I hope you and your family have stayed safe and warm despite the winter weather system moving through Texas this week.
In Washington, the House Republican Majority passed legislation to:
→ Eliminate the authoritarian COVID vaccine mandate on health care workers;
→ Remove Ilhan Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee;
→ End the COVID national emergency and public health emergency;
→ Force federal bureaucrats back to work in person;
→ And more…
My team and I are closely tracking the alarming high-altitude Chinese surveillance balloon that is currently over the continental United States.
The Biden Administration’s failure to protect the U.S. mainland from not only one but two Chinese spy balloons is an example of how President Biden’s foreign policy weaknesses and inability to deter aggression threaten our National Security.
It is imperative that we return to American strength. We must end Chinese spying on Americans–whether in our airspace or on our children through their phones.
Growing up in rural Texas gave me a strong appreciation for health care providers and our heroes on the front lines—doctors, nurses, and staff, who are saving lives daily. Shortages of health care staff are ongoing nationwide, but unfortunately, the crisis is even worse in rural America.
Rural health care workers and providers are among those most negatively impacted by President Biden’s tyrannical COVID vaccine mandate. The Biden Administration should not be forcing American workers to choose between taking the COVID-19 vaccine or losing their job.
I am proud to represent rural Texas on the House Energy & Commerce Committee and help introduce legislation to free our health care heroes from this unconstitutional mandate.
Standing up to Antisemitism and Anti-American Rhetoric
Thursday, my Republican colleagues and I voted to remove Minnesota Democrat Ilhan Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
Since becoming a Member of Congress in 2019, Congresswoman Omar has spread antisemitic tropes and spread anti-Israel falsehoods, making her unfit to guide American foreign policy on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. As someone who served with her last Congress on this committee, I have personally witnessed her damaging behavior.
This was no surprise, given her claims that Israel has “hypnotized the world” and repeated statements accusing Israel of being an apartheid state.
America must stand firmly with our ally Israel. Congresswoman Omar is unfit to serve on the committee that represents our country on the global stage.
Chosen to Chair the Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence Subcommittee
It is an honor to announce that I have been selected to serve as the Chairman of the Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence Subcommittee within the Homeland Security Committee.
As a former fighter pilot who has served abroad in many different theaters, I spent my entire military career looking at the threats facing the United States—specifically foreign terrorists. Americans are rightly frustrated with the lack of attention to security at the southern border, and it is unacceptable that the Biden Administration does not understand who is entering our country, and what their affiliations and intentions are.
Our district is a critical intersection of national security for our country. It lies just north of the 1,254 miles of shared border between Texas and Mexico and is home to the country’s top oil and gas producing region, millions of acres of farm and ranchland, Goodfellow Air Dorce Base, and portions of Fort Hood Army Base.
As the Chairman of the Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence Subcommittee, I will be focusing our efforts on the real threats facing our country so we can keep our communities safe. In addition to border security, I look forward to continuing the committee’s work on combatting foreign malign influence from bad actors like the CCP and working to ensure that our critical energy resources are safe from chemical, biological, cyber, or other terror threats.
Honoring Long-time Constituent Services Representative, Jan Lentz
This week I recognized one of my long-time team members, Jan Lentz, in a speech on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. Jan recently retired from the San Angelo Congressional Office after a distinguished career as a Constituent Services Representative.
Jan has devoted her time and talents to the people of our District by serving as a Constituent Services Representative and helping thousands of veterans and constituents along the way. I wish I could fully express the impact Jan has had throughout her lifetime of service.
While she is a gifted social worker who has spent her entire career serving others, Jan’s greatest impact on our community is felt through her work with veterans and their families. Over the years, Jan has secured countless benefits for veterans and impacted thousands of military families. Last year alone, Jan returned over $100,000 in taxes back to constituents, a goal she set and exceeded.
Jan is someone we all wish we could be more like. She consistently gives her all with no desire for personal recognition. Jan’s impact on our community is incalculable, and her legacy is boundless. She will be missed beyond words.
Watch my speech honoring Jan by clicking here or below.
Announcing the Pfluger Student Leadership Conference
BIG NEWS: I will be hosting the First Annual Pfluger Student Leadership Conference on Saturday, February 25th at Angelo State University.
This opportunity is open to all high school students in our district. This conference offers students the opportunity to participate in character-building activities and hear powerful messages from dynamic guest speakers while gaining critical knowledge on the fundamentals of leadership.
I was honored to attend the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday. It was moving to have the opportunity to come together with both Republicans and Democrats, to pray for our country, our government, and Texas-11, and reflect on the truth that God is in control.
This wonderful tradition spans back to 1953, when President Dwight Eisenhower hosted the first prayer breakfast at the suggestion of Reverend Billy Graham. I am proud to fight for religious freedom and uphold the faith principles our great country was founded on. God Bless America!
Chris Kyle
This Thursday for Chris Kyle Day, we remembered the Odessa native and honored the life and legacy of the former Navy SEAL sniper. A true American hero, Chris served four tours in the Iraq War and was awarded numerous commendations for acts of heroism and meritorious service in combat. After retiring, he dedicated his life to supporting his fellow servicemembers on and off the battlefield.
Thank you to all of our service members in uniform and their families who sacrifice for our freedom. May we always honor their services and pray for the families of our brave armed forces.
Health Care Community Lunch
Earlier this week, 30+ attendees braved the cold Texas weather to attend the Llano Hospital Foundation Health Connect Community Launch with a mission to connect leaders to protect and enhance their community healthcare.
Carol Cunningham from our Llano office was honored to attend. Rural health care providers and doctors, nurses, and staff are heroes. Please join me in thanking them for all they do. I will continue to support our health care workers and ensure they are equipped to provide the best care possible to our community.
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