September 19, 2025

HR 5125, the DC Judicial Nominations Reform Act

Congressman Sessions speaks on the House floor in support of HR 5125

This week was an important week in Washington. My bill, HR 5125, the District of Columbia Judicial Nominations Reform Act, passed out of the House on Wednesday. This significant legislation seeks to promote security and safety in DC by removing the bureaucratic and often too political DC Judicial Nomination Commission and placing the power to nominate judges in the executive branch, the process that stands in every other state. As the son of a federal judge, I have a great respect for the judiciary and understand the role they play in keeping our streets safe. In DC, the Judicial Nomination Commission has too often prioritized politics over justice, creating delays and heavy caseloads. By removing the commission and allowing the President to quickly nominate judges to fill vacancies, criminals will no longer be allowed to escape justice. The DC courts must be equipped to do their job: hold criminals accountable, protect victims, and maintain order in our nation’s capital.

You can read more about it here and watch me speak about the bill on the House floor here.

Oversight of the District of Columbia

AI & Tech Summit

Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty

Congressman Sessions and the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty

Yesterday, the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty came to my office to discuss the food insecurity in Texas. These individuals are leaders from both Waco and Nacogdoches and are on the front lines of assisting impoverished members of our community. It is important that we come together as a community to help individuals break out of poverty cycles. I am grateful for their efforts in fighting hunger in Texas. 

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller

Congressman Sessions meets with Commissioner Miller and staff

It was an honor to welcome Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller to my Washington office this week! We discussed the importance of ensuring our farmers and ranchers can secure their livelihoods for generations to come. TX-17 is home to some of the finest farms and ranches in the state, and I am proud to represent our hardworking members of the agricultural community. 

Taiwan Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission

Congressman Sessions meets members of the Taiwan Agriculture Trade Goodwill Mission

On Wednesday, I spoke at the Taiwan Agricultural Trade Goodwill Mission Reception with Taiwan’s Representative Yui and Taiwan’s Minister of Agriculture Dr. Junne-Jih Chen. Taiwan is the 8th largest market for American agricultural products and the 4th largest consumer overall. Specifically, Taiwan is one of the largest markets for American corn, wheat, and beef. The Representative and Minister of Agriculture will be visiting Texas and other states during this visit to explore continued business opportunities. This is a mutually beneficial relationship, and I was honored to welcome the Minister of Agriculture to the United States.

Central Texas Service Academy Forum

Congressman Sessions at the 2025 Central Texas Service Academy Forum

Last weekend, my office proudly hosted the Central Texas Service Academy Forum. I enjoyed engaging with so many bright young people interested in pursuing a future at one of our nation’s distinguished Service Academies. Thank you to the Academy representatives that attended! Good luck to all pursuing a nomination for an appointment.

H.R. 4922→ DC CRIMES Act of 2025
The District of Columbia has treated adult criminals aged 18-25 as “juvenile offenders.” This soft-on-crime approach to justice has exacerbated the public safety crisis in our nation’s capital. I voted YES to this bill to use Congressional authority over the District to correct these sentencing policies and help keep criminals off the street.
 
H.R. 5140→ To lower the age at which a minor may be tried as an adult for certain criminal offenses in the District of Columbia
Teenagers who commit violent crimes, like murder, sexual abuse, and armed robbery pose a threat to public safety and should be tried as adults to reflect the seriousness of the crimes they have committed. I voted YES.

H.R. 5125→ DC Judicial Nominations Reform Act of 2025
Not only did I vote YES, but I introduced and led this legislation through passage of the House. This legislation is necessary to address the problem of court vacancies in DC that allow criminals to escape justice.

H.R. 5143→ DC Policing Protection Act of 2025
DC law prohibits vehicular pursuit of a suspect fleeing in a motor vehicle. I voted YES on this bill to amend DC law to allow police to do their jobs and pursue suspects in a motor vehicle if the officer deems it necessary.
 
H.R. 3062→ Promoting Cross-Border Energy Infrastructure Act
Right now, oil, gas, and electricity projects that cross the U.S. border can be blocked swiftly under political motivation. I voted YES to shift the power to agencies with set deadlines, removing barriers to approving energy infrastructure.

H.R. 3015→ National Coal Council Reestablishment Act
This important legislation brings back a federal advisory council that gives the Department of Energy advice on coal policy. I was a YES to ensure that coal companies can keep a direct line to policymakers.
 
H.R. 1047→ GRID Power Act
I voted YES to speed up approval for power plants to reliably deliver electricity on demand instead of intermittent to ensure the electric grid stays dependable.

H.R. 5371→ Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2026
Importantly, the House voted YES this week on a clean CR to fund the government through November 21. Now, the Senate must pass this legislation to avoid a government shut down.

H.Res. 719→ Honoring the life and legacy of Charles “Charlie” James Kirk
Today, I voted YES to adopt this resolution condemning the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Despite support from both sides of the aisle, 58 Democrats chose to put partisanship over humanity by voting no. This completely undermines the democratic principles our great nation was founded on. Until all of America stands united in rejecting violence against individuals for their beliefs, our freedom is at risk. I unequivocally condemn politically motivated violence on all sides and urge my colleagues to stand with me in doing the same.

Bloomberg Government→ House Moves to Boost Trump Authority Over DC Judge Selection
 
POLITICO→ DOGE plows on without Elon Musk, Rep. Sessions says
 
Washington Examiner→ House votes to give Trump more control over DC judges

Government Executive→ DOGE caucus co-chair says the cost-cutting unit’s work will continue