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Welcome back to the Burlison Brief!
In this edition, I'll cover:
1) House Passes SAVE America Act to Protect Federal Elections
2) Leading Supreme Court Brief on Counting Ballots After Election Day
3) Smart Space Act Advances to Cut Federal Waste
4) Fresh Freedom Episode 62: The Push to Make the GOP Play Offense
5) Fresh Freedom Episode 63: The Senate Doesn’t Want You to Know This Rule
6) Introducing the Counter Drone State and Local Defender Act
7) USACE to Host Table Rock Lake Boundary Line Workshops
8) Helping Constituents Navigate IRS and SBA Challenges
9) Constituent and Organization Meetings
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House Acts to Protect Federal Elections with SAVE America Act
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On Wednesday, the House passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, legislation that would strengthen election integrity by ensuring only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in federal elections. The bill would require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote and require voters to present photo identification when casting a ballot in federal elections.
The 213 Democrats who voted against the measure did so only after using photo identification to cast their votes on the House floor.
The House has acted, and it is now time for the Senate to take up this commonsense legislation and pass it.
Click the graphic below to watch a clip from Fresh Freedom discussing election integrity.
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Leading a Supreme Court Brief on Election Day Law
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This week, I led an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in Watson v. Republican National Committee on whether states can count federal-election ballots received after Election Day. Federal law establishes one uniform day for federal elections, and the brief argues that the Constitution grants Congress supervisory authority to set that rule. It warns that counting ballots after Election Day creates no clear stopping point and leads to confusion and court fights. A firm Election Day helps ensure fair, final, and trusted election results.
Click the graphic below to read more.
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Smart Space Act Advances to Cut Federal Waste
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On Wednesday, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure advanced my bill, the Smart Space Act of 2026, a common-sense proposal that would help reduce waste in the federal government’s real-estate portfolio. The bill would encourage the General Services Administration to consolidate underused space, prepare excess buildings for sale, and identify cost-saving alternatives, all without authorizing new spending or construction. It is a straightforward step toward doing more with less and respecting the taxpayers.
Click the image below to watch my remarks on the Smart Space Act of 2026
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Fresh Freedom Episode 62: The Push to Make the GOP Play Offense
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Episode 62 features former Congressman and House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good in a candid discussion about the challenges Republicans face after a year in the majority. The conversation covers affordability pressures, border enforcement and deportations, government spending and debt, and the need to push harder for real policy wins. The episode makes the case that voters expect results—not excuses—as Republicans head toward the 2026 midterms.
Click the graphic below to watch Episode 62.
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Fresh Freedom Episode 63: The Senate Doesn’t Want You to Know This Rule
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Episode 63 features one of Washington’s top experts on Senate procedure, Rachel Bovard. She explains how the 60-vote threshold is often used as procedural cover to avoid tough votes, even though the Senate does not require 60 votes to pass legislation. We break down how the filibuster was previously used and why today’s “silent filibuster” protects senators from accountability. That avoidance is exactly why critical policies the House has already passed, like the SAVE Act, get stuck in the Senate.
Click the graphic below to watch Episode 63.
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My Legislation to Strengthen America’s Counter-Drone Framework
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On Thursday, I introduced the Counter Drone State and Local Defender Act to authorize state and local law enforcement to deploy approved counter-drone systems in high-risk settings. The bill establishes a structured pilot program, including a limited program for agencies in 2026 World Cup host cities, while maintaining clear training, oversight, and privacy requirements. It ensures counter-drone capabilities are used only under federal approval and coordination, consistent with existing aviation and civil liberties protections.
Click the graphic below to read the press release.
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USACE to Host Table Rock Lake Boundary Line Workshops
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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced a series of in-person workshops around Table Rock Lake to help landowners identify and resolve long-standing boundary disputes. Under updated guidance, eligible homes and improvements that have existed for years may now move through a clearer resolution process without delaying shoreline permit requests.
These sessions are drop-in and open to the public, and landowners may also register online in advance to help the Corps review their property and outline next steps. This is an encouraging development and a step in the right direction for families who have dealt with uncertainty for far too long. I will continue staying engaged to ensure these changes are implemented fairly and consistently with the law Congress passed in 2024.
Click the graphic below for more information on these workshops.
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Helping Constituents Navigate IRS and SBA Challenges
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Dealing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Small Business Administration (SBA) can be overwhelming, especially when refunds are delayed or questions go unanswered. That’s why my office will host an IRS and SBA Assistance Week across Missouri’s Seventh District from February 23 through February 27, with events in Pineville, Joplin, Mount Vernon, Hollister, and Springfield.
While my office cannot file tax returns, my team can help cut through federal red tape, contact agencies directly, and move stalled cases forward. For locations and details, visit burlison.house.gov or call 417-889-1800.
Click the graphic below to request assistance from my office with any federal agency matter.
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Constituent and Organization Meetings
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From left, Dr. Paul Godwin and Dr. Aaron Burd.
Missouri Association of Elementary Principals.
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Representatives of the Missouri Primary Care Association and Missouri Rural Health Association
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Brittany Lanham, Family Nurse Practitioner, Mercy Hospital Springfield
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Gayla Roten, State director in Branson, and Keith Winge of Missouri Main Street Connection Inc.
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Missouri Special Olympics participants, including Joseph Collins and Jody Davis of Nixa, with Missouri Special Olympics program staff.
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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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