Pfluger, August RSS Articles

Chairman Pfluger Unveils USAFA Board of Visitors Semiannual Report Ahead of Meeting in Colorado Springs

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Board of Visitors (BoV), formally sent the Board's comprehensive, forward-looking semiannual report of recommendations for the Academy to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

This report fulfills one of the Board's key statutory responsibilities and delivers a strategic roadmap to strengthen institutional effectiveness at the United States Air Force Academy. It centers on improving athletics, establishing a dedicated funding line for the Academy, and incorporating the newest technology into cadet courses.

"Airpower is relied on more heavily than ever to deter our adversaries and defend our interests around the world, and the Air Force Academy produces the leaders who deliver it. It’s our responsibility to make sure they have the resources, facilities, and training to succeed. As Chairman, I am grateful to my fellow Board members for their dedication and expertise, which are reflected in this report and its recommendations to prepare cadets for the demands of modern warfare. I look forward to working with my colleagues and Air Force Academy leadership to put these recommendations into action," said USAFA Board of Visitors Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11).

“As American air power remains critical to our national defense, we must ensure U.S. Air Force Academy cadets receive the training, education, and development needed to meet the demands of modern warfare. I am confident that the Board’s recommendations, in our report to Secretary Hegseth and Secretary Meink, will strengthen the Academy’s capacity to better prepare the next generation of Air Force officers to lead with excellence and defend our nation against evolving threats,” said Senator Ted Budd (R-NC).

“This report represents more than a year of hard work for the USAFA BoV in its effort to strengthen and improve the Air Force Academy—a premier institution for developing our future military leaders and commanders. The recommendations it lays out are focused on critical issues like cadet and instructor professional development, and especially infrastructure improvement. I look forward to working with Secretary Hegseth and the Department to implement these recommended changes and continue to position USAFA for the future with lasting improvements to meet the ever-evolving threats and increasingly complex operational environment," said Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).

"Serving as a student at the Air Force Academy is a patriotic commitment, and the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors honors their commitment by building on the Academy’s incredible legacy for future generations of cadets. I’m grateful to my fellow board members as we share the responsibility to ensure excellence across-the-board at the Academy, from academics to athletics to infrastructure and support services. We owe it to the cadets to give them the best education and experience possible, improving our officer corps and the capabilities of the greatest Air Force in the world," said Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND).

“The Air Force Academy and the cadets who attend this institution are essential for our national security,” said Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD). “This report makes important recommendations with regard to the training and education these cadets receive, including improvements for athletic program governance and placing greater emphasis on important programs like drone technology. It’s an honor to serve on the Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors, and I look forward to continuing our work to improve the Academy for future generations.”

"I am proud of the work the USAFA Board of Visitors continues to accomplish. I encourage the adoption of this report’s recommendations including the establishment of a dedicated Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization funding line, to help bring Academy infrastructure up to the high standard our Cadets deserve. As well as the retention of the 70th Flying Training Squadron, and I was proud to include language in the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act to do that. I look forward to ensuring the Academy has the resources it needs to train the next generation of Air Force and Space Force leaders," said Rep. Jeff Crank (CO-05).

“As we take steps to protect ourselves from tomorrow's national security threats, it is essential now more than ever that we restore the Air Force Academy to 4,400 cadets, resolve the issue of aging infrastructure, and provide Space Force Guardians with a permanent home to maintain American superiority in air and space,” said Rep. Don Davis (NC-01).

You can read the report in its entirety HERE or see key recommendations below:

1. Establish a dedicated Facilities, Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (FSRM) Funding Line

2. Reform the Air Force Academy Athletic Cooperation (AFAAC) Structure and Governance

3. Open the Cadet Chapel in Phases

4. Increase Emphasis and Funding for Advanced Simulators and Drone Technology

Elevate the Value of USAFA Officer Assignments

Pfluger Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Secure Undersea Cables and Protect America's Data from Foreign Threats

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced bipartisan legislation to establish clear, standardized security requirements for submarine cables landing in the United States while streamlining the licensing process for trusted companies. The United States Submarine Cable Security Policy Act of 2026 will replace case-by-case security agreements with transparent, predictable rules.

Over 95% of international data flows through undersea cables. Foreign adversaries like China have been investing in undersea cables to compromise America's national and economic security. By setting uniform security standards, the bill strengthens our defenses against foreign threats while reducing regulatory uncertainty for American businesses.

"Our foreign adversaries are investing in the undersea cables that carry over 95% of our international data, and they're doing it to undermine our national and economic security. The United States Submarine Cable Security Policy Act of 2026 sets clear, consistent security standards so we can keep bad actors out of our critical infrastructure," said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).

“Submarine cables are critical to our economy and national security, carrying the internet and communications traffic that Americans rely on every day,” said Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08). “I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation with Rep. Pfluger to establish a clear and consistent permitting process, provide greater certainty for responsible projects, and ensure that cables with potential national security risks receive the scrutiny they deserve.”

Pfluger's Mystic Alerts Act Heads to President Trump's Desk

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) bipartisan, bicameral Mystic Alerts Act passed the Senate unanimously and now heads to the President's desk. This critical legislation modernizes America's emergency alert infrastructure by integrating satellite networks into the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system, helping ensure Americans can receive critical, life-saving alerts even when traditional communications infrastructure is damaged or nonexistent.

“I am grateful that the Mystic Alerts Act is now heading to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. The July 4th floods of 2025 were a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed lives across our state. My legislation will ensure that Americans in rural areas receive life-saving alerts when disaster strikes and traditional networks fail. I thank Senator Cornyn for his partnership in leading the Mystic Alerts Act in the Senate, and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz for advancing it through his committee. This marks a crucial step in updating emergency preparedness nationwide,” said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).

Rep. Pfluger introduced this bipartisan legislation alongside Reps. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Buddy Carter (GA-01), and Marc Veasey (TX-33). Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) led the Senate companion legislation.

“More than 130 people were tragically killed in the July 4th floods that ravaged Central Texas last year, many of whom did not receive emergency alerts due to compromised cellular networks that were knocked out by the storm,” said Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). “This bill will address this technology shortfall and honor the memory of those lost by ensuring Texans and all Americans can receive wireless emergency alerts on their mobile devices via satellite even when disaster strikes, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law soon.”

“When storms, disasters, or threats to public safety threaten our state, crisis management is key,” said Sen. Jon Ossoff (R-GA). “This bipartisan bill with Senator Cornyn will help upgrade America's emergency alert systems to keep Georgia families safe and informed.”

“My family knows firsthand the heartbreak of the tragedy at Camp Mystic. My granddaughters were there when the floodwaters came, and they lost their nine-year-old cousin, Janie Hunt. Nothing can bring back the precious lives we lost, but we can honor their memories by taking action to help prevent another tragedy. I’m proud to see the bipartisan Mystic Alerts Act headed to President Trump’s desk and one step closer to becoming law," said Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01).

“In Houston and across the state of Texas, we are still heartbroken and grieving the loss of beloved family members and the destruction of communities along the Guadalupe River in the summer of 2025, a disaster made worse by communication gaps and failures,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07). “This new law is a small but important way to provide a meaningful response to the devastating floods and to learn from the tragedy so that communities across the country do not have to experience the same pain and loss that Texans did last year. Nothing can bring back those that we lost in the flood, but we owe it to their survivors and to everyone we represent to do all we can to try to prevent another tragedy like it. I am thankful for Congressman Pfluger, Congressman Veasey, and Congressman Carter’s partnership in this effort and am thrilled to see this bill become law.”

"I am honored to support the Mystic Alerts Act, and proud this act is being sent to the President’s desk today to be signed into law. This bill will ensure that emergency alerts can be disseminated via satellite even when commercial cell providers are unable to provide service. Supporting this piece of legislation serves as a significant step and response to the devastation caused by last year’s floods in Texas and as a reminder of the importance of preparing for future flood disasters in our nation. When disaster strikes, every second matters, and no family should be left without critical information simply because the power or cell service is down," said Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33).

Background:

On July 4, 2025, a devastating flood occurred in Central and West Texas, claiming over 130 lives. Multiple reports noted undelivered WEAs throughout the areas impacted by the disaster once cellular infrastructure was damaged.

The Mystic Alerts Act will:

Allow cellular companies to partner with satellite communications providers to deliver WEAs during emergencies.

Direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish the necessary rules and policies to preserve the effectiveness of WEA infrastructure while integrating satellite communications.

Create a new communications pathway to deliver emergency alerts in areas where other infrastructure has been destroyed or taken offline.

Pfluger Introduces Reliable Artificial Intelligence Research Act

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced the Reliable Artificial Intelligence Research Act (RAIRA) to stop bad actors from exploiting AI and strengthen American national security. This is first-of-its-kind legislation that creates federally funded research competitions to strengthen AI defenses and reveal how AI systems make decisions.

"As AI becomes more deeply woven into our economy and our national defense, we cannot afford to leave it vulnerable to those who would exploit it. Adversaries are already looking for ways to manipulate these systems, and we must stay ahead of them. The Reliable Artificial Intelligence Research Act puts American ingenuity to work on making AI more transparent, more predictable, and more resistant to attacks," said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).

RAIRA would create two national competitions, run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), that would reward advanced research in two core areas of AI security: AI interpretability and adversarial robustness. AI interpretability focuses on making AI decisions more transparent and predictable, while adversarial robustness seeks to strengthen AI systems against malicious manipulation. By investing $10 million in this program over the next five years, this legislation would provide some of the first significant federal funding dedicated to foundational AI security science, encouraging further innovation across the industry, universities, and independent researchers working on these issues.

RAIRA has received support from outside organizations, including Americans for Responsible Innovation:

"AI models are being deployed into some of our country’s most vulnerable systems while we still do not fully understand how they arrive at their decisions. This means that a future incident could cause a devastating rippling effect throughout our agencies," said Brad Carson, President of Americans for Responsible Innovation. "By investing in new talent to broaden the field of assurance and interpretability research, this bill will help us get ahead of crises before they occur."

The legislation is a House companion to bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH), developed in coordination with key technology industry stakeholders.

Pfluger's Bill to Deliver Medicaid Accountability Included in Fraud-Fighting Legislative Package

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced the Medicaid Integrity and Fiscal Responsibility Act, which would require each state Medicaid program to designate an individual as the person primarily responsible for fiscal duties associated with the state’s Medicaid state plan or waiver. The official in charge would be responsible for ensuring that the state establishes appropriate policies, procedures, monitoring systems, and corrective actions to carry out these responsibilities.

The Medicaid Integrity and Fiscal Responsibility Act would make the designated individual accountable for processing claims accurately and on time, preventing fraud, waste, abuse, and improper payments, reporting expenditures accurately to HHS, and maintaining strong financial controls. This ensures taxpayer dollars are protected, and Medicaid spending follows federal requirements.

"Every dollar lost to fraud, waste, and improper payments is a dollar taken from patients who depend on Medicaid and from the taxpayers who fund it. My legislation puts a single, accountable official in charge of Medicaid claims processing, payment integrity, financial reporting, and internal controls in each state. This is a commonsense step to protect Medicaid for the Americans it was meant to serve," said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).

Congressman Pfluger's legislation was included in the House Energy and Commerce Committee's fraud-fighting health care package, advancing a broader effort to crack down on improper payments and protect Medicaid for the patients who depend on it. Read more about the package HERE.

Rep. Pfluger Holds Roundtables with Midland and Odessa Chambers of Commerce

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) joined both the Midland and Odessa Chambers of Commerce for roundtables with local business leaders, energy producers, and healthcare providers.

The roundtables brought together key stakeholders from across the Permian Basin to discuss the challenges facing local businesses. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Free Enterprise Caucus, Congressman Pfluger has been a leading voice in Washington for pro-growth, pro-business policies, and used the discussions to hear directly from West Texas job creators about how federal policy can better support their growth.

"As Co-Chair of the Free Enterprise Caucus, conversations like these reaffirm why I fight every day in Congress for pro-growth policies that let our job creators thrive," said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11). "Cutting red tape, lowering taxes, and expanding access to capital is how we empower entrepreneurs instead of standing in their way. Texas-11 is home to some of the hardest-working small business owners in the country, and I'll keep fighting to make sure Washington works for them, not against them."

Photos from the roundtables for distribution and publication can be found HERE.

Rep. Pfluger Helps Secure $20 Million for City of San Angelo Infrastructure Improvements

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) has helped secure $20 million for the Christoval Road Improvement Project. By voting for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148, P.L. 119-75), Rep. Pfluger helped fund the Department of War's Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP).

This $20 million investment in San Angelo will help fund a $28.6 million transportation and utility infrastructure project along the south side of Goodfellow Air Force Base, extending from Paint Rock Road to South Chadbourne Street. The Defense Community Infrastructure Program is a competitive grant program administered by the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation to help state and local governments address infrastructure deficiencies in the communities surrounding military installations. DCIP selects projects based on their ability to enhance installation readiness and mission assurance, improve quality of life for service members and their families, or strengthen installation resilience.

"The Christoval Road Improvement Project will modernize aging infrastructure along Goodfellow Air Force Base's south side, easing traffic, supporting utility upgrades, and helping San Angelo grow. I'm proud to have helped secure this funding and will keep fighting to make sure our military communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive," said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11).

“This is a tremendous investment in San Angelo, but just as importantly, it is an investment in Goodfellow Air Force Base and its national defense mission,” said San Angelo Mayor Tom Thompson. “On behalf of the City of San Angelo, I want to personally thank Congressman August Pfluger and Senator Ted Cruz for their continued advocacy for Goodfellow and our community. Their support and recognition of Goodfellow’s importance to our national security continue to make a difference here at home.”

Over the past year, Rep. Pfluger has been an outspoken advocate for directing federal resources back to the communities he represents in Congress. In the last appropriations cycle, Rep. Pfluger secured $20 million for Community Funding Projects across Texas-11.

Read more about the Christoval Road Improvement Project HERE.

Chairman Pfluger and Senator Hickenlooper Lead Charge for Service Academy Investment in Final NDAA

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) Board of Visitors, and Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) led a bipartisan, bicameral letter calling for a generational investment in the nation's Military Service Academies.

The letter, signed by members of the West Point, Naval Academy, and Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, was addressed to the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. The members urge the Chairmen to include several provisions in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to equip future warfighters with the resources to defend our country.

In the letter, the members advocated for a dedicated funding stream to the Military Service Academies, ensuring consistent and predictable investment in their infrastructure and mission readiness. They also call for strengthening the public-private investment relationship at the Academies by allowing superintendents to contract directly with affiliated nonprofit organizations on campus modernization projects, enabling Academies to use private philanthropic support alongside federal funding.

"My experiences at the U.S. Air Force Academy shaped who I am and how I serve today. That's why I'm committed to giving our Service Academies the resources, facilities, faculty, and training they need to develop the finest military leaders in the world. I'm proud to stand with Board of Visitors members from West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Air Force Academy in this effort. Our national defense starts with how well we prepare those who will lead it," said USAFA Board of Visitors Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11).

“Colorado is proud to be the home of the U.S. Air Force Academy, the premier training institution for the next generation of Airmen and Guardian leaders,” said Hickenlooper. “Investing in these national assets is a no-brainer. It’s an investment in America’s security and future," said Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO).

“I went to West Point, and I’ve seen firsthand what these academies demand of the young men and women we’re asking to lead our military,” said Rep. Pat Harrigan (NC-10). “We’re preparing them for a battlefield that is changing faster than ever, while too much of the infrastructure behind their training is aging and the process to modernize it is unnecessarily slow. These NDAA provisions give every service academy dedicated resources to upgrade its facilities and make it easier to put private dollars to work on campus instead of letting them sit behind federal red tape. If we expect our future officers to be ready for the next war, we need to make sure the academies training them are ready for it too.”

“Our service academies are responsible for developing the next generation of American warfighters and leaders, and they deserve the resources and infrastructure necessary to meet that mission. We cannot expect our cadets and midshipmen to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow in facilities that fall behind today. These provisions are critical for helping to modernize our academies, accelerating critical construction projects, and ensuring they have the flexibility they need to make the investments necessary to produce the strongest military force in the world," said Rep. Ronny Jackson (TX-13).

"It is an honor to serve on the Board of Visitors of the United States Naval Academy. I take this role seriously because we have an obligation to do more than just thank our Midshipmen – and all our service members and veterans – for their service. It is my duty and my privilege to fight for them in Congress, for their benefits, and for their protection. That is why I am proud to join a bipartisan, bicameral group of members of Congress to urge that all our Military Service Academies have the necessary resources they need in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. We must continue to invest in our next generation of service members so they can continue to serve our country with courage, integrity, and distinction," said Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MA).

"As a Member of the Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors, it is critical that our service academies across the nation receive investments to modernize facilities. Our future Airmen and Guardians at USAFA deserve facilities that will help train them for the war-fighting environment, which is why we are calling on leadership to invest in cutting-edge enhancements to our academies,” said Rep. Jeff Crank (CO-05).

“Our military service academies (MSAs) shape the next generation of American warfighters and military leaders – something I experienced firsthand during my time at the U.S. Naval Academy, where I learned the true meaning of service to one’s country. Investing in these academies means investing in the future defense of our nation. That’s why it’s essential we ensure MSAs have the resources, modern facilities, and programming they need to equip tomorrow’s heroes," said Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT).

“Our Service Academies play a critical role in developing the next generation of military leaders, ensuring that our armed forces remain at the forefront of innovation and military capability,” said Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV). “That is why I have joined my fellow Board of Visitors members for our Academies to ensure that they have the funding and support they need to equip our future military officers with the skills needed to defend our country.”

“Our military service academies instill discipline, build character, and prepare future military leaders to pursue excellence,” said Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). “We need to make sure they have the resources and tools they need to succeed and defend our country. I join my colleagues in requesting a generational investment in our military service academies to properly equip our cadets and midshipmen for today’s warfighting environment.”

“Our service members sign on the dotted line to protect our safety and freedom, and they deserve the best resources and preparation in return,” said Senator Coons. “As a new member of the Air Force Academy Board of Visitors and the lead Senate Democrat for defense funding, I know our academies need significant investment in order to be prepared for the combat of the future. We have the best military in the world, and I’m committed to keeping it that way," said Senator Chris Coons (D-DE).

“The education provided to young Patriots at our United States Service Academies is invaluable, and must always be safeguarded and protected for the sake of our national security and armed forces. Representing West Point in Congress, sitting on the USMA Board of Visitors, and working on the Armed Services Committee keeps me connected to the vitality of these unique, essential institutions. I’m proud to join this bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators in fighting for the resources that every cadet and midshipman deserves,” said Rep. Pat Ryan (NY-18).

Read full text of the letter HERE.

PASSED: Chairman Pfluger's I&A Mission Reorientation Act

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, spoke in favor of his legislation, the I&A Mission Reorientation Act on the U.S. House Floor. The legislation passed through the U.S. House of Representatives this week.

The "I&A Mission Reorientation Act of 2026" would update I&A’s statutory responsibility to clearly define its focus, reinforce accountability, and improve operational effectiveness. The legislation would strengthen information sharing with state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) partners.

“The threats to our homeland are evolving, and it is critical that our intelligence posture keeps pace. The I&A Mission Reorientation Act refocused DHS’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis on its core mission to deliver timely, actionable intelligence to state and local partners on the front lines. By strengthening information sharing and expanding our forward-deployed capabilities, this bill will close critical gaps and ensure intelligence flows swiftly to decision-makers on the ground,” said Subcommittee Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11).

“House Republicans are continuing to put our homeland security and public safety first, passing seven more bipartisan bills from the Committee to ensure Department of Homeland Security personnel can accomplish their core missions. As America faces evolving threats, the Committee is working to enhance the Department’s ability to coordinate effectively with state and local law enforcement, prepare for threats to the agriculture critical infrastructure sector, and support our frontline CBP personnel," said Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02).

Watch Chairman Pfluger's remarks on the House Floor in support of the legislation HERE.

Read Chairman Pfluger's remarks below:

"Last week, the nation marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11 – a day that forever changed American history and the way we think about homeland security. Terrorists did not win that day, or any other day since. The threat of terrorism exposed on 9/11 instead unleashed the force of American patriotism, innovation, and vigilance to ensure our homeland would never be targeted again.

"Preventing another 9/11 is exactly why the Department of Homeland Security was established, including its Office of Intelligence & Analysis. Recognizing that there were gaps in information sharing that hindered cohesive threat assessments, I&A was founded with a mandate unlike any other in the intelligence community: to share intelligence with state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement partners.

"When information is siloed or fails to reach the appropriate stakeholders at the right time, threats to our homeland can materialize in the blind spots that are created as a result – and there are no shortage of threats today, as terror groups move and adapt to evade detection by our law enforcement and intelligence communities.

"Actionable intelligence in the right hands, at the right time is a competitive advantage for the U.S. over those who may seek to do us harm, contributing to the Department’s no-fail mission.

At the same time, in the past twenty-five years, I&A has experienced an all-too-familiar mission creep, favoring intelligence support to the Department concentrated here in DC that distracts from its field-oriented mission.

"Information sharing is hindered when I&A personnel and priorities are more attuned to DC than to building trust, maintaining presence, and contributing to information networks within state and local law enforcement partners. An I&A that fails to prioritize the field is insufficiently postured to meet today’s threats.

"The I&A Mission Reorientation Act is the first step towards reversing this trend and realigning I&A with its foundational mission. It amends I&A’s statutory authorization to affirm that its operational mission is to provide intelligence support to state, local, tribal, and territorial partners – by leveraging forward-deployed intelligence capabilities, engaging with fusion centers, and facilitating two-way information flows.

"It additionally requires I&A to update Congress on progress made, providing the necessary oversight to make this realignment a reality.

"This bill is the result of months of bipartisan collaboration across this Committee and with the Department. It has advanced unanimously twice this year – in both subcommittee and full committee markups.

"Today, I urge my colleagues to support its passage once more, reaffirming what Congress intended twenty-five years ago when the Office of Intelligence & Analysis was created."

Rep. Pfluger's Mystic Alerts Act Advances Through Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) bipartisan and bicameral legislation, the Mystic Alerts Act, advanced through the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This is a major step forward for emergency preparedness nationwide.

In response to his legislation's passage, Congressman August Pfluger said, "The devastating floods that swept through Central Texas and Camp Mystic, where two of my daughters were staying, exposed a critical gap in how we warn Americans when disaster strikes. The Mystic Alerts Act ensures that emergency alerts can reach families and first responders by satellite, even when traditional networks fail. I'm grateful for the support of Senator Cornyn, Senator Ossoff, and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Cruz in getting this legislation one step closer to becoming law."

Rep. Pfluger's bipartisan Mystic Alerts Act modernizes America's emergency alert infrastructure by integrating satellite networks into the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) system, helping ensure Americans can receive critical, life-saving alerts even when traditional communications infrastructure is damaged or nonexistent.

Rep. Pfluger introduced this bipartisan legislation alongside Reps. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Buddy Carter (GA-01), and Marc Veasey (TX-33). Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Senator John Ossoff (D-GA) led the Senate companion legislation.

“Last year’s devastating July 4^th flooding at Camp Mystic and across Central Texas showed how quickly a disaster can occur and reminds us that critical warnings matter,” said Senator John Cornyn (R-TX). “The Mystic Alerts Act would help ensure communities receive timely alerts without having to use a cellular connection, and I urge my Senate colleagues to support this legislation to update our wireless emergency alert technology and save lives.”

"The catastrophic 2025 Fourth of July floods devastated families and communities across Texas. No Texan will ever forget the tragic loss of more than 135 people, including 27 precious campers and counselors at Camp Mystic. As a father of two girls and as a Texan, I’ve been committed to doing everything in my power as chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee to help ensure families never endure a tragedy like this again. When disaster strikes, every second matters. Americans should be able to trust that critical, life-saving alerts will reach them when and where they most need them. That is exactly what the Mystic Alerts Act will do. I applaud my fellow Texan and friend, Representative August Pfluger, for his leadership on this critical legislation, and I was proud to advance it through the Senate Commerce Committee today. We are now one step closer to getting the Mystic Alerts Act to the President’s desk, and more importantly, to implementing a stronger emergency alert system that will save lives," said Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX).

“In Houston and across the state of Texas, we are still heartbroken and grieving the loss of beloved family members and the destruction of communities along the Guadalupe River in the summer of 2025, a disaster made worse by communication gaps and failures,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07). “This bill is a small but important way to provide a meaningful response to the devastating floods and to learn from the tragedy so that communities across the country do not have to experience the same pain and loss that Texans did last year. Nothing can bring back those that we lost in the flood, but we owe it to their survivors and to everyone we represent to do all we can to try to prevent another tragedy like it. I am glad to partner with Congressman Pfluger, Congressman Veasey, and Congressman Carter in this effort and in the work to get this legislation signed into law.”

“My granddaughters were staying at Camp Mystic when the devastating floods claimed the lives of many young girls, including their cousin, Janie Hunt. No family should ever have to endure a tragedy like this again. I am encouraged to see the Senate Commerce Committee take up the Mystic Alerts Act, which will help ensure lifesaving emergency alerts reach families when traditional communications fail. We have an opportunity to turn an unimaginable tragedy into action that can save lives, and I urge the Senate to move quickly to get this bill to President Trump’s desk," said Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01).

"I am proud of the passage of the Mystic Alerts Act through the Senate Commerce Committee today. This bill will ensure that emergency alerts can be disseminated via satellite even when commercial cell providers are unable to provide service,” said Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33). “I am honored to support this piece of legislation as a significant step and response to the devastation caused by last year’s floods in Texas and as a reminder of the importance of preparing for future flood disasters. When disaster strikes, every second matters, and no family should be left without critical information simply because the power or cell service is down."