Eric Burlison

Burlison Commends President Trump’s Historic Release of UAP Files

WASHINGTON — Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) commended President Donald J. Trump and his administration today following the initial release of new, never-before-seen government files on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). “I commend President Trump for continuing to push UAP transparency and release additional files to the public,” Burlison said. “He is the only president willing to stand up to the deep state and push this information out to the American people. Trump has been the disclosure president!” “After years of classified briefings, whistleblower interviews, and oversight work, I am grateful to see this historic first in a series of releases the public deserves to see,” Burlison continued. “I look forward to working with President Trump and his administration as we continue this important work for the people.” The release is part of the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters (PURSUE), an interagency effort involving the White House, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Department of Energy, the Department of War’s All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, NASA, the FBI, and additional components of U.S. intelligence agencies. The files will be housed at WAR.GOV/UFO, with additional releases expected on a rolling basis.

Burlison Leads Effort to Investigate National Academies Over Taxpayer Funding Concerns

Position: The release expresses concern that the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has misused federal funding by allowing research to be driven by political advocacy rather than objective scientific analysis, particularly regarding climate science. The signatories call for an investigation and potential suspension or debarment of NASEM from federal funding.

WASHINGTON — Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) led 10 House colleagues in sending a letter to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought requesting an investigation into federal funding awarded to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) over concerns about bias, conflicts of interest, and misuse of taxpayer dollars. The letter raises concerns that taxpayer-funded research is being used to advance political agendas and shape policy and litigation, rather than provide independent scientific analysis. It warns that when federally supported research is driven by advocacy, it can be used by agencies and courts to justify decisions that do not reflect objective evidence. The letter cites NASEM’s recent Reference Manual on Scientific Evidence, which includes a climate-science chapter that lacked balanced peer review. It raises concerns about conflicts of interest and warns the material could be used to influence ongoing litigation and regulatory policy. “The American people are fed up with taxpayer dollars being used to push political agendas,” Rep. Burlison said. “When government-funded institutions blur the line between research and advocacy, it undermines trust and demands accountability.” Burlison and his colleagues urged DOT and OMB to examine whether NASEM should be suspended or debarred from receiving federal grants and contracts. The letter notes DOT provided $84 million in funding to NASEM in 2024. Additional signers of the letter include Reps. Lauren Boebert (CO-04), Scott Perry (PA-10), Troy Nehls (TX-22), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Barry Moore (AL-01), Clay Higgins (LA-03), Keith Self (TX-03), Andrew Clyde (GA-09), and Morgan Griffith (VA-09). Co-signer Statements: Rep. Diana Harshbarger (TN-01): “Taxpayer-funded institutions must advance gold standard science. The concerns raised about NASEM point to a troubling pattern of partisan bias, conflicts of interest, and misuse of federal dollars. When organizations entrusted with informing our courts and policymakers abandon scientific integrity, it undermines public trust and can lead to misguided decisions that affect every American. I’m proud to join this effort to ensure accountability and restore confidence in federally funded research.” Rep. Clay Higgins (LA-03): “Conservatives have major problems with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Federal funding should not go towards NASEM until Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought has conducted a thorough audit of any possible fraud, abuse or theft. Academia is not immune to accountability.” Outside Support: Mark Meadows, Former Congressman and White House Chief of Staff: “The National Academies of Science has used taxpayer dollars to fuel radical, Leftist work for far too long. Their anti-Trump bias is paired with radical Green New Deal extremism, and they should be disqualified from receiving further funding from federal agencies. I’m proud to join my friends and former colleagues in urging the Department of Transportation to end all contracts and grants with NAS.” Read the letter: Document letter-to-secretary-duffy-and-director-vought.pdf (1.15 MB)

Burlison, Lee Introduce Davis-Bacon Repeal Act to Cut Federal Construction Costs and Save Taxpayer Dollars

Position: The release advocates for repealing the Davis-Bacon Act, which requires federally funded construction projects to pay government-set prevailing wages. The sponsors argue the law inflates costs, limits competition, and wastes taxpayer dollars.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) have introduced the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act, legislation to repeal outdated federal prevailing-wage requirements that drive up the cost of taxpayer-funded construction projects. Enacted in 1931, the Davis-Bacon Act requires federally funded construction projects to pay government-set “prevailing wages,” a system that drives up labor costs, limits competition, and favors politically connected interests over taxpayers and small businesses. “The federal government should not be forcing taxpayers to overpay for roads, bridges, schools, and public buildings because of a nearly century-old mandate,” said Rep. Burlison. “The Davis-Bacon Act inflates costs, limits competition, and makes it harder for small and local contractors to compete. Our bill would help stretch taxpayer dollars further and bring more fairness to the bidding process.” “When big government offers to help, it usually creates more problems than it fixes. The Davis-Bacon Act is no exception,” said Senator Mike Lee. “It is an antiquated piece of legislation that hurts middle class workers and every American taxpayer. Repealing this single bill would save tens of billions of tax dollars. It is high-time that Congress passes the Davis-Bacon Repeal Act.” The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that repealing Davis-Bacon requirements would save $17.8 billion in federal spending between 2025 and 2034. By repealing the Davis-Bacon Act, the bill would lower federal construction costs, reduce administrative burdens, expand competition for public projects, and help ensure taxpayer dollars fund more building and less bureaucracy.

Comer & Burlison Seek Information on Missing Nuclear and Rocket Scientists

WASHINGTON—House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) today are seeking information from the Department of Energy, Department of War, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) about the scientists and other personnel connected to U.S. nuclear secrets or rocket technology who have died or mysteriously vanished in recent years. “The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is investigating recent unconfirmed public reporting on the disappearance and death of individuals with access to sensitive U.S. scientific information. These reports allege that at least ten individuals who ‘had a connection to U.S. nuclear secrets or rocket technology,’ have ‘died or mysteriously vanished in recent years.’ If the reports are accurate, these deaths and disappearances may represent a grave threat to U.S. national security and to U.S. personnel with access to scientific secrets. We request a briefing on any information regarding these deaths and disappearances, as well as the processes and procedures in place to protect American scientific secrets and ensure personnel safety,” wrote the lawmakers. Public reports raise questions about a possible sinister connection between a string of mysterious deaths and disappearances which began in 2023 with the death of Michael David Hicks, who worked as a scientist at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) from 1998 to 2022. Another JPL alum, Monica Reza, who served as the director of the NASA Lab’s Materials Processing Group, disappeared while hiking in California in June 2025 and remains missing. In February 2026 retired Air Force General William Neil McCasland disappeared from his Albuquerque, New Mexico home with a .38 caliber revolver, and remains missing. The other missing or deceased individuals, according to the reports, are two more affiliated with NASA JPL, two affiliated with Los Alamos National Laboratory, an MIT scientist working on nuclear fusion, a pharmaceutical researcher, and a government contractor working at a nuclear weapons component production facility. Read the letters here: Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth FBI Director Kash Patel NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman

Burlison Opens Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence and American Prosperity

Position: Chairman Burlison advocates for accelerated U.S. artificial intelligence development and deployment to maintain economic and national security leadership against Chinese competition, emphasizing that American dominance in AI is essential to avoid importing technologies on unfavorable terms.

WASHINGTON—Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) delivered his opening statement at today’s joint subcommittee roundtable on “Artificial Intelligence and American Power: Leadership, Security, and Prosperity.” During his remarks, Subcommittee Chairman Burlison highlighted the need to close the gaps and vulnerabilities in American AI leadership and how AI can transform crucial industries like manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, and defense. He also stated that growing U.S. AI capabilities will help spurn American economic growth and urged leaders to embrace it. WATCH: Chairman Burlison's opening remarks. Below are Subcommittee Chairman Burlison’s remarks as prepared for delivery: Good morning, I want to welcome everyone to this roundtable on American AI leadership hosted by the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs and the Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs. I would like to express my thanks to our panel of guests who came in today to discuss this important issue. Today, in this informal discussion, we will focus on global AI competition, especially on how America can and must win this defining economic and national security competition of the 21st century. I encourage our expert roundtable guests to engage in conversation with our Members, who should feel free to ask questions and chime in at any time. Before I came to Congress, I spent years working as a software engineer and technology professional. I have seen firsthand how quickly technology can reshape industries, economies, and lives. Artificial intelligence is accelerating, and the nations that integrate and master it first will have significant economic and military advantages. Whichever country dominates this competition stands to decide in large part the tech and AI rules the rest of the world must follow for generations to come. China is not hiding its ambitions. In 2017, the Chinese Communist Party released its national AI development plan, with a stated goal of becoming the world's primary AI innovation center by 2030. Chinese AI models are being embedded into global infrastructure, often through open-source diffusion, into telecommunications networks, financial systems, and into the governments of developing nations who may not fully understand what they are inviting in. Every gap in American AI leadership is a vulnerability that our adversaries are eager to exploit. Some economists project AI could add tens of trillions of dollars to global GDP over the next decade. It is not only industries that will be transformed, whether in manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, or defense. It is also the lives, safety, and output of American workers and American small businesses. If the United States does not lead in AI development and deployment, we will be importing those technologies on terms set by others. That is unacceptable. Fortunately, we have a President who understands this moment. On his very first day back in office, President Trump issued an executive order revoking excessive regulatory constraints on AI development set by President Biden. That was the right call. Government-mandated red tape and free-speech constraints do not make AI safer, they just make American companies slower while our adversaries sprint ahead unchecked. The Trump Administration followed that initial action by launching the Stargate Initiative, a joint public-private effort to accelerate the construction of AI infrastructure in the United States. That means intensifying the building of data centers, power generation, and AI computing capacity on American soil, with American workers, creating American jobs. The Administration is also clearing the way for trusted allies to access American AI technology and incorporate their technologies into the American AI export stack, a key advantage we must sustain over our adversaries. Today we will hear from our slate of experts and discuss how America can secure a future in which our country retains in the AI lead, our people and businesses unlock their full potential, and we secure American economic prosperity for generations to come. I believe deeply in American ingenuity and innovation. But American AI dominance won't happen automatically. It requires leaders who are willing to fight for American competitiveness rather than regulate it into mediocrity. It requires leaders who want our businesses, workers, and communities to all benefit from the growth of AI. I look forward to discussing this and more with the experts here today. I am now pleased to introduce our roundtable guests. First, we have Dr. Robert D. Atkinson. Dr. Atkinson is the President of the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation and has been described as one of the “three most important thinkers about innovation,” a “tech titan,” and one of the 25 top “doers, dreamers, and drivers of information technology.” Next, we have Mr. Bark Beall, the President of Government Affairs at the AI Policy Framework. Mr. Beall served as the inaugural Pentagon AI Policy Director at the DoD Joint AI Center, co-authored a seminal report on frontier AI risks for the State Department, and provides regular commentary on AI policy for news outlets. Next, we have Mr. Charles Crain. Mr. Crain serves as Managing Vice President of Policy for the National Association of Manufacturers. Mr. Crain previously worked for the Biotechnology Innovation Organization on financial services, tax, and health care issues; he began his career on Capitol Hill working for members of the House Financial Services and Senate Finance Committees. Next, we have Mr. Kevin Czinger. Mr. Czinger is the Founder & Executive Chairman of Divergent Technologies, an advanced manufacturing startup that created the world's first end-to-end digital manufacturing platform enabling rapid design, additive manufacturing, and automated assembly. Headquartered in Torrance, California, Divergent is reshaping the future of defense, aerospace, and automotive production. Next, we have Mr. Jahmy Hindman. Mr. Hindman serves as Senior Vice President & Chief Technology Officer of John Deere, and is responsible for building Deere’s “tech stack,” the company’s intuitive end-to-end equipment solution made up of hardware and devices, embedded software, connectivity, data platforms, and applications. Next, we have Dr. Chris Mattmann. Dr. Mattman has served as the Chief Data and AI Officer for the University of California, Los Angeles. This is the first of its kind position in the University of California system. Dr. Mattman was previously the Division Manager of the Artificial Intelligence, Analytics and Innovative Development Organization at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where he worked for 24 years. He is an internationally recognized expert in data science, cybersecurity, AI, informatics to multiple domains including Space Science, Earth and Planetary Science, and other industries. Finally, we have Professor Spencer Overton. Professor Overton joins us from the George Washington University Law School, where he is the Patricia Roberts Harris Research Professor of Law and directs GW Law’s Multiracial Democracy Project. Professor Overton served in the Obama Administration as Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Legal Policy at the Department of Justice.

Burlison Introduces “Great American Healthcare Plan,” Landmark Patient-First Reform Package

Position: Rep. Burlison introduced legislation to reform healthcare by expanding Health Savings Accounts, requiring price transparency from hospitals and insurers, promoting market competition, and shifting focus toward preventative care and individual consumer choice in healthcare spending.

Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Eric Burlison (R-MO) introduced the Great American Healthcare Plan, a comprehensive reform package designed to lower costs and put Americans back in control of their healthcare dollars. The legislation builds on reforms supported by President Donald Trump and advances a patient-first approach centered on transparency, competition, and individual choice. “Americans are paying more than ever for health care and getting less control in return,” said Rep. Burlison. “This plan flips that model on its head. It gives people ownership of their healthcare dollars, real price transparency, and the freedom to make decisions that are best for themselves and their families.” The Great American Healthcare Plan is built around four core pillars: Expanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for All Americans The bill removes outdated restrictions that limit access to HSAs and significantly increases contribution limits, allowing more Americans to save and spend their healthcare dollars tax-free. It also expands eligible expenses to include wellness essentials, such as healthy food, vitamins, and fitness-related costs. Delivering Real Price Transparency The legislation strengthens federal transparency requirements by requiring hospitals and insurers to disclose actual prices in clear, dollar-based terms. It also establishes enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance, giving patients the ability to compare costs before receiving care. Driving Competition to Lower Costs The bill promotes competition across the healthcare marketplace, including expanding access to alternative coverage arrangements and reducing barriers that limit consumer choice. These reforms are designed to put downward pressure on costs while maintaining incentives for innovation. Refocusing the System on Prevention and Patient Control By allowing Americans to use healthcare dollars on preventative care and wellness, the plan shifts the system away from reactive “sick care” and toward long-term health outcomes. “Healthcare should work like every other part of the economy—transparent, competitive, and driven by the individual,” Burlison said. “This plan puts patients back in charge and delivers a system that actually works for the American people.” Original Co-Sponsor: Rep. Tom Barrett (MI-07) Organization Support: The Great American Health Alliance Keith Nahigian, President "We cannot miss this urgent, once-in-a-generation opportunity to fundamentally reform healthcare and put consumers back in charge. Empowering patients is a clear mandate, with 80 percent of voters ready to stop renting their coverage. Congressman Burlison has brilliantly messaged the President’s Great Healthcare Plan by prioritizing direct funding, transparency, true affordability, and the expanding wellness economy in one comprehensive bill. This legislation is the ultimate vehicle to turn healthcare spending into a permanent asset, giving Americans the power to lock in savings, demand better value, and immediately take back control of their health." HSA Coalition Daniel Perrin, Founder "This bill is long overdue. The average Medicare beneficiary spends $6,330 a year out of pocket. A family on an ACA bronze plan faces a deductible north of $7,400 before insurance pays for most care. And what does Washington say to these Americans? You can't have a Health Savings Account. Congressman Burlison's bill flips that NO to YES — and lets every American, on Medicare, Medicaid, or an ACA plan, put their own money aside tax-free to meet their own deductibles and out-of-pocket costs." ABA HSA Council Kevin McKechnie, Executive Director "The ABA HSA Council supports Rep. Burlison’s efforts to give every American the chance to open and contribute to a Health Savings Account. His proposal is consistent with the president’s plan to give more Americans the chance to use their own money to live healthier lives while saving for their future healthcare needs. We urge Congress to pass this timely legislation so more consumers can access HSAs to help them cover the rising cost of healthcare." Alliance for Healthcare Sharing Ministries Hon. Randy Hultgren, Executive Director "I want to thank Congressman Burlison for introducing this bill, and for recognizing something that more than 1.5 million Americans in Health Care Sharing Ministries already know: we are being taxed unfairly, and it is time to fix it. My own family has been part of Samaritan Ministries for years. My monthly share is $724 — about 68% less than the $2,244 that the average family pays for health insurance in America today. Every month, I send that share directly to a family in need, 95% of the time in another state. No insurer in the middle. No claims adjuster. Just one American family helping another pay a real medical bill. Here is the problem Congressman Burlison's bill solves. Employer-provided health insurance is paid for with pre-tax dollars. The self-employed deduct their premiums. But the 1.5 million Americans who choose a Health Care Sharing Ministry pay their monthly share with after-tax dollars, and are locked out of a Health Savings Account entirely. That is tax discrimination against people of faith exercising a practical, affordable, charitable alternative to insurance. Allowing sharing ministry members to contribute to an HSA ends that discrimination. It gives our members the same tax treatment every other American with coverage already has. And it advances exactly the health care doctrine this Administration has championed: payments to individuals, not insurers. Health Care Sharing Ministries have been putting this doctrine into practice for more than three decades. Congressman Burlison's bill finally treats our members fairly under the tax code, and the Alliance is proud to support it.”

Rep. Burlison, Sheriff Arnott, State Leaders to Hold Press Conference on Tragic Murder of Miles Young

Springfield, Mo. — Congressman Eric Burlison will join Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott, State Representative Melanie Stinnett, State Senator Curtis Trent, and local leaders for a press conference Friday, April 10, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. CT on the steps of the Historic Greene County Courthouse in Springfield, Missouri, addressing the tragic murder of 15-year-old Miles Young. Multiple suspects have been charged in connection with his death, including one individual reportedly subject to an immigration detainer. The case has raised serious concerns about public safety and enforcement. WHO: Congressman Eric Burlison Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott State Representative Melanie Stinnett State Senator Curtis Trent WHAT: Press conference on the murder of Miles Young and public safety WHEN: Friday, April 10 10:30 a.m. CT WHERE: Steps of the Historic Greene County Courthouse (east side) 940 N Boonville Ave, Springfield, Missouri, 65802

Burlison and Timmons Announce Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence Influencing American Prosperity

Position: The representatives advocate for continued U.S. development and advancement of artificial intelligence capabilities to maintain economic competitiveness and national security, and call for congressional action to remove constraints on AI industry growth including semiconductor manufacturing, skilled labor availability, and energy infrastructure.

WASHINGTON—Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) and Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs Chairman William Timmons (R-S.C.) today announced a roundtable on “Artificial Intelligence and American Power: Leadership, Security, and Prosperity.” During the roundtable, members will examine the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in determining the future of American economic growth, labor productivity, and industrial competitiveness. The roundtable will also highlight how AI dominance is crucial for national defense, shaping intelligence analysis, cyber operations, and deterrence against foreign adversaries, and how AI industry growth is constrained by limits in semiconductor manufacturing, skilled labor, and reliable energy infrastructure needed to power it. “AI is the way of the future, and America must continue to develop and advance it if we want to remain competitive in the global arena. President Trump has led the way in growing our AI capabilities and it is crucial for Congress to follow his lead to keep our economy and national security strong. We look forward to hearing from participants on how we can use AI to promote American dominance and the steps Congress can take to relieve the strains on AI that hinder economic growth,” said the Subcommittee Chairmen. WHAT: Joint Subcommittee roundtable on “Artificial Intelligence and American Power: Leadership, Security, and Prosperity” DATE: Thursday, April 16, 2026 TIME: 2:00 P.M. EDT LOCATION: 2154 Rayburn House Office Building PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Robert Atkinson, Founder and President, ITIF Dr. Chris Mattmann, Chief Data and AI Officer, UCLA Charles Crain, Managing Vice President of Policy, National Association of Manufacturers Mark Beall, President of Government Affairs, AI Policy Network Jahmy Hindman, Chief Technology Officer, John Deere Lukas Czinger, Chief Executive Officer, Divergent Technologies WATCH: The roundtable is open to the public and will be livestreamed here.

Rep. Eric Burlison’s Smart Space Act Passes House to Address Waste in Federal Buildings

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 7388, the Smart Space Act of 2026, legislation introduced by Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07) to address taxpayer dollars being spent on underused federal office space. “The federal government’s real-estate portfolio is wasting taxpayer money,” Burlison said. “My bill requires a thorough evaluation of how this property is being used and lays out a plan to address underused buildings. Taxpayers deserve to see exactly what they’re paying for.” The federal government owns and leases hundreds of millions of square feet of property across the country, much of it underused or sitting empty. Taxpayers continue to cover the cost of maintaining and operating those buildings. The Smart Space Act would direct the General Services Administration (GSA) to consult with private-sector real-estate experts to evaluate federal properties and how they are being used. It would also require the agency to examine alternative financing options, including long-term agreements where private-sector partners help fund the construction, renovation, or disposal of federal facilities. Within 120 days of enactment, the GSA would also publish a report to the president and Congress outlining recommendations to reduce excess space and lower long-term costs. H.R. 7388 now heads to the Senate for consideration.