WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Inauguration Day is exactly eight weeks away, and as President-Elect Donald Trump prepares to implement his agenda, one West Texas representative has been tasked with leading a group that will help do that.
U.S. Congressman August Pfluger was recently named the new chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC).
As he begins to lead the largest and oldest conservative policy organization in Congress, a key focus impacts the Permian Basin.
“When President Trump came to Midland just a few weeks ago, the very first thing he said to me when I greeted him on the tarmac was ‘drill, baby, drill,'" said Congressman Pfluger, who serves the 11th District of Texas. "We are at the epicenter – Midland-Odessa, the Permian Basin – is the epicenter of energy security."
A new administration commanded by President-Elect Trump embarks on the White House in less than two months.
“The top issues were border security, energy security, our national security – restoring the integrity and the character of our military, making sure that our enemies fear us [and] allies respect us," Congressman Pfluger said.
As chairman of the Republican Study Committee, Congressman Pfluger will be working closely with that agenda.
“It’s going to be something that we will take what the administration is trying to do, take what the cabinet is trying to do with that mandate and what President Trump is trying to do, and turn that into good legislation – making sure that we as a separate but co-equal branch of government have our voice heard, and therefore have the voices of all Americans heard," Congressman Pfluger said.
Congressman Pfluger said the RSC meets weekly as the conservative conscience in Congress, and he will be pushing for energy security to be their top priority again.
"It’s really neat for our district because one of the most important things that the Republican Study Committee has done recently has been its energy policy advocacy -- it’s really focused on what we’re doing in the Permian Basin and the things that we need to become energy dominant once again," Congressman Pfluger said.
And while a conservative committee, Congressman Pfluger hopes to use it to lead and unify a U.S. House of Representatives that is nearly 50-50.
“Every single bill that I have passed has been bipartisan," Congressman Pfluger said. "We have had support from democrats -- including energy-related bills that the Permian Basin is benefitting from right now by having multiple democrats from Texas and outside of Texas support. So, we’re going to continue to do that work and it’s important that our country come together as Americans to support the shining beacon on the hill that we know we can be.”
Congressman Pfluger added that they will take a hard look at national security with the active conflict around the world. He also mentioned for border security, efforts will be on building physical barriers and technology while also developing policy that deters illegal immigration.