Bolstering Business in Texas

Congressman Sessions stands with representatives of TAB in front of the U.S. Capitol

This week, I met with the Texas Association of Business (TAB) to discuss key priorities and concerns from the Texas business community.

We discussed the billions of dollars the State of Texas has spent in an attempt to secure our southern border. TAB is rallying support to ensure the Biden administration reimburses our state's efforts. I have demanded for months that the Biden Administration take responsibility to regain operational control of the border. TAB also emphasized the need to preserve pro-growth policies in the State of Texas by maintaining a competitive tax environment for Texas to remain a national leader in technology, innovation, and job creation. We all agreed that our country needs common-sense immigration reforms to allow Texas businesses to attract and retain global talent.

Overall, my discussion with TAB was valuable in hearing directly from the job creators and innovators who drive our state's economic success, and I am grateful for their partnership. I will continue working to advance the priorities that matter most to the Texas business community.

Congressional App Challenge

Congressman Sessions stands with Stephanie Stark (center left) and her family in front of the U.S. Capitol

Stephanie Stark presenting her project in the U.S. Capitol

Stephanie Stark presenting her project in the U.S. Capitol. Stephanie, a sophomore at Midway High School, created an app called "Pollinator Party" that aims to educate the public on the vital importance of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to our food production and ecosystem.

I was impressed by Stephanie's passion and innovative approach to this critical conservation issue. Her inspiration came from a discussion in her environmental science class about the role pollinators play. Stephanie wanted to find a way to share that knowledge with others in an engaging, interactive format - and that's exactly what she accomplished with her winning app.

The Congressional App Challenge is an incredible opportunity for young people across the country to showcase their coding skills and creativity in addressing real-world problems. I am always amazed by the caliber of submissions, but Stephanie stood out for its objective to make a difference.

Thank you, Stephanie, for visiting me in D.C. and sharing your remarkable work!

Holding the FDA Accountable

On Thursday, I questioned Food and Drug Association (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf during a hearing held by the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

The topic at hand was the FDA's deeply troubling response to several pressing public health issues, including the infant formula crisis, shortages for lifesaving drugs, and the regulation of tobacco products. As my colleagues and I made clear to Commissioner Califf, the American people deserve much better from this agency.

Congressman Sessions questions witness during House Oversight & Accountability Committee Hearing

In my questioning, I honed in on the FDA's baffling recommendation to downgrade marijuana and THC from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. The agency's assessment cherry-picks data and fails to grapple with the very real consequences of increased marijuana use, including skyrocketing traffic fatalities in states that have legalized the drug.

The FDA’s justification for such a reckless proposal lacked the scientific evidence necessary to prove their case. This decision is particularly reckless when one considers the overwhelming evidence that marijuana poses serious risks for our children and young adults. The agency's revised, less rigorous two-factor test for determining medical necessity ignores decades of precedent that has held through the medical community's grave concerns.

I will continue to conduct oversight over the FDA's actions. The American people deserve an agency that puts science and empirical data first, not one that appears to be bowing to political pressures or special interests.

The Value of Brotherhood

Congressman Sessions stands with fellow members of Pi Kappa Alpha International Fraternity

This week, I had the opportunity to connect with my brothers in Pi Kappa Alpha, as well as visit with other fraternities and sororities.

The sense of brotherhood and shared commitment to personal growth is why I am proud to be a PIKE. Spending time with my fraternity brothers is always a rejuvenating experience, as we support one another in our academic, professional, and civic pursuits. I was impressed to see the incredible leadership, service, and philanthropy that Greek life students are involved with today.

Whether volunteering at local charities, organizing campus-wide fundraisers, or spearheading important advocacy initiatives, these young men and women are using the power of their organizations to make a real difference. It fills me with hope for the future to see the next generation of civic-minded leaders stepping up in such an impactful way.

Sincerely,

Pete Sessions

Member of Congress

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