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 eventful week representing you in Congress. I introduced legislation to rename the Northeast Odessa Post Office in honor of Mary Granados, wrote a piece on how the One Big Beautiful Bill is unleashing American energy, penned an op-ed on why the U.S. desperately needs census reform, announced the 2025 Congressional App Challenge, and our office hosted Service Academy Nights in Midland and Killeen.
If you were affected by the July 4th flooding, please be aware that there is less than one week left to apply for FEMA assistance. The deadline is Thursday, September 4th, and I strongly encourage homeowners, renters, and students to apply if they haven't already.
Below, you'll find photos and highlights from the week. As always, our office stands ready to assist residents across Texas-11 who have been impacted by flooding, need help with a federal agency, would like to plan a trip to Washington, DC, or need assistance with anything else. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know is in need.
Best,
Renaming the Northeast Odessa Post Office in Honor of Mary Granados
This Sunday, August 31st, will mark six years since the horrific mass shooting in the Permian Basin that claimed the lives of seven people and injured several others. In commemoration, I introduced legislation to rename the Northeast Odessa United States Post Office in honor of Mary Granados, a USPS courier who tragically lost her life in the shooting. Once signed into law, the post office will officially be renamed the 'Mary Granados Memorial Post Office Building.'
I am incredibly proud of the Odessa and Midland communities for their continued strength and resilience in the aftermath of this tragedy. This renaming will ensure Mary has a lasting imprint on the community for generations to come. Read more about the legislation to rename the Northeast Odessa Post Office in Mary Granados' memory here or by clicking the image below.
American Energy is Back in the Driver's Seat
Energy powers more than just our economy – it fuels every part of our lives and is a crucial part of our national security.
Unfortunately, the Biden-Harris Administration took an all-of-government approach to wage war on the American energy industry. They canceled the Keystone XL pipeline, halted new oil and gas producing leases on federal land and waters, drained the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), implemented the Natural Gas Tax, and much more.
Thankfully, these days are over, and since Republicans took control, American energy is back in the driver's seat. I penned a piece this week in the Congressional Western Caucus's 'Branded Blog' on how the One Big Beautiful Bill is unleashing American energy.
Read the full piece here or by clicking the image below.
COUNT Act
As Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, I will be introducing the Citizen Only Updated National Tally Act (COUNT) Act to eliminate fraud and inaccuracies in the U.S. Census Bureau, ensuring no illegal aliens are counted in it.
The U.S. Census Bureau failed to correct the disastrous 2020 census that led to the overcounting of the population in eight states and the undercounting of the population in six states. This is a clear betrayal of the constitutional principle that representation should reflect actual citizenship.
The COUNT Act would address core issues plaguing the census and would ensure that no one in the future can manipulate congressional representation. Read more about the COUNT Act in The Blaze at the link here.
I also penned an op-ed in the Daily Wire highlighting why Congress must urgently address this critical issue and ensure the events of the 2020 Census never happen again. Read the full piece here or by clicking the image below.
Four Years Since Withdrawal from Afghanistan
This week marked four years since thirteen innocent U.S. service members lost their lives at Abbey Gate during the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. Our nation is still grieving their loss. We will not forget the sacrifice of all of the American heroes who gave their all in Afghanistan. Please join me in praying for the thirteen Gold Star families and all who have lost their loved ones in the line of duty.
Service Academy Nights in Midland and Killeen
This week, we had fantastic turnouts for Service Academy Nights in Midland and Killeen. It was inspiring to see many young men and women eager to serve their country. Thank you to everyone who attended!
As a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, and your elected representative, it is truly an honor to nominate bright leaders to U.S. Service Academies. If you are or know of a student interested in heeding the call to service who was not able to attend one of these two events, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.
This morning, I joined the KWEL Morning Show with Craig Anderson to discuss the upcoming Labor Day holiday, high school football in Texas-11, and unleashing American energy in the Permian Basin. Listen to our full conversation here or by clicking on the image below.
2025 Congressional App Challenge
My office is accepting submissions for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. This competition is an excellent opportunity for students in middle and high school to further develop their skills in computer science and STEM.
Students have until October 30, 2025, to submit their app. Information on the Congressional App Challenge, including how to apply, can be found on my website by clicking here.
· The app will be unveiled in a Congressional Reception in Washington, D.C., in late December (date TBD).
· Additional prizes may be announced.
RULES
· Students will create an application (aka app) for PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile, etc. Any programming such as C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or "block code" will be accepted.
· There are NO LIMITS on the application theme or topic.
· The competition is open to students in 6th-12th grades.
· Students may work individually or in teams made up of no more than four.
Students are highly encouraged to review the competition's complete rules and regulations on the Congressional App Challenge's website. For more information, please visit CongressionalAppChallenge.usor contact Kathy Keane in my office at kathy.keane@mail.house.gov.
Christmas Opportunities at the White House
First Lady Melania Trump recently announced the opening of Christmas applications for volunteer and performer positions at the White House. While the White House is a stunning and historic landmark to visit year-round, it is truly breathtaking to see during the holidays. I am thrilled that President Trump and First Lady Melania are continuing the tradition of bringing in Americans from across the country to celebrate this special season.
I know firsthand that Texas's 11th Congressional District is home to some of the country's most talented individuals, and now is the time to showcase these talents in our nation's capital! I strongly encourage anyone interested to apply for this incredible opportunity. And if you are selected, please be sure to notify my team so we can help you plan your visit to Washington, D.C.
If you are or know someone interested, please see the details below. Applications for both opportunities close on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET.
VOLUNTEER CHRISTMAS DECORATOR APPLICATION
Those interested in volunteering to decorate the White House ahead of the Christmas Season may apply HERE. Please note that any individual applying to volunteer at the White House must be 18 years of age or older to participate. Each person must apply individually; group applications cannot be accepted. Decorating will take place during the week of Monday, November 24, through Sunday, November 30, 2025. Additional details may be found on the application page.
VOLUNTEER HOLIDAY PERFORMER APPLICATION
Performers and musical groups, including school bads, choirs, and holiday-themed entertainers, are encouraged to apply HERE for the opportunity to perform during the holiday open houses during the month of December. Additional details may be found on the application page.
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.
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.
Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter)for daily updates.
