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Welcome back to the Burlison Brief, and Happy New Year!
In this edition, I'll cover:
1) House Freedom Caucus Presses Leadership on 2026 Agenda
2) Billions Wasted, Accountability Ignored: Oversight Hearing on Minnesota Fraud
3) RSC Budget: A Governing Blueprint That Restores Accountability
4) ATF Botches Rollout of NFA Tax Repeal
5) House Advances Targeted Reform to Address Housing Costs
6) A Long Overdue Reset: Federal Nutrition Policy Puts Real Food First
7) Your Voice, Your Priorities: Virtual Town Hall on January 13
8) National Law Enforcement Day: Respect for Those Who Protect Us
9) Kickapoo High School Students Win 2025 Congressional App Challenge
10) House Republicans Present the Legislative Agenda at Media Row
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House Freedom Caucus Presses Leadership on 2026 Agenda
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Ahead of the House Republican Conference meeting to set priorities for 2026, the House Freedom Caucus Board sent a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson pressing leadership to move unfinished legislative priorities in the second half of this Congress. The letter notes that while progress was made in 2025, several core commitments to voters remain unresolved and require action now.
The Freedom Caucus outlined a set of priorities, including securing elections by requiring proof of citizenship and voter identification, making border enforcement permanent, reducing federal spending, eliminating programs plagued by waste and fraud, and restoring accountability across the federal government. The letter stresses that time is limited and urges House leadership to act while the opportunity exists.
Click the graphic below to read more about the HFC legislative plan.
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Billions Wasted, Accountability Ignored: Oversight Hearing on Minnesota Fraud
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On Wednesday, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing titled “Oversight of Fraud and Misuse of Federal Funds in Minnesota: Part I.” The hearing laid out how roughly $9 billion in taxpayer funds were lost to fraud in state-administered programs—money that ultimately comes from working Americans across the country.
Witnesses testified that state agencies ignored repeated warnings, forcing investigators to bypass them and report directly to federal authorities to protect whistleblowers. When oversight fails at the state level, federal taxpayers are left bearing the consequences.
Click the image below to watch my line of questioning.
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RSC Budget: A Governing Blueprint That Restores Accountability
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On Wednesday, the Republican Study Committee released its fiscal year 2026 budget. The budget includes my legislation to protect reliable power by stopping federal-agency overreach, end wasteful taxpayer subsidies for electric-vehicle-charging programs, and stop endless lawsuits that block approved infrastructure and energy projects. It also cracks down on abuse in food stamps and other welfare programs, expands education freedom by strengthening education savings and school choice, and reaffirms the Constitution’s protection of innocent human life.
Importantly, this budget balances within 10 years and reins in Washington’s reckless spending spree, which has driven the national debt past $38 trillion.
Click the graphic below to read the full budget proposal.
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ATF Botches Rollout of NFA Tax Repeal
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I recently released a video explaining the failed rollout of Congress’s repeal of the $200 National Firearms Act tax in H.R. 1. The law took effect on January 1 and eliminated the tax as written.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) kept the same paperwork requirements, took its eForms system offline to prepare, and still was not ready for the predictable surge in demand once the tax dropped to zero. As a result, law-abiding gun owners and small firearms businesses have been met with system crashes, error messages, and uncertainty while trying to comply with federal requirements.
I will continue to press the ATF for answers, demand transparency about what went wrong, and push for immediate fixes so that this failure does not continue to burden Missourians who are following the law.
Click the graphic below to watch the video.
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House Advances Targeted Reform to Address Housing Costs
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On Friday, the House passed the Affordable HOMES Act, a measure that would reduce housing costs by cutting unnecessary regulations that have driven up expenses for families. Today, more than 16 million Americans live in manufactured housing, which is often the most affordable path to homeownership for first-time buyers. As housing prices and interest rates stay high, affordability must be a priority in 2026. The bill rejects one-size-fits-all mandates that raise costs, and would help expand the housing supply, to keep the American dream within reach for families seeking a fair chance to own a home.
Click the image below to read more about H.R. 5184.
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A Long Overdue Reset: Federal Nutrition Policy Puts Real Food First
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The Trump administration’s newly released Dietary Guidelines for Americans mark a long overdue reset in federal nutrition policy. After years of confusing guidance and rising diet-related disease, the updated food pyramid prioritizes protein, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and whole foods while recommending minimal ultra-processed products and added sugars.
This shift reflects the leadership of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, who are working to realign federal health guidance with transparency and everyday reality.
Click the graphic below to read more about this historic reset.
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Your Voice, Your Priorities: Virtual Town Hall on January 13
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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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National Law Enforcement Day: Respect for Those Who Protect Us
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Friday marked National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, a moment to recognize the men and women who wear the badge and accept real risks to keep communities safe. Their work is demanding, carried out under constant pressure, and it requires courage and professionalism every day.
Recent events in Minnesota underscore why this recognition is important. Tragic outcomes call for transparency and accountability, but they also reveal a political climate that too often vilifies law enforcement and fosters hostility toward those doing their jobs. Supporting law enforcement and seeking the truth are not mutually exclusive. A society committed to order and justice must uphold both.
Click the graphic below to hear my remarks on the Minnesota event from the Marc Cox Show.
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Kickapoo High School Students Win 2025 Congressional App Challenge
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Thuc Chi Do and Ronin Gambill of Kickapoo High School were named winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for Missouri’s Seventh District.
Their app, PawPass, uses a QR code placed on a pet’s collar to provide immediate access to critical information if a pet is lost, helping both owners and shelters respond more quickly..
Inspired by conversations with a local shelter, PawPass reflects the kind of practical, real-world problem solving the Congressional App Challenge is designed to recognize.
Click the graphic below to learn more about PawPass.
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House Republicans Present the Legislative Agenda at Media Row
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On Thursday, House Republicans hosted a media row to outline their priorities for 2026 and highlight the opportunities ahead. After the progress made in 2025, the second half of this Congress presents a meaningful opportunity to translate a clear agenda into lasting policy and deliver results that benefit the American people.
Click the image below to hear me lay out these priorities on KZRG.
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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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