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February 9, 2024
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Questioning Secretary Yellen
On Tuesday, I participated in a House Committee on Financial Services hearing titled "The Annual Report of the Financial Stability Oversight Council," featuring U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen as a witness.
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 Secretary Yellen previously testified before the Committee on May 12, 2022; during which, Congressman Sessions questioned her about market indicators that suggest federal overspending as a root cause of record inflation.
Currently, the cost of goods has increased by over 30% since the Biden administration took office, with no signs of abatement. Furthermore, the U.S. national debt has recently surpassed $34 trillion, jeopardizing the sustainability of our nation's free market system. During the hearing, I questioned Secretary Yellen about the escalating cost of goods and the Biden administration's plan, which has exacerbated our uncontrollable spending.
In response, Secretary Yellen defended President Biden's fiscal policies and indicated that Congress should not be concerned about our national debt. Let me be clear, our national spending is out of control and a lack of concern has contributed to the severe position our country is in. Congress must reign in President Biden’s exorbitant policies that threaten our free enterprise system.
I encourage you to watch the full exchange between me and Secretary Yellen here. |
The Best Place to Live, Work, & Raise a Family
This week, I met with McLennan Community College’s (MCC) President, Dr. McKown, and their Board of Trustees to discuss their goals moving forward to make Central Texas the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
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 MCC plans to make exceptional progress while planning its 2030 strategic methods to gather community, family, and success. Currently, thirty-one percent of students who attend MCC graduate or transfer within 3 years of attendance. With their 2030 strategic plan that number is intended to double to sixty percent.
I also met with Dr. Christy Ponce, President of Temple College to discuss their new education center in Rockdale, TX. I am pleased to know that this education center will allow more individuals to achieve their educational and future career goals.
The technical programs and classes offered by both community colleges are top-notch providing many students with incredible opportunities, once thought unachievable. I highly appreciate their efforts in providing the best for our communities, while making a positive difference. I am looking forward to continuing my work with MCC and Temple College to improve the lives of Central Texans. |
Texas Special Olympics
On Tuesday, I had a great meeting with the Texas Special Olympics during their Capitol Hill Day. Together, we discussed the significant role of federal partnerships in supporting their initiatives, including the Healthy Athletes program.
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 These programs not only empower athletes with intellectual disabilities but also promote a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect. As a father of someone with Down syndrome, I am proud to advocate on behalf of individuals with intellectual disabilities. I am impressed by the Texas Special Olympics and their advocacy and will continue to support their work. It was an engaging meeting, reinforcing the importance of our continued commitment to these empowering programs. |
SMART Hub Success
On Wednesday, I met with Daniel J. Pack, Baylor Dean of Computer Science & Engineering, to discuss the positive impact SMART Hub research is having on Baylor University, Waco, and our military.
The SMART Hub research program consists of a multidisciplinary team of 29 researchers at 17 institutions working alongside the U.S. Department of Defense to develop technology that will enhance wireless communication spectrums. Baylor has been a leader on the program developing adaptive and reconfigurable wireless systems that are able to share the increasingly crowded communication spectrum used by both U.S. Defense efforts and the population at large.
I am proud to have secured a $5 million appropriation to turn the partnership between Baylor and the Department of Defense into a reality, and I remain committed to supporting Baylor initiatives that strengthen our national security.
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Conserving Natural Resources
On Wednesday, I also met with the Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA) about ways to enhance wastewater utilities in the state of Texas. Their efforts to help bridge the gap between our wastewater system challenges have been effective since 1969.
TRWA has established six focus areas that will ensure their efforts are strategically aligned with other existing programs. Using advocacy, membership, financial assistance, training, leadership development, and organization resources they are implementing a road map to help our communities become better stewards of our recources.
Improvements to water in the Lone Star State are a priority of mine. These challenges are vital when making decisions that can potentially create a healthier and more sustainable water system. I am pleased to be working alongside the Texas Rural Water Association and I look forward to continuing my work with them.
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Local
Scripps News: Lawmakers press DOJ for information on marijuana farms linked to China
KWTX: Calls for accountability grow as Houston area mail deliveries impact Brazos Valley residents
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National
The Washington Examiner: House Republicans warn Biden against federalizing Texas National Guard
Newsmax: GOP Lawmakers to Biden: Stand by Texas, Don't Federalize Guard
Rolling Stone: Why Trad-Life Guys Are Fuming About Legal Weed
Federal News Network: Federal telework debate escalates as House Republicans push for details
Marijuana Moment: Bipartisan Lawmakers Push Attorney General To Investigate Link Between State Marijuana Legalization And Chinese-Owned Illicit Farms
Politico: Lawmakers want answers from AG about Chinese ties to illicit weed farms
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| Sincerely, |
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| Pete Sessions |
| Member of Congress |
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