Eric Burlison

Eric Burlison is an American politician currently serving as the U.S. Representative for Missouri's 7th congressional district. A member of the Republican Party, he began his term in the U.S. House of Representatives on January 3, 2023. Prior to his election to Congress, Burlison had a notable career in Missouri state politics, where he held positions in both the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate. His legislative focus has included a range of issues, from education and health care to fiscal policy and foreign affairs.

Early life and career

Eric Burlison was born on October 2, 1976. He graduated from Parkview High School in Springfield, Missouri, in 1995. Following high school, Burlison pursued higher education at Southwest Missouri State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy in 2000 and a Master of Business Administration in 2002.

Before entering politics, Burlison worked in the healthcare sector as a software engineer at CoxHealth, a regional healthcare provider. He later transitioned to the role of business analyst. His professional background in technology and business has informed his approach to various legislative issues throughout his political career. In addition to his work in healthcare, Burlison has been involved with several organizations, including the Freedom of Road Riders, Missouri Right to Life, the National Rifle Association, and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, reflecting his interests in both social and economic issues.

House tenure

Burlison's political career at the state level began when he was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2008, representing District 133, which includes parts of Greene County. He served in the Missouri House until 2016, during which time he held significant leadership positions, including chairing the House Committee on Professional Registration and Licensing and serving as vice chair of the House Special Committee on Health Insurance. His legislative efforts included sponsoring a bill in 2011 that enabled Missouri to join the Health Care Compact, a multi-state agreement aimed at reforming healthcare governance. In 2014, he successfully advocated for legislation that improved access to educational services for children with dyslexia, integrating dyslexia into a state grant program for families of children with disabilities. Additionally, in 2016, he sponsored a bill that eliminated conceal and carry requirements for firearms in Missouri.

In 2018, Burlison transitioned to the Missouri Senate, where he represented the 20th District, encompassing parts of Christian County and Greene County. His committee assignments in the Senate included roles on the Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee, the General Laws Committee, and the Insurance and Banking Committee, among others. He served as vice chair of the Professional Registration Committee and chair of the Small Business and Industry Committee. His tenure in the Missouri Senate included a controversial proposal in 2022 that sought to bypass jury trials for individuals claiming self-defense in cases involving deadly force, which faced bipartisan opposition.

Burlison was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2022 elections, defeating the Democratic nominee with a significant majority. His first term in Congress began in January 2023, and he has since been involved in various legislative discussions and initiatives.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the U.S. House, Burlison has focused on a variety of issues, reflecting both his political ideology and the interests of his constituents. He has been a vocal supporter of fiscal responsibility and has expressed opposition to certain spending measures. Notably, he was among the Republicans who voted against the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, indicating his commitment to reducing government expenditure.

Burlison has also taken a strong stance on social issues, particularly regarding abortion. In January 2025, he introduced a bill that recognized personhood as beginning at conception, aligning with his party's platform on this contentious issue. His legislative actions have also included commentary on high-profile investigations, such as the Jeffrey Epstein client list, where he has called for transparency and accountability.

In terms of foreign policy, Burlison's voting record reflects a mix of traditional Republican positions. He voted against a resolution condemning the illegal abduction of children from Ukraine by Russia, which drew attention given the ongoing conflict. Conversely, he supported measures to provide assistance to Israel following attacks in 2023, demonstrating his alignment with U.S. foreign policy interests in the region.

Burlison's engagement with emerging issues is evident in his interest in unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs). He has advocated for the establishment of a committee to study UAPs and has introduced legislation aimed at increasing transparency regarding these phenomena. His views on UAPs include a belief that they may be either manmade objects or supernatural entities, a perspective that has garnered both interest and skepticism.

In addition to these issues, Burlison has been involved in discussions surrounding Medicaid reform, advocating for cuts and the introduction of work requirements. His legislative actions indicate a commitment to conservative principles regarding social welfare programs.

Burlison's committee assignments in the U.S. House include membership in the newly established House Department of Government Efficiency Committee, where he is likely to focus on improving government operations and reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies.

Overall, Eric Burlison's political career reflects a trajectory marked by a commitment to conservative values, fiscal responsibility, and a focus on both state and national issues. As he continues his service in the U.S. House of Representatives, Burlison remains an active participant in shaping legislation that aligns with his party's goals and the interests of his constituents in Missouri's 7th congressional district. His current term is set to conclude on January 3, 2027.