Fireside Sessions
Welcome back to my weekly update from Washington. From committee hearings examining the role of community banks in housing finance, to meetings with local stakeholders and community leaders, to district focused work securing critical infrastructure funding, this week centered on accountability, access, and results.
In Washington and across the district, I engaged on issues that directly affect families’ ability to buy a home, communities’ access to reliable infrastructure, and the long term strength of our local economies. These conversations reinforced the importance of policies that support local institutions, protect taxpayers, and keep decision making grounded in the needs of the people we serve.
Thank you for staying engaged and for the thoughtful feedback many of you shared throughout this process. I remain committed to tackling these challenges with transparency, a readiness to work across the aisle, and a steadfast focus on protecting taxpayers and strengthening the long-term economic health of Texas and our nation.
Financial Services Committee Hearing on Housing and the Role of Community Banks
During a House Financial Services Committee hearing, I asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the critical role community banks play in housing finance and homeownership. I emphasized that small, local banks understand their communities and are essential to expanding access to mortgages, particularly for first time homebuyers.
In response, Secretary Bessent agreed, underscoring the importance of restoring community banks to the housing lending market. He noted that community banks bring choice, local knowledge, and competition to the mortgage system, and warned that their decline has reduced options for borrowers. Secretary Bessent highlighted the consequences of this shift, pointing out that the average first time homebuyer is now 40 years old, a trend he described as a tragedy for families and for the long term health of the housing market.
The exchange reinforced the need for policies that reduce regulatory barriers, encourage community bank participation in mortgage lending, and expand housing access so more families can achieve homeownership earlier in life.
Meeting with Texas Rural Water Association
I also met with representatives from the Texas Rural Water Association to discuss infrastructure needs and regulatory challenges facing rural water systems across Texas. The conversation focused on water reliability, affordability, and the importance of commonsense federal policies that support rural communities while allowing local providers the flexibility to meet growing demand.
Meeting with Smart Approaches to Marijuana
I met with representatives from Smart Approaches to Marijuana to discuss public health and safety considerations related to marijuana policy. The conversation focused on protecting children and families, addressing addiction risks, and ensuring policy decisions are guided by science, public health outcomes, and community impact rather than profit driven interests.
National Prayer Breakfast
I also attended the National Prayer Breakfast alongside leaders from across the country to reflect on faith, service, and the moral responsibilities of leadership. The event highlighted the importance of humility, unity, and ethical grounding in public service.
Keynote Address to the Taylor Lions Club
I delivered the keynote address to the Taylor Lions Club, where I discussed federal priorities, local issues affecting Central Texas, and the importance of civic engagement. I highlighted the role service organizations play in strengthening communities and fostering leadership through volunteerism.
Naval Academy Announcement at Concordia High School in Pflugerville
I visited Concordia High School in Pflugerville to announce a Naval Academy appointment, recognizing a local student for exceptional achievement, leadership, and commitment to service. The event highlighted the importance of service academies in developing future military leaders and honoring the families who support those who choose to serve.
Press Conference in Pflugerville with Mayor Doug Weiss
Finally, I held a press conference in Pflugerville alongside Mayor Doug Weiss to announce 750,000 dollars in federal funding he secured for the city’s Pump Station and Storage Tank Project, a critical investment in local water infrastructure that will support both current needs and future growth. The funding was included in H.R. 6938, the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which passed both chambers of Congress and was signed into law on January 23, 2026.
This investment will modernize Pflugerville’s water system, strengthen reliability, and ensure the city can continue to serve residents and businesses as the community grows, reflecting my continued focus on delivering district priorities through the federal appropriations process and working closely with local leaders to produce clear, local results for Texas’ 17th Congressional District.
Sessions In the News
- CNN → https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/02/politics/video/berman-sessions-texas-special-election-cnc
- The Hill → https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/5718666-pete-sessions-texas-election-weather/
- Waco Tribune → https://wacotrib.com/news/local/government-politics/article_dd2da9af-0528-4737-afe5-ad1be52502fa.html#tracking-source=home-top-story
- Newsmax → https://youtu.be/eK6ylMZZqto
- CNN → https://youtu.be/LSAKGojkj5A
- Real America’s Voice → https://americasvoice.news/video/C88vJcFFFOur7tb/?related=playlist
- Newsmax → https://youtu.be/7vMD9KvdL0A
- NewsNation → https://youtu.be/FL1A2qOteoY
- Newsmax → https://youtu.be/jKB1KwvUEsU
|
