October 27, 2023

Mike Johnson Elected Speaker of the House

I am excited to announce that House Republicans have elected a new Speaker of the House: Mike Johnson of Louisiana. Mike is a Constitutional lawyer and one of the strongest conservatives in Congress who has devoted his life and career to fighting for fundamental freedoms and traditional values —the Right to Life, Second Amendment, Free Speech, and Religious Liberty. He is also leading the charge to hold President Biden accountable on the Judiciary Committee and supporting our troops on the House Armed Services Committee. He will make a wonderful Speaker of the House, and I was proud to support him.

During his first speech as Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson laid out seven core principles to guide the House of Representatives and set a clear agenda for helping the American people. 

Those principles are: 1) Individual Freedom, 2) Limited Government, 3) The Rule of Law, 4) Peace Through Strength, 5) Fiscal Responsibility, 6) Free Markets, and 7) Human Dignity — all wonderful tenants I am proud to rally behind.

The process of electing a new Speaker has been arduous, but I have remained hard at work. Republicans are unified around Mike Johnson and will continue working diligently to secure our border, restore energy independence, and fix our economy.

2,000 Cases Closed and $1.7 Million Returned

We have six district offices across Texas-11 open full-time on issues like recovering lost social security checks, restoring rightful benefits and assistance for veterans, and cutting through bureaucratic red tape. 

I am incredibly proud of the outstanding work my district staff has accomplished. We have achieved the milestone of over 2,000 cases closed and a return of an impactful $1.7 million to the community. 

This is money that federal agencies like the IRS, Social Security Administration, and VA failed to deliver. Their hard work and diligence have a direct and positive impact on the lives of those we serve. It is an honor to work on your behalf advancing the policy priorities of our district and helping to secure relief.

If you need assistance, please visit my website at pfluger.house.gov.

Condemning Hamas

This week, we voted on a resolution supporting Israel and condemning the brutal terrorist attacks. I was disappointed that 15 of my Democratic colleagues refused to condemn Hamas—the terrorist group that brutally murdered, raped, and captured babies, children, and the elderly. This act of terror should not be tolerated in the United States or across the globe. We will continue to stand up to antisemitism in the Middle East and at home. Click here or below to watch my remarks on the House Floor in support of Israel. Click here or below to watch my remarks on the House Floor in support of Israel.

Examining the Threat of Iran to the Homeland

As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence, I held a hearing to examine the threat of the Iranian regime to U.S. homeland security.

As I reflect on the recent tragedy that has unfolded in Israel, we must also recognize that these threats pose a significant danger to the United States as well. Our border is far less secure than Israel’s, and we know that the Iranian regime has tried to exploit weaknesses in our southwest border.

There is a risk that terrorists, including those backed by the Iranian regime, could take advantage of the glaring vulnerabilities and conduct attacks on the homeland. If we continue to remain naive about our security posture at our southwest border, then we are bound to suffer catastrophic consequences.

The threat warnings and indicators from the terrorist attacks in Israel should serve as a wake-up call to our nation and make us realize that these dangers are present and real. We must secure our border immediately. Watch my opening statement here or below.

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Mr. Jim Henry

Mr. Jim Henry, a philanthropist and revered pioneer in the oil and gas industry passed away earlier this month, leaving behind a life of dedication and service. His work in the Permian Basin oilfields, particularly his role in opening the Wolfberry play, laid the groundwork for the shale revolution. Mr. Henry was also known for his generous spirit in the Midland community. He will be dearly missed. To watch my remarks in honor of Mr. Henry, click here or below.

Cybersecurity & Fraud Awareness

I was delighted to address the Angelo State University Cybersecurity & Fraud Awareness event this morning. This topic holds significant relevance for many of us, particularly in Texas, which ranks as the third-highest targeted state for scams. In 2022 alone, there were over 800,000 reported cases of financial fraud, resulting in a staggering 10.3 billion dollars in losses for our state.

Regardless of age, anyone can fall victim to cybercrime, and these perpetrators employ cunning tactics, often resorting to reprehensible and deeply personal methods to steal and inflict harm. While seniors bore the brunt of financial losses (exceeding $3.1 billion in 2022), cybercriminals have increasingly shifted their focus toward younger demographics, including children, teens, and young adults.

As social media and the digital landscape continue to play integral roles in the lives of many Americans, we all must remain vigilant in safeguarding against cyber threats. I commend Angelo State for orchestrating this event to heighten awareness surrounding this crucial issue.

In Memory of Jack Birkner

Jack Birkner was part of the greatest generation. He was laid to rest this past weekend with full military honors, and with his loving wife of 72 years, Mary Lou Birkner, by his side the entire time.

Jack was my wife Camille’s grandfather and we will all miss him terribly, but give thanks for his incredible 95 years on this earth and the legacy he leaves behind.

We are at peace knowing he was greeted with “Well done good and faithful servant.”