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Welcome back to the Burlison Brief!
In this edition, I'll cover:
1) Burli Explains: The Great American Health Care Act
2) Fresh Freedom Episode 65: Fixing Health Care by Putting Americans in Control
3) Fraudsters Targeted in Sweeping Oversight Reform Push
4) Cracking Down on Dangerous CDL Loopholes: Dalilah’s Law Advances
5) Oversight Briefing Derails as Democrats Stage Walkout
6) Helping Missouri Students Pursue America’s Service Academies
7) Balanced Budget Amendment Falls Short as Debt Surpasses $39 Trillion
8) House Advances Bills to Remove Criminal Non-Citizens
9) Good for America Podcast: Republicans Must Go on Offense
10) Constituent and Organization Meetings
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Burli Explains: The Great American Health Care Act
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The American healthcare system is in crisis, and nearly 80% of Americans know it. This week I released my latest Burli Explains video breaking down exactly what's wrong and what we can do about it.
The Great American Health Care Act is a bold step toward real reform built on framework legislation that Republicans can rally behind and concepts President Trump has already endorsed through executive orders. The legislation expands access to pre-tax Health Savings Accounts (HSA), mandates upfront price transparency, drives down prescription drug costs through market competition, and broadens HSA-eligible expenses to include wellness essentials like healthy food, vitamins, and gym memberships.
This is not a patch on a broken system; it is a fundamental shift in how America thinks about health care.
Click the graphic below to watch the video.
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Fresh Freedom Episode 65: Fixing Health Care by Putting Americans in Control
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On episode 65 of Fresh Freedom, I was joined by Keith Nahigian, a longtime advisor at the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services who helped lead the rollout of Medicare Part D, and Andrew Bremberg, former Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council.
We broke down why America’s healthcare system continues to fail the people it’s supposed to serve—from rising costs to a lack of transparency and patient control.
Importantly, we laid out a clear path forward that puts health care dollars directly in the hands of Americans and restores ownership, choice, and accountability.
Click the graphic below to watch Episode 65.
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Fraudsters Targeted in Sweeping Oversight Reform Push
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On Wednesday, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform marked up five fraud prevention bills following a series of hearings examining fraud in Minnesota’s social services programs. Those hearings identified significant vulnerabilities in federal funding streams and oversight failures at the state level.
Among the measures advanced was H.R. 6916, the Federal Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act. The bill would bar any individual convicted of a felony involving fraud against the federal government from receiving federal contracts, grants, or other forms of federal financial assistance.
Collectively, the bills are intended to strengthen program integrity, close enforcement gaps, and impose meaningful consequences for fraud involving federal funds.
Click the image below to read more about the fraud prevention bills.
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Cracking Down on Dangerous CDL Loopholes: Dalilah’s Law Advances
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On Wednesday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced H.R. 5688, Dalilah’s Law, a long-overdue crackdown on weak Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) enforcement that has put American families at risk. Named after Dalilah Coleman, who was severely injured by an unqualified illegal alien driving a semi-truck, the bill ensures that anyone operating an 80,000-pound vehicle is properly trained, vetted, and able to read and understand English. It closes dangerous loopholes that have allowed states to issue CDLs without enforcing basic safety standards, while increasing penalties, targeting fraudulent “CDL mills,” and banning foreign dispatch schemes fueling abuse in the industry. The legislation now heads to the House floor for consideration.
Click the graphic below to read more about Dalilah’s Law.
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Oversight Briefing Derails as Democrats Stage Walkout
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On Wednesday, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a closed-door briefing with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as part of our ongoing investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein network. Thirty minutes into the briefing, Democrats chose to grandstand and walk out, turning what should have been a substantive discussion into political theater.
This was not a formal deposition, and no testimony was taken under oath. The real accountability moment is still ahead, with a subpoenaed deposition scheduled in the coming weeks. If Democrats are serious about uncovering the truth, they should show up ready to ask questions, not stage a spectacle for headlines.
Click the X post below to hear Chairman James Comer recap the briefing.
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Helping Missouri Students Pursue America’s Service Academies
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My office will host a Service Academy Day in Joplin on Saturday, March 28, to help students and their families learn more about attending one of our nation’s military academies. Representatives from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Military Academy at West Point, and Merchant Marine Academy will be there to answer questions and explain the congressional nomination process.
Attending a service academy is one of the most prestigious paths to serving our country, and I encourage any interested students from Missouri’s 7th District to attend. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at Kraft Insurance in Joplin.
Click the graphic below to learn more.
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Balanced Budget Amendment Falls Short as Debt Surpasses $39 Trillion
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On Wednesday, the House considered H.J. Res. 139, a constitutional amendment introduced by Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz) that would require the federal government to balance the budget. I voted yes, but the measure failed to reach the two- thirds threshold required for passage under suspension of the rules, with 207 Democrats voting no.
The proposal would have imposed real fiscal guardrails, limiting spending to incoming revenue and requiring a supermajority to raise taxes or run deficits. Instead, Democrats chose to maintain the status quo, allowing unchecked spending to continue.
The vote comes as the national debt has now surpassed $39 trillion, underscoring the urgency of restoring fiscal discipline. Washington cannot continue down this path. Without structural reform, the cycle of overspending will only accelerate, leaving future generations to pay the price.
Click the graphic below to hear why the states may be the only path to passing a Balanced Budget Amendment.
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House Advances Bills to Remove Criminal Non-Citizens
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The House advanced two common-sense bills this week focused on accountability for noncitizens who break U.S. law.
H.R. 4638, the Federal Working Animal Protection Act, follows the brutal assault of Freddy, a Customs and Border Protection detector dog. The bill would ensure that any non-citizen who attacks a federal law enforcement animal is deported and barred from reentry.
H.R. 1958, the Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2026, would make defrauding the federal government or stealing taxpayer-funded benefits a deportable offense, with offenders also barred from returning to the United States.
Both bills now move to the Senate.
Click the X post below to read more about Freddy.
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Good for America Podcast: Republicans Must Go on Offense
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I recently joined former Representative Bob Good, who chaired the House Freedom Caucus, on the Good for America podcast to discuss what Republicans must do heading into the midterms. We cannot coast and expect voters to reward us. Congress needs to deliver real results, including advancing a second reconciliation package, restoring fiscal accountability, and giving Americans more control over their health care.
Click the graphic below to watch the podcast.
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Constituent and Organization Meetings
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Springfield-Branson National Airport Deputy Airport Director Dave Schaumburg, left, and Melissa Cooper, director of aviation for the City of Kansas City
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Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance
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United Postmasters and Managers of America
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Need Help with a Federal Agency?
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If you are having a problem getting a timely answer from a federal agency or feel like you've been treated unfairly, my office may be able to help.
My office helps constituents with issues involving the VA, the IRS, Social Security, the State Department, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and other federal agencies.
Click the button below to learn more and submit a request for help with a federal agency.
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As constituents of Missouri's 7th Congressional District, you may request tickets and tours for the White House and U.S. Capitol. Tickets are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis so get your tickets in early!
Use the button below to request tours and tickets!
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Are you or someone you know interested in a career in public service? We have opportunities in my Joplin, Springfield, and Washington offices. Click the button below to learn more about our internship program and apply today!
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And that's it for the Burlison Brief!
Thank you again for subscribing. If you know someone that isn't subscribed, send them over to burlison.house.gov!
Best,
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Rep. Eric Burlison
Member of Congress
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Sign up for my newsletter!
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Joplin District Office
2727 E. 32nd Street Suite 2
Joplin, MO 64804
Phone: (417) 781-1041
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Springfield District Office
3232 E. Ridgeview St.
Springfield, MO 65804
Phone: (417) 889-1800
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Washington DC Office
1108 LHOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6536
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