Senator Richard Burr
Press Releases
Burr Provides Q & A on Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
The beginning of 2006 brought major improvements to Medicare. Every American with Medicare, regardless of income, health status, or prescription drug usage was given access to prescription drug coverage. As the May 15 deadline for seniors to sign up for Medicare prescription drug coverage without penalty quickly approaches, I want to provide answers to commonly asked questions. Starting any new program can be frustrating. It is understandable to have questions about what the new coverage … Continue Reading
03.07.06
Burr Announces $2.3 Million for Wake Forest University
Senator Richard Burr today announced $2,335,301 in United States Department of Health and Human Services funding for Wake Forest University Health Sciences. The funding from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute will be used to fund research on heart and vascular diseases. "Wake Forest University is a world leader in health care research and medical innovation," said Senator Burr. "This funding will help the school continue its innovative research in heart and vascula… Continue Reading
03.07.06
Burr Introduces Bill to Encourage Greater Health Care Insurance Coverage
- Senator Richard Burr today introduced health insurance legislation to provide an above-the-line tax deduction for individuals who purchase their own health insurance or long-term-care insurance. "Everyone should have access to affordable health care," Burr said. "By providing a tax deduction to those who purchase their own health or long-term care insurance, we can help lower the number of people who do not have coverage by making insurance costs more affordable." T… Continue Reading
03.07.06
Senator Richard Burr Statement on the NASCAR Hall of Fame Coming to Charlotte
"This is good news for the Charlotte area and for North Carolina. Not only has an important part of our history been recognized, but the hard work of local officials and supporters has paid off. Racing fans throughout the world will soon travel to Charlotte to visit the NASCAR Hall of Fame, bringing jobs and economic growth with them. I look forward to visiting the Hall of Fame and I congratulate everyone involved."… Continue Reading
03.07.06
Burr Announces $350,000 for Elizabeth City State University
Senator Richard Burr today announced $350,000 in federal funding for Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the funds through the Universities Rebuilding America Partnerships (URAP) Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) program. This program provides assistance to communities, especially for people living in low to moderate income areas impacted by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita. "These funds will suppo… Continue Reading
03.06.06
Burr Introduces and Senate Passes Bi-Partisan Bill to Provide More Flexibility in Education
- Senator Richard Burr yesterday introduced legislation to reauthorize the Education Flexibility Partnership Act (Ed-Flex). Ed-Flex was created in 1999 to allow states, like North Carolina with strong assessment and accountability systems to waive certain federal education requirements that may impede local efforts to reform and improve education. The bi-partisan bill, which had 16 co-sponsors, was passed by the full Senate Thursday evening. "Ed-Flex has played a vital role in North … Continue Reading
03.02.06
Burr Announces Funding for Madison and Swain Counties
Senator Richard Burr today announced $124,000 in federal funding for Madison and Swain Counties. The funding for the Town of Hot Springs in Madison County will provide a loan of $6,000 and a grant of $18,000 to purchase a new truck for the Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department. The funding for Swain County will provide a loan of $75,000 and a grant of $25,000 to purchase a new truck needed for rescue services. The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Project awarded th… Continue Reading
03.01.06
Burr Announces Over $9 Million in Federal Funding for North Carolina Airports
Senator Richard Burr today announced the release of $9,209,414 in federal funding for Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, Fayetteville Regional Airport/Grannis Field, and Albert J. Ellis Airport in Jacksonville. The funding will be used for airport expansion, infrastructure improvements and rehabilitation of airport facilities. The United States Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration awarded the funds. "FAA funds will bring more economic growth and developme… Continue Reading
02.24.06
Burr Announces Military Academy Nominations
Senator Richard Burr today announced his nominations of thirty-six North Carolinians to serve at one of our nation's military academies. The nominees were selected after an application and interview process with Senator Burr's Academy Selection Committee, made up of military academy graduates, veterans and community leaders throughout the state. The nominees are listed by the academy to which they have been nominated, along with their high school, hometown and parents' names. United States … Continue Reading
02.23.06
Senator Richard Burr Cites Need to Learn Lessons from Hurricane Katrina Response
"The White House report on the federal response to Hurricane Katrina is a straightforward review of what went wrong, and, more importantly, the lessons learned. This report outlines 125 specific recommendations to improve disaster response. And of specific concern to North Carolinians, it also includes eleven actions to be completed by the first day of the upcoming hurricane season, June 1st. Hurricane Katrina showed us the public health risks associated with the aftermath of a major natu… Continue Reading
02.22.06
Senator Burr’s Remarks to the Wake Forest University Founders’ Day Convocation
Thank you. Thank you for that very warm welcome. President Hatch, thank you for that very kind introduction. President Hearn, faculty, trustees, students, guests, this is an absolute privilege and an honor to be asked to be here. I am humbled with this institution, its great history, and its tradition. As I prepared for this morning's remarks, I was reminded to look back at the beginning: 1834, the Wake Forest Institute, to try to understand what the vision was that was seen then, and I t… Continue Reading
02.17.06
Burr Announces Over $12 Million for Piedmont Triad Airport Authority
Senator Richard Burr today announced the release of $12,237,916 in federal funding for the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority. The funding will be used for airport expansion and infrastructure improvements. The United States Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration awarded the funds. "These transportation funds will bring more economic growth and development to the Piedmont Triad region," said Senator Burr. "The funds will help Piedmont Triad International … Continue Reading
02.16.06
Senator Burr, Secretary of Education Spellings to Visit North Carolina Agriculture & Technical University
Senator Richard Burr, Secretary Margaret Spellings will visit North Carolina A & T University and participate in a school tour, a luncheon, and media availability on Friday, February 17 at 12:30 PM in Greensboro. Senator Burr and Secretary Spellings will discuss the American Competitiveness Agenda President Bush announced in his State of the Union address in January. The American Competitiveness Initiative proposes $380 million in federal support to improve the quality of math, science, a… Continue Reading
02.16.06
Burr Announces Visits Over February Recess
Senator Richard Burr will visit Anson, Duplin, Forsyth, Greene, Hoke, Jones, Pender, Richmond, Scotland, and Union Counties during the February Recess. Burr will visit schools, businesses, and civic groups. Any media wishing to cover one or more of Senator Burr's visits MUST contact the host site or organization prior to the event. Please contact Senator Burr's office to schedule separate interviews. Monday, February 20 10:30 AM Senator Burr to visit Anson Challenge Academy Anson C… Continue Reading
02.15.06
Burr Applauds USTR’s Announcement to Increase Enforcement on Trade with China, Cites Possible Benefits to North Carolina Manufacturing
Senator Richard Burr today praised the decision by United States Trade Representative Rob Portman to increase enforcement of our trade laws with China. Ambassador Portman's announcement, which came following a top to bottom review on U.S.-China Trade Relations by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), would increase trade enforcement by: *Expanding USTR trade enforcement capacity to better ensure China's compliance with trade obligations *Establishing a China Enforcemen… Continue Reading
02.15.06
Burr Announces Fire Grant for Cherokee County
Senator Richard Burr today announced a $30,240 United States Department of Homeland Security grant for the Brasstown Fire Department. The grant, made available by the United States Fire Administration's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, will cover the costs of expanding its fire prevention program to middle and high schools. "Firefighters give so much of themselves to help others in our communities," said Senator Burr. "This grant will help Brasstown expand its succes… Continue Reading
02.14.06
Statement by Senator Richard Burr on the Nomination of Frank Whitney to Serve as U.S. District Court Judge for the Western District of North Carolina
"I applaud President Bush for nominating Frank Whitney to be the next Western District Court Judge. Frank is a good pick. He has the solid experience and a track record that will make him an effective judge. I hope the confirmation process for this judgeship will move forward and we can fill the vacancy in the Western District. The impact of federal judgeships on our legal system should not be underestimated, and I urge my colleagues to move forward with the confirmation process and en… Continue Reading
02.14.06
College Pays: The Million Dollar Decision
College Pays: The Million Dollar Decision February marks the beginning of the college decision season for many North Carolina high school seniors. Applications that were submitted in the fall have been processed and acceptance letters have been mailed. Students are feverishly working on the final touches of scholarship essays. And parents and students are preparing to apply for financial aid. At the end of this season, over 65% of North Carolina seniors will enroll in college resulting… Continue Reading
02.13.06
Burr Announces $150,000 for North Carolina A & T State University
Senator Richard Burr today announced $150,000 in federal funding for North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University in Greensboro. The funding will help increase the number of qualified rehabilitation counselors and it will provide flexible programming in response to the educational needs of practicing Rehabilitation Counselors. The United States Department of Education awarded the funds. "U.S. Department of Education funds are important to support high quality educational p… Continue Reading
02.09.06
Burr: FEMA to Provide $3.5 Million in Grants for Carteret and Hyde Counties
Senator Richard Burr today announced $3,551,803 in grants from the United States Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency for Carteret and Hyde Counties. The grants, made available by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will help eliminate repetitive flood damage by elevating homes above the base flood elevation. "These FEMA grants will help Carteret and Hyde Counties prevent future flooding by natural disasters," said Senator Burr. "I am ple… Continue Reading
