A senior Republican lawmaker faces a personal tragedy amid his final days in Congress.
According to Daily Mail, House Rules Committee Chairman Michael Burgess's eldest daughter, Christine, passed away in her sleep over the weekend, as announced by his office on Monday morning.
The congressman's staff shared the devastating news through his X account, requesting privacy for the family during this difficult period.
Speaker Mike Johnson and other congressional colleagues have extended their condolences to the grieving family.
Burgess, 73, who has represented the north Dallas area since 2003, is concluding his 22-year tenure in Congress this month. The Texas Republican, who previously practiced as an obstetrician and gynecologist, announced his retirement in November 2023 without specifying a reason for his departure.
Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his sympathy on social media, addressing the tragic situation. His message reflected the House leadership's support for their colleague during this difficult time.
Republican Representative-elect Brandon Gill, who won the race to replace Burgess, joined other lawmakers in offering condolences. At 30 years old, Gill will take over the seat following Burgess's retirement.
Fellow Texas Representative Troy Nehls and his wife Jill shared their condolences on social media, calling for prayers for the Burgess family. Their message highlighted the close-knit nature of the Texas congressional delegation.
Kentucky Representative Brett Guthrie and his wife Beth also offered words of comfort to the Burgess family. Their message acknowledged the profound sadness of losing a child at any age.
In his November 2023 retirement announcement, Burgess reflected on his journey from a small-town doctor to a United States congressman. He shared the following statement:
It has been the honor of my life to have gone from a small-town doctor delivering babies, with no prior political experience, to elected to represent my friends and neighbors in the United States Congress.
The congressman's office announced Christine's passing through a statement on X that read:
It's with heavy hearts we regret to share that Congressman Burgess' eldest daughter, Christine Burgess passed away in her sleep this past weekend. Congressman Burgess appreciates all of the thoughts & prayers & respectfully requests privacy for his family at this difficult time.
Michael Burgess, a prominent House Republican and chairman of the House Rules Committee, faces the devastating loss of his eldest daughter, Christine, just weeks before his planned retirement from Congress. The tragic news came as the congressman prepares to conclude his more than two-decade career representing Texas's north Dallas area.
The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from congressional colleagues across party lines, with many offering prayers and condolences to the Burgess family during this difficult time. As the congressman processes this personal tragedy, he has requested privacy while his office handles his remaining duties before his departure from Congress later this month.
