Legislative Updates

Congressman Burlison reintroduces bill to cut burdensome propane regulations 

Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) reintroduced the Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act to exempt propane tanks with a capacity of up to 126,000 pounds from burdensome federal regulations. 

In 2006, Congress authorized the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) to identify and regulate high-risk chemical facilities. However, when setting the threshold for regulation, DHS arbitrarily chose a limit of 60,000 pounds for propane—creating an unnecessary and costly burden for propane retailers and users across the country. 

Congressman Burlison stated: "This is a classic case of Washington overreach. Small propane businesses in Southwest Missouri and across the country are forced to pass those costs on to American families. These regulations are wasteful, time consuming and costly. My bill puts policy back in line with reality." 

Industry support for the legislation:

National Propane Gas Association: “The National Propane Gas Association commends Congressman Eric Burlison for introducing The Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act. A GAO study conducted in 2021 has highlighted the duplicative nature of the Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program. Compliance with these regulations escalates operational expenses for the propane industry, thereby leading to higher costs for end users, particularly those residing in rural communities. Moreover, this program discourages the expansion of on-site propane storage, which could mitigate the risk of potential supply disruptions during peak demand months. The Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act offers a pathway to alleviate CFATS compliance obligations, ease supply chain limitations, and bolster energy security in rural America.” 

Missouri Propane Gas Association: “The Missouri Propane Gas Association is grateful for Congressman Eric Burlison’s Propane Accessibility and Regulatory Relief Act. Our industry’s safety record for more than a century underscores a commitment to ensuring product security and compliance with national standards. However, the former CFATS guidelines have arbitrarily designated threshold amounts of reportable propane that do not reflect an accurate risk environment yet require onerous and expensive investments to comply. H.R. 6022 adjusts that threshold to maintain an appropriate level of oversight without adding unnecessary compliance costs that are ultimately passed on the customers.”

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Sen. Hudson, Rep. Seitz celebrate signing of SB 81, Trey’s Law

Sen. Brad Hudson, R-Cape Fair, and Rep. Brian Seitz, R-Branson, recently celebrated the signing of Senate Bill 81. SB 81, sponsored by Sen. Kurtis Gregory, R-Marshall, is a public safety bill that included a piece of legislation sponsored by Hudson and Seitz, known as Trey’s Law, as an amendment. Trey’s Law prohibits the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in childhood sexual abuse cases. The legislation was named for Trey Carlock, a victim of childhood sexual abuse, who was convinced to sign an NDA, silencing his ability to discuss his abuse and ultimately leading to him taking his own life.

“The signing of SB 81, including Trey’s Law, is a step in the right direction towards making sure Missouri is no longer a sanctuary state for pedophiles,” Hudson said. “I was proud to champion this legislation in the Senate, attaching it as an amendment to multiple bills, and I am thankful to now see it signed into law by Gov. Kehoe. Trey Carlock’s story is tragic, but now, thanks to the legislation bearing his name, NDAs will no longer be allowed to be used in childhood sexual abuse cases. His life mattered, and his story will save the lives of children both now, and in the future.”

“Four years ago I became a voice for the thousands of victims of childhood sexual abuse in Missouri,” Seitz said. “These individuals, too often ignored and silenced by a system stacked against them, needed an advocate in the Capitol and I was proud to become their champion. This year, finally with a counterpart in Sen. Brad Hudson willing to work just as hard in the Senate, we took a huge step in the fight by passing Trey’s Law. I want to thank Trey’s sister, Elizabeth Carlock Phillips, for her unyielding advocacy, as well as the dozens of victims who shared their stories and made this possible. This is only the beginning as we continue the fight to let victims of childhood sexual abuse seek the justice they deserve.”

SB 81, now signed by Gov. Kehoe, will go into effect on Aug. 28, 2025.

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Burlison Brief: House slashes $9.4 billion in waste—Rescissions Package passes

The House recently delivered a major conservative victory by passing President Trump’s first rescissions package, which proposes cutting $9.4 BILLION in bloated, wasteful spending. 

The White House-initiated measure cuts $8.3 billion from various foreign aid accounts and $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds public media such as NPR and PBS and their local affiliates. 

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.  

Put up or shut up: Why Congress must pass President Trump’s rescissions package

In anticipation of the House’s approval of the $9.4 billion rescissions package, I authored an op-ed urging my colleagues to vote in favor of this critical measure.  

While this is a significant achievement, it is only the beginning. Washington’s spending habits remain unsustainable, and $9.4 billion in cuts, though substantial, barely scratches the surface. 

I’m encouraged by this start and hopeful the Trump administration will follow through with more rescissions packages to keep the momentum going. 

Exposing the chaos: Sanctuary State Governors grilled

The House Oversight Committee held a hearing titled “A Hearing with Sanctuary State Governors,” where the governors of Illinois, Minnesota and New York were called to answer for their states’ dangerous sanctuary policies. These policies shield criminal illegal aliens from federal immigration enforcement—placing politics above public safety. 

The Biden-Harris-Mayorkas administration flooded our country with millions of illegal aliens. Democrat-led sanctuary states have welcomed them with open arms—even those with violent criminal records. The consequences have been devastating: Americans have died; crime has surged; and communities across the country have been torn apart. 

When state leaders undermine federal law and defy the Constitution, they disgrace their office and betray the American people. 

Oversight hearing: Securing Americans’ DNA data

The House Oversight Committee held a hearing titled “Securing Americans’ Genetic Information: Privacy and National Security Concerns Surrounding 23andMe’s Bankruptcy Sale.” The company holds the DNA of more than 15 million Americans—and now that it's up for sale, serious questions are being raised about who might gain access to that data. 

I pressed 23andMe’s leadership on whether individuals must give consent before their DNA is transferred in a sale, how hostile foreign adversaries could exploit this data, and what safeguards are in place to prevent another breach like the one in 2023. That cybersecurity incident exposed millions of genetic profiles and led to a $30 million settlement with the FTC. 

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 today: https://burlison.house.gov/services/internships

And that’s it for the Burlison Brief!