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Welcome back to the Burlison Brief!
In this edition, I'll cover:
1) Great American Healthcare Plan: My Legislation to Lower Costs and Put You in Control
2) Fresh Freedom Episode 67: Tax Cuts, Spending, and the Direction of the GOP
3) FISA Fight Forces Short-Term Patch
4) My Op-Ed in The Blaze: Medicaid Fraud Isn’t Going Away
5) Artificial Intelligence and American Power: Winning the AI Race
6) DOGE Roundtable: The Burden of the Tax Code
7) Unanswered Questions Surround Missing Scientists
8) Addressing Public Safety Following the Death of Miles Young
9) Vote Now! Congressional Art Competition Deadline Approaching
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Great American Healthcare Plan: My Legislation to Lower Costs and Put You in Control
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On Thursday, I introduced the Great American Healthcare Plan, a comprehensive reform to lower costs and put Americans back in control of their health care.
My legislation would expand access to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), allowing more Americans to save and spend their healthcare dollars tax-free—while also increasing contribution limits and giving families more flexibility in how those funds are used. It also requires hospitals and insurers to provide real, upfront pricing in dollars and cents, ensuring patients can see the cost of care before they receive it.
The plan goes further by allowing HSA funds to be used for preventative and wellness expenses, like healthy food and fitness, while promoting competition across the healthcare marketplace to help drive down costs. It also strengthens billing transparency, requiring clear, itemized bills so that patients know exactly what they are paying for.
Health care should work like every other part of the economy—transparent, competitive, and driven by the individual. This plan is about restoring that principle and putting patients back in charge.
Click here to read the press release or the graphic below to hear me discuss my plan on Fox News Radio in St. Louis.
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Fresh Freedom Episode 67: Tax Cuts, Spending, and the Direction of the GOP
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On Episode 67 of Fresh Freedom, we sit down with David McIntosh, President of the Club for Growth, to break down the reality behind tax day and where your money is actually going. While Republicans delivered historic tax cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill, government spending continues to grow, driven by waste, fraud, and abuse.
We examine the gap between stated priorities and actual voting records in Washington, and what that means for the future direction of the Republican Party. With another round of reconciliation on the horizon, the focus turns to whether Congress will take meaningful steps to rein in spending or continue current trends.
Click the graphic below to watch Episode 67.
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FISA Fight Forces Short-Term Patch
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Early Friday morning, House conservatives successfully blocked efforts to advance a long-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) due to the warrantless surveillance of Americans. Members of the Freedom Caucus helped defeat the effort to advance the bill and forced a reset in negotiations. With leadership unable to secure the votes needed, the House instead passed a short-term extension through April 30. This outcome preserves leverage for conservatives to push for the inclusion of a requirement for the government to get a warrant before searching Americans’ communications—in line with the Fourth Amendment.
Click the image below to hear me discuss FISA on the Marc Cox Show.
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My Op-Ed in The Blaze: Medicaid Fraud Isn’t Going Away
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In my latest op-ed, I highlight the scale and persistence of Medicaid fraud and the lack of accountability that allows it to continue. I point to recent findings in states like Minnesota, where federal prosecutors estimate more than $9 billion in fraudulent activity across Medicaid programs—yet only a fraction has been recovered.
I explain how the current funding structure creates perverse incentives where states can increase spending without adequately policing fraud because federal dollars continue to flow regardless. I also underscore the importance of renewed federal oversight efforts to ensure taxpayer dollars are protected and directed toward those truly in need. Without structural reform and real enforcement, this problem will not go away.
Click the graphic below to read my op-ed.
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Artificial Intelligence and American Power: Winning the AI Race
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On Thursday, as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs, I chaired a joint subcommittee roundtable titled “Artificial Intelligence and American Power: Leadership, Security, and Prosperity.”
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming key sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, health care, and defense. Throughout the roundtable, I pressed witnesses on how to accelerate domestic innovation, reduce barriers to building data centers and advanced manufacturing facilities, and ensure regions like Southwest Missouri can compete for investment and jobs. We also examined how open-source AI can strengthen workforce development and why the United States must move faster to keep pace with global competitors, like China.
Click here to watch my opening remarks and the image below to watch my line of questioning.
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DOGE Roundtable: The Burden of the Tax Code
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On Wednesday, at a House Oversight Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) roundtable, I raised concerns about the true burden of America’s tax system—both in cost and complexity. The average family spends roughly 12 hours and $300 each year to file taxes, contributing to nearly half a trillion dollars in total compliance costs.
I pressed witnesses on why that burden falls so heavily on individuals and small businesses, rather than the federal government, and whether meaningful reforms could simplify the process. We also discussed broader structural issues, including the economic impact of taxing income and the potential for shifting toward a more consumption-based system.
Click the image below to watch my line of questioning.
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Unanswered Questions on Missing Scientists
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On Friday, I joined Fox News’ Fox and Friends to discuss recent reports involving scientists and officials tied to America’s nuclear and space programs who have gone missing or died in recent years.
While no connection has been confirmed, the lack of clear public information in several cases raises serious questions. Given the national security sensitivities involved, we need answers and greater transparency.
Click the image below to watch the full interview.
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Addressing Public Safety Following the Death of Miles Young
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Last week, in Springfield, I joined local and state leaders following the death of 15-year-old Miles Young to address broader public-safety challenges facing our community. While the details of the case remain under investigation, I focused on the need for stronger enforcement and coordination at every level of government. At the federal level, we have taken action, including passing the Laken Riley Act, now law, and providing additional resources to support enforcement operations. I also emphasized the importance of local cooperation with federal authorities, including utilizing tools like the 287(g) program to support law enforcement.
Click the photo below to watch the full press conference.
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Vote Now: 2026 Congressional Art Competition
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Voting is now open for the 2026 Seventh District Congressional Art Competition, featuring artwork submitted by talented high school students from across southwest Missouri. Participants may vote for their favorite piece once per day.
Voting will close at noon on Friday, April 24. The fan-favorite winner will go on to represent Missouri’s Seventh District in the U.S. Capitol and be featured on the official Congressional Art Competition page.
Click the graphic below to review the entries and cast your vote.
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Need Help with a Federal Agency?
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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.
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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!
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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!
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And that's it for the Burlison Brief!
Thank you again for subscribing. If you know someone that isn't subscribed, send them over to burlison.house.gov!
Best,
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Rep. Eric Burlison
Member of Congress
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Sign up for my newsletter!
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Joplin District Office
2727 E. 32nd Street Suite 2
Joplin, MO 64804
Phone: (417) 781-1041
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Springfield District Office
3232 E. Ridgeview St.
Springfield, MO 65804
Phone: (417) 889-1800
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Washington DC Office
1108 LHOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6536
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