Burgess Owens
The Public Record
Burgess Owens is an American politician and former professional football player who has served as the U.S. Representative for Utah's 4th congressional district since January 3, 2021. A member of the Republican Party, Owens has focused on issues such as education, healthcare, and economic growth during his time in office. He is known for advocating for school choice and has expressed strong views on various social issues. Prior to his political career, Owens played in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers, winning a Super Bowl with the latter team.
★ Featured Quote
July 22, 2026
It is what it is here, unfortunately, in our country of taxes.
— Burgess Owens
Most widely reported
by number of sources- I proudly rise today in support of Congresswoman Steel's DETERRENT Act. The world is on fire, and evil is spreading globally. We cannot permit American colleges and universities to be compromised. Our adversaries are determined to subvert our national interests, and today's modern battleground now includes American college campuses. When American higher ed administrators accept financial incentives and gifts from adversarial regimes, it sends a clear message that influence on campus is for sale and that American universities are open for business. Simply put, this is profit over patriotism. I will go a step further and call it anti-American. It is important to understand that when our universities receive millions from countries that are antithetical to American values, there are strings attached. Under section 117 of the Higher Education Act, colleges and universities must disclose any foreign funding to an institution exceeding $250,000. Yet, in 2019, a Senate report found that 70 percent of colleges chose to evade, hide, and cheat to avoid compliance with this law. Only 30 percent of administrators overseeing our educational institutions deemed it important to follow the law put in place by Congress with oversight authority. This is incredibly concerning, and it must come to an end. I am proud that my bill, the Reporting on Investments in Foreign Adversaries Act, the RIFA Act, was included in Congresswoman Steel's landmark legislation.…2 sources2023govinfo.gov
- without excessive repetition, I would like to join my colleagues in the House to pay tribute to Officer J.J. Chestnut and Detective John Gibson who gave their lives dutifully protecting this hallowed institution. It is important that we all come together across party lines and across all other differences to pay homage to these two heroes. And as we pay tribute to the dead, let us also honor the other police and protective forces and other staff members whose reverence for this institution is no less than and sometimes even greater than the reverence of the elected members. In paying tribute to our defenders, we reaffirm the fact that this House of Representatives and the democratic process, this government belongs to all of the people. We reaffirm the fact that we are the guardians of a sacred process that takes place within the walls of this Capitol. This democratic process cannot survive without institutional support. The process and the institution have become inseparable. This is the great democratic process that guarantees our freedom and guides our progress. It is the process that inspired the bravery and the courage on the beaches of Normandy. It is the process that applauded and rewarded the returning World War II heroes with more than merely marches and medals; Congress, this institution passed the GI Bill that offered unprecedented educational opportunities to every veteran.2 sources1998govinfo.gov
- the definition of ``immediate termination of United States forces in Iraq'' must mean the following as set forth by Representative John Murtha: ``My plan calls: --To immediately redeploy U.S. troops consistent with the safety of U.S. forces. --To create a quick reaction force in the region. --To create over-the-horizon presence of Marines. --To diplomatically pursue security and stability in Iraq. You may call this a position, a program, or an exit strategy but this is the Murtha message which set in motion the current proceedings on the floor of the House of Representatives. This is the declaration heard from Representative Murtha by the American people and around the world. By all standards of decency and by popular decree the Republican leadership is mandated to respect the precedent setting language of this most detailed of all proposals for new and creative action in Iraq. For this reason I urge all of my colleagues to examine closely the resolution before us. ``That the deployment of United States forces in Iraq be terminated immediately.'' In view of the fact that the wording of this resolution distorts the plan set forth by Congressman Murtha, I urge all Members to condemn this dirty trick by voting ``present.''2 sources2005govinfo.gov
Jul 14, 2026
The Antiquities Act is crystal clear: presidential designations meant to protect objects should be 'confined to the smallest area compatible' with the proper care and management of those objects. That mandate was ignored. The mess started…
Jun 10, 2026
This bill builds on the good work already done by the Trump administration to protect taxpayer dollars and help safeguard the integrity of the student aid system by ensuring federal aid goes to real students.
Jun 10, 2026
My legislation takes a straightforward approach, identifies suspicious student aid applications and ensures these applications are for who they say they are before dollars go out the door.
Jun 10, 2026
It takes a straightforward approach, identifies suspicious student aid applications and ensures these applications are for who they say they are before dollars go out the door.
Jun 10, 2026
takes a straightforward approach, identifies suspicious student aid applications and ensures these applications are for who they say they are before dollars go out the door.
Jun 10, 2026
This legislation takes a straightforward approach, identifies suspicious student aid applications and ensures these applications are for who they say they are before dollars go out the door.
Jun 10, 2026
My bill builds on the good work already done by the Trump administration to protect taxpayer dollars and help safeguard the integrity of the student aid system by ensuring federal aid goes to real students.
May 29, 2026
America’s promise has always been that if we educate our children and teach them to work hard, they will be able to find meaningful employment and create a better life than those who came before them. The MATCH Act helps restore that…
May 27, 2026
America’s promise has always been that if we educate our children and teach them to work hard, they will be able to find meaningful employment and create a better life than those who came before them. The MATCH Act helps restore that…
Jan 21, 2026
America is back, and so is common sense. This last year has reminded us of what is possible when America has a competent and respected leader who understands the unique role that our great Nation should fill on the world stage. I am…
Jan 8, 2026
as with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I stand before my colleagues with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend and esteemed colleague, Doug LaMalfa. Doug's sudden passing this week leaves a void not only…
Dec 17, 2025
today I rise to speak in strong support of the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. This legislation will make it easier for small businesses to offer quality, affordable healthcare coverage to their employees by allowing them…
Dec 11, 2025
I, too, thank Chairman Graves for his leadership in advancing commonsense permitting reform that cuts red tape and restores accountability to Federal decisionmaking. I am proud that one of our top priorities this Congress, the Water…
Nov 21, 2025
I rise today to recognize Nightingale College, headquartered in Utah, for the remarkable work they are doing to meet one of America's greatest needs: More nurses. Nightingale isn't just teaching skills. They are shaping our Nation and our…
Nov 18, 2025
Mr. Speaker, after blatant obstruction and prolonged delay on the part of congressional Democrats for over 40 days, the House has returned to regular order. It is good to be back, and it is about time. Today, we are here to advance eight…
Sep 2, 2025
after meeting with farmers, ranchers, small businesses, teachers, students, and community leaders across Utah's Fourth District, I am here to report the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a win for Utahns. In Manti, I met with small business…
Jun 27, 2025
It was a pleasure to visit the Midvale Boys & Girls Club recently to speak with the youth about success, grit, and the power of their dreams. This summer, over 200 young people, supported by 17 dedicated staff members, will be granted an…
Jun 25, 2025
the one big, beautiful bill is the most transformative legislation in a generation. It delivers tax-free Trump accounts for newborns, tax cuts for working families, and no tax on tips and overtime. For millions of parents, the most…
Jun 12, 2025
I am proud to recognize Utah's State Teacher of the Year, Sayre Posey, an outstanding educator who embodies the mission of the Merit Caucus: excellence, innovation, and high expectations. She comes from a long line of teachers. Her…
Jun 6, 2025
there is no greater joy than being a father. I am blessed with six incredible children, 17 grandkids, and they are the heartbeat of everything I do. This Father's Day, I am proud to reintroduce a resolution to recognize the power and…
May 15, 2025
as chairman of the House Merit Caucus, I am proud to recognize a Utah educator who embodies excellence, Ms. Lacey Anderson. Lacey is a special education teacher who refused to accept low expectations for neurodivergent students. Instead…
May 14, 2025
Mr. Speaker, this week, we honor the brave men and women who wear the badge, those who serve with courage, professionalism, and heart to keep our communities safe. National Police Week is a time to give thanks and to reaffirm our support…
Mar 27, 2025
Today we remember and honor a trailblazer, a leader, and a dear friend, Mia Love. Mia made history as Utah's first Black mayor and the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, but her impact went far further than those titles. She…
Politicians like Burgess Owens
