December 1, 2023

No Funding for Terrorism

Yesterday, my amendment strengthening the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act passed the House of Representatives.

It is well known that Iran is the largest state-sponsor of terrorism and was no accident that Hamas’ evil attack on Israel shortly followed President Biden’s decision to unfreeze $6 Billion in Iranian assets on September 11th. What is even more unacceptable is that the Biden Administration chose to unfreeze an additional $10 billion in assets for Iran after the attack.

I am proud to strengthen this important bill by blocking all Iranian-sanctioned funds from being unfrozen and removing the President’s ability to release such funds through the abuse of waiver or license authorities. The U.S. should not be funding terrorism.

Since the Administration refuses to permanently freeze the funds, Congress will. Watch here or below for my full floor remarks.

Growing Security Concerns in the Arctic by Russia and China

The Committee on Homeland Security held a hearing to examine the growing threat of China and Russia in the Arctic. In August of this year, eleven Chinese and Russian military vessels were identified in the region. This partnership is extremely concerning as Chinese President Xi Jinping has indicated his goals to make China a polar superpower by 2030. Watch here or below for my full remarks.

Antisemitism Will Not be Tolerated on College Campuses

Antisemitism around the world and here at home has skyrocketed in the wake of Hamas' October 7th attack on Israel—especially on college campuses. I held a roundtable on how members of Congress can combat and stand up to antisemitism in our country. We will not tolerate antisemitism and will continue to stand with our ally Israel and the entire Jewish community.

Fighting for Affordable, Reliable Rural Broadband

This week, the Communications and Technology Subcommittee on Energy and Commerce held a Federal Communication Commission (FCC) oversight hearing on President Biden's broadband takeover. The last time the FCC testified before Congress, the committee highlighted the need for everyone, everywhere, especially rural Americans, to access affordable and reliable broadband. However, since then, the FCC has focused on expansive rules to control nearly every aspect of how internet service providers function.

The FCC's recently finalized digital equity rule and the newly proposed net neutrality rule will stifle innovation, create massive uncertainty in the telecommunications industry, and ultimately hinder deployment and provide less access to consumers—furthering the digital divide.

I will fight against these rules to expand government control over private industry, urge the FCC to focus on providing coverage for unserved areas, and ensure that rural communities can access reliable broadband. Watch here or below for my full line of questioning.

Energy Security is National Security

As Chairman of the House Energy Action Team (HEAT), I held a roundtable discussion with my fellow lawmakers and leaders in the energy industry focused on how President Biden's anti-energy policies are affecting producers and Americans. We heard directly from industry leaders about intangible drilling costs, capital investments, and other tax and regulatory issues affecting the oil and gas industry. Energy security is national security, and I will continue to stand up to President Biden's out-of-touch energy policies.

2024 Congressional Youth Advisory Council

I am excited to announce the re-launch of the Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) for high school juniors and seniors in the 11th Congressional District of Texas. CYAC is designed to empower the next generation of leaders by providing a platform to voice their perspectives on critical issues. Participants will have the chance to interact directly with myself and special guests in interactive virtual meetings. Additionally, CYAC participants will be provided special admittance to the Pfluger Youth Leadership Conference in Spring 2024 (Date TBD).

Key Program Details:

· Up to four interactive virtual meetings with Congressman Pfluger and distinguished guests.

· Participation in the Pfluger Youth Leadership Conference in Spring 2024 (Date TBD).

· No cost to participants; all materials provided.

· Possibility of academic or community service credit.

Interested students are encouraged to apply by completing an application at: pfluger.house.gov/services/cyac.htm.

The deadline for submissions is December 15, 2023. Applicants must commit to attending a minimum of three meetings, scheduled after school hours, subject to possible changes in the Congressional calendar.

For questions about the program or application, please contact Corbette Padilla in the Midland district office at 432-687-2390.

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