Students, ranchers and families in Texas’s 11th Congressional District have several federal opportunities and assistance programs to track, according to U.S. Rep. August Pfluger’s latest weekly update. The Aug. 21 roundup also covered border-security discussions, West Texas energy production, airport funding and flood recovery.
Pfluger’s office is accepting applications for the 2026 Congressional App Challenge, which is open to middle and high school students. Entries are due Oct. 26, 2026. Students may create apps in any programming language, for any platform and with any tools. They may compete individually or in teams of up to four.
The winning app will be displayed on the U.S. House of Representatives website and CongressionalAppChallenge.us. The student will also have the app unveiled at a congressional reception in Washington, D.C., expected in late December, although the date has not been set. More information is available through CongressionalAppChallenge.us or Pfluger’s office, where Kathy Keane is listed as the contact.
White House applications due Aug. 28
Residents interested in volunteering at the White House during the 2026 holiday season have until Aug. 28, 2026, to apply for decorator or performer opportunities.
Decorator volunteers must be at least 18 years old and must apply individually. Decorating is scheduled for Nov. 23 through Nov. 29, 2026. The performer opportunity is open to musical groups and holiday entertainers, including school bands and choirs, for holiday open houses in December. Questions about the performer application may be directed to [email protected].
Service Academy Night planned for San Angelo
Pfluger’s office will host a Service Academy Night Sept. 1 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the CJ Davidson Conference Center in the ASU Houston Harte University Center, 1910 Rosemont Drive, San Angelo. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m.
The event is intended for students, parents and educators seeking information about U.S. Service Academies. Pfluger’s update also says students interested in becoming military officers or joining college ROTC are encouraged to attend. Questions may be sent to Service Academy Liaison Mary O’Connor at [email protected].
Flood recovery and livestock disease updates
Kimble, Mason and Menard counties were added to President Trump’s Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance after recent flooding, according to the update. The designation provides federal resources for local governments repairing public infrastructure and supporting recovery.
Agricultural producers in Kimble or Menard counties who experienced losses involving livestock or infrastructure may qualify for USDA Disaster Assistance. The update directs producers to farmers.gov for details.
Pfluger’s office also reported continued coordination with the USDA and Texas officials over confirmed New World screwworm cases. Sterile flies are being deployed in affected areas as part of eradication efforts, and ranchers are urged to monitor livestock and report unusual findings to the USDA. Reports of maggot infestation in live or recently dead wild animals can be made to USDA Wildlife Services at 866-487-3297. Official updates are available at screwworm.gov.
Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can also participate in the Second Lady’s Summer Reading Challenge. Participants must read 12 books, complete a reading log and submit it to receive a prize. Students will be entered into a raffle for a trip to the nation’s capital and other prizes.
The roundup additionally described Pfluger’s meetings and appearances in West Texas, including a Midland visit with Energy Secretary Chris Wright, a Heroes on the Concho memorial dedication in San Angelo and federal airport investments exceeding $10.6 million for San Angelo Regional Airport and $21.6 million for Midland International Air and Space Port.
Residents who need help dealing with a federal agency are encouraged to contact Pfluger’s congressional office through its website.