Burgess loses bid for policy chairman

U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Lewisville) lost his challenge to become chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee. He has been serving as the committee's vice-chairman.  

House Republicans re-elected Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) to the post instead.   McCotter was supported by Minority Leader John Boehner, an Ohio Republican. McCotter will remain the fourth highest-ranking Republican in the House leadership.

"I congratulate Congressman Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) on his reelection as Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee.  He will serve our Conference well and I look forward to working with him in the days ahead," Burgess said in a statement.  "I look forward to working with my colleagues to reshape our policy, our party, and our country. This requires a government that is in partnership with the American people while never forgetting that they are in the driver's seat."  

Burgess, a physician, laid out his policy prescription for the nation's health care problems in a Washington Times op-ed published before Wednesday's vote.

"Our approach should squeeze the greed out of the health care system, put the money back in the hands of patients, protect choices and options, and make the system more transparent and understandable," Burgess wrote.

He also outlined some of the principles upon which he based his bid for committee chairman.

"Republicans need to offer the common-sense, freedom-based alternative. Controlling government spending, managing the federal budget, fundamental tax reform, and a comprehensive strategy to rein in entitlement spending would be a great stimulus package," he noted.