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 a great week representing you in Washington. I voted on several pieces of legislation to support our veterans and Gold Star families, thanked TSA agents for their service during the longest Democrat-led government shutdown in history, and introduced legislation to shield small energy producers from burdensome Biden-era regulations. In addition, I voted to uphold parents’ rights in their children’s classrooms and took steps to combat fraud in federal taxpayer programs.
Below, you’ll find highlights, 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,
Message Before Memorial Day
As we approach Memorial Day, please join me in reflecting on the profound sacrifice made by the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Memorial Day reminds us of the real cost of service because not everyone who serves comes home. This weekend is about remembering their sacrifice and honoring the loved ones they left behind. I am humbled to represent communities in Texas-11 that understand the true cost of freedom and the meaning of service.
One of the best ways to honor the fallen is to ensure we support the families they left behind. That’s why I voted to pass the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act this week, delivering a long-overdue $10,000 annual increase for our most severely disabled veterans and bringing much-needed support for Gold Star Families. I also proudly voted for the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protections Act, putting an end to the VA’s practice of revoking veterans’ gun rights without a court order or due process. I will continue fighting in Congress to make sure America keeps its promise to those who served and their families.
This Memorial Day, I encourage everyone to take a moment to honor a fallen service member or extend their appreciation to a Gold Star Family. The greatest tribute we can pay to our fallen heroes is to ensure they are never forgotten for giving the ultimate sacrifice for our country. May God bless our fallen warriors, their families, and the United States of America.
Thanking TSA Agents for Their Service and Advocating for Modernization
As Chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, I participated in a full committee hearing this week to recognize and thank the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents who continued to serve unpaid during the Democrat-caused longest government shutdown in history. I encourage everyone to especially thank our TSA agents serving in San Angelo, Midland, and Killeen.
During the hearing, I also focused on strengthening TSA operations, supporting frontline personnel, and ensuring America’s aviation security infrastructure remains prepared to confront evolving terrorist threats. I also extended my appreciation to DFW International Airport CEO Chris McLaughlin for his leadership in overseeing one of the most complex TSA staffing operations in the country. Watch my full line of questioning here or by clicking the image below.
Welcoming Midland Classical Academy to Washington
I was thrilled to welcome students from Midland Classical Academy to our nation’s capital. Students are the future of our country, and it’s always an honor to show the next generation the place where history is made every day.
If you are visiting Washington, D.C. this summer, my office would be thrilled to book a tour of the U.S. Capitol building for you and your group. My office can also assist in requesting tours of the White House, Supreme Court, and other iconic buildings around DC.
Click here to book your tour today. The earlier you can get your request in, the better.
Pushing to Protect Small Energy Producers
This week, I introduced the Protect Domestic Oil and Gas Small Business Act of 2026 alongside U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) to protect small energy producers in America from burdensome, Biden-era federal air pollution rules. Small oil and gas producers play an essential role in maintaining America’s energy independence and supporting local economies. Despite operating marginal wells with comparatively low emissions and limited resources, many of these independent operators are being squeezed by costly regulations.
Without targeted regulatory relief, many of these small businesses risk shutting down wells that American energy dominance depends on. The Protect Domestic Oil and Gas Small Business Act of 2026 is a commonsense solution that ensures small producers can continue operating to help maintain a stable and secure energy supply by amending the Clean Air Act to exempt smaller producers from certain federal air pollution rules. Read more about the legislation here or by clicking the image below.
Stopping the Indoctrination of Students
This week, I voted in favor of the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act. This bill will increase transparency in K-12 schools, strengthen parents’ rights, and ensure federal education dollars are not used to advance radical political or ideological agendas in the classroom. As a father to three daughters, it is extremely concerning to witness certain educators advancing radical gender ideology rather than academic excellence.
The Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act will pull federal funding from any school district that conceals a child’s gender transition from his or her parents. Too many schools are keeping parents in the dark about what’s happening in their own children’s classrooms. Parents, not school administrators, have the ultimate right to make decisions about their child’s upbringing. Read more about the Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act here or by clicking the image below.
Tackling Fraud in Washington
In the past year, several independent journalists have uncovered massive fraud schemes in federal taxpayer programs. The recent discoveries in Minnesota and Ohio helped spur President Trump to sign an Executive Order establishing the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President JD Vance, which I fully support. Congress must do its part to match that momentum, and I’m working with my colleagues to ensure federal taxpayer programs are being used by Americans who need them the most.
Protecting taxpayers’ dollars from fraud and abuse is one of my top priorities in Congress, which is why I cosponsored several pieces of legislation to hold those who exploit federal programs at the expense of hardworking Americans accountable. The Deporting Fraudsters Act closes a critical loophole in immigration law that has allowed noncitizens convicted of defrauding the federal government or unlawfully receiving taxpayer-funded benefits to remain in the United States. I also cosponsored the Stop Childcare Funding Fraud Act, which directly addresses the systemic weaknesses exposed in Minnesota. This bill would require states to track and report improper payments, submit corrective action plans, and face funding penalties if they fail to act.
Americans across the country work hard for their paychecks, and they deserve a government that is just as serious about protecting them. Every dollar stolen from these programs is a dollar taken away from those who need it most. I will continue pushing for accountability, transparency, and consequences for those who exploit federal taxpayer-funded programs.
Renew Your Passport Today Before Summer Travel
Are you planning to travel abroad this summer? Now is the perfect time to begin your passport application process or check your passport’s expiration date and, if needed, start the renewal process. Visit this link to get started.
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 and free resource 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 or are experiencing a longer-than-normal processing time for a passport, we stand ready to assist you. Please visit our website at pfluger.house.gov or call any of our offices:
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.
