Welcome back to the Pfluger Fly-By, a weekly roundup of the work I am doing to represent you and our communities in Congress.
This week, I delivered keynote remarks at the Central Texas Veterans Memorial in Brownwood and celebrated Secretary Duffy's move to certify ASU as the first Texas school to implement the Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative, a program I championed for students in West Texas. In addition, I signed onto a resolution to continue our efforts to combat fraud in our federal health care programs, joined a letter to FBI Director Patel on the increase of hospital cyberattacks, and applauded Agriculture Secretary Rollins' Great American Cotton Plan.
For new parents who signed their child up for a Trump Account: the Trump Accounts app is now available to download on the App Store and Google Play Store. This is an excellent tool that gives your child a financial head start, and I highly recommend that you take advantage of it today.
Below, you'll find highlights, including pictures, in-depth updates, and information on how my office can help you with any federal concerns. As always, my team and I are here to serve you. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
Best,
Central Texas Veterans Memorial Day Observance in Brownwood
I was honored to deliver keynote remarks at the Central Texas Veterans Memorial in Brownwood for their Memorial Day observance.
As a veteran and your elected representative, I believe we have a sacred obligation to the men and women who served our country in uniform and their families. We owe them the care they were promised and a country that never stops honoring their sacrifice.
Not every service member comes home, and that is why Memorial Day matters. My heart mourns for every family that sent a loved one off to serve and did not get the opportunity to welcome them home.
One of the greatest privileges we hold as Americans is to keep the memories of our fallen alive. We will never forget their sacrifice or take for granted the freedoms they died defending. God bless all American service members, their families, and our great country.
Read more about the Central Texas Veterans Memorial Day observance in the Brownwood News here or by clicking the image below.
Photos courtesy of Brownwood News
ASU First Texas College to Join Air Traffic Controller Training Program
I am proud to call San Angelo home, and I am thrilled that Angelo State University (ASU) is the first school in Texas selected for the FAA’s Enhanced Air Traffic – Collegiate Training Initiative. Students who pass the E-CTI program can apply to become a controller on a fast track, skipping the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City and jumping straight to on-site facility training.
The United States faces a significant shortage of air traffic controllers, which poses real challenges to the safety and efficiency of our national aviation system. That's why I advocated directly to Transportation Secretary Duffy for this training opportunity at ASU. This program will create a direct pathway for students in West Texas to pursue careers in aviation and public service. I appreciate Secretary Duffy and the FAA for recognizing ASU's strength and for investing in the next generation of air traffic controllers. Read more about the program here or by clicking the image below.
Continuing to Fight Against Fraud
Fraud in federal health care programs like Medicare and Medicaid is a serious and growing problem. I'm continuing to work alongside my colleagues in Congress to address this while holding fraudsters accountable. That's why I signed onto a resolution led by Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) that highlights these schemes and expresses support for efforts to combat waste, fraud, and abuse. The resolution also recognizes the work of the Trump Administration and Republicans in investigating and prosecuting fraud.
The fraudulent schemes that continue to emerge, such as those in Minnesota and Ohio, are deeply troubling. We must hold bad actors accountable and ensure these critical programs are protected for the people they were designed to serve. Read more about the resolution here.
The Great American Cotton Plan
Texas is proud to be the largest producer of cotton in the United States, and I'm always grateful to represent the hardworking farmers who produce the fiber we need. I thank Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for launching the 'Great American Cotton Plan' to boost the purchase and use of American-grown cotton. This plan builds on our work in Congress to break open new markets for farmers and ensure that what's grown and made here stays at the forefront of global trade.
I'm also a proud cosponsor of the Buying American Cotton Act, which would create a tax credit to incentivize the consumption of products made with American cotton. I'll always have the backs of American cotton farmers in Congress. Read more about Secretary Rollins' Great American Cotton Plan here or by clicking the image below.
Deterring Threats to America's Health Care System
I joined my colleague Congressman Troy Nehls (TX-22) in a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, urging proactive action against criminal networks targeting America's health care system and expressing strong support for the FBI's ongoing efforts to combat these threats.
Cyberattacks on hospitals and health care providers have become more frequent and sophisticated. The threat to America's healthcare infrastructure is real and demands aggressive action. When ransomware gangs shut down a hospital and put patients' lives on the line, that is a national security threat. I will continue working to ensure our federal agencies have the tools, resources, and direction they need to defend our health care infrastructure. Read more about the letter here or by clicking the image below.
Trump Accounts App Launches for Parents and Families
This week, the White House officially launched the Trump Accounts app. I was extremely proud to vote for the creation of this program in the Working Families Tax Cuts, so children across the country can have a jumpstart on their financial security with a $1,000 investment.
If you are a new parent who filed the IRS Form 4547, I highly encourage you to download the Trump Accounts app on the Apple App Store here or Google Play here.
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 tours of the White House, Supreme Court, and other iconic buildings around DC.
Click here to book your tour today. The earlier you can get your request in, the better.
Renew Your Passport Today Before Summer Travel
Are you planning to travel abroad this summer? Now is the perfect time to begin your passport application process or check your passport’s expiration date and, if needed, start the renewal process. Visitthis linkto get started.
Before traveling abroad, make sure to sign up for the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, known as STEP. This is an excellent and free resource for U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates by email from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Sign up at STEP.
If you are having trouble renewing or are experiencing a longer-than-normal processing time for a passport, we stand ready to assist you. Please visit our website atpfluger.house.gov or call any of our offices:
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.
