December 9, 2022

Fireside Sessions

National Defense Authorization Act
With Christmas on the mind of many members, this was likely the last week for passing significant legislation off the House floor until the new year. One bill I proudly supported was the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was passed on December 8.
 
This bill must pass each year to ensure we provide our armed services the resources they need to keep America safe and bolster opportunities for its members. This year’s NDAA included a repudiation of the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for military service members. Our troops will no longer be coerced into getting the COVID-19 vaccine under threat of expulsion from their career of national service, even after obtaining a religious exemption.

A Border Plan for Texas by Texans

While the Administration insists the border is under control, the American people know the truth. Every city has become a border city as illegal aliens are released and bussed to towns across the United States. Many counties in Texas have declared a state of emergency due to the staggering number of illegal foreigners who are burdening their resources. I was proud to stand with my GOP colleagues from Texas to unveil our plan to secure the border and solve this crisis.

Our framework to address our border crisis includes:

1.     Completing physical border infrastructure

2.     Fixing border enforcement policies

3.     Enforcing our laws in the interior of the United States

4.     Targeting cartels and criminal organizations

Farewell to A Friend

I want to bid a fond farewell to my long-time friend and colleague, Congressman Louie Gohmert. Louie has been a member of the Republican caucus in the House of Representatives since 2013. During his time in Congress, he has been a forthright member of the Republican Party, and I salute him for his service to the country and our shared love for East Texas. As I take on parts of his former district, I look forward to seeing more of him in the near future.

Sincerely,

Pete Sessions

Member of Congress