CONG. PFLUGER: Thanking TSA Agents for Their Service and Advocating for Modernization

Pushing to Protect Small Energy Producers--Tackling Fraud in Washington

By Cong. August Pfluger

Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, I participated in a full committee hearing this week to recognize and thank the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents who continued to serve unpaid during the Democrat-caused longest government shutdown in history. I encourage everyone to especially thank our TSA agents serving in San Angelo, Midland, and Killeen.

During the hearing, I also focused on strengthening TSA operations, supporting frontline personnel, and ensuring America's aviation security infrastructure remains prepared to confront evolving terrorist threats. I also extended my appreciation to DFW International Airport CEO Chris McLaughlin for his leadership in overseeing one of the most complex TSA staffing operations in the country.

Watch my full line of questioning here.

Pushing to Protect Small Energy Producers

This week, I introduced the Protect Domestic Oil and Gas Small Business Act of 2026 alongside U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) to protect small energy producers in America from burdensome, Biden-era federal air pollution rules. Small oil and gas producers play an essential role in maintaining America's energy independence and supporting local economies.

Despite operating marginal wells with comparatively low emissions and limited resources, many of these independent operators are being squeezed by costly regulations.

Without targeted regulatory relief, many of these small businesses risk shutting down wells that American energy dominance depends on. The Protect Domestic Oil and Gas Small Business Act of 2026 is a commonsense solution that ensures small producers can continue operating to help maintain a stable and secure energy supply by amending the Clean Air Act to exempt smaller producers from certain federal air pollution rules.

Read more about the legislation here.

Tackling Fraud in Washington
In the past year, several independent journalists have uncovered massive fraud schemes in federal taxpayer programs. The recent discoveries in Minnesota and Ohio helped spur President Trump to sign an Executive Order establishing the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President JD Vance, which I fully support.

Congress must do its part to match that momentum, and I'm working with my colleagues to ensure federal taxpayer programs are being used by Americans who need them the most.

Protecting taxpayers' dollars from fraud and abuse is one of my top priorities in Congress, which is why I cosponsored several pieces of legislation to hold those who exploit federal programs at the expense of hardworking Americans accountable. The Deporting Fraudsters Act closes a critical loophole in immigration law that has allowed noncitizens convicted of defrauding the federal government or unlawfully receiving taxpayer-funded benefits to remain in the United States. I also cosponsored the Stop Childcare Funding Fraud Act, which directly addresses the systemic weaknesses exposed in Minnesota.

This bill would require states to track and report improper payments, submit corrective action plans, and face funding penalties if they fail to act.

Americans across the country work hard for their paychecks, and they deserve a government that is just as serious about protecting them. Every dollar stolen from these programs is a dollar taken away from those who need it most.

I will continue pushing for accountability, transparency, and consequences for those who exploit federal taxpayer-funded programs.