Texas Physician Should Have Leadership Role on U.S. House Committee, TMA Tells Lawmakers
By Jennifer Perkins

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U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, MD (R-Lewisville), the senior physician representing Texas in Washington, D.C., should be the ranking Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which directly affects health care nationwide, the Texas Medical Association told key GOP lawmakers this week.

Burgess_Surprise_BillRepresentative Burgess, an obstetrician-gynecologist, has served on the committee since 2005 and is currently chair of its Health subcommittee.

“Dr. Burgess … understands the challenges facing our profession and how federal policies impact our abilities to care for our patients,” TMA President Diana Fite, MD, wrote in a letter. “He is the ranking member candidate best positioned to help patients and our health care systems weather the storm of an ongoing pandemic and help find solutions to minimize overzealous regulatory interference in patient care.”

The Health subcommittee oversees all aspects of U.S. health care, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance; the Department of Health and Human Services; the Food and Drug Administration; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; medical malpractice; and health information technology.

The Energy and Commerce Committee also has jurisdiction over communications and technology, consumer protection and commerce, energy, environment and climate change, and oversight and investigations.

“By promoting a physician to be the leader of this crucial committee, it sends a strong message that Republicans are the party for health care and committed to a scientific response to COVID, opioids, and to health care in general,” Dr. Fite said.

TMA’s letter was sent to leaders of the Republican Steering Committee, which effectively will decide committee leadership positions within the party. Their selections must be ratified by the full Republican conference. Frank Pallone Jr., a Democrat from New Jersey, currently is the Energy and Commerce Committee chair.

Last Updated On

November 16, 2020

Originally Published On

November 13, 2020