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Welcome back to the Burlison Brief! Baseball is back. Go Cardinals.
In this edition, I'll cover:
1) Senate Jams the House with Weak DHS Funding Bill
2) Trump Moves to Pay TSA as DHS Shutdown Hits Breaking Point
3) House Passes My Smart Space Act to Target Waste in Federal Buildings
4) Fresh Freedom Episode 66: UAP Disclosure and the Fight for Transparency
5) ICYMI: Burli Explains How to Put Patients Back in Control
6) Helping Missouri Students Pursue America’s Service Academies
7) Showcase Your Talent: Congressional Art Competition Deadline Approaching
8) National Agriculture Day: Missouri Farmers Power America
9) Constituent and Organization Meetings
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Senate Jams the House with Weak DHS Funding Bill
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On Friday, the Senate sent over a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill that covered several operations but left out key enforcement priorities. Notably, it failed to include funding for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which plays a central role in combating child exploitation and trafficking and Border Patrol.
In response, the House passed a stopgap spending bill that would fund the entirety of DHS for eight weeks to ensure all DHS employees are paid while Congress continues to debate a final resolution to the department's funding.
Click the image below to watch Freedom Caucus members outline the path forward.
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Trump Moves to Pay TSA as DHS Shutdown Hits Breaking Point
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As the DHS shutdown drags into its sixth week, President Trump has directed officials to use existing funds tied to Transportation Security Administration operations to ensure frontline officers receive pay. More than 60,000 TSA employees are working without pay—and now airports are feeling the impact with staffing shortages and longer lines.
Democrats are tying funding to a list of restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These are excessive demands that undermine the ability to enforce the law.
The administrative directive relies on repurposing previously appropriated funds with a “reasonable and logical nexus” to TSA, placing pressure on Democrats to end the standoff and restore full funding.
Click the graphic below to read the full memorandum.
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House Passes My Smart Space Act to Target Waste in Federal Buildings
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On Tuesday, the House passed my Smart Space Act, targeting waste tied to underused federal buildings. The federal government owns and leases hundreds of millions of square feet of property, much of which is underutilized, while taxpayers continue to cover the costs. My bill requires a thorough evaluation of how that space is actually being used and brings in private-sector expertise to identify better options. It also requires a public report to Congress outlining where excess space exists and how to address it. This is about basic accountability and ensuring taxpayer dollars are not spent on space the government does not need.
Click the graphic below to watch my remarks on the House floor.
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Fresh Freedom Episode 66: UAP Disclosure and the Fight for Transparency
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On Episode 66 of Fresh Freedom, independent researcher Sam “UAP” Gerb joined me to examine the structure behind decades of secrecy surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). We discussed how these efforts are reportedly spread across the Department of War, intelligence agencies, and private contractors, raising questions about who has access to this information. As calls for disclosure grow from Congress and President Donald Trump, the focus is shifting from what these objects are to whether elected officials are fully in control of the answers. The American people fund this government, and they deserve transparency.
Click the graphic below to watch Episode 66.
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ICYMI: Burli Explains How to Put Patients Back in Control
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I recently released a Burli Explains video as I continue pushing for major health care reform for the American people. It breaks down four key pillars: expanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), requiring upfront price transparency, lowering drug costs through competition, and allowing Americans to use their health care dollars on wellness essentials like healthy food, vitamins and gym memberships.
Click the graphic below to watch the full video.
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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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Showcase Your Talent: Congressional Art Competition Deadline Approaching
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High school students in Missouri’s 7th District are invited to submit artwork for this year’s Congressional Art Competition, an opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent. The winning piece will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, seen by Members of Congress and visitors from across the country, and the student will be invited to Washington, D.C., for a special recognition ceremony.
Submissions are due by April 10.
Click the graphic below to learn more and submit your artwork.
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National Agriculture Day: Missouri Farmers Power America
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Tuesday marked National Agriculture Day, a reminder that farmers and ranchers across Missouri and our entire nation are the backbone of our economy and food supply. For generations, they have put in the work to feed families, strengthen communities, and sustain the American way of life. Their commitment to hard work and stewardship is seen in every field, every harvest, and every meal on our tables. We owe a great deal to the men and women who keep this country running. Every day is a good day to thank a farmer.
Click the graphic below to read President Trump’s National Agriculture Day proclamation.
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Constituent and Organization Meetings
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Missouri Association for Career & Technical Education (MoACTE)
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Missouri Apartment Association: Jana Millard (Center), Jeff Galen (Right), Steve Lightner (Left)
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Michael Arnold, Thermal Engineering International Inc., Joplin, MO
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Christopher Cosby, Boston University Physics Graduate and Lancaster Physics PhD student Bethany McCusker
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National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) Kimberlyn Tihen and Chris White
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G.O.A.T. Yadier Molina
Go Cardinals!
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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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