June 7, 2024

Concho Valley World War II Memorial Groundbreaking on D-Day

Participating in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Concho Valley World War II Memorial was an honor. We were lucky to have three World War II Veterans in attendance and to present each with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.

There was no better day to break ground on this incredible project than the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The memorial will be a tribute to the service and sacrifice of our local heroes who served our great country in World War II. We expect to gather the names of around 20,000 Concho Valley heroes to be listed on the memorial when it is completed. To learn more about the Memorial or to submit a family member’s name, please visit www.HeroesOnTheConcho.com

Thank you to the San Angelo Foundation and the many generous volunteers and benefactors for their time and generosity in honoring the Greatest Generation. I look forward to seeing the finished memorial that will serve as a poignant reminder of the selfless sacrifices so many gave for our country.

President Biden's Executive Order on the Border

President Biden issued an executive order this week that he claims will give him the authority to shut down asylum claims at the southern border after illegal crossings surpass 2,500 between ports of entry. Make no mistake, this is not a real attempt to secure the border, this is an election-year stunt. When he took office, President Biden took 64 executive actions to open our southern border intentionally. He has had the authority to maintain a secure border since he took office and has deliberately done the opposite.

It is incredibly sad that the tragic deaths of Americans like Laken Riley and the 300+ suspected terrorists entering our country didn't get the President's attention.

His failing poll numbers are the only reason he's pretending to care about the border crisis.

I sat down with CBS7 to discuss the President's executive order on the border, which you can read here.

Supporting Veterans and Military Families

I voted this week in favor of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill for the Fiscal Year 2025. This bill fulfills our commitment to providing our veterans with the benefits they have rightfully earned while supporting military families.

I am proud that my amendment that emphasizes the need for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to allocate funds to examine cancer incidence rates in military aviators was included in the bill. As a former fighter pilot, this issue is personal to me and the many squadronmates I have lost to cancer. The underlying legislation also protects veterans' rights to carry a firearm and builds new housing for military families.

One of the greatest duties we have as Americans is to take care of those who served our country in uniform. Read more here.

Honoring San Angelo Legend Phil George on the U.S. House Floor

I spoke on the U.S. House Floor this week to celebrate the 100th birthday of distinguished veteran and San Angelo legend Phil George. In addition to his military career, Mr. George served Angelo State University as a basketball coach and later athletic director. Watch here or below for my floor speech commemorating Mr. George's birthday and accomplishments.

President Biden's Failed Energy Policies

As the Chairman of the House Energy Action Team, I helped author a Republican Study Committee (RSC) memo detailing the failed energy policies of the Biden Administration. In his first week in office, President Biden began delivering on his campaign promise to "end fossil fuels." His Administration has issued regulation after regulation to drive energy costs up and end American energy production. Some of these actions include an electric vehicle mandate and a ban on liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. We must work to reverse these policies and restore energy dominance. Read more in Fox News here or below.

Our Energy Demand is Increasing

The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing to examine the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on electricity grids. As the Biden Administration pursues an aggressive climate rush-to-green climate agenda, I will always support a "best-of-the-above" approach to keep our lights on. Watch here or below for my full line of questioning.

Protecting Producer's Rights to Protect Their Livestock

I joined Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) in sending a bicameral letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) demanding a rollback on its ban on purchasing or deploying M-44 sodium cyanide ejector devices.

M-44 devices are used by farmers and ranchers, mainly sheep and goat producers, for predator control. These devices are a valuable management tool and protect livestock herds from coyotes, foxes, and feral dogs. The USDA should be supporting our farmers and ranchers, not banning effective predator control techniques. Read more about the letter here.

A+ Report Card from Students for Life Action

I am proud to have earned an A+ report card from Students for Life Action on my pro-life voting record in Congress. I will continue advocating and supporting the right to life in Washington.

Energy Field Tour with Congressman Brett Guthrie

I had the pleasure of hosting my colleague Congressman Brett Guthrie of Kentucky in the Permian Basin for an energy field tour.

As the Biden Administration continues its mission to shut down fossil fuel production, it is important we continue to showcase the research and innovation happening in the Permian Basin.

2024 Congressional App Challenge

My office is now accepting submissions for the 2024 Congressional App Competition. The competition is open to all 6-12 grade students in the 11th Congressional District of Texas and is an opportunity for students to develop their skills in computer science and STEM.

The deadline is October 24th, 2024 at 12:00 pm ET. Students can register and upload their app here.

PRIZES

• The winner from the 11th Congressional District, chosen by a panel of expert judges, will be featured on the House of Representatives website, House.gov, as well as on CongressionalAppChallenge.us. The winning app will also be displayed in the U.S. Capitol among other winners from across the country. Additional sponsor prizes to be announced.

RULES

• Students will create an application (aka app) for PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile, etc Any programming such as C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, or "block code" will be accepted.
• There are NO LIMITS on the application theme or topic.
• Students may work individually or in teams made up of no more than four.

Students are highly encouraged to review the competition’s complete rules and regulations on the Congressional App Challenge's website. For more information, please visit congressionalappchallenge.us/ or contact Kathy Keane in the San Angelo Office at [email protected].

Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for daily updates.

Rep. August Pfluger

Member of Congress