Pfluger, August RSS Articles

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.

RSC Chairman Pfluger Hosts Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for Member Meeting

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), welcomed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to Capitol Hill for the RSC's member meeting this week.

Secretary Rollins and the Trump Administration have put American farmers and ranchers first by expanding markets, rooting out fraud and abuse in the SNAP program, and protecting American farmland from foreign adversaries' ownership. The Secretary also spoke on the USDA's aggressive efforts to deploy sterile flies to eradicate New World Screwworm (NWS) along the southern border, including in Texas.

RSC Chairman Pfluger applauded Secretary Rollins for her tireless work to deliver results for farmers and ranchers across the country. He reaffirmed that the RSC will continue working hand-in-hand with Secretary Rollins and USDA to strengthen rural America and ensure that our agricultural industry remains the envy of the world.

Photos from the meeting for broadcast and distribution can be found HERE.

Rep. Pfluger's Bill to Recover Minerals from Waste Streams Advances Out of Subcommittee

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) bipartisan legislation to fund technologies that recover critical minerals from contaminated sites and waste streams advanced out of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment.

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.

The legislation authorizes the EPA to enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and awards with state, local, and Tribal governments, nonprofits, and other entities to identify and recover critical minerals from contaminated sites, including those on the National Priorities List.

On the legislation, Congressman Pfluger said: “Strengthening America’s critical mineral supply chain is essential to our economic and national security. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to encourage innovation and support domestic critical minerals development while advancing technologies that clean up contaminated sites. This legislation tackles two issues at once by turning contaminated sites into strategic assets, reducing our reliance on foreign sources for the minerals our economy and defense depend on while speeding up the restoration work our communities need."

Read more about the legislation in the Midland Reporter-Telegram HERE.

Rep. Pfluger Announces 2026 Congressional App Challenge

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) announced his office is accepting submissions for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge. This competition offers middle and high school students the opportunity to further develop their skills in computer science and STEM fields.

Students will have until October 26, 2026, to submit their app. Information about the Congressional App Challenge, including how to apply, can be found on the Congressman's website by clicking here.

"Each year, I am incredibly impressed by the creativity and technical talent displayed by students across Texas-11 in the Congressional App Challenge," said Rep. Pfluger. "This competition not only highlights the next generation of innovators but also showcases the real-world problems our students are passionate about solving through technology. I look forward to seeing what I know will be another year of fantastic submissions and new ideas. Texas-11 remains the best place to live and raise a family, and I am incredibly blessed to represent so many talented students and wonderful families."

PRIZES

· The winning student's app will be displayed on the U.S. House of Representatives website, House.gov, as well as on CongressionalAppChallenge.us

· The app will be unveiled at a Congressional Reception in Washington, D.C., in late December (date TBD).

· Additional prizes may be announced.

RULES

· There are no limits to what students can create. Apps can be coded in any language, for any platform, using any tools.

· The competition is open to students in middle and high school.

· 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.us or contact Kathy Keane in Congressman Pfluger's office at Kathy.Keane@mail.house.gov.

Rep. Pfluger Celebrates Launch of Trump Accounts for America's Next Generation

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) celebrated the historic launch of Trump Accounts, made possible by Congressional Republicans passing the Working Families Tax Cuts Act last year.

A Trump Account is a new tax-advantaged investment account created for American children, established under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Every eligible child born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, receives a $1,000 seed deposit from the U.S. Treasury to kick-start their account, with contributions from family, friends, and employers helping the fund grow tax-deferred over time.

Ahead of President Trump's State of the Union address earlier this year, Congressman Pfluger penned a timely op-ed in the San Angelo Standard-Times, shining a spotlight on the creation of Trump Accounts.

Read the piece HERE or by clicking the image below.

Learn more about Trump Accounts HERE.