December 20, 2024

Note on Government Funding

Minutes ago I voted in favor of a good, clean bill to get us into Donald Trump’s presidency. We worked hard to ensure conservative wins, especially supporting our Texas farmers and ranchers. This bill wasn’t everything I wanted but it was enough to buy us time until the calvary comes in January.

RSC Pass the Gavel Ceremony

I was honored to participate in the Republican Study Committee (RSC) ‘Pass the Gavel’ Ceremony at the Heritage Foundation with President Kevin Roberts and outgoing Chairman Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01). We had a productive conversation on the future of the conservative agenda along with the instrumental role RSC will play when President Trump returns to the White House.

As Chairman, I am committed to championing policies that protect our freedoms, ensure national security, and foster economic prosperity for all Americans. The RSC will continue to be the conservative backbone of the House, pushing for a strong, resilient America that can stand up to both foreign adversaries and domestic challenges.

RSC Task Force Chairs for the 119th Congress

As we begin the 119th Congress and the second term of President Trump, I am excited to announce the appointments of Task Force Chairs who will lead the Republican Study Committee’s policy initiatives. Each of these Members of Congress brings valuable expertise and a proven track record of advancing conservative solutions. Under their leadership, the RSC will continue to drive the conservative policy agenda in the House of Representatives. 

The following Representatives will serve as RSC Task Force Chairs:

· Representative Troy Balderson (OH) will serve as Chair of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT). The HEAT team will focus on advancing American energy independence and promoting policies that ensure affordable, reliable energy for American families and businesses.

· Representative Beth Van Duyne (TX) will lead the Budget Task Force, focusing on fiscal responsibility and developing solutions to address our nation’s spending challenges.

· Representative Harriet Hageman (WY) will chair the Article One Task Force, working to restore Congress’s constitutional authority and push back against executive overreach.

· Representative Zach Nunn (IA) will head the National Security Task Force, addressing critical defense and foreign policy challenges facing our nation.

· Representative Mark Alford (MO) will lead COMSFORCE (Communications Strategy Force), developing effective messaging strategies to communicate conservative solutions to the American people.

Members Standing Left to Right: RSC Chairman-Elect August Pfluger (TX-11), Rep. Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Rep. Troy Balderson (OH-12), Rep. Zach Nunn (IA-03), RSC Vice Chairman Ben Cline (VA-06), and Rep. Mark Alford (MO-04). Not pictured is Rep. Beth Van Duyne (TX-24).

Federal Broadband Deployment Act Passes House

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed my legislation to improve transparency and efficiency in the broadband deployment process. Thousands of Americans, especially those living in rural areas, lack access to a high-speed internet connection. The Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act is a critical step towards a more connected America.

By enhancing government accountability and accelerating broadband deployment, we’re not just improving a process – we’re investing in the future of our nation. We must close the digital divide. Watch here or below for my full remarks in support of the legislation.

Meeting with Pete Hegseth

While in Washington, I organized a meeting between incoming Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and my fellow lawmakers to discuss the issues facing Air Power and our national defense. A decorated combat veteran, Pete is the right choice to lead our troops as we face a growing number of adversaries around the globe. He must have a fair confirmation trial in the U.S. Senate. I am proud to support Pete as he navigates the confirmation process.

Federal Authorities Fail to Address Unauthorized Drones

I led my colleagues in sending a letter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), requesting a classified briefing on the unidentified drones flying over the northeastern United States. However, federal authorities failed to respond to the letter.

The Biden Administration’s lack of action, transparency, and response to the drone sightings is unacceptable. Drone technology in the wrong hands can negatively hurt American national security. Read the full letter here or below.

Blocking the Natural Gas Tax

When the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was signed into law, it imposed a new natural gas tax on U.S. oil and gas companies. Since its inception, I have been a leader in Congress against this unjust tax that would stifle American energy production.

I introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) alongside Senator John Hoeven (R-ND) and Congressman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) to strike down the natural gas tax. If implemented, the ill-conceived natural gas tax will handicap technological innovation, reduce supplies of affordable energy, and increase both costs and emissions. Read more about the CRA here.

DOE Anti-LNG Study

The Department of Energy (DOE) released its final study aimed at shutting down liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Almost a year ago, the Administration illegally banned LNG exports to cater to climate activists—ignoring science and our allies’ needs in the process. It is beyond disappointing to see this trend continue as President Biden leaves the White House.

LNG exports unequivocally benefit our economy and domestic prices. In 2025, Congress must act to remove the reckless DOE from having a role in approving LNG export licenses. Read more in the Odessa American here or below.

Rep. August Pfluger

Member of Congress