Pfluger, August

August Pfluger is a Republican representative from Texas's 11th congressional district who chairs the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. As chair of this subcommittee, Pfluger sets the agenda for oversight of terrorism threats, intelligence operations, and related national security matters within the Department of Homeland Security. The subcommittee holds significant power to investigate threats, hold hearings, and advance legislation related to counterterrorism and intelligence gathering.

Pfluger brings substantial national security expertise to this role. He is a decorated Air Force officer who served nearly two decades in uniform, commanding combat airmen and serving in the Pentagon and NATO Command. He holds a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Air Force Academy and multiple master's degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Air University, and Georgetown University. Before entering Congress in 2021, he served as a national security advisor in the White House. His background as a combat veteran with direct military experience in counterterrorism operations informs his legislative priorities.

As subcommittee chair, Pfluger has advanced significant legislation and held key hearings. In 2025, the House passed his Generative AI Terrorism Risk Assessment Act, requiring the Department of Homeland Security to conduct annual assessments of terrorism threats posed by terrorist organizations using artificial intelligence. He has held hearings examining how foreign terrorist organizations use the internet and emerging technologies to inspire attacks in the homeland, and has requested comprehensive reviews from the Government Accountability Office on AI-enabled terrorism threats. Pfluger has also sponsored legislation addressing DHS intelligence operations and border security threats from nation-state actors.

Pfluger represents the Permian Basin, the nation's largest oil and gas-producing region, and serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in addition to his Homeland Security role. He is a strong advocate for national security and energy independence, and has been active in addressing threats from foreign adversaries including China, Russia, and Iran. His legislative profile reflects a focus on counterterrorism, intelligence oversight, border security, and emerging technology threats to the homeland.