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Welcome back to the Burlison Brief!
In this edition, I'll cover:
1) Op-ed: The Broken Healthcare System Doesn’t Deserve More Blank Checks 2) Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act Reintroduced 3) Fresh Freedom Podcast: One Year Into the 119th Congress—Wins and Challenges 4) House Passes Legislation to Lower Premiums and Federal Spending 5) Water Resources Development Act of 2026: Stakeholder Priorities 6) House Passes the Protect Children’s Innocence Act 7) Upcoming Virtual Town Hall 8) Constituent and Organization Meetings
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Op-ed: The Broken Healthcare System Doesn’t Deserve More Blank Checks
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Year over year, the systemic failures of the Affordable Care Act continue to add up. Since its inception, benchmark premiums have more than doubled, provider networks continue to shrink, and “coverage,” the justification upon which the entire government-run system hinges, increasingly means less and less in terms of actual health care for Americans.
Obamacare has failed outright; no amount of patchwork can fix this sinking ship. It’s time for Congress to offer America an alternative.
Click the graphic below to read my op-ed in the Washington Examiner.
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Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act Reintroduced
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On Wednesday, I reintroduced the Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act to protect Americans from the unchecked collection, sharing, and sale of personal data generated by modern vehicles. As cars become increasingly connected, automakers now collect sensitive information, such as location data and driving behavior, often without clear consent or transparency.
My legislation would restore control to drivers by requiring explicit permission before vehicle data can be accessed or sold, strengthening privacy protections, and safeguarding sensitive information from misuse by corporations or foreign adversaries. Sen. Mike Lee introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
Click the graphic below to hear me discuss this bill on KZRG.
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Fresh Freedom Podcast: One Year Into the 119th Congress—Wins and Challenges
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On Episode 60 of Fresh Freedom, I’m joined by Reps. Keith Self (TX-03) and Eli Crane (AZ-02) to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly from the first half of the 119th Congress. We cover morale one year into President Trump’s second term, the lingering effects of Biden-era inflation that continue to burden American families, and why recent House legislative wins will take time to deliver tangible results. The conversation also addresses public frustration over accountability in Washington, the challenge of confronting the administrative state, and the uncertainty facing the country as it approaches Christmas. We close with a look ahead at major policy fights, including the future of health care in America.
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House Passes Legislation to Lower Premiums and Federal Spending
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On Thursday, the House passed the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, legislation that addresses flaws in the Affordable Care Act without extending the costly COVID-era subsidy expansions set to expire at the end of the year.
The bill would lower premiums by fixing “silver loading” in Obamacare Silver plans, expand affordable coverage options for small businesses and workers, and protect employer-sponsored plans, all while reducing federal spending and avoiding new subsidy-driven cost increases.
Every House Democrat voted against this legislation, which would lower premiums by more than 11 percent and save taxpayers $35 billion in the process.
Click the graphic below to hear me discuss this bill on the Annie Frey Show.
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Water Resources Development Act of 2026: Stakeholder Priorities
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On Wednesday, the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment held a hearing titled “Water Resources Development Act of 2026: Stakeholder Priorities.”
Too often, Army Corps of Engineers water projects that protect communities, reduce flood risk, and keep rivers and ports working are delayed for years by red tape inside the federal bureaucracy.
The hearing focused on practical ways to speed these projects up, including the incredible value of public-private partnerships that bring in private investment to get work done faster to keep waterways moving and ensure states like Missouri can move agricultural products to market.
Click on the image below to see my full line of questioning.
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House Passes the Protect Children’s Innocence Act
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On Wednesday, the House passed the Protect Children’s Innocence Act, legislation I was proud to co-sponsor that draws a hard, common-sense line against the genital mutilation and chemical castration of children. The bill prohibits doctors from performing irreversible gender-transition procedures on minors.
House Republicans are leading in the effort to stop the mutilation of kids and ensure accountability for those who put ideology ahead of children’s lives.
Click the image to read more about the bill in the Daily Signal.
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Upcoming Virtual Town Hall
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I will host a virtual town hall on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. CT, giving constituents across Missouri’s 7th District the opportunity to hear directly from me and ask questions about the issues facing our community and our country. This online event allows anyone to participate from home and ensures voices from across the district are heard. Constituents are encouraged to RSVP in advance.
Click the graphic below to RSVP for the event.
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Constituent and Organization Meetings
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Father Steven Mitchell, Pastor of Ascension of Christ Orthodox Church in Monett, Missouri.
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Christian Employer Alliance (CEA)
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Paragon Health Institute State Leader Roundtable
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Denny Hoskins, Missouri Secretary of State
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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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