February 12, 2021

Don't Mess With Texas Energy

This week, our District welcomed Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Congressman Bruce Westerman, Republican Leader of the House Committee on Natural Resources, to show them first-hand how our critical oil and gas infrastructure is produced, introduce them to the first-class oil & gas workers who make it happen, and hear them speak on the importance of protecting our energy independence.
Our District is home to the Permian Basin, the epicenter of oil & gas production which keeps our nation from being cold, dark, and hungry. The industry supports 2 million jobs in Texas and 10 million jobs nationwide. We have 200,000 energy workers in our district alone whose livelihoods depend on the oil & gas sector. The Biden Administration believes energy workers can find new jobs—Leader McCarthy, Congressman Westerman, and I believe energy workers are the backbone to this great country and should be protected.

Not to mention, energy security is national security—the Biden Administration’s environmental extremist policies are not only hostile to the millions of jobs reliant on American energy but are making our country increasingly dependent on unstable foreign oil. A nation that relies on its own citizens for energy is inherently safer—the President’s policies are threatening our energy independence, and therefore threatening our security. 

WATCH a recap of the rig tour and my remarks afterwards:
I cannot thank Diamondback Energy enough for hosting us, and Leader McCarthy and Congressman Westerman for joining in me in the heart of the Permian Basin to reaffirm our commitment to stand up for American energy workers. American and Texas jobs are on the line—we will not stop going to bat for the millions of workers who are kept up at night for fear of losing their jobs to the President’s out-of-touch policies. Through our voice, our vote, and legislation, we will not allow the Biden Administration to steamroll our energy security.
Home in the 11th District

This week, I had the pleasure of meeting the elected officials, community leaders, healthcare professionals, citizen soldiers, and small businesses owners who are making a huge impact on our District. 
I had the honor of meeting the brave and selfless citizen soldiers stationed here at Camp Bowie in Brownwood. On Texas' worst days, the Texas National Guard is there.

Any Texas Guardsman who is deployed overseas comes through Camp Bowie, and multiple agencies utilize the camp’s resources to make Texas and the country safer. Thank you to General Greg Chaney and the rest of your amazing team for the informative tour and for the work you do to secure our state and nation.
Meeting with Dr. Cory Hines, President of Howard Payne University in Brownwood. President Hines is an exemplary leader, and is committed to excellence and distinction at HPU. Go Yellow Jackets!
Touring the COVID-19 vaccination site in Granbury, an excellent example of success coordinated by Granbury's city leaders, first responders, school system, and volunteers.
Meeting with Granbury Mayor Nin Hulett (left) and Hood Judge Ron Massingill (right) to talk about the triumphs and struggles facing Hood County. Hood County is in good hands with these leaders at the helm.
Read on to see the work I have been doing for you in Congress:

Appointed to Two Important Subcommittees
This week, I was called to serve on the Subcommittee on Europe, Energy, the Environment and Cyber and the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Civilian Security, Migration, and International Economic Policy on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

I could not be more thrilled the represent District 11 on these fantastic subcommittees tasked with defending our nation’s security and making sure America remains a global superpower. Both of these subcommittees will tackle important issues in cyber security, economic stability, energy independence, border security, and countering hostile foreign adversaries.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure America remains the safest, most prosperous nation in the world.
Letter to Governor Greg Abbott

I joined my Texas colleagues in sending a letter to Governor Greg Abbott supporting his executive action directing state agencies to challenge any federal directive that threatens Texas’ critical energy infrastructure. Texas must be able to defend itself from big government overreach and defend the livelihoods of the 2 million energy workers currently residing in Texas.

Signed on to Meaningful Legislation

Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act
Sponsored by Rep. Jack Crow (CO-6) and Rep. Mike Gallagher (WI-08) This bill would declare the placement of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial in the National Mall to honor the sacrifice and service of those who stopped at nothing to end tyranny and terrorism. 
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.

Sincerely,
Rep. August Pfluger
Member of Congress