U.S. Rep. August Pfluger used a visit to Brownwood to tour the local 3M manufacturing facility, meet with Brown County and city leaders, and speak with Brownwood High School student council officers. His latest congressional update also outlined legislation moving through Congress and several opportunities available to students in the 11th Congressional District of Texas.
The activities were described in Pfluger's weekly “Pfluger Fly-By,” published Oct. 4, 2026. The update said his office is offering the 2026 Congressional App Challenge and reopening applications for the Congressional Youth Advisory Council.
Tour at Brownwood's 3M facility
During his time in Brownwood, Pfluger toured 3M's production facility and met with employees. The Brownwood location produces reflective sheeting, cloth used for highway traffic signage, license plates and safety clothing, according to the congressional update.
The facility also makes security laminates and inks. Pfluger presented the plant as an example of American manufacturing and said he intended to continue supporting workers in the sector.
The visit came alongside meetings with local officials. Pfluger said he met with newly elected Brown County Judge Tom Munson, 35th District Court Judge Mike Smith and Brownwood City Manager Marshal McIntosh to discuss issues affecting Brown County and continue cooperation with local leadership.
Brownwood students meet with congressman
Pfluger also met with Brownwood High School student council officers to discuss developments in Washington. The update described the students' questions as focused on their community and the country's future.
High school juniors and seniors across the 11th Congressional District may also apply for the Congressional Youth Advisory Council. The program is designed to let students engage with government, work with peers and serve their communities. Participants may take part in up to four interactive virtual meetings with Pfluger, special guests and senior staff members.
Those selected will receive special admission to the Pfluger Youth Leadership Conference in spring 2027, although the conference date has not yet been set. Applications are due Oct. 10, 2026. Students with questions may contact Corbette Padilla at the Midland district office at 432-687-2390.
Federal legislation and student deadlines
Pfluger said the Mystic Alerts Act had advanced through the U.S. Senate and was headed to President Donald Trump's desk. The bill is intended to ensure that people in rural areas can receive emergency alerts when disasters occur and traditional communications networks fail. The legislation was introduced after deadly flooding in Texas on July 4, 2025, according to the update.
He also announced the Medicaid Integrity and Fiscal Responsibility Act. The proposal would require each state Medicaid program to designate an official responsible for fiscal duties connected to the state's Medicaid plan or waiver, including claims processing, payment integrity, financial reporting and internal controls.
Other legislation described in the update would establish standardized security requirements for submarine cables landing in the United States, and another proposal—the Reliable Artificial Intelligence Research Act—would create two Department of Homeland Security competitions focused on AI interpretability and resistance to malicious manipulation.
Middle and high school students may submit entries for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge through Oct. 26. Students may work alone or in teams of up to four, using any programming language, platform or tools. The winning app will be displayed on the U.S. House of Representatives website and CongressionalAppChallenge.us, with an unveiling planned at a congressional reception in Washington in late December. The date is still to be determined.
Applications and contest rules are available through CongressionalAppChallenge.us. Questions may be directed to Kathy Keane at [email protected].
Updates on flooding and livestock disease
Pfluger's update also noted that Kimble, Mason and Menard counties had been added to the presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance following recent flooding. The designation allows local governments to seek federal resources for public infrastructure repairs and recovery.
Agricultural producers in Kimble and Menard counties who suffered livestock or infrastructure losses may be eligible for USDA disaster assistance. The update directed producers to farmers.gov for information.
The congressman also said his office was working with the USDA and Texas ranchers on confirmed New World screwworm cases. The effort includes deploying sterile flies to affected areas, while state and federal officials continue eradication work. A free online educational course launched by Gov. Greg Abbott is available to Texans, and suspected maggot infestations in live or recently dead wild animals can be reported to USDA Wildlife Services at 866-487-3297.