March 15

Fireside Sessions

Upholding National Security in the Digital Age

In the digital age, our lives are increasingly intertwined with digital platforms, necessitating innovative solutions to safeguard America's national security. On Wednesday, I cast my vote in favor of H.R. 7521, the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act," which successfully passed the House with a final vote of 352 to 65. This bipartisan legislation marks a vital step in protecting our national security from digital threats, particularly those posed by foreign entities like the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

ImagePrior to the bill's consideration, TikTok disseminated misinformation and encouraged its users to contact their Congressional representatives to oppose the bill, before being allowed to use the app. However, it's important to clarify that this legislation is not about banning TikTok or infringing on free speech. Instead, it requires companies, such as TikTok, to divest from ownership with connections to foreign adversaries—specifically, China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia—before operating within the U.S. The legislation's focus is squarely on national security and does not seek to limit content.

Evidence provided by the FBI and DOJ conclusively shows that the CCP exploits TikTok to harvest data from Americans and disseminate propaganda. TikTok's reach to over 170 million users in the U.S., many of whom are youth, the potential risk is too significant to overlook.

As a Member of Congress, I am committed to protecting the United States' national security. The CCP's attempts to spy on Americans and indoctrinate our children will not be tolerated. Our responsibility to safeguard the nation extends to the digital domain.

Securing Texas' Agricultural Future

On Monday I hosted Jennifer Yezak and Dr. Cliff Lamb from Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Thanks to our collaborative efforts, we are supporting Texas agriculture.

Last week, I secured $3 million in federal funding for the McGregor Research Station residing in TX-17. This pivotal project, led by Texas A&M AgriLife Research, will enable cutting-edge research on resource-use efficiency in Texas rangelands, pastures, and cattle operations. Our goal is to keep Texas agriculture at the forefront of innovation. This initiative will transform the station into a testing ground for the latest agricultural technology,

ImageWe also discussed environmental conservation, focusing on the challenges posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. The Water Resource Institute at Texas A&M AgriLife is at the forefront of this fight, studying PFAS effects to safeguard our communities and environment.

I enjoy collaborating with groups such as Texas A&M AgriLife to ensure a prosperous future for Texas. Together, we're driving progress for our farmers, our communities, and our state.

All Eyes on Hunter

On March 6, Congressman James Comer, Chairman of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, invited Hunter Biden and his associates to testify on March 20, 2024, about Joe Biden's role in his family's business dealings. This public hearing, “Influence Peddling: Examining Joe Biden’s Abuse of Public Office,” will follow evidence suggesting President Biden's active participation in and benefit from his family's financial ventures.

ImageDespite previous requests for a public hearing, and already providing his testimony to the Committee behind closed doors, Hunter Biden announced he would not attend the hearing next week. His hesitation to testify alongside his former business partners—Devon Archer, Tony Bobulinski, and Jason Galanis—brings forth concerns about the credibility of his accounts. This hearing will be a crucial step towards uncovering the truth in this investigation.

The American public deserves to know whether elected leadership leaders are exploiting their positions of power for personal gain. Allegations of corruption at the highest levels of our government undermine public trust and the principles upon which our democracy was built.

As a senior member of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, I am committed to uncovering the truth in the corrupt business practices of the Biden family. Our work on March 20, offers a significant opportunity to shed light on these serious allegations.

In the News

KETK: East Texas community reacts to potential TikTok ban

The Austin American-Statesman: TikTok ban bill: See how all Texas members of the House voted on March 13

KTRE: U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions discusses President Biden’s State of the Union Address

Government Executive: Lawmakers try to reform federal cybersecurity again

Sincerely,
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Pete Sessions
Member of Congress

 

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