Email from Rep. Pfluger 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 w 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, please continue to monitor your livestock and report any unusual findings to USDA. For official updates, please visit screwworm.gov. Texas-11 Service Academy Appointee Ceremony Nominating students from TX-11 to attend a U.S. Service Academy is one of my favorite parts of this job, and this year, I am proud to announce that thirteen students have officially earned and accepted their appointments. As a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and retired Air Force Colonel, I am always inspired to see the next generation of leaders heed the call to service. It was a pleasure to meet with and personally congratulate several of these students, and wish them luck as they embark on this new journey. Congratulations to all of our appointees! RSC Member Meeting with VA Secretary Collins and DHS Secretary Mullin I was grateful to welcome Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins and Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin to the weekly Republican Study Committee (RSC) member meeting. Secretary Collins gave a timely update on the VA's work to remove bureaucracy and return to its core mission of serving America's veterans. Secretary Mullin gave an update on the lasting effects of the Democrat shutdown on DHS. I look forward to continuing to work alongside both of them and with members of the RSC. Launching the Bipartisan Free Enterprise Caucus I am excited to announce that this week, I launched a bipartisan Free Enterprise Caucus alongside my Co-Chairs, Reps. David Valadao (CA-22), Brad Schneider (IL-10), and Lou Correa (CA-46). This caucus will be dedicated to advancing commonsense public policy that strengthens free markets, restores fiscal discipline, and secures America's long-term economic leadership. At a time of rising debt, growing economic competition, and increasing pressure on working families, Congress has a responsibility to engage in serious, solution-based discussions about policies that will drive economic growth and opportunity. The Free Enterprise Caucus is designed to be that kind of forum, where Members from both sides of the aisle can come to the table, share their perspectives, and find common ground on free enterprise policies. Read more about the caucus here or by clicking the image below. Addressing the Threat of GPS Jamming During a Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing this week, I questioned witnesses about the national security threat posed by GPS jamming. Adversaries like Russia and China deliberately disrupt GPS signals, posing a grave threat to commercial flights and military aircraft. I shared my firsthand experience from flying combat missions in the Middle East at the hearing, where GPS reliability is the difference between mission success and an unforeseen catastrophe. I will keep pushing to ensure that protecting America's positioning and navigation infrastructure gets the urgent attention it demands. Watch my full line of questioning here or by clicking the image below. National Council for Mental Wellbeing: 2026 Legislator of the Year Award I was honored to receive the 2026 Legislator of the Year Award this week from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. A special thank you to PermiaCare CEO Chris Barnhill for attending the award ceremony and for his advocacy for mental health resources in Texas-11. As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I'm committed to increasing access to behavioral health services, ensuring providers have the funding they need to keep treating patients, and investing in prevention before a crisis ever begins. Read more about my legislation to expand mental health resources here. KWEL Morning Show with Craig Anderson This morning, I joined the KWEL Morning Show with Craig Anderson to discuss why TX-11 is the absolute best district in the country, the status of the AM Radio Act, the Save America Act, this week's House Committee on Homeland Security Hearing with Secretary Mullin, the bipartisan work I am doing in Congress, and much more. Listen to our full conversation here or by clicking the image below. Serving Together as a Family I was grateful to be joined by one of my daughters while serving you in Washington. There is nothing better than serving TX-11 together as a family. Participate in the Second Lady's Summer Reading Challenge Second Lady of the United States Usha Vance recently announced the start of her second annual Summer Reading Challenge. I strongly encourage all K-8 students in Texas’s 11th Congressional District to participate. To enter, students must read 12 books, complete the reading log, and submit it to receive a prize. The challenge is open to all students in grades K-8, and participants will be entered into a raffle for a special trip to visit the Nation’s Capital and additional prizes! Learn more about the Second Lady’s Reading Challenge at the link here. Book Summer Capitol Tours Reminder! If you are visiting Washington, D.C. this summer, my office would be thrilled to book a tour of the U.S. Capitol building for you and your group. My office can also assist in requesting tours of the White House, Supreme Court, and other iconic buildings around DC. Click here to book your tour today. The earlier you can get your request in, the better. REMINDER: If you are in need of assistance with a federal agency, my office is here to help. For more information, please visit our website HERE. Thank you for reading. It is the honor of my lifetime to serve you in Congress. Please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) for daily updates. Rep. Pfluger | 2202 Rayburn HOB | Washington, DC 20002 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice