Burlison Brief

Why I voted no on the NDAA Rule

On Tuesday, the House voted on the rule governing consideration of this year's National Defense Authorization Act, legislation that would authorize nearly $1.15 trillion in national defense spending. Unfortunately, that rule was structured by leadership in a way that greatly restricted the ability to amend such a sweeping piece of legislation, blocking the ability of members to influence it. 

When Congress considers legislation of this magnitude, every representative should have the opportunity to fight for the priorities of the people they represent. Instead, the process has become increasingly centralized, leaving too many decisions in the hands of a few. 

Task Force Hearing: The CIA’s MKULTRA Program

the Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets recently held a hearing on the Central Intelligence Agency's MKULTRA program, examining decades of covert human experimentation conducted during the Cold War. Witnesses discussed Operation Midnight Climax, in which unsuspecting Americans were secretly dosed with hallucinogens in CIA safe houses, and testified that, to their knowledge, no one has ever been prosecuted for crimes related to MKULTRA. The hearing also explored unanswered questions about the program's origins, including possible links to the 1951 Pont-Saint-Esprit incident in France, and whether any aspects of the program continued after its reported termination in 1973. 

Advocating for UAP transparency

I recently testified before the House Rules Committee in support of my UAP Disclosure Act amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. The amendment would establish an independent UAP Records Review Board with subpoena authority, require federal agencies to preserve and transfer UAP records to the National Archives, and ensure contractor-held records are subject to review. It would also prohibit the destruction or reclassification of previously disclosed UAP records.  

Supreme Court redefines election day

The Supreme Court has ruled in Watson v. Republican National Committee, holding that federal law does not prohibit states from counting absentee ballots received after Election Day if they were mailed on time. Earlier this year, I led a congressional amicus brief arguing that Congress established a single, uniform Election Day for federal elections. Justice Samuel Alito's dissent warns that the decision leaves fundamental questions unanswered about when a federal election actually ends. Election Day should mean Election Day, and I'll continue working to make that clear in federal law. 

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

Member of Congress