|
|
|
February 16, 2024
|
|
|
Rural Necessities
On Tuesday this week, I met with the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) leadership in Washington, DC. DETCOG consists of an 11-county region and is home to over 339,000 Texans. Angelina, Houston, Nacogdoches, and Trinity counties are DETCOG members in Texas’s 17th District. This organization is pivotal in driving development across one of the nation's largest rural areas.
|
 Our discussions covered crucial topics including extending federal programs for public schools, disaster recovery and mitigation, and expanding rural broadband. I am a longtime advocate for these issues and other issues important to rural communities.
We also discussed Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts, and the need to work with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to solve ongoing issues affecting rural low-income counties. DETCOG's advocacy efforts highlight the need to improve rural broadband access in Deep East Texas.
I extend my thanks to the DETCOG team, including Judge Jeff Boyd, Judge Jim Lovell, Judge Allison Harbison, DETCOG Executive Director Lonnie Hunt, DETCOG President-Elect Brandon Prescott, DETCOG Vice President Mark Nettuno, and Luciana Barr, for their insightful collaboration. Your commitment to our region is inspiring. |
Addressing Health Care Needs
This week, I had the honor of sitting down with several key health care groups to address pressing issues impacting the well-being of Texans across our district.
In a meeting with TX-17's Community Health Centers, led by Vena Williams from Waco Family Medicine, we had a productive conversation about ways to improve health care payments and reduce authorization delays. I stand ready to combat these issues head-on.
|
 Later that day, I met with the Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospital (TORCH) leaders to highlight the distinct needs of rural health facilities. Representatives from Angelina County, Sam Houston State University, and the TLL Temple Foundation shared invaluable insights, strengthening my resolve to champion rural health care support.
Finally, I met with Caroline Cardenas and her mother, Anna, advocates from the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. We delved into advancing research and medical care for the Down syndrome community, underscoring the importance of comprehensive care guidelines.
I am committed to support our medical professionals, uphold quality care, and endorse impactful research. I support our rural hospitals in their mission to serve our communities, and I stand with organizations like the Global Down Syndrome Foundation, which strive every day to make meaningful differences in the lives of those they serve. |
Delivering for America
Addressing the recent package delivery delays in Houston, Huntsville, and across East Texas is a current focus of mine. As Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, I've called for a Member of Congress briefing with Postal Service officials on February 22. We'll scrutinize the root causes of these setbacks firsthand.
|
 This bipartisan initiative invites Texas delegation members to look toward a solution. The issues Texas residents are experiencing with their mail service are not isolated incidents—similar problems are happening in San Francisco, CA, and Richmond, VA.
The U.S. Postal Service must balance the need for a modernized Postal Service with immediate, robust service standards. My colleagues and I are doubling down on oversight to ensure efficiency and accountability. |
|
|
|
Politico: House GOP sets rule-vote failure record
Houston Chronicle: Houston mail delays the topic of Rep. Sessions' briefing with USPS, fellow representatives
Houston Public Media: U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions to discuss mail delays with Houston leaders next week, tour facilities
KYTX: State leaders meeting next week to discuss ongoing delays at Texas USPS mail facilities
|
| Sincerely, |
|
|
| Pete Sessions |
| Member of Congress |
|
|
|
|
