Welcome back to the weekly Pfluger Fly-By, a roundup of events and updates to keep you informed about everything I'm doing week by week to represent you in Congress.
It was another great week representing the best district in Congress. I introduced legislation to expedite state approval of carbon storage wells, held my first meetings at the U.S. Air Force Academy as the new Chairman of the Board of Visitors, and provided an update on FEMA assistance for residents in Texas's 11th Congressional District. This week, I also announced that the White House has officially opened applications for volunteer and performer opportunities during the Christmas season.
I've included some photos and highlights from the week below. Our office stands ready to assist residents across Texas-11 who have been impacted by flooding. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs assistance in our community.
Best,
Apply for FEMA Assistance by September 4th
Since the devastating floods swept through Central and West Texas on July 4th, my office and I have been working closely with local leaders and officials to ensure that residents in Texas's 11th Congressional District have access to the resources and assistance they need.
If you were impacted by the floods, there are just under 30 days left to apply for FEMA assistance. I strongly encourage anyone who has not yet applied to do so before the deadline on Thursday, September 4th. Homeowners, renters, and students are all eligible to apply.
Additionally, FEMA released information on legal services and disaster case managers available to flood survivors, as unexpected legal issues may arise after a disaster that can leave individuals and families devastated. If you are facing legal issues resulting from the July storms and flooding in Central Texas, you can get free legal advice. Click HERE for more information.
Expediting State Approval of Carbon Storage Wells
Far too often, bureaucratic red tape gets in the way of those who know the energy industry best, stifling production and disincentivizing innovation. Texans lead the way in efficient energy production nationwide. That’s why I joined my fellow Texan, Congressman Crenshaw, in introducing legislation to put an end to the Biden-era EPA’s painfully slow Class VI well permitting approval process and put power back into the hands of state regulators who know their geology and how to support it best.
The Primacy Certainty Act of 2025would amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to rule on state applications to regulate Class VI injection wells within 180 days—otherwise the application automatically takes effect after 210 days if a state already enforces a similar program. The measure also directs the EPA to appoint a dedicated liaison for state coordination, tap Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds for permit processing, and report annually to Congress on staffing and resource needs.
Read more about this legislation in the Odessa American HERE or by clicking the image below.
U.S. Air Force Academy Visit
As a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, fighter pilot for nearly two decades, and Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, the future of USAFA's ability to build up mission-ready warfighters is a top priority of mine. That is why I have served for several years as a congressionally-appointed member of the Academy's Board of Visitors (BoV), which provides independent advice and recommendations on matters relating to USAFA.
Just last month, I was truly humbled to be elected as the next Chairman of the Academy's BoV. In this new role, I attended and led USAFA's BoV meetings at the Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, this week. My mission as Chairman is to restore America's fighting force—to ensure the Academy not only executes its leadership development but also continually improves it so that our cadets are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. We will never know when or where the next conflict will arise, or even what type of warfare it will involve. But we do know this: our cadets must be ready to lead in any environment, to think critically, and to have the grit to overcome adversity.
As a Member of Congress, I also have the honor of nominating young Americans from Texas's 11th District to attend the Air Force Academy. Through this process, I see firsthand the outstanding quality of these nominees and future cadets. I saw that same excellence this past June, when a cadet interned in my Capitol Hill office, and I was thrilled to visit him this week. The caliber of these future leaders continues to impress me, and they deserve our unwavering commitment to ensuring they receive a world-class education, military training, and leadership development. If you are a student in TX-11 interested in attending a Service Academy, please reach out to my office to receive information about the nomination process.
Celebrating the Confirmation of Earl Matthews
I am thrilled that the Senate confirmed my dear friend Earl Matthews as the next General Counsel of the Department of Defense. While I'm disheartened that every single one of my Democrat colleagues chose to politicize this confirmation by voting against a man of such caliber, Earl's confirmation is nonetheless a testament to his proven leadership in national security and dedication to the safety of our nation.
From our time together on the National Security Council to his instrumental role in establishing the U.S. Space Force, Earl has consistently demonstrated that he is ready and equipped to take on this role. I have no doubt he will serve the Department with excellence.
Earlier this year, I had the honor of introducing Earl in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee ahead of his confirmation hearing.
Watch the full introduction HERE or by clicking the image below.
