Pfluger Fly-By: May 22, 2026

This press release from Representative August Pfluger (R-TX) was published on 2026-05-22 and titled "Pfluger Fly-By: May 22, 2026".

Pfluger Fly-By: May 22, 2026

May 22, 2026 Friend, 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