books to initially stock the proposed library; the city commission donated $600 for the purchase of new books and the county agreed to furnish shelves, equipment and utilities. Finally, Denton's first public library opened on June 6, 1937. Over the years, the library has expanded to meet the needs of a growing population. There are now three locations and over 75,000 square feet of space dedicated to readers and researchers. The Denton Public Library has positively influenced the community of Denton, serving young and old alike with a foundation of knowledge. With the support of the citizens of Denton, the library will continue to flourish and provide resources to broaden intellectual and creative horizons. It is my pleasure to recognize the Denton Public Library for 75 years of service and this significant milestone in its history. I am privileged to represent the City of Denton in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, this is very straightforward. This amendment would strike the $100 million from the nuclear nonproliferation account which has been earmarked by the committee for a bailout of a failing uranium enrichment company. This $100 million could then be put toward deficit reduction. This has nothing to do with taking away money from national security and everything to do with ending bailouts to a failed business model. Twenty years ago, two decades ago, this Congress created by charter the United States Enrichment Corporation, believing USEC could better run the uranium enrichment facilities than the government itself. But after two decades, you look at the situation and realize it ain't happening and Congress was wrong. Since its inception, USEC has squandered billions of dollars in Federal bailouts, running its operations to near insolvency because of poor decisions and--dare I say--corporate incompetency. Yearly, USEC comes to Congress and the executive branch--hat in hand--begging for millions of dollars in bailout money to continue operation sites that are technologically out of date. It is time that the Federal Government ended the endless bailouts to this enterprise. Moreover, USEC has been a bad-faith actor in negotiations with the uranium mining industry which provides the needed raw materials that are enriched at these facilities. You always ask yourself on these deals who is the winner and who is the loser. We always say Congress shouldn't pick winners and losers. They clearly are. USEC is the winner. The losers are the uranium miners that populate the western United States. What motivation does USEC have to negotiate in good faith when it knows if it doesn't get everything it wants from the miners, it simply goes to the Department of Energy, gets a handout, and then time and time again they either get direct-cash payments or they get spent uranium tails? So they have no reason to negotiate with our miners in the western United States. The Department of Energy has a longstanding agreement with the uranium mining industry not to dump any more than 10 percent of the market's worth of uranium in handouts to USEC at any given time; yet it becomes increasingly clear that the Department of Energy is willing to ignore that agreement and provide the bailout that USEC desires. This betrayal of the mining industry threatens thousands of jobs across the western United States--Texas, Nevada, New Mexico, Illinois, and Wyoming to name a few. Moreover, arguments that USEC is the only facility that can supply tritium to the Department of Defense ignores the plain language of the Washington treaty and the U.S.-India Nuclear Agreement. The Department of Energy has in its possession enough highly enriched uranium and tritium to last for at least 15 years, costing hundreds of millions of dollars less than the continued bailouts of USEC that the country is currently obligated to. It is time for this Congress to stand up and stop the continual bailouts of a failed business model. Propping up one company at the expense of American workers is not how this body should be operating. Let's end the bailout, return the money to the Treasury, pay down our deficit. With that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BURGESS. The passage in this House back in 2007 of the Energy Independence and Security Act was something that has caused a great deal of difficulty across the country. I have heard from tens of thousands of my constituents on how that language will affect their lives and take away consumer choice for what kind of light bulbs they will use in their home. Mr. Chairman, they are exactly right. When the government passed energy efficiency standards in other realms over the years, they never went as far as they did this time. They lowered standards drastically. It's now to a point where the technology is, honestly, years off in making light bulbs that are compliant with the law and actually affordable by the consumer. Light bulb companies have talked about their new bulbs that are compliant with the existing law and that are available now, but at what price? A four-pack of 100-watt incandescent bulbs in my district cost $2.97 at a hardware store last December 31. Now a single bulb will cost $20, $30, $40--even $50. Opponents to my amendment say that the 2007 language does not ban the incandescent bulb. Well, that's partly true, but it bans the sale of the 100-watt incandescent bulb, and soon the 60-watt and 45-watt bulbs will follow suit because they cannot meet the energy standards supplied in the underlying legislation. The replacement bulbs are far from economically efficient, if indeed they are energy efficient. But here's the deal. We shouldn't be making these decisions for the American people. Let them decide how much energy they want to consume and how many dollars they want to spend on kilowatt hours every month, not the Federal Government. A family living paycheck-to-paycheck can't afford to replace every bulb in their house at $25 a pop, even if it will last them 20 years. This exact amendment was passed last year on this appropriations bill by a voice vote. It was signed into law by President Obama. It allows consumers to continue to have a choice and a say as to what they put in their homes. It's common sense. Let's give some relief to American families, at least until replacement light bulbs can be marketed at a price that is reasonable. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, the current health insurance system has essentially insulated people from the actual cost of medical care that they receive. But maybe, by pulling back the curtain on these opaque areas of the health care market, over time we could lead to the development of a more rational pricing structure, at least from the consumers' perspective. Once we understand the actual cost, then we can begin to make effective changes, leading to fair physician reimbursement, appropriate patient billing, and better medical services. To that end, the Health Care Price Transparency Act of 2012, H.R. 5800, is bipartisan legislation that is a long-term solution to runaway medical costs. The bill calls upon States to establish and maintain laws requiring a disclosure of information on hospital charges. This means that State law will require health insurance providers to give patients an actual dollar estimate of what the patient must pay for health care items and services within a specified period of time. It's commonsense legislation. It's far past time for us to do it. I encourage Members to join me in cosponsoring H.R. 5800. Let's get it done.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, this is not a perfect bill, but it's a good bill, and it's a solid bill. It is worthy of the support of everyone on this floor. This bill reauthorizes the FDA's user-fee programs for prescription drugs and medical devices and, in fact, authorizes two new programs for generic devices and what are known as biosimilars. Together, all of these products provide powerful tools to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Food and Drug Administration must have the infrastructure and the resources to ensure patient safety and to approve new products in a straightforward and predictable fashion. Delayed reviews increase costs, hurt innovation, cost jobs, and deny patients potentially lifesaving products. These agreements present the tremendous opportunity to ensure that we have a strong and efficient FDA, and the committee responded appropriately and seized that opportunity. This bill will help the FDA build on what's working, address what isn't, and provide resources to meet future goals. With the ranking member on the subcommittee, Mr. Pallone, we crafted new guidelines for how the Food and Drug Administration recruits, approaches, and accesses relative scientific and medical expertise. I'm also pleased that we require the Food and Drug Administration to now notify Congress before issuing guidance regarding the regulation of laboratory-developed tests. We still need to strengthen and improve the oversight of laboratory-developed tests instead of promoting duplicative regulation that delays access to lifesaving diagnostics, but it's a good first step. Additionally, the bill takes good first steps to address critical drug shortages. No physician wants to tell a patient they can't receive the care that they need because the product is unavailable. The process was respectful and resulted from hundreds of hours of negotiation. Certainly, Chairman Pitts and Ranking Members Waxman and Pallone and Chairman Emeritus Dingell and their staffs should be given tremendous credit, along with Ryan Long and Clay Alspach for the work they did on the majority staff, and my personal staff, J.P. Paluskiewicz, who put in long hours to get this product to the floor. This vote is about patients. We need to get it right for them, and I think we've come awfully close to getting it right.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize North Hills Hospital in North Richland Hills, Texas as the first and only hospital in the nation to be recognized as a Cycle 4 with PCI Chest Pain Center. The Cycle 4 accreditation by the Society of Chest Pain Centers is the newest and most stringent available, requiring demonstrated commitment and capacity to reduce time to treatment during the critical early stages of a heart attack. Surveyors with the Society of Chest Pain Centers require demonstration of extensive community education and reduction in door- to-balloon times. A list of the rigorous requirements includes integrating the emergency department with the local emergency medical system; assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients quickly; effectively treating patients with low risk for acute coronary syndrome without assignable cause for their symptoms; continually seeking to improve processes and procedures; ensuring the competence and training of Accredited Chest Pain Center personnel; maintaining organizational structure and commitment; having a functional design that promotes optimal patient care; and supporting community outreach programs that educate the public to promptly seek medical care if they display symptoms of a possible heart attack. National recognition for North Hills Hospital and the Center for Chest Pain is a tribute to the cooperative efforts between the Center, capably led by Dr. Roy Yamada, and the dedicated emergency responders of north Tarrant County. As evidence of their skill and professionalism, the EMS and fire departments of the local communities of North Richland Hills, Keller, Hurst and Richland Hills EMS, as well as MedStar, are afforded the unique time-saving authority to activate the catheter lab from the field. North Hills Hospital and local EMS personnel are integral to the quality of life enjoyed by residents they serve in North Tarrant County. Thanks to their professional commitment, residents have a greater probability of early diagnosis of a possible heart attack and an increased likelihood of accurate and effective treatment for a successful outcome. It is my honor to recognize the valuable contributions of North Hills Hospital, the Center for Chest Pain and the crucial role of our North Texas emergency responders. It is my honor to represent them and the residents of the communities they serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a longtime American institution, the Glen Garden Golf and Country Club of Fort Worth, Texas, celebrating its centennial anniversary. Founded in 1912 by Mr. H.H. Cobb, it was at the time one of only two country clubs in Fort Worth and was a popular spot for activities in addition to golf for picnics, walks and family outings. Most notably, the club's place in history serves as the starting point for three great talents who changed the game of golf immeasurably. Two of the greatest names in golf, Byron Nelson and Ben Hogan, began their long, successful golf careers as caddies for the club in the early 1920s. They honed their skills on the fairways and greens of the club after hours. Nelson and Hogan developed a friendly rivalry early, when 15-year-old Nelson beat Hogan in a caddy tournament by one stroke. From those humble beginnings, these two greats rose to become cultural icons not just in golf, but throughout American popular culture as well. Hogan would win a career 64 tour wins, including nine majors. Nelson's career was shorter but equally illustrious with 52 tour wins; five of them majors. In 2006, for his significant contributions to the game of golf as a player, a teacher, and a commentator, I was pleased to sponsor the resolution awarding Byron Nelson the Congressional Gold Medal. Women also honed their skills on Glen Garden's links. LPGA great Sandra Palmer was still in high school in the late 1950s, developing her golf game when she was not on the basketball court. She would go on to win 19 tournaments, including two majors. Sandra Palmer remains active in golf today, on the LPGA Legends tour and serving as a role model for girls and young women achieving in sports. From its humble beginnings as a small nine-hole course, to a beloved Fort Worth institution today, the last 100 years have been an unqualified success for Glen Garden. I express my best wishes for Glen Garden's next 100 years to be equally successful. I am proud to represent the City of Fort Worth in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished federal public servant, Mr. C. Donald Babers, as he retires from his position as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Southwest Regional Administrator on June 1, 2012. Over the last 42 years, all of it with HUD, he has provided dedicated service to the American public in a variety of positions. Mr. Babers began his career in June 1970 as an unpaid intern in HUD's Fort Worth Office. He then moved on to Little Rock, Arkansas working in the local field office as an Equal Opportunity Specialist before being appointed the Acting Director of the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. He was next assigned to the Dallas Field Office where he held a number of positions, including 15 years as the Field Office Director. In 2002, he was promoted again, this time to the position of Deputy Regional Director in the Fort Worth Regional Office. In 2006, he assumed additional responsibilities when he was appointed by the Secretary of HUD as the Recovery Advisor and Chairman of the Board for the Housing Authority of New Orleans, where he oversaw recovery efforts due to Hurricane Katrina. On May 27, 2010, he was recognized again for his hard work and dedication to the mission of HUD with a promotion to Regional Administrator of HUD's Region VI in Fort Worth. In this position, he is responsible for managing the operations of the Fort Worth office as well as eleven field offices in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Over the years, Mr Babers has been the recipient of many prestigious awards for his work. In 2006, he received the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Executive, one of the highest awards given to career civil servants and restricted to no more than five percent of executives per year. In 2007, he also received the Interagency Resources Management Conference Award from the General Services Administration, which is given to those government employees who have shown exceptional ability to operate across organizational boundaries and improve the public's experience with the government. As Mr. Babers retires from a long and dedicated career, I would like to recognize his service and congratulate him on a job well done. His experience and skills will certainly be missed by both the employees he worked with and the citizens he served. I wish Don Babers and his wife Sheila a long and happy retirement.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding players of Marcus High School's boys' basketball team as they celebrate their second consecutive title as 5A state champions. Capably led by Head Coach Danny Henderson, the team's history is a story of success. The Marcus Marauders demonstrated their determination last year by winning the 2011 state championship. This year, I am very pleased to see they have retained the title of 5A state champions. In the last three seasons, Marcus High School won 115 of its 121 games, proof that the team's drive is matched by its athletic ability. Teammates Phil Forte and Marcus Smart scored 39 points defending their Class 5A championship with a 56-52 victory over Fort Bend Travis. The Marauders closed out the 2011 2012 season with a four point victory. Forte was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2012 Class 5A state championship game. I am proud of these young men and their coaches; they have been excellent athletic ambassadors for the Town of Flower Mound and the Lewisville Independent School District. Joining me in saluting their tremendous achievement are their fellow Marcus High School students and the LISD administrators, staff and teachers who have supported their efforts. I am pleased to recognize the Marcus High School boys' basketball team of Flower Mound, Texas as 5A state champions for 2012.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a brave and dedicated leader, North Richland Hills Fire Chief Andy Jones. Chief Jones has spent more than 38 years serving the North Richland Hills Fire Department, including 24 years at the command level, and 14 years as Fire Chief. To help fulfill the growing needs of the community, Chief Jones helped add new fire stations, equipment, employees, and programs. By improving the department's Insurance Services Office Property Protection Classification from a ``4'' to a ``2,'' Chief Jones helped lower insurance premiums. Under Chief Jones' leadership, the department has received numerous awards and honors from the Texas Fire Chiefs Association and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. In 2008, The North Richland Hills Fire Department won the prestigious Fire Service Award for Excellence due to implementation of the life-saving Cardiac Catheterization Lab Field Activation Program. The Fire Department was presented a $2,000 grant for fire education and prevention programs. North Richland Hills' cutting edge efforts to improve heart attack treatment times were used by the International Association of Fire Chiefs as a model program for other fire departments to follow. Chief Jones has led by example with exemplary conduct and dedication in serving the public and has been personally recognized on numerous occasions. In 2006, The Texas Fire Chief's Association honored him with the title of ``Texas Fire Chief of the Year.'' In 2007, he was designated as a ``Chief Fire Officer'' from the Commission on Professional Credentialing. In addition, Chief Jones has continually made an effort to say informed and involved in the community. He is currently serving as the Texas Municipal League Representative for the Texas Fire Chiefs Association. He is also a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and is the past President of both the Texas Fire Chiefs Association and the Tarrant County Fire Chief's Association. On May 4, Chief Jones will retire from the North Richland Hills Fire Department. Not only has Chief Jones saved lives, he has introduced programs to the North Richland Hills Fire Department that will continue to save lives long past his retirement. After 14 years as Fire Chief, his leadership will be missed. It is my great privilege to recognize North Richland Hills Fire Chief Andy Jones for the leadership and excellence of his service to the people of North Richland Hills and the surrounding communities. I am pleased to recognize Fire Chief Andy Jones and am privileged to represent the city of North Richland Hills in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fire Chief Mack Borchardt, the Texas Fire Chiefs Association's 2011 Fire Chief of the Year. It is my privilege to publicly recognize citizens, notably among them Chief Borchardt, for dedicating themselves to the safety and well- being of their communities. Chief Borchardt exemplifies the role of Fire Chief for the city of Frisco, Texas. His career began in 1973 as a volunteer firefighter in his hometown of Frisco. He has continued with a passion to serve and protect others every day and every year for nearly 40 years. Acknowledgement of his leadership abilities followed steadily. After eight years of service in a nearby community, he became the City Administrator in Frisco and Fire Chief of the Volunteer Frisco Fire Department. In 1987, Chief Borchardt earned his current title as Fire Chief for the Frisco Fire Department. Under his direction, the Frisco Fire Department expanded from all volunteers to 150 full time professional firefighters. Many lives have been saved as the community has grown. In addition, the City of Frisco has seen a growth from one fire station to six, with a seventh station on the way. Chief Borchardt also initiated the highly popular and innovative Frisco Fire Safety Town, a facility dedicated to educating children of all ages in fire safety and prevention. His contribution to the City of Frisco through the unique S.A.F.E.R. program (Situational Awareness For Emergency Response) has bolstered the firefighter, EMT, and police divisions of the city with the ability to quickly access critical information during an emergency. Chief Borchardt's loyalty and sense of duty is constant. He has sought to cooperate and collaborate with fellow fire chiefs, firefighters, and public officials to improve the safety and well-being of not only Frisco residents but the larger North Texas community as well. His career accomplishments highlight his well-honed leadership and mentoring skills and underscore the importance of his service as Frisco Fire Chief. I am proud to recognize Chief Mack Borchardt as a committed public servant for North Texas.