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Welcome back to the Burlison Brief!
In this edition, I'll cover:
1) August District Work Period: On the Ground in Southwest Missouri
2) A Major Second Amendment Victory
3) Fresh Freedom Ep. 76: Guns, Cameras, and Government Power
4) Leading a Bill to Stop Taxpayer-Funded Surveillance
5) Oversight Subcommittee Hearing: Natural Gas, Consumer Choice, and Cost
6) Oversight Roundtable: Suppressors and the Second Amendment
7) Honoring Joe Cooper: 56 Years Behind the Chair
8) Service Academy Nominations Open
9) Constituent Groups and Organizations
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August District Work Period: On the Ground in Southwest Missouri
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The August district work period means time out of Washington and face to face with the people I represent—business leaders, workers, farmers, seniors, and neighbors across southwest Missouri.
From our Manufacturing Tour in Springfield and Tourism Tour in Joplin to the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, I spent the month seeing firsthand what's happening in our communities—and where federal policy is helping or getting in the way.
Click the image below to watch our Fresh Freedom podcast from the Missouri State Fair.
Photos: Springfield Manufacturing Tour | Joplin Tourism Tour
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A Major Second Amendment Victory
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The first bill I introduced in Congress was the Repeal the NFA Act.
This year, the One Big Beautiful Bill zeroed out the National Firearms Act's making and transfer taxes for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and certain other firearms.
On August 5, a federal judge ruled that key NFA registration and approval requirements for those untaxed firearms exceed Congress's enumerated powers. The injunction protects the plaintiffs and other covered parties—it doesn't extend to every gun owner nationwide yet.
This is a major victory, but repealing the NFA is still the goal.
Click the graphic below to hear me discuss the ruling and the fight to repeal the NFA on the Marc Cox Show.
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Fresh Freedom Ep. 76: Guns, Cameras, and Government Power
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I sat down with Congressman Andrew Clyde to talk about the latest fight over the National Firearms Act, the recent court ruling, and the broader battle to protect Second Amendment rights.
We also discussed the growing surveillance state, Flock cameras, and what happens when government asks Americans to give up liberty in the name of “safety.”
Click the image below to watch Episode 76 of Fresh Freedom.
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Leading a Bill to Stop Taxpayer-Funded Surveillance
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This week, Congressman Thomas Massie and I introduced legislation to stop federal taxpayer dollars from funding automated license plate readers and biometric surveillance cameras.
The bill would prohibit the use of federal funds to purchase, install, maintain, operate, or upgrade these systems—including related contracts, subscriptions, cloud services, databases, and data-sharing arrangements.
The Fourth Amendment protects Americans against unreasonable searches. New technology doesn’t erase that protection, and federal taxpayers shouldn’t be forced to bankroll surveillance systems that track law-abiding Americans.
Click the graphic below to hear me discuss the bill on KZRG.
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Oversight Subcommittee Hearing: Natural Gas, Consumer Choice, and Cost
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On Wednesday, I chaired the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs hearing titled “No Flame, More Pain: How State and Local Bans on Natural Gas Increase Costs.”
We examined how forced-electrification policies can raise housing and energy costs, increase demand on an already strained electric grid, and limit the appliances and energy sources available to families and businesses.
Click the image below to watch my opening remarks.
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Oversight Roundtable: Suppressors and the Second Amendment
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On Wednesday, the Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement held a roundtable titled “Suppressing the Second Amendment: Examining DOJ’s Posture Toward Firearm Suppressors.”
I pressed witnesses on why suppressors are still treated as firearms, why short-barreled rifles and shotguns are still singled out, and why the federal government is maintaining millions of suppressor registration records.
The federal gun code is far more complicated than it needs to be. Law-abiding Americans shouldn’t need a law degree to exercise their Second Amendment rights.
Click the image below to watch my line of questioning.
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Honoring Joe Cooper: 56 Years Behind the Chair
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This week, I recognized Joe Cooper of Springfield on the House floor as he prepares to retire after 56 years behind the barber chair.
Known to many as “Joe the Barber,” Joe has served generations of Springfield families since 1970 — including mine.
Click the graphic below to watch my remarks on the House floor.
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Service Academy Nominations Open
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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.
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Constituent and Organization Meetings
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Truckload Carriers Association
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Housing Authority of Springfield
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Missouri Cattleman's Association - Missouri State Fair
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National Federation of Independent Business
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Little Heroes Park, Walnut Shade, Missouri
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Missouri Southern State University - Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center
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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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