Welcome back to the Pfluger Fly-By, a weekly roundup of the work I am doing to represent you and our communities in Congress.
This week, I participated in a hearing to examine the real-world impact of the Democrats’ DHS shutdown, where I called out my Democrat colleagues for their hypocrisy and unwillingness to support the men and women of TSA, Border Patrol, ICE, and Coast Guard.
On the legislative front, I’m proud to share that my bill to protect American companies operating abroad passed the U.S. House, and my Mystic Alerts Act advanced out of committee. I also participated in additional hearings focused on modernizing the 1996 Telecommunication Act and strengthening Arctic security, and joined national conversations on the Fox News Rundown Podcast and The Hugh Hewitt Show.
Back in the district, I helped secure $14.3 million for the Midland Air and Space Port and joined the KWEL Morning Show hosted by Craig Anderson. My office is also continuing to support students through incredible opportunities such as the Service Academy Night in Llano and the 2026 Congressional Art Competition.
Below, you’ll find 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,
DHS Shutdown Reaches 42nd Day
As Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, I questioned witnesses during a full committee hearing this week on the real-world impacts of the Democrats’ shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including its agencies, missions, and workforce. During the hearing, I also called out my Democrat colleagues for their repeated failure to fund DHS and prioritize the security of the American people.
The consequences are clear: frontline personnel are facing overwhelming operational strain due to repeated failures to fund DHS. As thousands of Americans wait in endless airport lines and threats to our homeland are heightened, this must end. I remain committed to funding DHS and ensuring these individuals have the resources, support, and pay they deserve.
Following the hearing, I joined The Hugh Hewitt Show to discuss these challenges and the path forward. Watch the interview here.
You can watch my full line of questioning here or by clicking on the image below.
My Defending American Property Abroad Act Passes the U.S. House
Today’s House passage of my bipartisan legislation, the Defending American Property Abroad Act, was a necessary step in protecting American businesses and workers from unfair treatment overseas. When countries violate trade agreements and illegally seize assets from U.S. companies, it puts American job security, economic security, and national security at risk. This legislation is critical because it ensures there are enforceable consequences for those actions.
The Defending American Property Abroad Act sends a clear message to any foreign government that the United States will not tolerate this behavior and that we will defend our economic interests, uphold the rule of law, and stand firmly behind American companies operating abroad. I am thrilled to see this pass with overwhelming bipartisan support, and I will continue advocating for it until it passes through the Senate and is signed into law.
Watch my full remarks in support of the legislation here or by clicking on the image below.
Fox News Rundown
This morning, I joined the Fox News Rundown Podcast to discuss updates on the operations in Iran and the Air Force’s pivotal role. I also discussed my recent op-ed in the Washington Post and what must be done to ensure the U.S. military is prepared for the remainder of this conflict and any potential future ones. Read the op-ed here.
You can also watch the full interview here or by clicking the image below.
Mystic Alerts Act Advances out of Energy & Commerce Committee
When disaster strikes, communication infrastructure is often the first thing to fail, especially in rural areas. After the devastating floods of July 4th in Central and West Texas, we must ensure every American receives life-saving emergency alerts when it matters most.
I am grateful that my Mystic Alerts Act passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee this week with unanimous, bipartisan support. This legislation is personal to me, and its passage is critical to integrate satellite networks into wireless emergency alert processes to ensure we are better prepared for the next emergency.
Watch my full remarks in support of the Mystic Alerts Act here or by clicking the image below.
Securing $14.3 Million for the Midland Air and Space Port
The Permian Basin powers our entire nation, and investing in the necessary infrastructure and technology to sustain it is critical to the strength of our energy industry and our economy. I am proud to announce that I helped secure $14.3 million for the Midland International Air and Space Port. This investment will help expand the terminal by over 15,000 square feet, bolstering its capacity to handle the rapidly growing volume of travelers going in and out of Midland and Odessa.
Texas priorities deserve their share of federal support, especially when our area provides the critical food, energy, and national security the rest of the country has come to count on. I will always advocate to ensure that federal dollars are brought back home to Texas-11.
Read more about the investment in the Odessa American here or by clicking the image below.
Modernizing the 1996 Telecommunications Act
During a House Subcommittee Communications and Technology hearing this week, I questioned witnesses on new guidance and legislative updates to modernize the 1996 Telecommunications Act. Over the past thirty years, technology has changed significantly, and federal law should reflect this innovation.
The 1996 Telecommunications Act sought to increase competition and eliminate outdated regulations, but it also created inconsistent obligations and has not fully achieved its objectives. Congress must now update this framework to provide clarity to industries and consumers in today’s dynamic communications environment.
Watch my full line of questioning here or by clicking the image below.
Safeguarding the Arctic from Foreign Adversaries
As Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, I sounded the alarm during a hearing this week on security threats the U.S. is currently facing in the Arctic. Russia and China are working to expand their Arctic foothold to shift the global balance of power. This poses a significant threat to American and international security.
That’s why I called for sustained investment in polar-capable ships and aircraft, strong protection of undersea cable infrastructure, and greater use of space-based assets to fill critical gaps. We must keep the Arctic secure before any other adversarial nations seize control of the region.
Watch my full opening remarks here or by clicking the image below.
KWEL Morning Show with Craig Anderson
I joined the KWEL Morning Show with Craig Anderson to discuss the DHS shutdown, energy production in the Permian Basin, and more. Listen to our full conversation hereor by clicking on the image below.
Meeting with Texans in Washington
This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with several Texas community leaders and partners in Washington. Thank you all for taking the time to discuss how we can implement smart, commonsense policies to strengthen Texas-11 together.
Service Academy Night in Llano
My office is hosting a Service Academy Night in Llano for students, parents, and educators to learn about the opportunities for students to serve at a U.S. Service Academy.
In 1995, I sought a nomination to the U.S. Air Force Academy, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. Now, as a Member of Congress, I have the privilege of helping the next generation begin that same journey by nominating exceptional young men and women to our nation’s Service Academies.
If you are a student in Texas’s 11th Congressional District interested in seizing the opportunity to attend a U.S. Service Academy, I strongly encourage you to partake in my office’s upcoming Service Academy Night in Llano. If you are not able to attend, please don’t hesitate to contact my office or my Academy Liaison, Mary O’Connor, with any questions about the application process.
If you are unable to attend and are interested in applying to a U.S. Service Academy, you can watch a recording of a previous Service Academy Night here.
2026 Congressional Art Competition
Attention all parents, students, and teachers in TX-11! My office is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Congressional Art Competition. This competition gives high school students from across Texas-11 the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building.
This year’s theme is ‘Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary,’ and students will have until April 13th, 2026, to submit their artwork. Information on the Congressional Art Competition, including how to apply, can be found on the Congressman’s website by clicking here.
Every year, I am completely blown away by the talent and creativity of so many incredible young artists throughout Texas-11 who participate in the Congressional Art Competition. This year’s theme gives students the opportunity to tell America’s story through their own creative lens. I am especially excited to see how students use their art to celebrate our nation’s history and express their patriotism. I am incredibly blessed to represent the 11th District and to support these remarkable young artists as they help commemorate this historic moment for our country.
RULES
Artwork must be two-dimensional and original in concept, design, and execution. Art must follow the theme of ‘Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary.’
The artwork’s dimensions can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. Accepted mediums for the two-dimensional artwork are as follows:
Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastel, charcoal (It is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed.)
Collages: must be two-dimensional
Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
Computer-generated art
Photographs
Students are highly encouraged to review the competition’s complete rules and regulations on our congressional website. Please contact Carol Cunningham in the Llano District Office at carol.cunningham@mail.house.gov with any questions.
Second Lady Usha Vance Bookmark Design Contest for America 250
Last 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.
As we celebrate America’s 250th Birthday this year, we have a powerful opportunity, and responsibility, to ignite a love of country in the next generation. America’s story is one of freedom and limitless possibility, and our students should feel proud to be part of it. This Bookmark Design Challenge invites young people to express their creativity and discover what patriotism means to them. I applaud Second Lady Vance for leading this effort to empower kids to honor our past while imagining America’s future, and I encourage every student in TX-11 to participate.
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.
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.
