After Judge Byron Theodosis welcomed all in attendance and Pastor Sam Crosby of San Saba’s First Baptist Church opened in prayer, Mayor Ken Jordan introduced Congressman August Pfluger to the approximately 30 people who took advantage of this opportunity to hear from their congressman and ask him questions.
Mayor Jordan described Congressman Pfluger as a leader and a spokesman for conservative issues, and as one who has done a very, very good job. Congressman Pfluger graduated from the U. S. Air Force Academy and defended the country in uniform for nearly two decades as a decorated fighter pilot commanding hundreds of airmen as well as serving in the Pentagon and NATO. Mayor Jordan also told of his many accomplishments as a freshman congressman.
Congressman Pfluger started out by introducing his staff members who came with him and thanking everyone for their prayers as he works for us in Congress. He also encouraged those there to subscribe to his weekly email newsletter called Pfluger Fly-By for updates on how he is working for them in Washington D.C.
Congressman Pfluger stated he wanted to address two topics before taking questions: Border Security and the situation in Ukraine.
Border Security
Congressman Pfluger described what is happening at the border as beyond a tragedy, and he gave several heartbreaking statistics of what is going on there. He then said, “We don’t need more laws, we need more enforcement. We need federal funded agents to be allowed to do their jobs. Tell them THANK YOU for what they do.”
Congressman Pfluger also described the difference between what the White House and Secretary Mayorkas are saying about the border and what is actually happening at the border. He stated no hearings have been held on the border situation, and he is going to continue to do all he can to get the truth, the facts, out there on what is actually taking place at the border.
He did relate to us about a small victory last week: The decision was made to allow Texas to use the materials that were federally procured, appropriated from congress, that are sitting out in lots rotting; Texas can use them to finish the wall. He noted Governor Abbott has challenges on building the entire wall, but the Governor is making an effort to do what the President should have done.
Congressman Pfluger wants many to come before Congress and answer for what is going on at the border. He noted that even states that don’t typically have to deal with border issues are feeling the problems.
Ukraine
Congressman Pfluger went to Ukraine a little over three weeks ago, sat on the Foreign Affairs Committee, and had this discussion with the Mayor and others on things such as the Nord Stream Pipeline. He said, “you may ask - what does foreign affairs have to do with us, District 11? Everything. Exports with agriculture, oil and gas, and now a military base in our district - we have a lot to do with foreign affairs here. When you look at the economic impact of those industries and look at what is going on overseas - We are in a severe environment of weakness.” He then mentioned the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan and said the world sees that - our allies and our enemies.
He recounted things the current administration has done in our country (and in Russia) in regards to energy; he also noted that Germany has withdrawn their support for the Nord Stream Project.
Congressman Pfluger concluded his remarks by saying: “If we are not willing to protect our own borders, why on earth would any other person take us seriously on any other aspect of the world? Leadership is required. How do we bring back the country together to be united?” He reminded us how Biden mentioned in his inauguration speech that we needed to UNIFY. Congressman Pfluger stated we must bring others from the other side of the isle to educate them on why the policies he and his fellow congressmen are promoting are good for all. He stated, “You sent me up there to heal and bring us back together, talk through issues - together.”
Congressman Pfluger then opened the floor for questions.
Following are some of the questions that were presented to Congressman Pfluger: Explain the difference between not being able to build the wall - but Pelosi puts a fence around the Capitol because of the trucker convoy.
Our right to peacefully protest is protected by the First Amendment. Canada has marched toward socialism for years, and this latest on their trucker convoy should be a wake up call for us. A false narrative is being pushed. On the Committee for Homeland Security, domestic terrorism has been the number one topic. Their reason for the fence - to continue the narrative that disagreeing is not peaceable.
So do you think you can negotiate with these people?
There is no negotiating on that. No. I think there is a group of people on the democrat side that have hijacked the party, and there is no negotiating with those people. We are fighting. The radical side of their party needs to be exposed, the corruption. There needs to be accountability. However, there are those on the other side who do listen to reason and do want what is best for our county. Seems like we are appeasing
Russia. We are not reacting. We draw the line, they cross it, we move the line. What can be done?
Because we are not official allies of Ukraine, I don’t think our troops should be sent there. Our agreement that we have is that we would back them up on their security needs. That is nebulous, but we have not done that. Nord Stream should have been front and center. On the appeasement side of it - yes, President Biden has done exactly that.
How to stop some of the bleeding - November is a long way away. Prices are going up; gas prices are ridiculous. There is always an excuse. What can you do?
First and foremost - the most important thing that has happened in my freshman term is defeating “Build Back Better.” They are going to try to insert this ideology anywhere they can. This hurts the people they claim to be helping.
The things that are inflation causing, supply-chain slowing have to do with paying people to stay at home. Checks from the administration to people to stay home is going to affect us for a long time because some of these programs extend out. That is why defending Build Back Better was so important. We have to be vigilant.
We've seen increases for inflation - but it adds up to more than the 7% inflation they say we are experiencing. Yes, that is not 7%. The number one most important instrument of power is not our military; it is our economy. Our economy funds our military. Without that economy being strong and without unleashing private individuals, innovation, the creativity that we have, then you stifle progress. That is exactly what has happened. That is a direct result of overregulating everything. Concluding remarks from the
Congressman:
I have been and am willing to put my life on the line for our country - it is worth fighting for. The trust you put in me to do that is very important to me. I ask for prayers for discernment as I do that for you.
In San Saba, you had a grocery store that was rebuilt in a time of need - in seven days, the very hard weather you went through. Seeing the community come together, I draw strength from that, and that encourages me as I go to Washington D.C. on your behalf. God bless.