October 3, 2025

Friend,

Welcome back to the Pfluger Fly-By, a roundup of events and updates to keep you informed about everything I'm doing week by week to represent you in Congress.

We are now on day three of the Democrat-led government shutdown. This week, Senate Democrats recklessly forced a shutdown over their radical $1.5 trillion ransom fund, packed with giveaways like taxpayer-funded benefits for illegal aliens. In contrast, Republicans proposed a non-partisan solution to keep the government open that Democrats have voted down several times. The American people overwhelmingly want the government to reopen, which is exactly what Congressional Republicans voted to do. It's time for Democrats to come to the table and pass the same clean Continuing Resolution that they've supported 13 times before.

To every resident in Texas-11: my offices across the district and in Washington, D.C., will remain open and fully staffed throughout the entirety of the shutdown. If you are in need of assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can also visit our Government Shutdown Resource and FAQ page for answers to common questions and access to federal resources.

Below, you'll find photos and highlights from the week, plus information on how my office can assist you with any federal concerns. As always, please don't hesitate to contact my office if we can ever be of assistance.



Best,

Government Shutdown Resource and FAQ Page

As your elected representative, I want to ensure that you and your families are informed about how the government shutdown may affect you. Please visit my website here or by clicking the images below to access our Government Shutdown Resource and FAQ Page. My offices remain open to serve constituents in Texas-11. Please don't hesitate to reach out.

ICYMI: Recent Interviews on the Democrat-led Shutdown

In Case You Missed It (ICYMI): I joined several channels to discuss the reckless Democrat-led government shutdown and what this crisis means for Texans in the 11th District. In each interview, I called out Democrats for their unwillingness to come to the table and make the responsible choice to reopen the government.

Listen to my conversation on KXYL with Celinda Hawkins and JR Williams here.

Listen to my conversation on KWEL with Craig Anderson here.

Listen to my conversation on KOXE with Jeff Duncan here.

Watch my interview on CBS7 with Mary Kate Hamilton here.

Watch my interview on Newswest9 here.

Watch my interview on KLST here.

Sterling City Town Hall

Hosting town halls across Texas-11 will always be a priority of mine to better serve the amazing individuals who call this place home. Ahead of the government shutdown, I was thankful to hold this town hall and answer your questions and concerns. I greatly appreciate everyone in Sterling City who attended!

At the town hall, I also had the honor of recognizing Sterling County Sheriff Russell Irby and the entire Sterling County Sheriff's Office with a Congressional Certificate for their heroic recovery effort that saved the life of a missing 2-year-old child. Texas-11 is the best place to live and raise a family, and I am committed to protecting our values and way of life in Congress.

Texas Farm Bureau Dinner at Lowake Steakhouse

The Democrat shutdown will not stop me from serving Texas-11. This week, I had the privilege of meeting with local producers at the iconic Lowake Steakhouse to share updates from Washington on the work being done to strengthen agricultural production.

Farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our nation, and I am proud to fight for them in Congress. From the upcoming Farm Bill to addressing the threat of the New World Screwworm, I will always champion common-sense policies that help our farmers and ranchers feed and clothe the world.

Runnels County Annual Cotton Field Day

Texas leads the nation in cotton production, accounting for 40% of America's output, and remains a cornerstone of the agricultural economy in Texas-11.

This week, I joined local producers at the Runnels County Annual Cotton Field Day to discuss innovative solutions to strengthen cotton production and support our farmers. I am always proud to stand with the hardworking agricultural producers in Texas-11 who keep our communities and our country strong.

2025 Congressional Youth Advisory Council Applications

I am excited to announce the re-launch of my Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) for high school juniors and seniors in the 11th Congressional District of Texas. This esteemed program offers a unique opportunity for passionate and driven young leaders to engage with government, collaborate with peers, and serve their communities.

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 me, special guests, and senior staff members in up to four interactive virtual meetings. Additionally, CYAC participants will be provided special admittance to the Pfluger Youth Leadership Conference in Spring 2026 (Date TBD).

Key Program Details:

·    Up to four interactive virtual meetings with me and special guests.

·    Participation in the Pfluger Youth Leadership Conference in Spring 2026 (Date TBD).

·    No cost to participants; all materials provided.

·    Possibility of academic or community service credit.

Applications are due on October 10, 2025. Students can apply by clicking the link here or by visiting my website at pfluger.house.gov/services/cyac.htm

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

Watch my message encouraging students in Texas-11 to apply for my Congressional Youth Advisory Council (CYAC) here or by clicking on the image below.

2025 Congressional App Challenge

My office is accepting submissions for the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. This competition is an excellent opportunity for students in middle and high school to further develop their skills in computer science and STEM.

Students have until October 30, 2025, to submit their app. Information on the Congressional App Challenge, including how to apply, can be found on my website by clicking here.

PRIZES

• The winning student's app will be displayed on the U.S. House of Representatives website, House.gov, as well as on CongressionalAppChallenge.us
• The app will be unveiled in a Congressional Reception in Washington, D.C., in late December (date TBD).
• Additional prizes may 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.
• The competition is open to students in 6th-12th grades. 
• 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 my office at k[email protected].

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.