Welcome back to the 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.
We are now on day ten of the Democrats' reckless government shutdown. Senate Democrats have voted seven times to keep the government closed, all to appease their radical base. If their theatrics continue, American service members, Border Patrol Agents, air traffic controllers, and hundreds of other federal employees will not receive a paycheck. Once again, Democrats are putting their own woke political interests ahead of the American people.
To every resident in Texas-11: my offices across the district and in Washington, D.C. will remain open and fully staffed throughout the entirety of the shutdown. If you need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can also visit our Government Shutdown Resource and FAQ page for answers to common questions and access to federal resources.
Below, you'll find photos and highlights from the week, plus information on how my office can assist you with any federal concerns. As always, please don't hesitate to contact my office if we can ever be of assistance.
Best,
ICYMI: Government Shutdown Resource and FAQ Page
As your elected representative, I want to ensure you have the information and resources you need to understand how the government shutdown may impact you and your family. Please visit my website here or by clicking the images below to access our Government Shutdown Resource and FAQ Page for answers to common questions and guidance on available federal services.
As previously mentioned, my offices remain open and ready to serve constituents across Texas's 11th District. Please don't hesitate to reach out if my team or I can be of assistance.
My Thoughts on President Trump's Phase 1 Gaza Peace Deal
President Trump and Secretary Rubio announced a historic peace deal in the Middle East this week, and I am in full support. Hamas' unprovoked and brutal attack on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 and kidnapping over 250 innocent people, was pure evil. Now we must ensure the beginnings of this historic Gaza peace deal are fully upheld and all hostages are safely returned home to their families.
Israel, under Prime Minister Netanyahu, has shown tremendous resilience in dismantling Hamas's terror network. This deal offers a path forward, but only if Hamas honors its commitments. We remain vigilant and eager to see this agreement implemented completely.
President Trump and Secretary Rubio's continued leadership is essential to ensuring lasting peace and the safe return of all the innocent people still held captive.
Midland Airpark Mineral Rights
This week, I joined City of Midland Mayor Lori Blong for a press conference to discuss an ongoing mineral rights issue negatively impacting the city of Midland and its taxpayers and outline a plan to address it.
For background, Midland stands to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in mineral revenues from oil and gas production beneath Midland Airpark, and it's only right that those dollars benefit the taxpayers who live here. However, under the current law, these dollars are tied up in a maze of federal rules and red tape.
This is not a fair deal for the Permian Basin. Midland taxpayers should be the ones who benefit from what's beneath their feet, not the federal government. I remain committed to standing up for American energy, and this is another chapter in ensuring the hard work of the Permian Basin, and especially Midland, stays here.
Read more about this effort in CBS7 here or by clicking on the image below. Additionally, see the full coverage from the press conference here.
Garden City Town Hall
I also had an incredible time in Garden City this week at our community town hall. I'm grateful for the opportunity to meet with so many welcoming constituents and answer questions amid the Democrats' government shutdown.
It was also an honor to recognize the exceptional young men and women on the Glasscock 4-H Livestock Judging Team for their outstanding achievement at nationals. Thank you to everyone who came out today to share your ideas, concerns, and feedback with me. Your input helps me better serve you in Congress, and I look forward to the next one!
Permian Basin Honor Flight
Members of my Washington, D.C. staff were honored to greet veterans from the Permian Basin Honor Flight this week and present each veteran with a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol. I am thrilled that these American heroes were still able to visit our nation's capital despite the Democrats' government shutdown.
I am extremely grateful for every service member who has courageously risked their life to defend our freedoms. We wish the entire Permian Basin Honor Flight a safe trip back home to Texas.
FDA Quietly Approves Generic Abortion Drug
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of a new generic version of the chemical abortion drug mifepristone. Not only is this deeply concerning, but this new version was approved under the same weakened standards the previous administration applied to mifepristone, which removed critical safeguards designed to protect womenās health and safety.
Mifepristone has a well-documented record of serious medical complications, with countless women suffering severe health consequences or even losing their lives. Compounding these risks, some abusers and human traffickers have taken advantage of these lowered standards and mail-order access to obtain the pills without medical oversight or verification, in some cases giving them to women without their knowledge or consent.
Approving this generic version under these same reckless standards only expands these dangers and puts more women and their unborn children at risk. I remain committed to protecting life, defending womenās health and safety, and ensuring HHS Secretary Kennedy remains committed to restoring safeguards on these dangerous abortion drugs. Read my full statement alongside members of the House Values Action (VAT) Team here or by clicking the image below.
KWEL Morning Show with Craig Anderson
I had a great conversation today with Craig Anderson on The Morning Show on KWEL. We discussed the Democrats' government shutdown, my efforts to keep mineral rights in the Permian Basin, and much more.
Listen to our full conversation here or by clicking the image below.
ICYMI: Mornings with Maria on Fox Business
I also joined Mornings with Maria on Fox Business this week to discuss Phase 1 of the historic Gaza Peace Plan, the Democrats' reckless government shutdown, and the impact that a shutdown has on America's military readiness.
Watch the full interview here or by clicking on the image below.
Additional Thoughts on the Democrats' Government Shutdown
Over the past 10 days of this shutdown, I've continued to speak out about the harmful impacts it's having on hardworking Americans and to urge Democrats to do the right thing and vote to reopen the government.
Listen to my conversation on Big Country Politics with Manny Diaz here.
Read my interview in the Odessa American with Ruth Campbell here.
Read my latest op-ed with Rep. Brian Mast (FL-21) here.
Applications Extended: 2025 Congressional Youth Advisory Council Applications
I am excited to announce the re-launch of my Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) for high school juniors and seniors in the 11th Congressional District of Texas. This esteemed program offers a unique opportunity for passionate and driven young leaders to engage with government, collaborate with peers, and serve their communities.
CYAC is designed to empower the next generation of leaders by providing a platform to voice their perspectives on critical issues. Participants will have the chance to interact directly with me, special guests, and senior staff members in up to four interactive virtual meetings. Additionally, CYAC participants will be provided special admittance to the Pfluger Youth Leadership Conference in Spring 2026 (Date TBD).
Key Program Details:
Ā·Up to four interactive virtual meetings with me and special guests.
Ā·Participation in the Pfluger Youth Leadership Conference in Spring 2026 (Date TBD).
Ā·No cost to participants; all materials provided.
Ā·Possibility of academic or community service credit.
The application deadline has been extended and are now due on October 17, 2025. Students can apply by clicking the link here or by visiting my website at pfluger.house.gov/services/cyac.htm
For questions about the program or application, please contact Corbette Padilla in the Midland Office at (432)-687-2390.
Watch my message encouraging students in Texas-11 to apply for my Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) 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.
Ā· The app will be unveiled in a Congressional Reception in Washington, D.C., in late December (date TBD).
Ā· Additional prizes may be announced.
RULES
Ā· 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.
Ā· There are NO LIMITS on the application theme or topic.
Ā· The competition is open to students in 6th-12th grades.
Ā· 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.
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.
