Last week, I had the pleasure of hosting our Texas 17th District winner of the Congressional Art Competition. Shayne Sexton of Groesbeck visited the Capitol with winners from around the country. Her winning artwork, “Waving Flag” is displayed in the Canon Tunnels of the Capitol complex.
I personally took Shayne and her family on an after-hours tour of the Capitol. The following day my team joined her for the 2024 Art Winner’s Reception where her tremendous work was recognized. It was wonderful to engage with Shayne and other talented young people from around our great nation. Congratulations, Shayne, and thank you for visiting.
Government Oversight
On Wednesday, I participated in a full committee hearing with the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability entitled “Defending America from the Chinese Communist Party’s Political Warfare, Part II.”
My goal in this hearing was to find legislative solutions to defend our country against communist manipulation. America’s approach to China is not about politics, it’s about protecting our nation.
Later that day, the Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, where I am chairman, held a hearing to examine how the Department of Defense has fallen short in its mission to modernize the personnel vetting process with the National Background Investigation Services system. I delivered opening remarks
Gary Borders
emphasizing that a high-quality security clearance process is vital to national security.
In Thursday’s House Oversight Committee hearing, my colleagues and I called for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to better investigate discriminatory policies by U.S based companies operating under the guise of diversity, equity, and inclusion in U.S. companies.
As the father of a Down syndrome young man, I appreciate the need for opportunity and access, but I reject the notion that we achieve these goals through exclusionary and divisive practices. Clearly, These DEI policies overcorrect and are problematic to say the least.
The EEOC must engage in careful examination of “inclusionary” practices to protect our men and women in the workforce, as they were created to do. Here is a link to my remarks.
Sam Houston portrait
My office boasts a new portrait of Sam Houston, delivered by the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Sam Houston State University of Huntsville.
A formidable figure in Texas history, Sam Houston was fundamental to the foundation of the Lone Star State. His leadership in battle and government continues to inspire Texans. Only one man has been governor of more than one state, and his portrait now hangs in my Washington, D.C., office.
The legacy of Sam Houston continues to inspire Texans. I encourage everyone to visit the Sam Houston Memorial Museum in Huntsville to gain insight into the life of Sam Houston.
Legislative business
I was happy to fight for an additional $5 million in funding for the Army to enhance spectrum sharing and management technology. This will support the SMART Hub project at Baylor University, advancing our military’s electromagnetic capabilities and ensuring battlefield dominance to protect our servicemen and women.
“We are pleased that Dr. Charlie Baylis and his research team are leading a national spectrum effort out of the Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative, and I’m grateful to Congressman Sessions and his staff for their unwavering support.” — Dr. Kevin Chambliss, Vice Provost for Research, Baylor University.
• HR 8752: Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act strengthens our southern border with substantial support for border patrol agents and advanced technology, counters China’s influence through bolstering national security, and firmly opposes the Biden Administration’s radical, far-left agenda that promotes illegal immigration.
—$600 million for additional border wall.
—Sustains funding for 22,000 Border Patrol Agents.
—Prohibits Biden Administration rule allowing USCIS officers to make final asylum determinations.
—Prohibits employment authorizations for aliens whose asylum claim was denied or if they were convicted of a federal or state crime.
—Prohibits the issuance of H-1B visas from entities connected to the People’s Liberation Army.
—Requires the Secretary to obligate funding for the border wall within 120 days of the date of enactment.
—Prohibits the dismantling or removal of existing border barriers.
—Provides $64.81 billion in total discretionary funding, including $3.41 billion for defense, an $82 million (2.4 percent) increase above the FY24 enacted level, and $61.39 billion for non-defense, a $2.88 billion (5 percent) increase above the FY24 enacted level and $4.27 billion (7.5 percent) above the President’s Budget Request to improve national security at the border and oppose foreign influence at home.
• HR 8771: Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act directs resources to support our allies and counter adversaries, halts funding for organizations that oppose U.S. interests, and promotes American values by boosting funding for religious freedom programs abroad and enforcing the expanded Mexico City Policy on all health funds.
—$6.83 billion for Foreign Military Financing Program —Assistance for Israel, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
—Allocates for U.S. national security interests in the Indo-Pacific and countering malign influence.
—Fully funds the Countering PRC Influence Fund —Provides $51.71 billion in total discretionary funding, $7.6 billion (11 percent) below the FY24 enacted level and $12.26 billion (19 percent) below the President’s Request.
• HR 8774: Department of Defense Appropriations Act provides a 4.5 percent pay raise for our troops and an additional 15 percent increase for junior enlisted service members, ensures combat-ready forces to deter war and secure national defense, and removes funding for President Biden’s divisive social agendas that undermine the strength of our military.
—Provides $833.05 billion in discretionary funding, $8.57 billion (1 percent) above the FY24 enacted level and consistent with the limit that is set in law. Roughly 62 percent of funding go to must pay bills (operations and maintenance, etc.)
—Rejects $18 billion in unnecessary items from the President’s Budget Request, redirecting funds to counter China and other adversaries, foster innovation, combat fentanyl flow, and support service members and their families.
Pete Sessions represents District 17, which includes Trinity County, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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