October 20, 2023

Republicans Must Unite

I wanted to update you on what is going on here in Washington regarding the Speaker of the House election.

Unfortunately, Jim Jordan, who I supported, was unable to reach the necessary votes on the House Floor to become Speaker of the House. He has withdrawn his bid for Speaker and other candidates will now come forward. This process is messy, and the time it has taken is frustrating.

I’m working to regain focus on the agenda that the American people elected Republicans to accomplish. Our Commitment to America is not about a Speaker, it is about the American People. We must restore a strong economy, a safe nation, an accountable government, and a future built on freedom.

The very first priority is border security, and that is exactly where my focus lies. I'm also leading to make sure that we counter Iran, support Israel, and achieve energy dominance. It’s incredibly important that we give whoever is the next Speaker the tools they need to go up against the White House and stand firm for our conservative values.

We’re going through a tough time, but we will get through this and come out stronger on the other side.

It is an honor to represent you in Congress. I appreciate your prayers and am working to unify our party and elect a Speaker of the House who cares about Texas-11 and stands up for our values.

In these trying times, I am reminded of the profound wisdom of President Abraham Lincoln, who delivered the Gettysburg Address during our nation’s most divided time. President Lincoln spoke of a nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal and affirmed that we must dedicate ourselves to reconciling the nation in honor of those who have died in service to this country.

Today we find ourselves in a moment of great challenge and dissent surrounding the election for Speaker of the House of Representatives. It is important for us to remember that we are all part of something much greater than our individual differences. We are part of a nation that has weathered storms, overcome trials, and emerged stronger each time. We must not forget that we are bound together by the shared belief in the promise of America.

God bless you, and God bless the United States of America.

The United States Should Not Condone Terrorism

I hosted a bipartisan member discussion on Israel with crucial groups including the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, the Foundation in Defense of Democracies, and the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. These panelists broke down the role Congress needs to play in defending Israel and defeating terrorism around the world.

We also heard policy recommendations regarding the need for a stern response from the Biden Administration, the need to limit the Iranian regime’s access to American assets, and how we can counter the threat of Hezbollah and other terrorist surrogates in the Middle East and global terrorism narrative.

We cannot allow a terrorist group to be the powerbroker in this fragile, hostile, valuable region. I am proud that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle are committed to playing a role in fighting terrorism, protecting our allies, and creating a safer world moving forward.

Supporting Israel to Fight Our Adversaries

I penned an op-ed alongside the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) about the strategic importance of providing military aid to Israel.

Failure to support Israel, or defang Iran, now would only further embolden other U.S. adversaries, not least China as it eyes Taiwan.

It is critical that the United States remains a committed partner to Israel and fortifies the foundations of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region—securing a brighter and safer future for both nations.

To read the full article, click here or below.

Exposing the EPA's Efforts to Limit the U.S. Chemical Market

The Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on the continued federal overreach of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on chemicals used for life-saving medical devices and essential products. Chemicals make up a large chunk of the goods and products Americans use on a daily basis. Because of overregulation, the United States has forfeited much of our chemical manufacturing to China, creating a national security vulnerability. I will continue to push back against the EPA and its blatant overreach that harms American consumers and our national security. Additionally, the chemical industry relies heavily on natural gas as a feedstock for domestic manufacturing. It is critical that this administration acknowledges the role the Permian Basin plays in the development of our daily goods. To watch my full line of questioning, click here or below. To watch my full line of questioning, click here or below.

Hamas Supporters Have No Place in the United States

I joined nineteen of my colleagues in condemning the recent antisemitic remarks that foreign visa students are expressing in response to the conflict in Israel. This rhetoric has no place in our country. These students need to be deported out of the United States if this is the language they choose to pursue. Read more about the letter in Fox News here.

Agriculture is Vital to National Security

I had the opportunity to meet with Emilee Haubner of Llano while she represented our district at the American Farm Bureau Women's Communication Bootcamp in Washington, DC this week. We had a productive conversation on how Congress can further support the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Thank you for stopping by and meeting with me!

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