Welcome back to the Pfluger Fly-By, a weekly roundup of the work I am doing to represent you and our communities in Congress.
It was another great week representing the greatest district in the country! As Chairman of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors, I released the Board’s comprehensive report of recommendations to strengthen the Academy. I also celebrated the news of a new VA clinic facility opening in Killeen that I fought to make happen, cosponsored legislation to reverse burdensome Biden-Obama era energy regulations, and announced a new competition from the Second Lady to help celebrate America’s 250th. I’ve also included several important provisions of the Working Families Tax Cuts that you and your family can take advantage of this tax season.
Below, you’ll find a few highlights from the week, including pictures, in-depth updates, and information on how my office can help you with any federal concerns. As always, my team and I are here to serve you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
Best,
Valentine’s Day with My Four Beautiful Ladies
I am so blessed to have four incredible women in my life. My family is my rock, and I am grateful for their love and support as I serve our great district in Washington. I truly couldn’t do it without them. I hope everyone was able to spend this Valentine’s Day with their loved ones.
U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors Releases Comprehensive Report
I am immensely proud that the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors has completed a forward-focused, comprehensive report for Secretary Hegseth outlining concrete recommendations to strengthen the Academy’s institutional effectiveness. The report fulfills one of the Board’s key statutory responsibilities and delivers a strategic roadmap of recommendations to restore cadet capacity, modernize infrastructure, and reinforce warfighting preparedness across the institution.
At a time when global operations continue to highlight the decisive role of airpower, these recommendations reflect our commitment to ensuring the Academy remains focused on and equipped to develop the warfighters and leaders needed for future complex, multi-domain conflict. I look forward to working with Secretary Hegseth and Secretary Meink to turn these recommendations into lasting improvements for the Academy and our Air Force and Space Force.
Read more about the Board’s report here or by clicking the image below.
New Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic Opening to Serve Central Texas
I am thrilled that a new outpatient clinic will be opening soon in Killeen for veterans in Central Texas. Located just five miles from Fort Hood, the new clinic will bring VA health care closer to home for thousands of veterans. After our men and women in uniform complete their service, we must continue to serve them as veterans.
Killeen is the center of Texas military might, and it’s time we match that need. The new clinic will offer quicker access to quality care and is a major win for the community. I was proud to help bring this VA clinic to Killeen, and thank my friend Congressman Judge Carter for his partnership and leadership in making it a reality.
Read more about the new clinic here or by clicking the image below.
Tax Season Is Here, and Texas-11 Will Keep More of Their Money
We are almost halfway through the 2026 tax season, and I want to ensure you are aware of the key changes that will put more money back in your pockets this year thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts.
I proudly joined my Republican colleagues in Congress to pass this legislation last year and was incredibly proud to witness President Trump sign it into law. Reminder, almost every single Democrat voted against this legislation that not only prevented the largest tax hike in history, but also delivers real tax relief to families, workers, and small businesses in TX-11 and across the country.
Provisions to Look Forward to While Filing Your Taxes:
Broadened small business tax breaks
Enhanced Standard Deduction
Expanded Child Tax Credit and Adoption Tax Credit
Trump Accounts for America’s children (Fill out IRS Form 4547 to claim)
$10,000 deduction on auto loan interest for vehicles made in the United States
Enhanced death tax exemption of $15 million per individual
No tax on tips or overtime
Watch me walk through several of the key provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts here or by clicking the image below.
Removing Burdensome Biden and Obama-Era Energy Regulations
I was proud to co-sponsor my friend and fellow Texan Congressman Craig Goldman’s (TX-12) Zero-Based Regulatory Budgeting to Unleash American Energy Act, which codifies President Trump’s executive order that requires sunset clauses on all current and future energy regulations.
Previous Democrat administrations imposed regulation after regulation on the energy industry. This burdensome red tape has stifled innovation and driven up costs for American families. Rolling back these unnecessary restrictions will expedite project approvals, reduce wasteful spending, and lower energy costs.
Read more about the legislation here or by clicking the image below.
Second Lady Usha Vance Bookmark Design Contest for America 250
This week, Second Lady Usha Vance announced the Bookmark Design Challenge: Celebrating America’s 250th, an opportunity for students in grades Kindergarten-8th grade to design an original bookmark celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The Bookmark Design Challenge encourages young artists to create an original, hand-drawn bookmark depicting what America means to them. Designs may explore themes such as American history and traditions, symbols of unity and democracy, creativity and innovation, ideas of community, or hopes for the nation’s future. Students are invited to interpret the theme freely and creatively using the artistic materials of their choice.
This challenge is open to students across the nation’s 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five territories. Second Lady Usha Vance will select three national winners—one from each of the following categories:
K–2
Grades 3–5
Grades 6–8
Winning designs will be featured during commemorative activities celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, such as the Great American State Fair, the Second Lady’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge, and other Office of the Second Lady and NEA events. Each winning student, accompanied by a parent or guardian, will also be invited to Washington, DC, in summer 2026 to participate in a series of celebratory events.
Applications must be submitted through the NEA’s website arts.gov/bookmarks before Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET. Please visit the NEA’s website for additional details, including full guidelines and FAQs. Questions about the Bookmark Design Challenge may be directed to bookmarks@arts.gov.
White House Easter Egg Roll Ticket Lottery and Volunteer Application
The White House Easter Egg Roll is approaching on Monday, April 6, 2026. Families with children 13 years old and younger are invited to join the President and First Lady at the White House. If you or your family will be visiting our nation’s capital, I highly recommend entering the lottery to attend the day of festivities.
ONLINE TICKET LOTTERY
White House Easter Egg Roll tickets are free to the public and can be requested through an online lottery opening on Thursday, February 26, 2026, and closing on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. Entering the lottery is free of charge, and winners will be notified via email no later than March 10, 2026. Tickets are not for sale or resale. Those interested in attending may enter the lottery here.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
As in previous years, the White House will select volunteers for the Easter Egg Roll through an online application. Prospective volunteers may submit their names here. The deadline for applying to become a volunteer is Friday, February 27, 2026.
The White House Easter Egg Roll is a timeless White House tradition, dating back to 1878 during the Presidency of Rutherford B. Hayes. This year, the White House Easter Egg Roll will honor America’s 250th birthday by incorporating patriotic themes throughout the event. The President and First Lady look forward to continuing this entertaining tradition and making it a truly memorable experience for all.
Summer Travel is Approaching, Apply or Renew Your Passport Now!
Are you planning to travel abroad for Spring Break or the upcoming Summer? As we begin to approach a busy season of travel, now is the perfect time to start the passport application process or check your current passport’s expiration date. Visit this link to get started on your application or renewal process today.
Before traveling abroad, make sure to sign up for the U.S. State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Platform, known as STEP. This is an excellent resource and free service for U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates by email from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Sign up at STEP.
If you are having trouble renewing your passport or are experiencing a longer-than-normal processing time, we stand ready to assist you. Please visit our website at pfluger.house.gov or call any of our offices:
The U.S. House of Representatives completed its work to pass all annual funding bills. I proudly secured over $20 million in Texas-11 investments that will go directly to communities across Central and West Texas. These projects will provide local law enforcement with more resources, support health care facilities, improve water and road infrastructure, and much more.
Read more about each of these funding projects here.
REMINDER: If you are in need of assistance with a federal agency, my office is here to help. For more information, please visit our website HERE.
Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) for daily updates.
