Legislative Reports

Burlison Brief

President Trump’s first 100 days

In the 100 days since President Trump’s historic return to the White House, his administration is moving at an unprecedented pace. He’s signed more executive orders in his first 100 days than any president in U.S. history—delivering on promises to secure the border, rein in the federal bureaucracy, and put everyday Americans first. 

Already, illegal crossings at the border have dropped by 94%, the Department of Government Efficiency has identified billions of dollars in government waste, and Trump is unleashing American energy by dismantling Joe Biden’s "Green New Scam."  

            Looking ahead, Congress must match the President’s boldness and codify these executive actions into lasting law. 

Made in America: Igniting the Industrial Renaissance of the United States

As Chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs, I led a hearing on how to revive American manufacturing and restore our industrial strength. Decades of failed policies—overregulation and a broken permitting system—have hollowed out U.S. industry and surrendered critical supply chains to China. Congress must advance common-sense reforms that bring jobs, innovation, and production back to American soil—boosting both economic security and national economic strength.

Unlocking government efficiency through IT modernization

Recently, the House Oversight Committee held a hearing on the administration’s efforts to modernize outdated IT systems and streamline government operations. The federal government spends more than $100 billion annually on IT systems, with almost 80 percent of the spending going toward operating and maintaining them, including legacy systems.   

We heard insightful testimony from senior tech leaders who served during President Trump’s first term. To sustain momentum, Congress must pass legislation that supports and codifies President Trump’s modernization efforts. 

Update on reconciliation: An absurd fee gets tossed from T&I markup

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved a budget reconciliation proposal to reduce the federal deficit by more than $10 billion. The proposal includes $21 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard to bolster border security and $12 billion to modernize the FAA's air traffic control systems. To find the necessary savings, it includes a registration fee for electric vehicles (EVs) since drivers of EVs currently do not pay in to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) and rescinds green-energy programs established by the Democrats’ Inflation Reduction Act.  

Originally, the proposal contained a $20 registration fee for all passenger vehicles. However, after I, along with other conservatives on the committee took issue, this fee was removed from the proposal. We should not be adding a fee on drivers who are already paying in to the HTF. 

The House Oversight Committee also advanced budget legislation supporting President Trump’s fiscal agenda that achieves more than $50 billion in deficit reduction. The plan reforms federal-employee retirement contributions to better reflect private-sector standards. It’s backed by leading taxpayer advocacy groups and now heads to the House Budget Committee for incorporation in the comprehensive reconciliation package. 

Bringing transparency to UAPs: A national security and innovation priority

I recently joined several of my colleagues in a briefing titled “Understanding UAP: Science, National Security & Innovation,” hosted by the UAP Disclosure Fund. We heard from top experts, including Harvard Professor Dr. Avi Loeb, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence Christopher Mellon, and retired Rear Adm. Tim Gallaudet. 

It’s clear this is not a one-time data dump. This is a systemic change to the process in the way that we are transparent with the American people, and Congress must reinforce that the public has the right to know. UAP disclosure will build public trust, reduce speculation, and allow our brightest minds to study these phenomena openly. 

Congressional Art Challenge winner

Congratulations to Jasmyn Piwko of Nixa High School for winning this year’s Congressional Art Competition! Her piece, “The Vintage Visit,” will hang in the U.S. Capitol alongside student artwork from across the nation. A special thank you to her teacher, Megan Barnes, for supporting and inspiring young artists in our district. 

Constituent and organization meetings

Recently, I met with the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives to request urgent assistance with the widespread power outages following the recent storms in southwest Missouri. I’m grateful for their swift response and dedication to restoring power and serving our communities. 

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

Senator Brad Hudson Capitol Report

The legislative session is drawing to a close in the coming weeks and many bills are taking their final steps. This week, I would like to talk to you about my Senate Bill 160, which has been working its way through the Missouri House of Representatives and is nearing the finish line.

Originally, this bill prevented any colleges or university from giving preference to one student group over another based on beliefs or ideologies. While that portion of the bill is still alive and well, it has received several amendments which add many additional provisions to the bill. 

The amending of bills throughout the legislative process is common, but can sometimes cause some unintended issues for the original legislation if there is not consensus on the offered amendments. When the Senate and House cannot agree on changes that should be made on a bill, many times the bill will go to ‘conference,’ a process that brings together a small amount of senators and representatives to decide what the final version of the bill will be. That version is then presented to the Senate and House again for final consideration and passage.

Senate Bill 160 received a number of amendments that, while on their own might be worthwhile pieces of legislation, could potentially keep the underlying bill from passing both the Senate and House and making its way to the governor. 

One possible avenue for Senate Bill 160 to receive passage before the end of session is the conference process, which will be determined after the House passes the bill and we see what version makes its way back to the Senate for consideration. 

The conference process is often used, but not often explained publicly, so I wanted to use this opportunity to discuss this important legislative process and give you an example of one tool your elected officials use to pass legislation to the benefit of our state and citizens. 

As always, it’s a pleasure to serve you. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office: Capitol Building, Room 426, Jefferson City, MO 65101; contact Daniel Seitz: 573-751-1882

Senator Brad Hudson

Serving the 33rd Senatorial District