Three Burgess Health Care Bills Pass In House Of Representatives

Press Release

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (Texas-26) praised passage of three bills he has introduced in the House of Representatives this week. All three pieces of legislation -- HR 1362, HR 5354, and HR 5462 -- passed unanimously just as Congress adjourned.

HR 1362, the National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System Act, would direct the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create a national surveillance program on neurological diseases, such as MS and Parkinson's.

"As Co-Chair of the Congressional MS Caucus, I firmly believe a national surveillance system would allow for future planning of health care needs, detect changes in health practices, promote advocacy, and support a wide range of research initiatives. The House of Representatives recognized this important need and passed legislation to address it," Burgess said. "Surveillance activities similar to this exist for other diseases, but currently not for neurological diseases. A coordinated approach to data collection would allow researchers and physicians to be able to identify at-risk populations, diagnose earlier, and ultimately, find common factors that will lead to cures."

HR 5354, the Gestational Diabetes Act, also directs CDC to collect and study data on gestational diabetes and associated risk factors to learn more about what causes the disease and identify prevention strategies.

"During my 25-year medical practice as an obstetrician I saw far too many expectant mothers and newborn babies affected by gestational diabetes. This is a preventable disease, and patients will benefit from additional knowledge. It was important that the House of Representatives provide this level of attention," Burgess said. "The statistics speak for themselves -- mothers diagnosed with gestational diabetes are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, and their children are at an increased risk not only for diabetes but other pre-natal complications as well. This bill will improve detection and lead to more effective preventative measures that will reduce clinical costs for the patients as well as the states."

HR 5462, the Birth Defects Prevention, Risk Reduction, and Awareness Act, would help provide critical information to pregnant and breast-feeding women and their health care providers about medications, chemical exposures, infections and other exposures linked to birth defects. Health risks to a breastfed infant through a grant program will revitalize the national network of pregnancy risk information services, such as the service available in North Texas.

"By passing this legislation, the House has taken an important step in ensuring expectant and new mothers have the information necessary, in consultation with their doctors, about how to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy for both the mother and child. While practicing obstetrics in North Texas, I encountered many expectant mothers who had questions and concerns about risks to their unborn child. Far too often a simple lack of education and information led to women making incorrect decisions regarding something like taking a needed medication" Burgess said. "Many of the issues that arise from this lack of information are preventable, so we must make sure pregnant or breast-feeding women have access to services and education to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, and with House passage of this bill, we are one step closer to that goal."

Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D., is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations, and a member of the Health and Energy & Environment subcommittees. He is the founder and Chairman of the Congressional Health Care Caucus, and is also a member of the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Economic Committee. Prior to becoming a member of Congress in 2002, Congressman Burgess practiced medicine in North Texas for over 25 years.

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