This week, I supported six pieces of legislation to back our law enforcement heroes:
•HR 3091 — Federal Law Enforcement Officer Service Weapon Purchase Act. Currently, federal agencies are required to destroy weapons that have been retired, a waste of taxpayer dollars. Instead, this bill will allow officers the opportunity to purchase the weapon from the federal government for their own personal use.
•HR 363 — Resolution memorializing law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. This resolution is to further recognize law enforcement officers across the United States that were killed in the line of duty. Pursuing and preserving safe communities is noble work, and I salute all those who make great sacrifices for our security.
•HR 165 — Commemorating the bicentennial of the Texas Ranger Division of the Texas Department of Public Safety, the oldest State law enforcement agency in North America, and honoring the men and women, past and present, of the Texas Rangers. I am the sponsor of this resolution to honor all those who have dedicated their lives to upholding public safety in the Lone Star State as peace officers in the Texas Ranger Division.
•HR 743 — Protect and Serve Act of 2023. Those who intentionally target and assault law enforcement officers should face serious criminal penalties. This act would establish a new criminal offense for knowingly assault law enforcement officers.
•HR 130 —Thin Blue Line Act. The goal of this act is to expand the list of statutory aggravating factors in death penalty determinations to include killing or targeting a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder. This bill increases the amount of charges an individual will receive if they kill or target an officer.
•HR 1210 — Condemning the Biden border crisis and the tremendous burdens law enforcement officers face as a result. There has been an unacceptable number of gotaways that have evaded detection by border control that have begun to have ramifications on our local police officers. Officers are dealing with an increase in organized criminal activity from international gangs that use sophisticated methods to burglarize and terrorize U.S. cities and towns. Our law enforcement officers already handle U.S. crime, but now are tasked with immigration enforcement due to the Biden administration’s abhorrent deportation protocols. This resolution recognizes the affect that this negligence has on our police officers.
This week and every week, I commend our community heroes for their sacrifice, discipline, and hard work.
Hearing with Prudential financial regulators
On Wednesday, I participated in a House Financial Services Committee Hearing titled, “Oversight of Prudential Regulators.” During the hearing, I raised concerns with Martin Gruenberg, Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), regarding his ineffective leadership, which has allowed an abusive workplace rife with sexual abuse and racial prejudice.
I told the Commissioner about one of my lifelong principles: “When leaders lack clarity, there are real organizational consequences.”
Congressman Sessions addresses FDIC Chairman Gruenberg
In response to the disturbing revelations about sexual misconduct at the FDIC and other agencies, I have taken action by introducing the No Taxpayer-Funded Pensions for Sex Criminals Act, HR 8373.
This legislation would ensure that government employees convicted of such egregious acts are held accountable and not supported by the hard-earned money of American citizens. I introduced this bill alongside Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06-D). Sen. Joni Ernst (IA-R) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY-D) introduced the same legislation in the Senate.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland held in contempt
On Thursday evening, the House Oversight and Accountability Committee held a hearing to consider a resolution to hold U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress for failure to comply with a subpoena.
On Feb. 27, the Oversight Committee subpoenaed the Attorney General for all documents related to Special Counsel Robert Hur’s interview with President Biden regarding the investigation into classified documents found at the President’s home and office after he left the Office of the Vice President.
Attorney General Garland refused to comply, even though the documents requested by the House Oversight Committee were requested under a lawfully issued subpoena. By refusing to provide the audio recordings, the Department of Justice is protecting the President and obstructing a Congressional investigation.
Our leaders must be accountable to Congress. That is why my colleagues and I on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee recommended that the House find the Attorney General in contempt. Article II officers, including the U.S. Attorney General, cannot be permitted to defy lawfully issued Congressional inquiries or undermine the system of checks and balances established in the Constitution.
2024 Congressional Art Competition Winners
I am thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for Texas’s 17th Congressional District.
This year’s theme, “Patriotism in America,” inspired an incredible display of artistic talent from our district. We hosted three regional art competitions with 42 students representing 13 high schools, showcasing a total of 48 remarkable pieces of artwork.
The winning artwork, “Waving Flag” by Shayne Rae Sexton from Groesbeck High School, will be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel at the Capitol Complex over the next year. This location will showcase the piece for thousands of Capitol visitors.
“Waving Flag” will be featured alongside other national winners, providing a unique opportunity for Shayne Rae Sexton’s work to be seen and admired by a wide audience of lawmakers, staff, and the general public.
Additionally, the second- and third-place pieces, “Reflection of Corporal Berry” by Makenna Berry from Huntsville Home School and “Break: of Light, and Age” by Toni Saucedo from Nacogdoches High School, respectively, will be exhibited in my Waco District Office.
Congratulations to all our participants for their wonderful contributions. It is a privilege to represent a district brimming with such talented young people.
Pete Sessions represents District 17, which includes Trinity County, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Comment
Comments