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Welcome back to the Burlison Brief! Happy Independence Day!
In this edition, I'll cover:
1) Launching a Caucus to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday
2) Why I Voted No on the NDAA Rule
3) Task Force Hearing: The CIA's MKULTRA Program
4) Fresh Freedom Podcast Episode 73: The Next Chapter of UAP
5) Advocating for UAP Transparency
6) Supreme Court Redefines Election Day
7) Service Academy Nominations Open
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Launching a Caucus to Celebrate America's 250th Birthday
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As America celebrates its 250th birthday, I joined with Rep. Jared Moskowitz to launch the bipartisan Congressional Firework Caucus, dedicated to supporting the U.S. fireworks industry and one of our nation's oldest traditions. Coinciding with the caucus' launch, I introduced a House resolution recognizing July as National Fireworks Month. From John Adams' vision of "illuminations" in 1776 to celebrations across the country today, fireworks have long marked our nation's birthday. As we celebrate this historic milestone, let's proudly celebrate the freedoms that have made America the greatest nation in the world.
Click the graphic below to read more about the caucus.
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Why I Voted No on the NDAA Rule
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On Tuesday, the House voted on the rule governing consideration of this year's National Defense Authorization Act, legislation that would authorize nearly $1.15 trillion in national defense spending. Unfortunately, that rule was structured by leadership in a way that greatly restricted the ability to amend such a sweeping piece of legislation, blocking the ability of members to influence it.
When Congress considers legislation of this magnitude, every representative should have the opportunity to fight for the priorities of the people they represent. Instead, the process has become increasingly centralized, leaving too many decisions in the hands of a few.
Read my full statement below.
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Task Force Hearing: The CIA's MKULTRA Program
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On Tuesday, the Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets held a hearing on the Central Intelligence Agency's MKULTRA program, examining decades of covert human experimentation conducted during the Cold War. Witnesses discussed Operation Midnight Climax, in which unsuspecting Americans were secretly dosed with hallucinogens in CIA safe houses, and testified that, to their knowledge, no one has ever been prosecuted for crimes related to MKULTRA. The hearing also explored unanswered questions about the program's origins, including possible links to the 1951 Pont-Saint-Esprit incident in France, and whether any aspects of the program continued after its reported termination in 1973.
Click the image below to watch my line of questioning.
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Fresh Freedom Podcast Episode 73: The Next Chapter of UAP
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On Episode 73 of Fresh Freedom, Harvard astrophysicist Dr. Avi Loeb, physicist Dr. Hal Puthoff, and independent researcher Sam Gerb join me for an in-depth discussion on unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP). We explore the newly established UAP Science Advisory Council, decades of government compartmentalization, and why many believe the search for answers has entered a new phase. The conversation provides important context on where those efforts go from here.
Click the graphic below to watch Episode 73.
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Advocating for UAP Transparency
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On Monday, I testified before the House Rules Committee in support of my UAP Disclosure Act amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. The amendment would establish an independent UAP Records Review Board with subpoena authority, require federal agencies to preserve and transfer UAP records to the National Archives, and ensure contractor-held records are subject to review. It would also prohibit the destruction or reclassification of previously disclosed UAP records.
Click the image below to watch my remarks.
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Supreme Court Redefines Election Day
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On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled in Watson v. Republican National Committee, holding that federal law does not prohibit states from counting absentee ballots received after Election Day if they were mailed on time. Earlier this year, I led a congressional amicus brief arguing that Congress established a single, uniform Election Day for federal elections. Justice Samuel Alito's dissent warns that the decision leaves fundamental questions unanswered about when a federal election actually ends. Election Day should mean Election Day, and I'll continue working to make that clear in federal law.
Click the image below to read Justice Alito's dissent.
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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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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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