Pfluger, August RSS Articles

Pfluger, Palmer, and Obernolte Push Back on California's EPA Waivers

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment Chairman Gary Palmer (AL-06), and Congressman Jay Obernolte introduced a legislative package to strip away burdensome EPA waivers handed to California under previous Democratic Administrations. These waivers let unelected California regulators impose emissions standards stricter than federal law, allowing one state to dictate standards that have consequences for consumers and businesses nationwide.

All three lawmakers sit on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees the EPA and the Clean Air Act. The push is part of a broader fight to rein in regulators, restore accountability, and stop California's most extreme mandates from quietly becoming the law of the land, without a single vote in Congress.

Together, their three resolutions put Congress back in the driver's seat — reclaiming oversight of EPA's waiver decisions and stopping CARB from imposing its costliest mandates on the rest of the country.

“California should not be allowed to dictate what kind of vehicles Texans and Americans across the country can drive. The Biden Administration's decision to reinstate California's waiver gave one state outsized power to impose its radical emissions standards and EV mandates on the rest of the country. I'm proud to introduce this CRA to restore consumer choice, protect American families from costly mandates, and put an end to California setting de facto national auto policy,” said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11).

"California should not be allowed to set de facto national vehicle standards for the rest of the country. This resolution reaffirms that the Clean Air Act cannot be used to give one state the power to reshape America's auto market. Families deserve affordable, reliable vehicles. Instead, they’re getting mandates driven by California's radical political agenda. I'm proud to introduce this resolution and work with Congressman Pfluger and Congressman Obernolte to protect consumer choice and American manufacturing,” said Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06).

"As a representative from California, I have seen firsthand how burdensome regulations from the California Air Resources Board hurt businesses and raise costs for hardworking Americans by imposing mandates instead of allowing the market to drive innovation," said Rep. Jay Obernolte (CA-23). "Congress must exercise its oversight authority to prevent these policies from becoming a national standard. We must protect American jobs and supply chains while preserving the ability of consumers to choose what works best for them and their families."

Reversing Reinstatement of Advanced Clean Cars I Waiver

Rep. Pfluger's resolution would undo the Biden EPA's decision to bring back California's Advanced Clean Cars I waiver — a waiver the Trump administration had already revoked. Its return means stricter-than-federal vehicle mandates, fewer choices at the dealership, and higher costs for American families.

Repealing Greenhouse Gas Standards for Model Year 2009 and Beyond

Rep. Palmer's resolution would revoke California's waiver to set its own greenhouse gas standards for vehicles from model year 2009 on. The result: automakers juggling competing rulebooks, one state's regulators deciding what gets built and sold nationwide, and higher sticker prices for consumers footing the bill.

Revoking the Small Off-Road Engine Mandate

Rep. Obernolte's resolution would kill the waiver behind CARB's Small Off-Road Engine amendments — rules that saddle lawn and garden equipment with costly mandates and push landscapers, small businesses and homeowners toward electric tools whether they want them or not. Workers who need reliable, affordable equipment get higher costs and fewer options instead.

Pfluger, Colleagues Introduce the RESCUE Act to Fix Broken Ambulance Payment System

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced the Reimbursing Emergency Services for Critical Urgent Encounters (RESCUE) Act to amend the outdated Medicare payment structure that is straining ambulance services across rural Texas and the country.

Medicare's ambulance fee schedule has not been updated since 2002, and current rates are still based on cost data collected from 1998. The RESCUE Act would require the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to update the ambulance fee schedule every three years based on current, actual cost data, replacing a system still anchored to decades-old numbers. Meanwhile, the fuel, equipment, staffing, and vehicle costs required to keep an air or ground ambulance ready to respond have only continued to climb, widening the gap between what it costs to respond to a call and what Medicare actually pays.

"EMS providers and first responders show up for our communities every single day, often in the most difficult moments imaginable, and they deserve a Medicare system that shows up for them in return. I'm proud to help lead the bipartisan RESCUE Act to ensure EMS is reimbursed based on the real cost of the care they provide, just like other healthcare providers already are. This is especially critical in rural Texas and rural communities across the country, where a funding shortfall can mean the difference between an EMS agency staying open or shutting its doors. We will keep working to close this gap and make sure rural America never loses access to the emergency care it depends on," said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11).

The legislation is co-led by Reps. Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), Kim Schrier (WA-08), John Joyce (PA-13), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and Terri Sewell (AL-07).

Read full text of the legislation here.

"As Co-Chair of the Congressional Air Medical Caucus, I know that every second counts when it comes to getting patients to lifesaving care," said Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02). "For people living in rural America, medical care isn't always around the corner—it often requires long drives or emergency flights, especially to reach specialized treatment. We cannot allow outdated Medicare payment rates to jeopardize the air and ground ambulance services our rural and remote communities rely on. The RESCUE Act is essential to protecting access to emergency care when it matters most."

“Every second matters when an ambulance is racing to save a life — first responders are already stretched thin, and rates that haven't kept pace with real costs shouldn't be one more thing standing in their way,” said Rep. Van Duyne. “I’m glad to help introduce the RESCUE Act to fix this deficiency and make sure the fee schedule keeps up with real costs," said Rep. Beth Van Duyne (TX-24).

"We all know the value our emergency responders provide," said Rep John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13). "Whether they're first on scene at a fire, a medical emergency, or an accident on the road, these men and women are integral servants in our community. Yet too often, ambulance services aren't reimbursed for the true cost of the lifesaving care they provide, especially in rural districts like mine, where providers travel long distances to reach patients. This bill fixes that imbalance and helps ensure no community loses access to emergency care.”

“We all depend on our local EMS and firefighters’ dedication to the health and well-being of our communities, and they deserve our support in return,” said Rep. Brad Schneider IL-10). “I am glad to join my colleagues to introduce the bipartisan RESCUE Act to ensure our first responders are reimbursed appropriately for ambulance services. Passing the cost along to our state and local agencies puts the readiness of our emergency services at risk. We will continue to work together to support community safety and the public servants who answer every call.”

Rep. Pfluger Announces Service Academy Night in San Angelo

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

SAN ANGELO, TX — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) announced his office will host a Service Academy Night in San Angelo for students, parents, and educators to learn about the opportunities for students to attend a U.S. Service Academy. Students interested in serving their country as a military officer or joining college ROTC are highly encouraged to attend.

"In 1995, I sought a nomination to the U.S. Air Force Academy, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. Now, as a Member of Congress, I have the privilege of helping the next generation begin that same journey by nominating exceptional young men and women to our nation's Service Academies. If you are a student in Texas's 11th Congressional District interested in seizing the opportunity to attend a U.S. Service Academy, I strongly encourage you to partake in my office's upcoming Service Academy Night in San Angelo. If you are not able to attend, please don't hesitate to contact my office or my Academy Liaison, Mary O'Connor, with any questions about the application process," said Rep. Pfluger.

San Angelo Academy Night:

September 1st, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

*Registration begins at 5:30 pm*

ASU Houston Harte University Center

CJ Davidson Conference Center

1910 Rosemont Drive

San Angelo, Texas, 76909

Please direct questions to Congressman Pfluger's Academy Liaison, Mary O'Connor, at mary.oconnor@mail.house.gov.

Chairman Pfluger and USAFA Board of Visitors Advance U.S. Air Force Academy in House NDAA

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.— This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the legislative vehicle that authorizes policies, programs, and spending for the Department of War.

Included in the bill were eight provisions directly influenced by the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. Chairman Pfluger and Congressional appointees on the USAFA Board of Visitors partnered with the House Armed Services Committee to secure key provisions that strengthen the U.S. Air Force Academy in the FY2027 NDAA.

The House NDAA prioritizes restoring the Air Force Academy's cadet wing to its full strength of 4,400 cadets, while also authorizing the Superintendent to partner with affiliated nonprofits on campus modernization, reviewing the future of Academy athletics, and assessing a dedicated funding line for the Academy. It also streamlines Board communications with Congress and preserves a key Air Force Reserve unit supporting the airfield. Finally, it redesignates the Dean of the Faculty as Provost and Dean of the Faculty and directs a strategy to improve academic outcomes.

"As an Air Force Academy graduate, I'm proud to secure wins for this elite institution. We owe our cadets the best facilities, and this legislation directly advances the USAFA 2050 initiative. It also lays the groundwork to restore the cadet wing to its full strength of 4,400 — one of my top priorities as Chairman of the USAFA Board of Visitors, and a step this legislation directly supports. This bill will have a significant impact on the Academy, ensuring it remains a world-class institution that produces the finest officers for the Air Force and Space Force," said USAFA Board of Visitors Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11).

“We must ensure that the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado’s Fifth Congressional District stays at the forefront of developing our best Airmen and Guardians,” said Rep. Jeff Crank (CO-05). “As a Member of the Board of Visitors for the Academy, I am pleased that I have secured provisions in the bill to protect the 70th Flying Training Squadron from closure and to establish a dedicated funding mechanism for the USAFA 2050 campus modernization effort. This Board remains committed to ensuring the academic excellence the Academy is known for will continue for decades to come.”

"The U.S. Air Force Academy prepares young men and women to answer our nation's call to serve with honor, integrity, and excellence. As a graduate and member of the Academy's Board of Visitors, I am proud to support legislation that restores the Cadet Wing to full strength, protects essential flight training, and advances the Academy's long-term future. These provisions reinforce our commitment to developing the next generation of Air Force and Space Force leaders,” said Rep. Don Davis (NC-01).

“As a retired Air Force brigadier general and member of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, I know the Academy is where we build many of the leaders who will defend our country in the air, space and cyber domains,” said Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02). “This year’s NDAA includes Board-led provisions to support the push to restore the Cadet Wing to 4,400 cadets, protect critical flight training capabilities, modernize campus infrastructure and ensure USAFA is prepared for the missions of the future. Congress has a responsibility to ensure the Academy has the people, resources and infrastructure needed to succeed, and today the House took an important step toward meeting that responsibility.”

Provisions Led by the USAFA Board of Visitors Included:

Authorized End Strength at the U.S. Air Force Academy: restores the cadet wing to 4,400 cadets and align resources accordingly and commends the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force for their attention to this matter, including actions to return USAFA to its statutory capacity. Read the full text of the provision here.

Transform the public-private investment relationship for all three U.S. Service Academies: authorizes Service Academy superintendents to contract with affiliated nonprofit organizations for campus modernization projects. Read full text of the provision here.

Review the future of Service Academy Athletics: requires the Secretary of Defense to establish a panel to review the impacts of NCAA rules with respect to compensation of athletes as well as the transfer portal for athletes on the military service academies. Read the full text of the provision here.

Streamline Congressional Communications with each Board of Visitors: requires the Secretary of Defense to appoint civilian employees for each of the military departments to serve as the congressional communications officials for the Board of Visitors of each of the military service academies. Read the full text of the provision here.

Establish an Assessment of a Dedicated Funding Line for USAFA: directs the Department of the Air Force to brief on how the Air Force Academy will compete for FSRM funds to meet the needs of USAFA 2050. Read the full text of the provision here.

Preserve a Critical Air Force Reserve Unit that Supports USAFA's Airfield: prevents the stand down of the 70th Flight Training Squadron at the Air Force Academy. Read the full text of the provision here.

Strategy to Improve Academic Outcomes at USAFA: requires the Superintendent to submit to the congressional defense committees and the Chairman of the Board of Visitors of the Academy a report containing a strategy to improve academic outcomes at the Academy. Read the full text of the provision here.

Redesignate the Dean of the Faculty of USAFA as Provost and Dean of the Faculty: redesignates the position of Dean of the Faculty as Provost and Dean of the Faculty. Read the full text of the provision here.

Pfluger Secures Big Wins in Defense Bill

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) secured major wins in the FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed the House today. The NDAA is the legislative vehicle that authorizes policies, programs, and spending for the Department of War.

As a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, fighter pilot with nearly two decades of experience, and retired Colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, Rep. Pfluger has been an outspoken advocate for ensuring this legislation properly equips the Department of War to implement President Trump's National Security agenda of Peace Through Strength. To applaud its passage, Rep. Pfluger released the following statement:

"Today's House passage of the FY2027 NDAA is another decisive step toward President Trump's Peace Through Strength agenda and restoring America's military dominance. This bill invests in our lethality, arming our forces to deter or defeat any adversary who threatens our nation. It eliminates the waste, fraud, and abuse that has drained resources from our warfighters for years, putting every one of those dollars back into the readiness and capabilities they actually need. Most importantly, it delivers for the men and women who protect our freedom with a pay raise of 5 to 7 percent because service members should never have to worry about providing for their families. This bill reflects our commitment to a stronger, more lethal, and more accountable military."

The bill included several provisions led by Rep. Pfluger to modernize and support our armed forces:

· Pilot Program for Integrated Cognitive Performance for Military Readiness: directs the Secretary of War to establish a pilot program that integrates live performance training, cognitive tools, always-on digital support, and evidence-based sleep and stress resources into a single, integrated capability for our service members and their families. Read the full text of the provision here.

· Reserve Rank Retirement: allows non-regular service to count toward time-in-grade, while explicitly ensuring it cannot be used to calculate retired pay or any other benefit; this is a targeted, fiscally neutral fix that recognizes the value of reserve service. Read the full text of the provision here.

· Service Member Transitional Healthcare Enrollment: addresses the administrative delay that leaves transitioning servicemembers eligible for but unable to enroll in transitional health care for up to 10 days, by requiring the Secretary of Defense to establish a process to enroll members within 2 business days of the start of their eligibility period. Read the full text of the provision here.

· Pilot Program to Evaluate Critical Supply Chain Interference & Infiltration by Adversaries directs the Secretary of War to stand up a pilot program with private-sector partners to independently and physically verify, at the chipset level, whether commercial electronics used across our military installations are what they claim to be. Read the full text of the provision here.

· Authorized End Strength at the U.S. Air Force Academy: restores the cadet wing to 4,400 cadets and align resources accordingly and commends the Secretary of the Air Force and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force for their attention to this matter, including actions to return USAFA to its statutory capacity. Read the full text of the provision here.

· Strategy to Improve Academic Outcomes at USAFA: requires the Superintendent to submit to the congressional defense committees and the Chairman of the Board of Visitors of the Academy a report containing a strategy to improve academic outcomes at the Academy. Read the full text of the provision here.

· Redesignate the Dean of the Faculty of USAFA as Provost and Dean of the Faculty: redesignates the position of Dean of the Faculty as Provost and Dean of the Faculty. Read the full text of the provision here.

· Review the future of Service Academy Athletics: requires the Secretary of Defense to establish a panel to review the impacts of NCAA rules with respect to compensation of athletes as well as the transfer portal for athletes on the military service academies. Read the full text of the provision here.

· Streamline Congressional Communications with each Board of Visitors: requires the Secretary of Defense to appoint civilian employees for each of the military departments to serve as the congressional communications officials for the Board of Visitors of each of the military service academies. Read the full text of the provision here.

· Revoke Security Clearances for 1260H Lobbyists: requires the Secretary of War to revoke security clearances for former Department of War personnel who engage in lobbying activities on behalf of China. Read the full text of the provision here.

· Pass-Through Budget Transparency: requires the Secretary of War to provide a briefing on the Department’s use, reporting, and management of pass-through funding and efforts to improve transparency in the presentation of such funding within budget justification materials. Read the full text of the provision here.

Awarding Major Robert Lodge with Medal of Honor (Partnered with Rep. Don Bacon): authorizes the President of the United States to award the Medal of Honor to Major Robert Lodge for his heroic actions on May 10, 1972, during the Vietnam War. Read the full text of the provision here.

Pfluger's Bill to Recover Critical Minerals from Waste Streams Advances Out of Energy and Commerce Committee

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) bipartisan legislation to fund technologies to recover critical minerals from contaminated sites and waste streams advanced out of the Committee on Energy and Commerce by a unanimous vote of 48-0.

The Environmental Monitoring and Remediation Technology Assessment Initiative (EMRTAI) Authorization Act, co-led by Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01), would direct the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to broaden and authorize the EMRTAI program to identify, evaluate, and support the recovery of critical minerals from contaminated land and waste streams, strengthening domestic critical mineral supply chains while advancing cleanup efforts.

Nowhere is the opportunity more apparent than in the Permian Basin, which is already positioned to recover critical minerals at scale. Produced water — the wastewater generated during oil and gas production — contains significant concentrations of critical minerals, such as lithium, yet the technology and regulatory framework to responsibly recover and process these resources remains underdeveloped. This legislation would help close that gap, ensuring that the Permian Basin and similar areas across the country can turn an existing waste stream into a domestic source of critical minerals.

"America's reliance on foreign sources for critical minerals is a national and economic security risk we cannot afford to ignore," said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). "The Permian Basin is strategically positioned to be a leader in recovering these resources domestically. I'm proud to see the EMRTAI Authorization Act advance through the House Committee on Energy and Commerce today. This bipartisan legislation will help unlock the technology needed to recover critical minerals from contaminated sites and waste streams, strengthening our supply chains while supporting responsible cleanup efforts. I want to thank my colleague Congressman Landsman for his partnership on this important effort."

"We’re proud to see this bill moving closer to becoming law because it’s an investment in America’s future. It will help build up our domestic supply chains, protect public health, and make our country more secure," said Rep. Greg Landsman (OH-01).

Pfluger's Bill to Combat Illicit Xylazine Advances Out of House Committee on Energy and Commerce

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) bipartisan, bicameral legislation to combat illicit xylazine advanced unanimously out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would crack down on the deadly fentanyl additive xylazine by listing it as a Schedule III controlled substance while protecting the drug's legal use by veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers.

Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is an easily accessible veterinary tranquilizer that is being used as a low-cost cutting agent for fentanyl. The bipartisan legislation would schedule this dangerous drug and give law enforcement the tools they need to go after traffickers while protecting access for veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers who use xylazine to treat large animals. The bill is endorsed by 41 state attorneys general, major law enforcement organizations, and veterinary organizations.

"The xylazine crisis is only getting worse, and communities across America are paying the price," said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). "That's why I am proud to see the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act advance through the House Committee on Energy and Commerce today. Xylazine was never meant for human use, yet traffickers are increasingly mixing it into street drugs to make them more potent and more deadly. This bill takes direct aim at traffickers exploiting this drug for illicit purposes, while preserving its legal use by veterinarians and agricultural producers. I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle until this critical legislation is signed into law."

Congressman Pfluger introduced the legislation alongside Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), and Deborah Ross (NC-02), as well as Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act previously passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support.

“Illicit xylazine is worsening the deadly fentanyl crisis and tearing through communities across our country,” said Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). “The bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act will help us fight back and keep our communities safe by giving law enforcement the tools needed to crack down on traffickers while ensuring that veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can continue to use the drug safely and responsibly. The overwhelming passage of this bill in the House Energy and Commerce Committee demonstrates the bipartisan consensus around stopping the illicit spread of this dangerous drug. I look forward to working with both my Democratic and Republican colleagues to get this bill across the finish line and save lives.”

“Our goal is to save lives and ensure law enforcement has the tools they need to hold accountable those who are illegally manufacturing and distributing these deadly substances that are devastating communities across the country,” said Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12). “I’m proud that this bipartisan legislation has advanced out of the Energy and Commerce Committee, bringing us one step closer to addressing this growing threat. At the same time, we must ensure veterinarians who rely on xylazine for legitimate medical purposes can continue to access and use it appropriately. Our legislation strikes the right balance by protecting public health while preserving critical veterinary care.”

“This legislation would help law enforcement crack down on illegal drug traffickers by tracking the manufacture of xylazine, a legal animal tranquilizer, which is being mixed with fentanyl, heroin, and other deadly drugs. It’s now passed out of committee and should be swiftly brought to the floor for a vote,” said Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01). “As we work to combat the ongoing addiction epidemic, we must ensure our law enforcement has the resources they need to stop drug trafficking.”

“Xylazine, a powerful animal sedative, is increasingly being cut into illicit drugs like fentanyl, boosting the profits of criminal cartels and drug traffickers while fueling the overdose crisis in the United States,” said Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05). “I’m pleased the House Committee on Energy and Commerce advanced the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. This bill will enhance law enforcement’s ability to track xylazine distribution and impose criminal penalties on those who misuse it, while ensuring its availability for necessary veterinary use. I thank my colleagues for their support and look forward to its passage by the full House.”

“The AVMA is deeply appreciative of the House Energy and Commerce Committee advancing the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act,” said Dr. Jennifer Quammen, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association. "Xylazine is an essential medication used by veterinarians to safely and effectively care for a wide range of animal patients. This legislation will help address the public health challenges associated with illicit xylazine while preserving veterinarians’ access to this important medication for legitimate veterinary use. We are grateful for the congressional leadership on this issue from Chairman Brett Guthrie, Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Rep. August Pfluger, and Rep. Jimmy Panetta and urge Congress to swiftly pass the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act.”

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would:

· Schedule xylazine as a Schedule III illicit substance under the Controlled Substances Act.

· Ensure veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can still use the drug for its intended purpose by creating a clear definition of “ultimate user” — someone lawfully permitted to possess a controlled substance for legitimate use.

· Enable the DEA to track its manufacturing to ensure it is not diverted to the illicit market.

Require a report on prevalence, risks, and recommendations regarding xylazine.

Pfluger Votes for Clean CR to Fund the Government Through December

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) released the following statement after voting in favor of a clean Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through December 4, 2026:

“Once again, House Republicans are stepping up and responsibly funding the government with a clean Continuing Resolution while we work to finalize conservative full-year appropriations bills. The Senate must act swiftly and get this to the President's desk to avoid another costly and disruptive government shutdown. Democrats have proven they are willing to shut down the government and hold American families, troops, and small businesses hostage to appease their radical base. Republicans are doing what we were sent here to do: govern.”

Pfluger Announces Kimble, Mason, and Menard Counties Added to Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance from FEMA

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) announced that Kimble, Mason, and Menard counties have officially been added to President Trump's Major Disaster Declaration for public assistance from FEMA.

You can read FEMA's official announcement HERE.

"I'm grateful that Kimble, Mason, and Menard counties have been added to President Trump's Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance. These communities have faced difficult challenges from recent flooding, and I've heard directly from local leaders about the impact on their communities. This designation gives local governments the federal resources they need to repair public infrastructure and support their communities' recovery. My team and I have been in close contact with county officials since the flooding began, working to ensure they received the resources they need. I'm always proud to be a Texan—especially in moments like this, when I see our community come together when it matters most," said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).

Background on FEMA Public Assistance:

Public Assistance is a FEMA program that provides funding to state, local, and tribal governments — as well as certain private nonprofits — to help communities recover from a disaster. It covers costs like debris removal, emergency protective measures, and repairing or rebuilding public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, utilities, and public buildings.

Chairman Pfluger Welcomes Senator Mike Rounds to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman August Pfluger TX-11, Chairman of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, today announced the appointment of Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) to the Board.

"I am proud to welcome Senator Rounds to the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors," said Chairman Pfluger. "As a dedicated advocate for our service members, Senator Rounds brings the judgment and experience this Board needs as we work to ensure the Academy is developing the next generation of Air and Space Force leaders. I look forward to working alongside him to carry out our mission."

Senator Mike Rounds echoed the importance of the role:

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the United States Air Force Academy’s Board of Visitors,” said Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD). “One of the most rewarding parts of my work in the Senate is nominating young South Dakotans to attend our military service academies. The students selected to attend the Air Force Academy are some of our nation’s best and brightest, and we must continue to provide them with a quality educational experience that prepares them to defend our country. I look forward to working with my Congressional colleagues, the Department of the Air Force and the cadets to make certain the U.S. Air Force Academy is fully resourced and positioned to prepare future generations to serve our country.”

Background:

Established by law in 1956, the U.S. Air Force Academy Board provides independent advice and recommendations on matters relating to the Academy, including morale, discipline, social climate, curriculum, instruction, physical equipment, fiscal affairs, academic methods, and any other matters relating to the Academy that the Board decides to consider.

Under Chairman Pfluger's leadership, the Board has taken a clear-eyed, mission-focused approach to carrying out its advisory role. The members have worked diligently to ensure the Academy remains a merit-based institution that continues to develop the world’s finest officers who are prepared to lead and defend our nation in both the Air Force and Space Force.

As part of the President's directive to restore America’s Fighting Force, the Board has continued its comprehensive review of the U.S. Air Force Academy's academic curriculum, military training philosophy, and athletic programs.

With the addition of Senator Mike Rounds, the Board of Visitors is moving full throttle to ensure the U.S. Air Force Academy remains the gold standard for officer development.