Pfluger Fly-By: June 5, 2026

This press release from Representative August Pfluger (R-TX) was published on 2026-06-05 and titled "Pfluger Fly-By: June 5, 2026".

Pfluger Fly-By: June 5, 2026

June 5, 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 busy week back in Washington. I joined the Mitchell Institute's Aerospace Nation livestream to discuss American Airpower, introduced legislation to honor Vietnam War hero Major Robert Lodge with the Medal of Honor, and questioned DHS Secretary Mullin about current terror threats to the United States. Additionally, I hosted VA Secretary Doug Collins and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin at this week's RSC member meeting, launched the bipartisan Free Enterprise Caucus, and questioned witnesses on GPS jamming. I also enjoyed hosting an incredible TX-11 Service Academy Appointee ceremony to honor the students for their hard-earned appointments and accomplishments. Unfortunately, given the confirmed case of New World Screwworm in South Texas, I have also provided an update and list of resources for agricultural producers to combat this deadly disease. 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, Mitchell Institute Livestream Discussion with General Deptula I have been the chief advocate for American Airpower and air superiority throughout my time in Congress, largely because of my experiences as a fighter pilot, retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, and now Chairman of the U.S. Air Force Academy Board of Visitors. This week, I continued my advocacy, joining U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General David Deptula (retired) on the Mitchell Institute's Aerospace Nation livestream for a wide-ranging discussion on America's national security challenges and my defense priorities. A central theme was abundantly clear throughout our conversation: strengthening and investing in American Airpower must remain a top priority in this year's defense budget and for years to come. Both General Deptula and I stressed that rebuilding the Air Force requires sustained, long-term investment. This year's proposed single-year funding increase is a step in the right direction, but it will not reverse decades of underinvestment in the Department of the Air Force. Congress needs to recapitalize our force based on threat, not the budget topline. Watch my full conversation with General David Deptula here or by clicking the image below. Awarding Major Robert Lodge the Medal of Honor This week, I proudly introduced legislation to authorize the President of the United States to award the Medal of Honor to Major Robert Lodge for his actions on May 10, 1972, during the Vietnam War. As a fighter wing weapons officer with knowledge of highly classified intelligence sources and methods, Major Lodge knew he could not fall into enemy hands. He made the ultimate sacrifice, deliberately choosing to ride a crippled aircraft to his death to protect that information. Valor exists in many forms across our armed forces, and Major Lodge stands as an outstanding example of the courage found in our cockpits. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress, the President, Secretary Hegseth, and Secretary Meink to ensure his heroism is properly recognized. Read more about the legislation in the Air and Space Forces Magazine here or by clicking the image below. Strengthening Penalties for Doxxing or Harassing Federal Agents During a full Committee on Homeland Security hearing with DHS Secretary Mullin, I secured bipartisan commitment from my Democrat colleagues to strengthen federal penalties for doxxing, threatening, and intimidating federal law enforcement officers. In my questioning, I highlighted the recent rise in threats against federal agents and called for stronger protections for the men and women who serve on the front lines of protecting our homeland. I also asked Secretary Mullin about the current terror threat facing the United States, ongoing efforts from President Trump and DHS to identify and apprehend individuals on the terror watchlist, and the Department's plans to strengthen the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) role as the federal government's lead cybersecurity agency. Watch my full line of questioning here or by clicking the image below. New World Screwworm Detected in South Texas I am actively monitoring the confirmed case of the New World Screwworm (NWS) in South Texas. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the State of Texas have taken immediate action to eradicate this threat to livestock and the American food supply. My office and I will remain in touch with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and the USDA as we work to eradicate this parasite. If you see signs of maggot infestation in live or recently dead wild animals, please call 866-4USDA-WS (866-487-3297) to report it to your local USDA Wildlife Services office. If you are a rancher, ple