Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-Texas), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, was named the top Republican on the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee late Tuesday during a Committee business meeting. The subcommittee’s duties include oversight of federal agencies, departments, and programs that fall within the jurisdiction of the full Committee, and conducting investigations into matters that fall within the Committee’s jurisdiction.

“One of the most basic responsibilities of government is to regulate and oversee commerce and all its activities, and to ensure that all are playing by the rules and promoting the well-being of our country through inquiry and investigation, if necessary. This Committee has significant power, and with this power comes great responsibility, and as the Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee, I will take my responsibilities in this regard seriously. I will work with Committee Leadership and all Members of the Committee to ensure that the work of the subcommittee lives up to the high standards that are expected of the prestigious Energy and Commerce Committee. We have the duty to ensure all parties play by the rules so that the safety and welfare of the American people is not compromised,” Burgess said.

“Congressman Burgess is one of the hardest working members of the Committee with an inherent inclination to pursue facts and find the truth. These qualities will serve him well as the next Ranking Member of the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, and I look forward to working with him throughout the rest of the year,” said U.S. Rep. Joe Barton (R- Texas), the top Republican on the Committee.

Burgess will serve alongside the subcommittee’s Chairman, Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Michigan).

The Committee’s jurisdiction generally includes energy, health care, interstate and foreign commerce and communications, consumer protection, travel and tourism.