July 19, 2024

Counter SNIPER Act

In the aftermath of the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, I introduced the Counter Secretary Negligence In Protecting Election Runners(SNIPER) Act to require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary to provide timely, impartial, and transparent decisions for a presidential candidate's eligibility for U.S. Secret Service protection.

We must provide adequate security for all presidential candidates — no matter their party affiliation. Our country was just millimeters away from a presidential assassination. Read more about the Counter SNIPER Act here.

U.S. Secret Service Director Cheatle Must Resign

Kimberly Cheatle must resign as Director of the Secret Service. Every day brings another major revelation in the embarrassing failure to keep President Trump and his supporters secure. A resignation will not excuse her from accountability. We will find out the truth and not rely on Trump-haters to tell us what happened. I will not stop asking questions and demanding answers for the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump. Director Cheatle must start answering questions or resign from her post.

Returning Power to the People

I am excited to announce the introduction of the Returning Power to People Act of 2024. This groundbreaking legislation comes after the landmark Supreme Court decision on Chevron deference and marks a decisive step towards curtailing the expansive reach of federal agencies and reasserting Congress's role in legislative interpretation.

For far too long, unelected bureaucrats have exploited the Chevron deference doctrine to impose onerous regulations that hinder American businesses and stifle economic growth. Overruling Chevron is crucial for the Permian Basin and beyond. Read more here.

Secretary Mayorkas Subpoenaed for Terrorist Threats at Border

As Chairman of the U.S. House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, I joined my colleagues in issuing a subpoena for Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. This subpoena requests information on national security threats at our borders. For over a year, Secretary Mayorkas has failed to communicate and produce documents about the previous threats crossing the southern border.

It is extremely concerning that the Committee is forced to resort to these measures to receive answers. Read more in the New York Post here.

Mason County Courthouse Restored

It is inspiring to see the Mason County Courthouse reopen after suffering from a devastating fire in early 2021. Thank you to all local officials and the community of Mason for your efforts to rebuild this piece of history in the Hill Country of Texas. I look forward to seeing the restored courthouse with its historic elements and flair. Thank you to Carol Cunningham in our Llano District Office for attending the dedication ceremony and annual Roundup Parade.

ICYMI: Pfluger Fly-By Special Edition (July 14th)

Attempted Assassination of Former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania

Yesterday's events in Butler, Pennsylvania were a tragic and dark moment for our nation. Like many of you, I have gone through a range of emotions: disbelief, shock, anger, sadness, and more. This event is a wake-up call to our nation that we need to unite together as Americans.

The courage and determination of President Trump during and after yesterday's events were heroic. I am continuing to pray for his family, friends, and team as they process the events that unfolded. I commend the brave U.S. Secret Service Agents for swiftly deterring and protecting President Trump in the wake of the attack.

I am saddened to learn of the passing of an innocent attendee at the rally, Corey Comperatore, who died shielding his wife and daughter from gunfire. Corey was a father, husband, and beloved retired fire chief within his community. My heart goes out to his family and friends during this tragic time. Two other individuals were wounded in the attack and are also in my prayers as they recover and heal.

I am calling on President Biden to step up and help heal our great nation. The temperature in this country can be turned down and he needs to take immediate action.

Congress Will Investigate

Within minutes of yesterday’s events, I mobilized my team at the Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism to review U.S. Secret Service actions before, during, and after the event. I am talking to law enforcement officials, Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green, and others to collect all relevant information and take action.

The Director of the Secret Service must testify before Congress as soon as possible, either willingly or under subpoena.

I will question all decisions made in three critical areas: strategic, operational, and tactical. My previous advocacy for a protective detail for former Trump Administration National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy leads me to fear politics is influencing decision-making.

I will not stop asking the right questions. To that end, Chairman Green has already requested the security plan to secure the perimeter of the event site, including areas such as the building from which the shooter attempted the assassination on President Trump, communications between or among personnel at the Department of Homeland Security and the Executive Office of the President related to any potential increase or addition of protective resources to President Trump’s security detail; and the briefing materials used by Secretary Mayorkas and U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to brief President Joe Biden about the attempted assassination of President Trump.

Our nation was millimeters away from a presidential assassination. As Americans, we must unite together and move forward from this tragedy.

Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for daily updates.

Rep. August Pfluger

Member of Congress