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    <title>Pfluger, August RSS Articles</title>
    <description>Pfluger, August RSS Articles</description>
    <link>http://pfluger.house.gov/</link>
    <lastBuildDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT</lastBuildDate>
    <docs>http://backend.userland.com/rss</docs>
    <generator>RSS.NET: http://www.rssdotnet.com/</generator>
    <item>
      <title>Rep. Pfluger Holds Roundtables with Midland and Odessa Chambers of Commerce</title>
      <description>&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;b&gt;WASHINGTON, D.C. —&lt;/b&gt; 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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt; &lt;i&gt;"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,&lt;/i&gt;" &lt;b&gt;said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11). &lt;/b&gt;&lt;i&gt;"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."&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Photos from the roundtables for distribution and publication can be found &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ndhrdgbbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001VBS3UMPSH17HEhxGDn4TIMdpacErr60q6LfwlFJ6GCY4KxnJ-aSKxp4NGyM-HgIHp6E9UCkbuuJKGqpM-bY_iz3vpQ7YaIiivExJwQGI7Hn9-6bmkv9Xh7vvS_bgI68HY83vGy2A3trFKvFo53u82uaeAvX4QdM86x104Q-77KNq0t4M8dIqpROJhKbZtVhCxykSnE3c7cr_t-iFmGl2CfxPs-BzZkRioigYOvTmos-sbTwnxDg3jCM4Ov-ByvpP7uCZfhXKzVKAtc4kA75wzTTH5jQOuuCLpKatfSYf1-jLhP7P_sjKvQ==&amp;amp;c=onFJa2S7eLVnDAAFIFgKbsx4cxSIn0n_lkTTwQmDFPaayHhSMiELFw==&amp;amp;ch=vZbwWCmIdE30GcOETT2BkYJcUvs43fo9_Xf9EFYRKgDbhLu6LoHD9w==__;!!BSgrhSFG!HGYZra2iHrXZw6voyGciapX-0rDiP3QGg-EYD_eD8fE1ZxlygP-aIYSPt5CvC6pFt_ivmhZ1Ou01tsiB68OSxY1Z8PXd4Mv5V-m38zedu7lSwVDS$" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;HERE&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <link>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3045</link>
      <guid>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3045</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rep. Pfluger Helps Secure $20 Million for City of San Angelo Infrastructure Improvements</title>
      <description>&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;b&gt;WASHINGTON, D.C. —&lt;/b&gt; 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).&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;"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,"&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“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,”&lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt; said San Angelo Mayor Tom Thompson. &lt;/b&gt;&lt;i&gt;“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.”&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;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 &lt;a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ndhrdgbbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ClU6EaOKEnM2q83rXDAcYmmctSJASb43-9p5t4wHnWlpE0t59TDcVX7VdTdL_LNSc6ylP2VfOxa6Rx2T-u1Au6InnQsUDd3Z48KuJ48HCAtOjtvTRDWSjyvBQXgsdR645ziR7roI7VqiXCmmUrk6OAmMZfN-cTf_f0tLfnAPDxR_pZlcEObrVgb6FoJhHvDMXnRB4x_uMLQNRJRyZ4vDIA==&amp;amp;c=73R6DtejESRJbQyYfE1SBmd0IhcVzJijlyMFnya3vNXbvoBqBJz81Q==&amp;amp;ch=qenL5mJuZKxPMG91IUsrOxxfSH3Pp4_0TZAojgUKOWRI3RRHvMr-ig==__;!!BSgrhSFG!Djd3luNXHJBuuDIPae_NML6d3x95Bq9Vl-jzw_CvHEKsd3-9DTbcUiLrNi13O1-u85zLORgxH9U7p2EPtBi2V29X0YYBgpFzOsDEZoMy1mge_qXA$" target="_blank"&gt;secured $20 million&lt;/a&gt; for Community Funding Projects across Texas-11.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt; Read more about the Christoval Road Improvement Project &lt;a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ndhrdgbbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ClU6EaOKEnM2q83rXDAcYmmctSJASb43-9p5t4wHnWlpE0t59TDcVUSZQ1VBPQ_aeL2bE1oPmr2AKzVsJvHYBJFJNj0PjjpOrVHz8GixjDNfcXICv06CStOB5oxmjPORT4AxvaSVjOm1ejUmJ0jliuUJJt8dxVQJ5qt1zr5LB2OZSo3Kht774B8htJsnO4cKVbpleID36kg=&amp;amp;c=73R6DtejESRJbQyYfE1SBmd0IhcVzJijlyMFnya3vNXbvoBqBJz81Q==&amp;amp;ch=qenL5mJuZKxPMG91IUsrOxxfSH3Pp4_0TZAojgUKOWRI3RRHvMr-ig==__;!!BSgrhSFG!Djd3luNXHJBuuDIPae_NML6d3x95Bq9Vl-jzw_CvHEKsd3-9DTbcUiLrNi13O1-u85zLORgxH9U7p2EPtBi2V29X0YYBgpFzOsDEZoMy1isRtzVq$" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;b&gt;HERE&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <link>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3046</link>
      <guid>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3046</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 25 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Chairman Pfluger and Senator Hickenlooper Lead Charge for Service Academy Investment in Final NDAA</title>
      <description>&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;b&gt;WASHINGTON, D.C. —&lt;/b&gt; 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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;"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," &lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt;said USAFA Board of Visitors Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“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,"&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;said Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“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,” &lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt;said Rep. Pat Harrigan (NC-10).&lt;/b&gt; &lt;i&gt;“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.”&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“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,"&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;said Rep. Ronny Jackson (TX-13).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;"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," &lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt;said Senator Angela Alsobrooks (D-MA).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;"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,”&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;said Rep. Jeff Crank (CO-05).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“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," &lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt;said&lt;/b&gt;&lt;i&gt; &lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt;Senator Tim Sheehy (R-MT).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“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,” &lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt;said Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV). &lt;/b&gt;&lt;i&gt;“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.”&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“Our military service academies instill discipline, build character, and prepare future military leaders to pursue excellence,”&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;said Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;i&gt; “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.”&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“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," &lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt;said Senator Chris Coons (D-DE).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“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,”&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;said Rep. Pat Ryan (NY-18).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt; Read full text of the letter &lt;a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ndhrdgbbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001rDbdtvYibqgsTl_o368oLKZYGXMkfDTAbaW8xV1wZMcRpM4RILUStkFCaoLeAwSgSiJbobU_BOudfu1jDUPbQNnBq_TUk3YUGODmI7D6QaNIVAe4-Ae7Lkq8BPd12aJDdDImpf2oTuRe3aRDW2BVQ8aU5VYAsixI2iZz4VbOGdTF7onm8GFt-Jeaqxfd9s3RCDrIBHyPpcNPEIx-To6oOpVLDgflOVgaJQzvxcpFsSs-uOoCgRVXxs-vFFAoaswQ&amp;amp;c=j0XtqDkx_J21aaOOxO05f-THLwIL9ZJF94Yh27A4ofVqDarYJajwLw==&amp;amp;ch=Wl22DFuP5aX4K9huFgKpSCPCcpysEGtxuVKLLxlr4I4hh5hdRoA0hg==__;!!BSgrhSFG!EfgPDio-BTmvYXULZ1wD5XOlBACwBzSOeYfmNkaZDDEhJohpLBWgp5CEy3hWwLCZ8bO_-eiUrBT0sQU8TnIs01puD3fiYf60dHOq9QGYi4I3dewv$" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;b&gt;HERE&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <link>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3043</link>
      <guid>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3043</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>PASSED: Chairman Pfluger's I&amp;A Mission Reorientation Act</title>
      <description>&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;WASHINGTON, D.C. —&lt;/b&gt; 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&amp;amp;A Mission Reorientation Act on the U.S. House Floor. The legislation passed through the U.S. House of Representatives this week.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;The&lt;i&gt; &lt;/i&gt;&lt;a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ndhrdgbbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001N3bS_YLqUHQ7VpzlFYAKGQm6sJWWsy1OhQcCdsDZ15dT4k8Juher4BTqLu-d60VxYXN2SVrq5rBkrcsldsbO_GKwwt8kt_bnvCHw1EWVMMA_b4uZmwlAKxMJ2ecP0U2cTeWFmJv3pLRC-TMX4DNTdTvPBpRF0SEKqVbP39pWhG_QSeMMtOM5RjAy1cacbvVQsx0NpDuDmYZUb-b-AR_Bn08kzRKq-sjGE7biWXKYbyafmWF_hx1DKrAVfYzk3LRMf0CY-WY5ff0TIxAkZwJ16R7vG3FPZxxXAnNovY-166lbBMni-Z989gGoTCFw8JW-JfOdETyVqgKch03UBNTLp9NSL_nmUEsae-1PONXggkjdiUktGH3M0DbRfE8vsSt7MZfIyzC8kXgWncz-ajNa4ehzbbGNmcZysSlC3x3Y6TWecbzX8jpzclUlO5fmUXX3AFO1vxx1Zb0iDdJ_sIbE75fF5vAeS0R5TYV7n9wjXbbpIP7C42HuwkBnzrUuoDHOf7QcyE9t086BCsPzjvEbITK_ca7q-eNb5Oik_4SwR-rotMD96G52afOZdqYcHjWIEK_vSxwUpczfbliFDDqALQMkwUPypK_tC33HCHOCORBbx_gF6sfui7XpNmVg8zMMXYAeRqYaQK5ljOHuY1xbznE3aZu0X7_eOcXnMzRH_rfLBg7hvadr4Jnx6aSStGTI9RvABKmchAgg2amu9DIdaWk57SPEtJDrwC3b6QjzLptfTVQ3wxZSi7WDVZKqS6v6ltNCMUx4ARa5Hk9yTMlWQKVEzg_QIGCa_cVTbw7Xz-dp-AaTguufphTiJH99XOTGrHR3TpjV4FQt0g1BOUcea88FPx1a0rpM5On8fy-yRD_zEDj0looc5O2yZ_h5ePL3779OCjXgjCw=&amp;amp;c=DXNKg8AmZdFNGr3H8b0jCfGLUDR4bOd42rBbWM5mHjKRsfeSr7wkig==&amp;amp;ch=kyNQYGVNZdd2M7LFrn_Rt6ebRNASNHYwvLMlNMXWhhFM3iCkTX_miQ==__;!!BSgrhSFG!EErn9w1Z5TrId5waN5EulWF0nQHMs1nNMS_YKDaQ3Ly6Bnp2yl0_KE2OpEQyIYgg53R9HwQw7_7DxAT7uuQIwMhOXkj-r2La7leR6XayajiNGrVk$" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;"I&amp;amp;A Mission Reorientation Act of 2026"&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; would update I&amp;amp;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;i&gt;“The threats to our homeland are evolving, and it is critical that our intelligence posture keeps pace. The I&amp;amp;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,” &lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt;said Subcommittee Chairman August Pfluger (TX-11).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;i&gt;“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," &lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt;said Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Watch Chairman Pfluger's remarks on the House Floor in support of the legislation &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ndhrdgbbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001N3bS_YLqUHQ7VpzlFYAKGQm6sJWWsy1OhQcCdsDZ15dT4k8Juher4BTqLu-d60VxxEl1atqdQBjkVY1IPK7x16mmKBF7kAuCBYS0wPK0MwOBbIGjyHU4OJH6M0CWX76IEAj14ryGV62s1O4v3LI6Eeu_1ZX86vDi&amp;amp;c=DXNKg8AmZdFNGr3H8b0jCfGLUDR4bOd42rBbWM5mHjKRsfeSr7wkig==&amp;amp;ch=kyNQYGVNZdd2M7LFrn_Rt6ebRNASNHYwvLMlNMXWhhFM3iCkTX_miQ==__;!!BSgrhSFG!EErn9w1Z5TrId5waN5EulWF0nQHMs1nNMS_YKDaQ3Ly6Bnp2yl0_KE2OpEQyIYgg53R9HwQw7_7DxAT7uuQIwMhOXkj-r2La7leR6XayajFlu79p$" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;HERE&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/b&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;u&gt;Read Chairman Pfluger's remarks below:&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;"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.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;"Preventing another 9/11 is exactly why the Department of Homeland Security was established, including its Office of Intelligence &amp;amp; Analysis. Recognizing that there were gaps in information sharing that hindered cohesive threat assessments, I&amp;amp;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.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;"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.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;"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.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;At the same time, in the past twenty-five years, I&amp;amp;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.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;"Information sharing is hindered when I&amp;amp;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&amp;amp;A that fails to prioritize the field is insufficiently postured to meet today’s threats.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;"The I&amp;amp;A Mission Reorientation Act is the first step towards reversing this trend and realigning I&amp;amp;A with its foundational mission. It amends I&amp;amp;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.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;"It additionally requires I&amp;amp;A to update Congress on progress made, providing the necessary oversight to make this realignment a reality.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;"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.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;b&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;em&gt;"&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;em&gt;Today, I urge my colleagues to support its passage once more, reaffirming what Congress intended twenty-five years ago when the Office of Intelligence &amp;amp; Analysis was created."&lt;/em&gt;</description>
      <link>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3044</link>
      <guid>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3044</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rep. Pfluger's Mystic Alerts Act Advances Through Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, &amp; Transportation</title>
      <description>&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;b&gt;WASHINGTON, D.C.&amp;nbsp;—&lt;/b&gt;&amp;nbsp;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;b&gt;In response to his legislation's passage, Congressman August Pfluger said, &lt;/b&gt;&lt;i&gt;"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."&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;u&gt;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.&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“Last year’s devastating July 4&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; flooding at Camp Mystic and across Central Texas showed how quickly a disaster can occur and reminds us that critical warnings matter,”&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;said Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).&lt;/b&gt; &lt;i&gt;“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.”&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;"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,"&lt;/em&gt; &lt;strong&gt;said Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX).&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“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,”&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07)&lt;/b&gt;. &lt;i&gt;“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.”&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“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," &lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt;said Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;em&gt;"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,” &lt;/em&gt;&lt;strong&gt;said&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;strong&gt;Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33)&lt;/strong&gt;. &lt;em&gt;“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."&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <link>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3041</link>
      <guid>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3041</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>PASSED: Rep. Pfluger's Combating Illicit Xylazine Act</title>
      <description>&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;b&gt;WASHINGTON, D.C. —&lt;/b&gt; Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) bipartisan and bicameral legislation to combat illicit xylazine passed through the U.S. House of Representatives. The &lt;a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ndhrdgbbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001f0P9_5FICsDO2JNMhuWV1hdQUyTh1k3NReNWIUoN4lA_c4py7cTM72qPtzaqAiYxTQQaQJy42oelgFE0xrJvgzeUINsZSbq8P3LalEzSOXjEMvNSnGg3tVyyojky1iHe14JpEM0C_mAae-e1PuTREuDP5CEE2j11N-r8AOxAC0XEiBBWvsXJ8iUo1PI5MrBQmydLG5mqEYtckq7O8CiGXd2Jtup14MmyVVWan4mExdWwZnfFmWiRyGD8V5CQocLlmsDKW6v0DANW3bRuSNKCU1VB8u466KemQ4jnq23ZvYxkfDgysHA4E6EgNAR2LH8PGi-s5yTcUsb-TWyWbB0Eg2kua0aV2SLTg2hrWSw4UijuOxBiaN35xXnIW_3Lq5OjyOuS8EZjCuw5wWNbFxIKsXKJTo4y2jn7b4T8pgazO-tFAKTOgcWFr1uHhhPtS1fU655z5R9CUIQHZU3UtFJiN57MPbcwFK8RTyL1W4zjm431l4se_OxEFQ_HfJ6WorYRu94bqf2jAKIKuf7_jCzPWPhwOO11MdmdswsS-lvG-RulstjhuyM2umpG-hgLSeRGBt3ZvzGYq6Q2jtpYVkTMDUvCzesoM10Fmaq1hc07Q4O-2wag0epE804TpZOZls0rIgIme8CMynMvyQWs7QbNxLbeFoAeCKicp1_HKbkX80tb4MDtBXTqk3IPBwA8xfCVJq1jLPe6o0E5WWAIOp6qLIoGIsnK88JfdTedAwys14qQ3XWJfaYjHgeg_s37Iz74rDJWJiTt6Ba1Ta1BkbDwlxRQr0fxTzq8ZQSBgdNg8UCfAvRhbppQreLXOXEVSQ2sGMhE59KnK5I7-Pb3erBjuvJVsOoINu_TQMRmZML4DrZBdch4nkgHBQ==&amp;amp;c=nvQJw6mfkZm69Lts8R85W5wNMGF91f-bWYmrwzFgQ092ot1psUPjIA==&amp;amp;ch=gY-jStBLKe0kOohWNsTHgqvsY6wJ1gPDM23XHUsS3L_lR7xeKQVBsQ==__;!!BSgrhSFG!HTHfOdCVDG7T0bnyHoOegzMyYjRJz7Ry1f-bsCLbF3e6iWOSShG-1HdUBCSWk1uL_XBRcjhfobVS_kNYpn6XA-ELAUb_WzEETdVxnDIlbQPlfNDw$" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Combating Illicit Xylazine Act&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;i&gt; &lt;/i&gt;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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;b&gt;In response to his legislation's passage, Congressman August Pfluger said, &lt;/b&gt;&lt;i&gt;"I'm proud to see the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act pass the U.S. House of Representatives. Xylazine was never meant for human use, and traffickers are increasingly turning to inexpensive products to make street drugs more potent and deadly. This bill takes a direct aim at traffickers and protects the legal use of xylazine by veterinarians and ranchers. I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this bill to keep dangerous drugs off American streets."&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;Rep. Pfluger introduced this bipartisan legislation alongside Reps. 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.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“Illicit xylazine is worsening the deadly fentanyl crisis and tearing through communities across our country,” &lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt;said Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). &lt;/b&gt;&lt;i&gt;“Addressing the illicit spread of xylazine has been a priority under both the Biden and Trump Administrations, and this unanimous House passage demonstrates the broad, bipartisan consensus behind taking action against this dangerous drug. The bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would help us fight back 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. I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this bill before the end of this Congress so we can get it signed into law and save lives.”&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“I applaud the House for taking decisive action to crack down on xylazine traffickers, equip law enforcement with new tools to combat its spread and protect the drug’s legitimate use by veterinarians, ranchers and cattlemen. Congress has an obligation to protect Americans from the scourge of illicit xylazine and should continue to work in a bipartisan and bicameral fashion to get this lifesaving legislation signed into law,”&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;said Sen. Grassley (R-IA).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“Thousands of Americans have died from overdoses of fentanyl laced with xylazine, but law enforcement still doesn’t have the tools it needs to properly combat this crisis. Now is the time for us to address this emergency while ensuring xylazine can still be used for veterinary medicine,”&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).&lt;/b&gt; &lt;i&gt;“I applaud the House of Representatives for passing this life-saving bill, and I urge my Senate colleagues to get this legislation to the President’s desk.”&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“Illicit xylazine is making an already deadly drug crisis even more dangerous, and we must give law enforcement the tools necessary to stay ahead of the criminals who are poisoning our communities. I am proud to have helped lead this bipartisan effort and pleased that the House has taken decisive action to crack down on the illegal trafficking and misuse of xylazine while protecting its legitimate veterinary use. This is an important step toward saving lives, strengthening public safety, and holding those who profit from this deadly trade accountable. I urge the Senate to act quickly so we can get this commonsense legislation signed into law,”&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;said Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“We must take action to crack down on dealers who are cutting deadly drugs with the legal animal tranquilizer xylazine, which increases life-threatening impacts. Our bipartisan legislation that has passed the House would track the manufacture of xylazine and ensure law enforcement has the resources needed to crack down on illegal drug traffickers,”&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;said Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;i&gt; “I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this legislation, and I’ll continue pushing forward comprehensive solutions that will combat our ongoing addiction epidemic.”&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“Xylazine is a powerful animal sedative that has found its way into the illicit drug supply, making fentanyl and other deadly drugs even more dangerous while padding the pockets of drug traffickers and criminal cartels,”&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;said Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;i&gt; “The House took an important step today by passing the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. This legislation gives law enforcement stronger tools to crack down on the illicit distribution of xylazine, while protecting its legitimate use by veterinarians. Now it’s time for the Senate to act and send this bill to the President’s desk.”&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt; &lt;i&gt;“Fentanyl overdoses continue to take far too many lives, in no small part due to the widespread availability of deadly substances like xylazine,” &lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt;said Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02).&lt;/b&gt; &lt;i&gt;“This bipartisan bill will save lives by restricting access to this dangerous substance and giving law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on traffickers, while protecting legitimate uses of xylazine by veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers. I am grateful for the House of Representatives’ bipartisan commitment to passing this legislation, and I will continue working with my colleagues to get this bill signed into law.”&lt;/i&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <link>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3042</link>
      <guid>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3042</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>PASSED: Rep. Pfluger's Bill to Recover Minerals from Waste Streams </title>
      <description>&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;b&gt;WASHINGTON, D.C. —&lt;/b&gt; Today, Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) bipartisan legislation to recover critical minerals from contaminated sites and waste streams passed through the U.S. House of Representatives, marking his 13th bill to pass the House this term.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;b&gt;In response to his legislation's passage, Congressman August Pfluger said, &lt;/b&gt;&lt;i&gt;"Today, the House took a critical step toward ending our dependence on foreign adversaries for the minerals America counts on. This legislation turns contaminated sites into strategic assets while speeding up the restoration work our communities need. I'm proud to see this bipartisan legislation pass the House, and I want to thank Congressman Landsman for his partnership in leading this bill through the Energy and Commerce Committee."&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;"This is a big investment in American innovation, the future of our environment, and domestic supply chain. We’re grateful to Congressman Pfluger for his partnership in getting this done," &lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt;said Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt; The &lt;a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ndhrdgbbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001hirtPMmP76LqEUyg_hMxAzcgPNeTrPlJjlNg-v2cvQHSsf9QGCF1DzSCPonR2qayU-9HjRzCEbZRVidHjHErJnRUGx9L95Ig9f12O4BRDDPKlbLbAPT6DKGRGNNdAJjqgKvjIafZIGn4gBOH6GklLXSIR35ZMMHVlKpr7t4xHMn_sxFk0XUvv3E8EAdi7pf13Hg8LdUWXwL2wTVYtFWVa45-nncRdM2IYKB6GYaxMkfx91AR2ymtZF1bSn4Gx5HY74S3LCWF6lS34bk76AuskbodhmBET7VLjclabfjMZ7kJsY2IAVTTQIPxW3TS8Ud3SjcZPY20oBScpABSEv7HUsQu0ULniCS6J3AF74woB7IDh_9BUvESiQOJC6weJhkBNlGrgtxGE77uRvt-scpRCGqoSi4oPPx8hLN-kMuvLiS-L9EGpjxbMnm9I947hLRwTOxkeEOIiBPZDjCWRhqicGD6g1zJjFJQAfn3EespP0M=&amp;amp;c=hry0KuR8Y9i-x-q0gNM1--X19Km1m8eRbU7XSdtL9-pcQxnScVgd2Q==&amp;amp;ch=_eiVT4j8vW3QzEUPgknf1igb5XckShEvXubL-Pl_eOFXhGFu99_v-Q==__;!!BSgrhSFG!EyQyANRbTYYTo17PItf5uoCeX87aKHhbTP7VfEpjRYNkRl_6WxZCKW3aUsqJIcgl5XWPwlKTgplmKzi92v8f8dKcHR6FbkoKUUe5rHnpR4MZOhvl$" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;"Environmental Monitoring and Remediation Technology Assessment Initiative (EMRTAI) Authorization Act"&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, 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.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <link>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3040</link>
      <guid>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3040</guid>
      <pubDate>Tue, 15 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Pfluger, Houlahan Introduce the Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act</title>
      <description>&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;b&gt;WASHINGTON, D.C. —&lt;/b&gt; Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) introduced the bipartisan Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act alongside Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) to keep dangerous actors from misusing DNA synthesis technology while keeping America at the forefront of biotechnology.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;Gene synthesis has transformed medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing, helping scientists build lifesaving treatments and develop hardier crops. However, these same tools could be misused to create dangerous pathogens if left unchecked. Currently, screening of nucleic acid orders is voluntary, leaving a gap that bad actors could exploit, especially as new desktop machines make it easier to generate genetic material outside the traditional supply chain.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;The Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act would close this dangerous gap by requiring companies that sell synthetic DNA, as well as the manufacturers of the machines that produce it, to know their customers and exactly what they're being asked to make.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;"Biotechnology is one of America's greatest strategic advantages. Right now, there's a dangerous gap between how fast this technology is moving and the safeguards we have in place to keep it out of the wrong hands. The Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act closes this gap without slowing down the innovation saving lives while strengthening our economy," &lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt;said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;i&gt;“Biotechnology is creating enormous opportunities to improve lives and transform our economy, but like all emerging technologies, the related security policies must keep pace,” &lt;/i&gt;&lt;b&gt;said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06)&lt;/b&gt;.&lt;i&gt; “The Biosecurity Modernization and Innovation Act is an important step toward ensuring that the federal government has the flexibility and agility to respond to new technologies and emerging threats as they evolve. As Co-Chair of the bipartisan BIOTech Caucus, I am committed to ensuring that we strengthen our biosecurity posture while preserving the responsible innovation that keeps America at the forefront of biotechnology.”&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;The legislation is a House companion to bipartisan legislation introduced by Senator Tom Cotton (AR-R) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN-D) and was developed in consultation with key industry stakeholders in the biotechnology and gene-synthesis sector.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt; Read full text of the bill &lt;a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ndhrdgbbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001q2cgxL3GAyQZZMwbvkVSwk1g2stVYOL8sesU190CEYtqp_7Qkbew6RTTqrUdXZ3D-COJsArSkNAUG2fOl1I60CQo1O28T2r1DhyUC7XC6GtQBkFUeMh_jFEsgqTbnr8-_2FUS3WbFTDY_dNGHDsfgiaadIlGd6IwOBDPCj_MMzB7BMtBZjnxWdRB87A8hl80kJoMfmJP0DPVzqOSb4ktlWuy8lbjHsqCS_WXf2ZEQjs9V_S5_8kSG-M-HPBz_mdD&amp;amp;c=qbPmbTs-IwjTNARxW8VFXsqKA6SCiYnskf3vgyrNnRHXf6eunZUIPA==&amp;amp;ch=_493lDsbgJ_-abxSCdZfed72oFfUutt96YkmOJWWxWy6gl9Odfj04A==__;!!BSgrhSFG!CRD3T0PsEpyAOM-OTw_-YI5O_uqNK8xZRqBKugxdLsEsO7eTxady8KheEPTfWq8TUu1SlYnN0AvgUQlnS_VUpQ_pTz-XU6-Zk_34ZzCS-GPnYVWQ$" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;b&gt;HERE&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <link>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3039</link>
      <guid>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3039</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Rep. Pfluger's Message to Texas-11 on the 25th Anniversary of 9/11</title>
      <description>&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;b&gt;WASHINGTON, D.C. —&lt;/b&gt; On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) delivered a message to citizens of Texas-11. He paid tribute to the nearly 3,000 Americans killed that day, thanked the first responders and service members who answered the call, and emphasized the ongoing responsibility to confront new and evolving threats.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: center;"&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Watch Congressman Pfluger's message &lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ndhrdgbbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00157_Lz3bmQ1-hMIt2C0SSdEw8QVJAD-oc7r_xG9mC52TGlDu9tNONh6UzG-stuhzKKmiZ_Q7gva7xhRexltzopJVfhBiREMO8BIDl0yzY2-geZXLk3P5CNeDBoZU8Jm8_ucn_l90QMwlaQzZipzZ6QOKKpKxntNoL&amp;amp;c=Xp6950ZQg97be7nbbz7gg-0MySflpfKPPe-v1bnrDfABuQkRtko1Iw==&amp;amp;ch=9YCPCo-HA2mZMqtQlXN--FON24YcIv8eaD8p1wp3mFjv-4G0DZyUQw==__;!!BSgrhSFG!DlzUXQ18AOdpAKdqeAOuX8oQG3wDVB97Z6VH2NwRhagc-SQvrC2U10xc6Cv3inBhkISAI-p1_WFC8zrq1hOmGX_u-91M2fDXW2HTkkL2orqhB_BJ$" target="_blank"&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;HERE&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <link>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3038</link>
      <guid>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3038</guid>
      <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Rep. Pfluger Visits West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind</title>
      <description>&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;&lt;b&gt;SAN ANGELO, TX —&lt;/b&gt; Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) visited the San Angelo location of West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind, where he met with staff and employees to learn more about the organization's mission of providing employment and support services for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt;The visit highlighted the vital role the Lighthouse plays in the local community, offering job training, manufacturing opportunities, and a path to independence for West Texans with visual disabilities. Congressman Pfluger also received the AbilityOne Congressional Champion Award for his dedicated advocacy of the West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind over the years.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p style="text-align: left;"&gt; &lt;i&gt;"It was an honor to visit the West Texas Lighthouse for the Blind and see firsthand the incredible work being done to empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired. This organization provides purpose, independence, and dignity to so many in our community. I'm proud to support organizations like the Lighthouse that are making a difference for West Texans, and I'll continue looking for ways to champion policies that support Texans with disabilities,"&lt;/i&gt; &lt;b&gt;said Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11).&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/p&gt;</description>
      <link>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3037</link>
      <guid>http://pfluger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3037</guid>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
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