Burlison Brief

State Department issues critical guidance for Americans in the Middle East

As tensions rise across the region, the U.S. Department of State is urging Americans in the Middle East to stay connected with U.S. officials and review available safety resources. U.S. citizens should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov to receive updates from the nearest embassy and follow @TravelGov for real-time alerts. Americans attempting to depart Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, or Qatar can complete the State Department’s crisis intake form to receive information about potential U.S.-government-facilitated departure options. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you or your family members need assistance.

Oversight Hearing reveals Minnesota fraud fallout and lack of accountability

On Wednesday, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing titled “Oversight of Fraud and Misuse of Federal Funds in Minnesota: Part II,” featuring Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison. During my questioning, Governor Walz acknowledged that less than one percent of suspected fraud has been recovered. While disputing the full scale of the fraud and claiming he was not involved in the recovery process, he also confirmed that no one had been fired over these failures. Instead, individuals who failed to suspend or terminate payments to those suspected of fraud were simply “moved” to other positions. Minnesota has become an epicenter of fraud across multiple state-run programs, and it appears the state’s leadership is unwilling to hold anyone accountable. 

Helping Missouri students pursue America’s service academies

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. 

Nine hours with the Clintons: A masterclass in ‘I don’t recall’

The videos of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s depositions of Bill and Hillary Clinton related to their relationship with Jeffrey Epstein were recently released to the public. I attended both sessions, where the Clintons frequently said they did not recall details about their interactions with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

According to reports, Epstein visited the Clinton White House 17 times and even made a $20,000 contribution to Hillary’s campaign, yet she claimed to have little recollection of those interactions. Bill Clinton also attempted to distance himself from Epstein during his testimony, despite a long trail of documented contacts. As more records come out, I will continue pushing for transparency and answers for the American people. 

Oversight calls new witnesses in Epstein probe

The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is continuing its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Chairman James Comer requested transcribed interviews with several individuals connected to Epstein’s network, including Doug Band, Bill Gates, Leon Black, Lesley Groff, Sarah Kellen, Kathryn Ruemmler and Ted Waitt. In addition, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has agreed to voluntarily appear for a transcribed interview with the committee. 

DHS shutdown continues as Democrats engage in political theater

Democrats continue to block a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), leaving thousands of employees working without pay. The shutdown does not halt immigration enforcement at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection, which received a surge of funding earlier this year through the One Big Beautiful Bill. However, personnel across DHS are continuing to work without pay.

Democrats’ refusal to fund DHS is leaving the men and women responsible for keeping Americans safe without a paycheck.

The resilient show: What does Congress acutely know about UAP

I recently joined “The Resilient Show” for a wide-ranging discussion on my work defending the Second Amendment, exposing wasteful spending in Washington, and pushing for transparency on unidentified aerial phenomena. We also discussed the ongoing effort to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes and the importance of accountability for the victims.  

Need help with a federal agency?

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. To learn more and submit a request for help with a federal agency: https://burlison.house.gov/services/help-federal-agency

Tours and tickets

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. To request tours and tickets: https://burlison.house.gov/services/tours-and-tickets

Internships

Are you or someone you know interested in a career in public service? We have opportunities in my Joplin, Springfield and Washington offices. To learn more about our internship program and apply: https://burlison.house.gov/services/internships

And, that’s it for the Burlison Brief!

Best, 

Rep. Eric Burlison

Member of Congress