Welcome back to the weekly Pfluger Fly-By, a collection of events and happenings to keep you updated on everything I am doing week by week to represent you in Congress.
It was another extremely busy week in Washington, and I was honored to have two pieces of my legislation pass through the U.S. House of Representatives! I also hosted Interior Secretary and Chairman of the National Energy Dominance Council Doug Burgum for this week's RSC members meeting, held a telephone town hall, and joined Fox Business to discuss several top issues. I then had the pleasure of finishing the week back in TX-11 to host the 2025 Pfluger Student Leadership Conference in Killeen.
I have included some photos and highlights from the week. You can also find information on how my office can help you with any federal problems you may be having. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can ever be of assistance.
Best,
ACES Act Passes the U.S. House of Representatives
This week, I am extremely proud that I had a second piece of legislation, the Aviator Cancer Examination Study (ACES) Act, pass through the U.S. House of Representatives in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion with a vote of 376-5. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation seeks to lower cancer rates in military aviators by directing the VA Secretary to study cancer incidences and mortality rates among servicemembers.
As a former fighter pilot, I know firsthand the risks that airmen and women take every day when they step into the cockpit, and I've fought alongside the best this nation has to offer. But unfortunately, I have also stood in hospital rooms watching far too many of my brothers and sisters fight their toughest battles, not in the air, but in the hospital room against cancer. This is why the ACES Act is so important, it is not just a bill—it's a lifeline for those who have already given so much for our freedom, and it's a message to every pilot who's ever put on a uniform to protect our skies that we will fight to protect them in return.
To witness its passage, I was honored to host several aviators on Capitol Hill, some of whom are currently battling cancer and others who are cancer survivors. The ACES Act has been my top priority in Congress since I was elected, and I am thrilled that after years of advocacy, this legislation has finally passed through the House, and I urge its swift passage in the Senate. Read more about the passage of this legislation here.
Watch my full floor remarks in support of the ACES Act here or by clicking the image below.
U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum at RSC Lunch
I was honored to host U.S. Interior Secretary and Chairman of the National Energy Dominance Council Doug Burgum at this week's Republican Study Committee (RSC) Lunch. Secretary Burgum discussed his goals to unleash American energy, including oil, gas, and coal, through enhanced leasing and permitting efficiencies. He also discussed how utilizing and strengthening energy production can reduce the nation's deficit.
It is refreshing to have energy champions back in charge who are committed to utilizing America's abundant energy resources to drive the next technological revolution. As Chairman of the RSC, I am committed to leading my colleagues in working alongside the administration to restore American energy dominance.
Defunding Confucius Institutes on U.S. College Campuses
This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed my legislation to keep the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) out of American classrooms and universities.
Under the guise of promoting Chinese language and culture, the CCP has spent years establishing and operating Confucius Institutes throughout the country for malign purposes. It has been proven that these 'Institutes" are being utilized to undermine American interests at every turn, and in no world should our adversaries have a taxpayer-funded front-row seat in our classrooms.
The bipartisan passage of this legislation sends a clear message: America's universities and research labs will no longer be used to steal critical research, recruit talent for Military-Civil fusion enterprises, conduct espionage, and more. Read more about the passage of my legislation here or in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail here.
Watch my full remarks in support of my legislation here or by clicking the image below.
Mornings with Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business
I joined Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business's Mornings with Maria to preview Interior Secretary Burgum's visit to Capitol Hill. During the interview, we discussed House Republicans' work on the "One Big, Beautiful Bill," as well as several of my energy priorities.
You can watch the full interview here or by clicking the image below.
Pfluger Student Leadership Conference in Killeen
To end the week, I had the pleasure of being back in TX-11 to host the 2025 Pfluger Student Leadership Conference in Killeen. It was wonderful seeing so many young and inspiring leaders who want to make a difference in our communities. Thank you to everyone who attended!
Additionally, I want to thank our wonderful speakers, including Richard Rhodes of NASA, Lt. General Kevin Admiral, and incoming Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System Glenn Hegar.
ICYMI: Telephone Town Hall
Thank you to everyone across Texas-11 who joined me for a Telephone Town Hall earlier this week. I enjoyed answering your questions and giving an update on my latest work serving you in Washington.
Book Summer Capitol Tours!
If you are visiting Washington, D.C. this summer, my office would be thrilled to book a tour of the U.S. Capitol building for you and your group. My office can also assist in requesting White House tours and tours of other iconic buildings around DC.
REMINDER: If you are in need of assistance with a federal agency, my office is here to help. For more information, please visit our website HERE.
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