October 17, 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.

It is extremely disappointing that we are now on day seventeen of the Democrats' reckless government shutdown. Senate Democrats have officially voted ten times to keep the government closed, making it crystal clear that they would rather put their radical political interests ahead of the American people. Amid the shutdown, I remain committed to serving you in Congress.

REMINDER: My offices across the district and in Washington, D.C. will remain open and fully staffed throughout the entirety of the shutdown. 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, if you need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.



Best,

San Angelo Rallies Support with Shutdown Resources

This week, I led a roundtable and press conference with local officials, financial institutions, and service organizations to discuss financial assistance programs available for individuals impacted by the Democrats' government shutdown. San Angelo sets the national standard for support amidst times of need, and I am incredibly proud of the way everyone came together yesterday.

Texas-11 has always been strong and resilient, and I want to graciously thank our community for stepping up to help their neighbors.

Read more about the resources, roundtable, and press conference in San Angelo LIVE here or by clicking the image below.

KWEL Morning Show with Craig Anderson

This week, I was honored to be joined by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise as a special guest on KWEL's The Morning Show with Craig Anderson.

On the show, we discussed the Democrats' government shutdown, underscored the stark contrast between Republicans and Democrats in Washington, and called out Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for appeasing the radical wing of his party rather than doing the right thing for the American people. We also discussed President Trump's historic Gaza Peace Deal and praised him for securing paychecks for our service members.

Listen to our full conversation here or by clicking the image below.

RSC Veterans, Reservists, and Guardsmen Demand Schumer Reopen Government

I led 27 of my Republican Study Committee (RSC) Member-Veterans, Reservists, and Guardsmen in a letter to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urging his caucus to reopen the government and restore military readiness. As the government shutdown enters its third week, service members cannot afford to be pulled from critical training activities that maintain combat readiness.

Without President Trump and Secretary Hegseth, service members would have missed a critical paycheck. I will continue being an advocate for our troops and work tirelessly to reopen the government.

Read more about the letter in Breitbart News here or by clicking on the image below.

Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell VA Clinic

I visited the Colonel Charles and JoAnne Powell VA Clinic in San Angelo this week to thank healthcare providers and speak directly with our veterans. Ensuring that veterans in Texas-11 have access to the proper care and resources they deserve remains a top priority for me and my team, especially during the Democrats' government shutdown.

Brownwood Town Hall

I had an incredible time at our community town hall in Brownwood! It was an honor to meet with so many welcoming constituents and recognize Brownwood Police Chief James Fuller for his new position and years of service to the Brownwood community.

Thank you to everyone who attended the town hall to share your ideas, concerns, and feedback with me. Your input helps me better serve you in Congress. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you need assistance. I'm always proud to represent the hardworking people of Brown County.

ICYMI: Government Shutdown Resource and FAQ Page

As your elected representative, I want to ensure you have the information and resources you need to understand how the government shutdown may impact you and your family. Please visit my website here or by clicking the images below to access our Government Shutdown Resource and FAQ Page for answers to common questions and guidance on available federal services.

As previously mentioned, my offices remain open and ready to serve constituents across Texas's 11th District. Please don't hesitate to reach out if my team or I can be of assistance.

In Remembrance of Robert Pfluger

Our entire family is mourning the passing of my grandfather, Robert Pfluger. He was an incredible man and a leader in so many ways. We will miss him dearly. His contagious laugh, his inquisitive mind, and his love of history!

Applications DUE: 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 today! 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.

Deadline Approaching: 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.