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 great to be back in Washington this week, where I honored two Texas National Guard units for their heroic service during the July 4th floods. This week, I also penned an op-ed on the key provisions of the Working Families Tax Cut, had legislation pass out of committee, and I joined my colleagues in calling for restoring safety in the nation's capital.
FYI: FEMA has extended the deadline to apply for federal assistance for residents in Texas-11 impacted by the flooding of July 4th. The new deadline for ten counties is September 28th. I strongly encourage homeowners, renters, and students to apply if they haven't already.
Below, you'll find photos and highlights from the week. You can also find information on how my office can help you with any federal problem you may have. As always, please don't hesitate to contact my office if we can ever be of assistance.
Best,
Honoring Texas National Guard Units for Flood Response
It is with immense pride that I spoke on the U.S. House Floor to honor San Angelo native and Commander of the 449th Aviation Support Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Jordan Boyd, and two extraordinary Texas National Guard units, the 108th Assault Helicopter Battalion in Austin and the 149th General Support Helicopter Battalion in San Antonio.
As floodwaters devastated Central and West Texas, these heroes did not hesitate to jump into action. They pushed themselves to every imaginable limit, flying through adverse weather to reach Camp Mystic and the entire Guadalupe River to help. Their daring efforts helped save 366 lives.
Watch my full remarks here or by clicking the image below.
Much-Needed Tax Cuts are Coming for Texas Families
This week marked two months since President Donald Trump signed the largest Working Families Tax Cut package in American history into law. This legislation is a clear response to what Americans demanded in November: rein in wasteful spending, grow the economy, and make life genuinely affordable again.
One of the most impactful provisions in this legislation is the permanent extension of the 2017 Trump tax cuts. Without this, over 475,000 taxpayers in Texas-11 would have faced a devastating 26% tax increase. I penned an op-ed in the San Angelo Standard Times detailing the many historic, tangible wins for hardworking Texans in this legislation.
You can read the full piece here or by clicking the image below.
Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act Passes Out of Committee
I am thrilled that my legislation to address terror threats posed by online radicalization passed out of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security this week. The Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct annual assessments on threats to the U.S. posed by terrorist organizations like ISIS and al Qaeda, utilizing generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) applications for terroristic activity.
Watch my full remarks in support of my legislation here or by clicking the image below.
Restoring Safety and Sanity in the Nation's Capital
As Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, I joined my colleagues in calling out the soft-on-crime policies that have led to the nation's capital becoming a safe haven for criminals.
Washington, D.C., should be the envy of the world and the gold standard for capital cities. I commend President Trump for addressing this issue head-on and delivering on his promise to lower crime. Texans visiting D.C. should be welcomed to a clean, safe, and beautiful city. Law and order is finally being restored with President Trump.
Meeting with the U.S. Secretary of the Air Force
This week, I also enjoyed meeting with the U.S. Secretary of the Air Force, Troy E. Meink, alongside a bipartisan group of veterans serving in Congress to discuss maintaining mission readiness and lethality in our Air Force. Our deterrence has rested on air power for decades, and we must continue to invest in it.
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.
Deadline Extended: Apply for FEMA Assistance by September 28th
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.
FEMA has extended the deadline for residents impacted by the floods to apply for FEMA assistance. I strongly encourage homeowners, renters, and students who have not yet applied to do so before the new deadline on Sunday, September 28th.
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, 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.
