Editor’s note: In his town hall meeting in San Angelo on Monday, Congressman August Pfluger addressed residents on flood relief, thanking local leaders for their efforts and issuing commendations.
When the audience started asking difficult questions, procedure was quickly thrown out, as inquiries about what was happening on Capitol Hill dominated the lunch-hour discussion.
Flood Response and EMS Commended
Rep. August Pfluger entered a packed commissioners’ courtroom, beginning the event with a short ceremony thanking local leaders, volunteers, EMS and first responders.
County Judge Lane Carter again expressed his gratitude for Pfluger’s assistance in securing the FEMA disaster declaration for Tom Green County.
Pfluger also spoke on these efforts, before turning to the audience for questions.
Audience Divides Over Immigration Positions
The crowd was buzzing with both praise and criticism of Pfluger. Many attendees held their questions tightly in hands shaking with anticipation, waiting for a turn to speak.
Tension in the room rose palpably at the first question, from Britta Todd.
“Since the Trump Administration is currently sending over 650 million dollars in FEMA money to build concentration camps: in your conversations with Homeland Security, with FEMA — have you discussed the better use of those funds to help your constituents in Texas?”
The concentration camp Todd was referring to is a Homeland Security installation cynically nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” which has been in the national news recently, and the crowd continued to ask questions using this name to reference the camps.
About one-third of the crowd clapped in response, and Pfluger thanked her for her question.
“Thank you for your question. That statement is false,” the congressman told the crowd. “The notion that money that could have gone to this effort was instead directed elsewhere, is categorically false.”
Pfluger’s answer led to audible murmuring in the crowd.
“Concentration camps?” Pfluger asked. “Guys, are we kidding?”
Many in the crowd responded “Yes.” One lady shouted out, regarding reported conditions in the camp, “There’s maggots in the food!”
“Okay. Any World War II vets in here?” Pfluger then asked curiously, pointing into the crowd.
After further mutterings from the crowd, a few stood up to mention their relationship to a veteran of the Second World War.
Pfluger continued:
“So, the response of getting people what they need, I think has been unparalleled. That they immediately designated it a disaster zone…this is about getting people the right funds at the right time. This isn’t a shuffleboard, so the assertion that the money that was going to go to this response that wasn’t is untrue,” he said.
A woman toward the back of the room sought to clarify the first question, asking “Why do you need to send that money to (alligator) Alcatraz; that money should be for us — not to be sending somewhere else. Not money that’s needed now, but in the future.”
This exchange set the tone for the rest of the meeting.
Comments swarmed from around the room, with many feeling the need to add-to, or correct, the congressman’s answers in real time.
Most of the questions that followed lacked normal introductions, and Pfluger’s tone grew more defensive.
“I guess we’re going to get right into this,” he said. “From 2021-2024 we had almost 15 million come to this country illegally. I’ll tell you exactly why we need to send the money:
“When Homeland Secretary Mayorkas testified before the Homeland Security committee, I asked him this question, as he was sitting next to (then FBI director) Christopher Wray, under oath: ”Are there people inside the United States of America that are on the terror watch list, where you don’t know where they are?’
“Mr. Wray answered ‘Yes.’ I turned to the secretary, ‘Mr. Secretary: Where are those people?’ No clue. Three-hundred-plus people match the terrorist watch list.
“In the preceding eight years, less than 40 people. That’s Obama, and then Trump. And then under the Biden administration, 300 people.
“Trump took over, and — magically, somehow — the border became secure. In fact, last month not a single person was released into the interior of the United States who came here illegally.”
Crowd Responds to Pfluger’s Rhetoric
Pfluger then continued his answer, pivoting to border security.
“I take border security very seriously. Because of Laken Riley, Jocelyn Nungaray… And you want to know what’s shameful?
“When I sat there during the State of the Union this year, Laken Riley who was in nursing school in Georgia — brutally murdered by illegal immigrants who were not here legally — who, in addition to being here illegally, committed additional crimes.
“Not a single one of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle had the decency to stand up for them, when their parents were acknowledged. That’s not ‘West Texas.’”
“Then why are you arresting migrants in the fields, and in the courts — who are going through it the right way?” asked Yvette Sherman of San Angelo, referencing the arrest of migrant workers who were going through proper naturalization channels.
Pfluger reiterated his previous statement.
“I take border security very seriously. There’s a right, legal way to do it. People have been coming into the country for decades — legally. In the past many years, we’ve a complete destruction of the rule of law. We’ve seen an unwillingness. We didn’t need new legislation.”
Several people interjected, before Pfluger sought to move the discussion forward.
Pedro “Pete” got up and spoke on his family’s experience, mentioning that he hoped to run against Pfluger in the next election:
“I am a son of an illegal immigrant. We went back to Mexico to get the documentation he needed. We worked the fields…”
Pfluger asked, “So why did he have to go back to Mexico?”
“Well because he got deported, so we had to go get the proper,”
The congressman cut him off: “…To do it legally — thank you — the point is made,” Pfluger said, pausing to continue his thoughts before the crowd shouted for his question to be heard.
Pedro “Pete” continued.
“What I hear from you, is that immigrants are murderers and rapists; everybody in here is an American. Why don’t we acknowledge the people that came over here and did good.
“I am a therapist, my brother is a communications expert of 40 years…we need immigrants to make this country stronger. My question is why don’t we focus on that?”
Several others agreed vocally with Pedro “Pete”, interrupting the congressman’s brief response.
One questioner stood up asking, “What is being done to address these people, whose families work very hard to pick your crops, and feed 40 percent of the United States?”
At that point, she got up and left, visibly frustrated.
Several clapped and agreed with her statements, and as she turned the corner, Pfluger replied “I can tell this is a feisty crowd. I like it; that’s what makes San Angelo great. This is what makes Texas great.”
The crowd didn’t seem to be concerned with the rules of order, and many people interjected.
One man in the back shouted “Fascist!”
This comment was largely ignored, though repeated throughout the town hall by the same two members of the audience.
Pfluger shut this down, calling for respect in discussion.
Town Hall Shifts into Debate with Audience
The lack of order was frustrating to many, including Pfluger. Questions came from all directions and Pfluger’s answers grew shorter, and took on a corrective tone.
Pfluger told the crowd, “Y’all don’t wanna hear the facts. What I’m getting out of this, is that y’all just wanna talk. And that’s fine. If that’s what we get out of this, that’s fine.”
Working to turn the conversation to topics he would rather discuss, he spoke about his legislative endeavors.
“I’ve passed almost 10 bills, the most of any congressman in the country,” he told the crowd, who seemed unconcerned with Pfluger’s congressional achievements.
Attendees said they were far more interested in the policy decisions of recent months, and his voting record.
Pfluger then made repeated attempts to answer a few questions, but he was cut off by speakers who were disagreeing with him mid-sentence.
Pfluger deflected, continuing to bring up his legislative accomplishments.
“Anybody ever heard of this little base we have called Goodfellow? Okay, you know who’s coming this afternoon? Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General “Razin’ Caine” (referring to Maj. Gen John Caine.)
The same crowd member who had cried out “Fascist!” from the gallery earlier, then yelled out “Who’s coming next? Santa Claus? — We don’t care. We read the news.”
Big Beautiful Bill Draws Ire
Pfluger began to speak about a provision in the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” which immediately became a hot topic.
“In fact, as part of this One Big Beautiful Bill we passed…” Pfluger began, when a vocal third of the audience immediately booed, criticizing his vote for the bill.
“Under the provisions of this bill, we are saving Medicaid for those it was designed for,” he said, shifting back to talking points.
His comment enraged many, and a fierce argument about work requirements then ensued.
Pfluger then told his audience that the people Medicare and Medicaid were for the elderly and pregnant mothers, before asking the crowd to “raise your hand if you think we were made to not work?”
“How many jobs don’t have healthcare?” someone asked, as Pfluger continued his thought: “We’re all meant to do something. I want to talk about these tax provisions now.”
At this point one crowd member, who identified herself as a 17-year veteran of the healthcare industry, clarified a point saying, “There has always been a work requirement for Medicaid!”
Pfluger responded, “There’s never been a work requirement. That is false.”
Many people in the room began shouting “Liar,” and some others made moves to exit the town hall.
A constituent on the front row proclaimed: “My name is Irene Martinez, I’m a military spouse, and you’re a liar.”
Pfluger moved on, insisting that the work requirement was new for Medicaid, before turning to other talking points.
“This bill is delivering $1,400 dollars back into your pocket. If you are a service worker, if you take tips, you have no tax on tips.”
China, a waitress in attendance, corrected the congressman telling the crowd, “It’s temporary, only till 2028!”
“Lets talk about those who deserve it,” Pfluger said, “the service workers.”
China spoke more, saying “Nobody who works for tips is here right now they’re probably working! I make $2.13-an-hour base pay.”
She went on to describe the move as “performative,” adding that workers are still taxed on that income at the end of the year, even if the payroll tax is removed.
One man stood up and said, “There’s no tax on tips. Yes, you still are taxed for social security; you get taxed for Medicaid.
“You’re trying to make this out like it’s One Big Beautiful benefit…if you make $600 dollars a week, and half of that is in tips, then you’re going to save $30 dollars in taxes. Not thousands of dollars.
“And the problem that I see, is that I have no doubt at all that you fiercely believe all things that you are saying, but the problem is that you are misinformed.”
Pfluger responded and said “Sir, I do believe it, because I helped write the bill.”
Another audience member said that if the crowd kept electing Republicans, that the provision on tips would stay in place.
Many agreed, while others argued in opposition. Pfluger again urged the crowd to calm down.
“If you don’t love this country, raise your hand. Seriously. If you love this country, raise your hand,” he instructed the audience.
Pfluger invoked the community spirit shown by the town during the flood response, praising the first responders.
“It was great to see a community, so divided by policy issues, united.”
‘Nobody Will Lose Medicaid Coverage in Texas‘
Seeking to close the previous topic, Pfluger turned to another audience member for a formal question.
“I am an attorney who works in elder law; I assist people getting onto Medicare and Medicaid.
“And when we’re looking at the problems coming out of the Big Beautiful Bill, part of it right now is that the State of Texas isn’t funding workers. They can’t even find them, because the conditions are so stressful.
“A normal application that takes 45 days, is now taking up to a year. Under the bill, we have to apply every six months.”
Pfluger asked, “Specifically, you’re talking about people trying to get onto Medicaid?”
“Trying to get on Medicaid, she replied. “So, when I contact your office — your amazing staff; I don’t care if you’re a Democrat, or a Republican — your staff rock.
“So, I’m going to ask for your help. Look at the demographics of San Angelo. We’re aging, I’m aging. We’re getting to the point where access to everything is difficult, because we just don’t have the manpower.
“The president just signed an executive order this week … saying about involuntary mental commitments, ‘We’re going to round up the drug users, and the homeless, and those who are mentally ill, and we’re going to put them somewhere.’
“I know we don’t — when I work with the county judge, and Shannon [Health] — that we don’t have anywhere, because even though we have the State Supported Living Center, we have buildings there that we don’t have the money to staff…as this is worked through, we need you.
“This change that’s coming is going to hit the courts,” she said. “We don’t have the manpower, the money, the placements for this decision.
“For all the love for San Angelo I’ve seen you give my clients — regardless of what party they’re in — we need this help, and I don’t think anyone else can do it but you.”
The comment calmed the room down quite a bit, and Pfluger said he agreed with everything the constituent said.
“You said something that is 100 percent true,” Pfluger said. “This falls on our office. Theres no party affiliation here. It’s what we do.
“I’ve been there: I’ve called the V.A., I’ve been put on hold, it’s maddening. We don’t ask a question about anything other than ‘how can we help?’
“No change should be seen in the Medicare and Medicaid services in Texas, other than a positive one.”
Concho Observer Editor and Publisher Jon Mark Hogg asked Pfluger about the reports stating that up to 2 million Texans might be dropped from Medicaid, due to measures in the bill.
“Those estimates; I don’t know who wrote those estimates, but they are not correct…was it CNBC? Because, Fox News certainly didn’t report that,” Pfluger said, adding, “The Texas Hospital Association endorsed this bill, and they signed onto this bill.”
Pfluger Addresses Transgender Discrimination
A woman said, “My name is Judy, I am a constituent of yours, and a neighbor.
“Today I wanted to ask you to put yourself into the shoes of a different military [family], other than yours. And this family is hurting, because their child was asked to leave the military despite a long record of commendable service.”
Pfluger asked her for details about the case, but the woman did not want to offer identifying specifics, which the congressman said he would need to know enough about the individual situation.
“I don’t use this label,” she explained. “I call them people. Some people call them transgender. But these people need you to take steps against the hostility shown to them.”
Pfluger invited her to a conversation about that decision, emphasizing that he understood where she was coming from.
Another person in the front asked Pfluger his opinion on the matter, and whether the representative felt transgender people should be allowed to serve in the military.
“After serving for 25 years, I can tell you a meritocracy is the only way for service,” Pfluger said.
“While I don’t think the military should be paying for surgeries, or hormone therapy.
“The job of the military is to have the most ready and lethal men and women. We’ve gotten off track in the last few years. We’re getting back on track, here.
“When you think about a fighting force — we don’t want to use it. I have a lot of time in combat. Who here has actually faced combat in this room?”
A few hands went up.
As the hour drew to a close, Pfluger emphasized that “humanity is important. Growing up in West Texas taught me to respect everyone. It didn’t teach me to be divisive.”
The last question, from a man in the back erupted out, “How many more children have to die before you stop supporting war?” before he turned and stormed out of the room.
Pfluger said, “That’s a perfect example. That’s not how I was taught to leave a courtroom.”
Drawing the crowd in, Pfluger sought to calm things back down and end on a positive message:
“I sense today that there are extreme frustrations. With, maybe the president, maybe my position on things…”
“Pedophiles?” asked one person, while another asked, “Why did you vote to hide Jeffrey Epstein’s files?”
This claim from the audience member is false, which we will address in the fact checking article.
Pfluger continued: “So, I appreciate the fact that we can have this dialogue.
“Theres not a lot of people who would get up here and answer these questions, and be called these names.
“But I love that flag,” he said gesturing to the American flag behind him. “So much that it’s worth doing it. It’s worth having these conversations; it’s worth coming here at times, telling you the facts about what we’re doing.”
The congressman then departed, saying that he will be considering these questions during his imminent visit to Goodfellow AFB.
“I’m going to brag about San Angelo, as a community. I’m going ask one thing though, lets tone down the way we speak to each other.”
Vox Populi
Reporters Note: After the town hall ended, one lady who had her hand raised behind me walked away, having missed a chance at asking her question. I turned and asked what it was:
“I lost my home and everything I’ve ever worked for. I had questions about insurance reform. If a tornado destroyed my home, it would be covered but since it was a flood, they’re covering nothing.”
She said with emotion: “our home will have to be knocked down, and we’ll have nothing. My name is Amanda John.”
Britta Todd on if she felt her question was addressed:
“I don’t feel like he really addressed the question, and he skirted the question by making it seem like the 650 million dollars allocated — he would probably call them detention centers, I would call them concentration camps. That is allocated for “shelter” which is how the Trump Admin can use it for detention centers. And if these funds could be used to label it as shelter within his constituency.
“I think he skirted the questions, saying the administrations talking points instead of just being honest with his constituents.”
