August Pfluger
August Lee Pfluger is an American politician and Air Force officer serving as the U.S. representative for since 2021. A member of the Republican Party, his district includes much of West Texas.
Early life and education
Pfluger's four-times-great-grandfather, German immigrant Henry Pfluger Sr., founded Pflugerville, Texas. His maternal grandfather, a member of the United States Army Air Corps in World War II, inspired Pfluger to become a pilot.Born in Harris County in 1977, Pfluger attended Central High School in San Angelo, Texas, where he played quarterback for the school's football team. He is an Eagle Scout. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from the United States Air Force Academy. Pfluger then earned a Master of Science degree in aeronautical science from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University, a Master of Science in military and operations science from Air University, and a Master of Science in international business and policy from Georgetown University.
Military service
Pfluger earned his commission to the United States Air Force in 2000. He served in active duty for 20 years, flying the Northrop T-38 Talon, F-15C Eagle and F-22A Raptor aircraft, He commanded 380th Expeditionary Operations Group in Al Dhafra Air Base He then deployed in Syria and Northern Iraq. During his service Pfluger earned several medal and awards including Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster and Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. He completed 2,000 hours including the over 300 combat hours and was progressively promoted to the rank of colonel.Pfluger later served on the United States National Security Council during Donald Trump's first presidency. He remained in the Air Force Reserve after leaving active duty. He also appeared briefly in the Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag IMAX film in 2004.
U.S. House of Representatives
Elections
2020
Pfluger resigned from the NSC to run for the United States House of Representatives for. Representative Mike Conaway, who had represented the district since its creation in 2005, was retiring after eight terms. Pfluger cleared 50% of the vote in a crowded 10-way Republican Party primary, enough to win the nomination in a single round. He faced Democratic nominee Jon Mark Hogg and Libertarian Wacey Alpha Cody in the November general election. However, with Republicans having a nearly 10-to-1 registration advantage in the district, Pfluger was heavily favored to win in November. Indeed, Hogg was only the fifth Democrat to run in the district since its creation in 2005.As expected, Pfluger easily defeated Hogg in the general election.
2022
Pfluger ran unopposed, winning a second term.2024
Pfluger ran unopposed again, winning a third term.2026
Tenure
Pfluger took office on January 3, 2021. On January 6, the day of the storming of the United States Capitol, he and 146 of his fellow congressional Republicans voted to block certification of President-elect Joe Biden's 2020 victory, as part of the Trump-led effort to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election. Specifically, he voted against certifying Arizona's and Pennsylvania's electoral votes.In August 2021, Business Insider reported that Pfluger had violated the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act of 2012, a federal transparency and conflict-of-interest law, by failing to properly disclose stock trades made by him or his wife worth between $10,007 and $150,000.
On July 18, 2023, he proposed a congressional non-binding resolution which stated that “the State of Israel is not a racist or apartheid state", that Congress rejects "all forms of antisemitism and xenophobia" and that “the United States will always be a staunch partner and supporter of Israel." It passed with support from 217 Republicans and 195 Democrats.
In March 2024, Pfluger, Representative Don Davis, and a news reporter wrote an opinion piece in the Washington Examiner. The piece criticized the push by many members of Congress to condition U.S. aid to Israel.
Committee assignments
- Committee on Homeland Security
- Committee on Foreign Affairs
- Committee on Energy and Commerce
Caucus membership
- Congressional Ukraine Caucus
- Republican Study Committee
- Congressional Western Caucus
Political positions
Energy
Pfluger opposes a moratorium on fracking or on issuing new oil and gas permits for drilling on federal lands. According to OpenSecrets, Pfluger has received over $1.9 million from the oil & gas industry.Immigration
Pfluger supported the Impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas.Internet
Pfluger voted for the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act.Israel
Pfluger sponsored H.Con.Res. 57 "Expressing the sense of Congress supporting the State of Israel" which statesPfluger voted for the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023.
Pfluger voted to censor Rashida Tlaib.
Pfluger voted for the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act.
Pfluger voted for the "Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024" which was incorporated into Public Law 118-50.
Pfluger voted to sanction the International Criminal Court after it issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders.
Labor
Pfluger voted against the PRO Act.One Big Beautiful Bill
Pfluger voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.Reproductive health
Pfluger opposes efforts to repeal the Hyde Amendment and opposed the Biden administration rescinding the Mexico City policy.Pfluger voted against the Women's Health Protection Act of 2022.
Science
Pfluger voted against funding the National Science Foundation.Sex and gender
Pfluger voted against the Equality Act of 2021.Pfluger voted against the Equal Pay for Team USA Act of 2022 which "guarantees equal pay and benefits for all athletes who represent the United States in global athletic competitions regardless of gender".
Pfluger voted against the Respect for Marriage Act.
Pfluger voted against the Speak Out Act.