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October 27
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Race for Speaker of the House
Legislative business over the last few weeks has been consumed by the election of the Speaker of the House. On October 3, 2023, eight Republican Members joined with Democrats to force the unprecedented removal of a Speaker. While I recognized the shortcomings of some of our leadership, I opposed the removal of Kevin McCarthy because I believed it would stall the House’s ability to pass conservative spending legislation for next year.
The urgency to quickly elect a new Speaker of the House and refocus on the pressing challenges of our nation was paramount. Immediate action is needed to secure our southern border, fortify our national security against global threats, and enact the twelve Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 appropriations bills that rightfully demand the House’s attention.
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 In this fray, on October 17th, I joined 200 of my fellow conservatives in casting my vote for Congressman Jordan (OH-04) for Speaker. I continued to vote for Congressman Jordan through all subsequent ballots, even as other members switched their votes. Despite our concerted efforts, he withdrew from the race due to a lack of 217 votes to confirm him on the House Floor.
Subsequently, I chose to enter the race for the Speaker role alongside eight other Members. I believe the Speaker should be someone who could unite the Republican Conference, be a solution-oriented leader with a demonstrated conservative record, and know how to win policy negotiations. My qualifying experience as a seasoned Member of Congress, record winning as NRCC Chairman in 2010 and 2012, and conservative track record as Chairman of the House Committee on Rules. On October 24th, I was not able to garner a majority of votes during a close-door election for the House Republican Conference’s Speaker-designate. I was proud to contribute to our Conference's dialogue and help us come to a consensus.
In a late-night vote on October 24, 2023, Congressman Mike Johnson (LA-04) secured a majority of support to become the Speaker-designate, with enough votes to secure a plurality on the House Floor. On October 25, 2023, I proudly joined my colleagues to elect the 56th Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson of Louisiana.
I am proud to support my friend Mike Johnson. He is a consensus-building conservative who will lead our entire conference to further the Republican agenda that the American people elected us to enact. Mike is a well-respected Member of Congress because of his honesty, strong work ethic, and adherence to his principles. His tenure as Speaker will chart a new course for Republican Leadership and determine House Republican’s path to achievable victory. I look forward to working with him and continuing our work to right the course of our country. |
The House Back at Work
On October 26, 2023, the House passed H.R. 4394, the Fiscal Year 2024 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. I was proud to support this conservative spending legislation which will fund work to address challenges our nation faces in energy, defense, and economic competitiveness.
The bill allocates $32.513 billion for defense spending and $25.445 billion in non-defense spending. This bill reduces non-defense spending $5.58 billion below President Biden’s budget request, curtailing wasteful spending from the past two years.
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 Our national security is strengthened in this legislation with funds to modernize our nation’s nuclear arsenal, enhance the capability of our nuclear fleet, and thwart threats from hostile entities seeking nuclear capabilities. The bill also would reduce dependency on foreign uranium, support cutting-edge nuclear projects, and ensure the efficient movement of our goods to global markets. Furthermore, this bill protects core conservative values such as the lawful carry of firearms at Corps of Engineers sites, halting the Biden Administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, and prohibiting funds to advance Critical Race Theory (CRT).
Finally, I am pleased that H.R. 4394 includes support for the Lake Waco Embankment Study through the Corps of Engineers. This is a project I secured $5.7 Million in congressionally-directed spending in the FY23 spending legislation. With this support, the Corps of Engineers will be encouraged to work with the City of Waco to expedite their work on this study. I am excited to see progress in finding a long-term solution to preserve the integrity of Lake Shore Drive.
I am proud to support H.R. 4394, which exemplifies prioritizing national security, energy security, and economic growth with fiscal responsibility. |
Scrutinizing Biden After Empowering Iran
On Thursday, October 26, I participated in a Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations Hearing entitled "Moving the Money: Understanding the Iranian Regime’s Access to Money Around the World and How They Use It to Support Terrorism." The hearing focused on critical concerns that have potential ramifications for America’s national security, that of Israel, and our other allies in the Middle East.
Given the recent attacks by Hamas against our close ally, Israel, and their connection to the Ayatollah of Iran, I am disturbed by the Biden Administration’s decision to allow Iran access to $6 billion in funds without transparent and robust oversight in place.
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 During the hearing, I asked what guarantees the United States can employ to ensure these funds are used only for humanitarian needs and not diverted toward supporting acts of terrorism. The testimony at the hearing provided insight, but many questions remain unanswered. The original stipulations set forth in the FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and the subsequent 2013 NDAA suggest a well-intentioned framework to restrict these accounts use for bilateral non-sanctioned humanitarian trade. However, the stringent enforcement of these conditions in a real-world scenario remains questionable.
America should always ensure that its interests and those of our allies are shielded from any potential harm. Our unwavering goal must remain clear: The United States of America stands with Israel and against Hamas and other terror organizations worldwide. |
Holding the IRS Accountable
On Wednesday, October 25, I chaired a joint subcommittee hearing with Congresswoman Lisa McClain (MI-9) to conduct an in-depth examination of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Our primary focus was to ensure the IRS is operating efficiently, fairly, and transparently.
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 Central to our discussion was the importance of confidence in the IRS. I stressed the importance of the IRS’ cooperation with the committee and Congress, especially for sensitive matters. Every taxpayer deserves prompt service and equal treatment.
To aid this, we discussed the unnecessary $80 billion allocated to the IRS last year to hire new agents. The IRS already encroaches in the lives of nearly all Americans. Inflating the IRS workforce will only increase their burden on citizens. I am committed to conduct necessary oversight to ensure the IRS serves with integrity. |
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H.R. 4394
This bill provides FY2024 appropriations for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civil works projects, the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Energy (DOE), and several independent agencies.
You can learn more about this bill here.
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H.Res.771
Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists.
You can learn more about this bill here.
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Local
KTRE/KLTV→ Congressman Sessions explains decision to run for Speakership
KWTX→ Congressman Pete Sessions announces plan to run for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives
Fox 4 News→ Congressman Sessions announces Speaker nomination
Dallas Morning News→Texans Sessions, Arrington and Williams eye speaker’s job as Jordan is rejected
WFAA→ Texas Congressman Pete Sessions announces bid for House speaker, two other Reps. considering the job
KTRE/KLTV→ Congressman Pete Sessions addresses his intention to run for house speaker
KBTX→ Congressman Pete Sessions discusses his bid to become the next Speaker of the U.S. House
Dallas Morning News→ Congressman Pete Sessions discusses his bid to become the next Speaker of the U.S. House
KTRE/KLTV→ U.S. Reps. Jodey Arrington, Roger Williams decline House Speaker bid
The Dallas Morning News→ House speaker drama resumes as 9 contenders try to unite fractured GOP
Dallas Morning News→ Republicans start to winnow field of 8 House speaker contenders
Austin-American Statesman→ Who is the U.S. House member from Texas seeking to be speaker? Meet Rep. Pete Sessions.
Texas Tribune→ Who is Pete Sessions and why is he running for House Speaker?
Texas Tribune→ Texans Pete Sessions, Roger Williams both out in whirlwind day to pick U.S. speaker
Dallas Morning News→ Mike Johnson elected House speaker, ending 3-week paralysis
Houston Chronicle→Texas Republican makes a run for U.S. House speaker amid weeks-long standstill
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National
CBS News→ Congressman Sessions announces Speakership Nomination
NewsMax→ Congressman Sessions announces Speaker Candidacy
The Epoch Times→ Here Are the Republicans Running for House Speaker
The Hill→ Floodgates open: Here’s who’s running for Speaker as GOP seeks third nominee
The Washington Examiner→ Floodgates open as members run for speaker following Jordan rejection by House GOP
NewsMax→ Congressman Sessions on Hamas and Israel Conflict
Fox News→ Rep. Pete Sessions calls out progressive Dems' Israeli cease-fire double standard
Fox News→ Congressman Sessions Announces Bid for Speaker
Washington Times→ Sessions pitches unity in his bid for speaker of the House, touts NRCC credentials
Forbes→ Meet The GOP Speaker Frontrunners—Emmer, Hern, Donalds And Scott—After Jordan Exits Race
Politico→ Biden has a new message about the war. There’s an America First twist.
NewsMax→ Congressman Sessions discusses Speaker Race
CNN News→ Congressman Sessions at the helm during last red wave
CNN News→ House Speaker candidate Pete Sessions says he spoke with Trump about his bid
Roll Call→ These nine Republicans are competing to be next House speaker
Boston Globe→ Meet the Republicans running for House speaker
Forbes→ Pete Sessions Asked If He Has A Real Path To Becoming Speaker
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert→ Congressman Sessions resemblance to Jeff Sessions
The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon→ Fallon calls Congressman Sessions 'Old Ken'
NewsMax→ Congressman Sessions on Border Security
Washington Examiner→ Speaker race: After over 25 years in the House, Pete Sessions is running for speaker — what are his priorities?
CNN News→ Congressman Sessions believes the GOP can agree on candidate
Fox News→ Rep. Pete Sessions argues 'we should not go home' until a speaker is elected
CBS→ Congressman Sessions on Speaker nomination process
New York Times→ The top donors to the would-be House speakers
New York Times→ Meet the Republicans Running for Speaker
NewsWeek→ What Every House Speaker Candidate Has Said About Donald Trump
Epoch Times→ Full List: House Vote for Speaker Mike Johnson
Washington Post→ How each House member voted for Mike Johnson as speaker
Fox News→ House Republicans to hold 3rd internal vote to find speaker candidate 3 weeks after McCarthy ouster
Fox News→ Fed-up House Republicans united on need for a speaker this week but divided on if they’ll get one
CNN News→ House nears third week without speaker as eight Republicans vie for gavel
ABC News→ Rep. Pete Sessions talks about Mike Johnson becoming House speaker
ABC News→ Republicans still searching for House Speaker candidate
NBC News→ These 9 candidates have joined the House speaker race after Jim Jordan dropped out
CNBC News→ Eight Republicans are vying to become the next House speaker. These are the candidates
The Hill→ Sessions says there’s ‘a lot of uncertainty’ surrounding Speaker race
Fox News→ Rep. Pete Sessions lays out his case for becoming speaker of the House
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| Sincerely, |
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| Pete Sessions |
| Member of Congress |
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