Burlison Brief

Great American Healthcare Plan: Taking on the medical cartel

I recently hosted a Capitol Hill press conference to make the case for including healthcare reform in a third reconciliation package. Health care is one of the biggest financial burdens facing American families, and Congress has an opportunity to finally address it. I discussed my Great American Healthcare Plan and why we need to move away from a system that rewards middlemen instead of patients. This is a chance to make a real difference for families across the country.

Burlison (FILE)

DOGE Subcommittee: Combatting waste, fraud and abuse in SNAP

The House Oversight Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency held a hearing titled “Combating Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).” This is not a paperwork problem. Testimony showed that large-scale skimming requires sophistication and organization, with Baltic transnational criminal groups involved and stolen money often moving overseas. One witness described a father of five in New York whose benefits were stolen twice, including once within seven hours of the money hitting his account. Only 29 states have provided the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with the data it requested to help identify fraud.  

The Disclosure Forum: Congress leads historic UAP disclosure push

I have joined fellow members of Congress, researchers and former national security officials at the Disclosure Forum on Capitol Hill to discuss the path forward for UAP transparency. I shared an update on our investigation into federally funded research and development centers and the government records that have remained beyond the reach of Congress and the public. MIT Lincoln Laboratory has agreed to provide a previously undisclosed recording of a 1952 Air Force briefing connected to the UAP incidents over Washington, D.C. Congress cannot allow agencies or government-funded contractors to pick and choose the information they share.  

My NDAA Amendment for UAP transparency

I recently filed an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act to establish an independent UAP Records Review Board. The proposal would create a temporary federal board charged with locating, reviewing and releasing government records related to UAP, including records concerning alleged programs involving non-human intelligence. 

The amendment includes subpoena authority and other oversight tools needed to identify and review records that have remained outside public view for decades.  

Congressional Art Challenge winner: Cassidy Magee

Congratulations to Cassidy Magee of Blue Eye High School in Stone County for winning this year’s Congressional Art Competition. Her piece, “Bitsy in Black & White,” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year alongside winning entries from congressional districts across the country. 

Service Academy nominations open

High school and college students in Missouri’s Seventh District who are interested in serving our country through one of the U.S. service academies can now apply for a congressional nomination through my office. Members of Congress may nominate candidates to the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Attending a service academy carries a minimum five-year military service commitment after graduation. Applications for this cycle are due Oct. 13, 2026.  

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