Subject:

Burlison Brief - May 3, 2026

From:

"Office of Rep. Burlison" <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.;;

Date:

5/3/26, 09:44
Rep. Eric Burlison newsletter banner image
 

Welcome back to the Burlison Brief!

In this edition, I'll cover:

1) Get Your Kicks on Route 66! America’s Highway Turns 100

2) I Introduced the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act to Lower Infrastructure Costs

3) Washington Reporter Highlights My Healthcare Reform Bill 

4) Oversight Committee Advances Legislation to Stop Fraud in Federal Programs

5) Separating Facts From Hype: Focusing on the McCasland-Related Cases

6) Service Academy Nominations Open

7) Missouri Student Wins Congressional Art Competition

8) Constituent and Organization Meetings 

 

Get Your Kicks on Route 66! America’s Highway Turns 100

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66, one of the most iconic highways in American history, and there is no better place to celebrate than Springfield, the Birthplace of Route 66. This week, Springfield officially kicked off the national centennial celebration, highlighting the tourism, jobs, and economic impact Route 66 continues to bring to Southwest Missouri.

Click the graphic below to view photos from the Route 66 National Kick-Off in Springfield. 

Route 66

I Introduced the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act to Lower Infrastructure Costs

On Thursday, I introduced the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act with Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT), who is leading the companion bill in the Senate. The Davis-Bacon Act is a nearly century-old federal mandate that drives up the cost of taxpayer-funded construction projects through government-set wage requirements that add red tape and limit competition. The Congressional Budget Office estimates repealing these requirements would save $17.8 billion between 2025 and 2034. Repealing this outdated law would help stretch taxpayer dollars further so that more roads, bridges, and public facilities can be built with the same level of funding.

Click the graphic below to watch a recent clip from Fresh Freedom discussing the Davis-Bacon Act and why I introduced legislation to repeal it.

Davis-Bacon

Washington Reporter Highlights My Healthcare Reform Bill

The Washington Reporter recently highlighted my Great American Healthcare Plan, a patient-first reform package that would lower costs and put Americans back in control of their healthcare dollars. The bill would expand Health Savings Accounts, increase price transparency, and promote more competition across the healthcare system. Republicans should lead with real solutions, and my comprehensive bill offers a strong path forward. 

Click the graphic below to read about my bill in the Washington Reporter.

Washington Reporter

Oversight Committee Advances Legislation to Stop Fraud in Federal Programs

On Wednesday, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a markup and advanced nine bills aimed at protecting taxpayer funds and combating rampant fraud and improper payments in federal programs. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) estimates that between $233 billion and $521 billion is lost annually due to fraud. The legislation follows the committee’s ongoing investigation exposing widespread fraud in federally funded, state-administered programs in Minnesota and California.

Click the image below to hear me discuss the ongoing effort to root out fraud in government programs on KZRG.

EB Oversight

Separating Facts From Hype: Focusing on the McCasland-Related Cases

Over the past few weeks, I have joined several national outlets to discuss reports involving missing scientists and officials tied to sensitive programs. I have been clear that I do not believe every name being grouped together is part of one common story, and I cautioned people not to get caught up in all the names. My focus is retired Air Force Gen. William Neil McCasland and the individuals connected to him who reportedly walked out of their homes, left behind phones, wallets, and belongings, and were never seen again. Given Gen. McCasland’s role overseeing advanced defense research, those specific cases deserve serious investigation and real answers. 

Click the image below to watch my interview with Will Cain.

Will Cain Show

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. 

Click the graphic below to learn more and apply.

Service Academy

Missouri Student Wins Congressional Art Competition

Congratulations to Cassidy Magee of Blue Eye High School in Blue Eye for winning this year’s Congressional Art Competition for Missouri’s 7th District. Her artwork, Bitsy in Black and White, will hang in the U.S. Capitol for the next year alongside winning entries from across the nation. Cassidy will also travel to Washington this summer to see her piece in person and visit my office.

Thank you to all the talented students who participated in this year’s competition.

Art 2026

Constituent and Organization Meetings

Photos with Rep. Burlison

Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Reception

Photos with Rep. Burlison

Melissa Adler, Executive Director of Wilson's Creek National Battlefield Foundation

Photos with Rep. Burlison

Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)

Photos with Rep. Burlison

American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology

 

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. 

Click the button below to learn more and submit a request for help with a federal agency.

Get Help with a 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!

Use the button below to request tours and tickets!

Request Tours and Tickets Here

 

Internships

Are you or someone you know interested in a career in public service? We have opportunities in my Joplin, Springfield, and Washington offices. Click the button below to learn more about our internship program and apply today!

Apply for an Internship

 

And that's it for the Burlison Brief!

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Best,

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Rep. Eric Burlison

Member of Congress

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Joplin District Office
2727 E. 32nd Street Suite 2
Joplin, MO 64804

Phone: (417) 781-1041

Springfield District Office
3232 E. Ridgeview St.
Springfield, MO 65804
Phone: (417) 889-1800

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1108 LHOB
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Phone: (202) 225-6536