Last week was one of profound sorrow for our nation. We remember the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and we also mourn the tragic murder of Charlie Kirk. Politically motivated violence has no place in America, and terrorism has no place in our world. Such actions can never be justified. I am deeply shocked and horrified by the violence in Utah as well as Colorado this week.
Charlie was a man whose conviction and passion will leave a lasting mark on an entire generation. His loss will be felt deeply across our nation. I unequivocally condemn any individual who believes that violence can ever be justified. Please join me in praying for the Kirk family and all those close to him during this time of immense loss. May God be with us all in these difficult times.
The Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions held a hearing that provided an opportunity for Members to hear directly from the Director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
Director Gacki gave an update on the new Beneficial Ownership reporting system and we reviewed the effectiveness of the Bank Secrecy Act. Hearings like this are important to assess how laws are working today and what additional steps may be needed to combat illicit finance and strengthen our financial system.
On Wednesday, we also held a full committee hearing on protecting long-term shareholder value and preventing abuse of the Rule 14a-8 shareholder proposal process. Members considered whether the shareholder proposal process, which was originally intended to give all investors a voice in oversight, has been co-opted by activist investors pursuing narrow political or social agendas rather than focusing on long-term shareholder value.
Discussion included legislative solutions to refocus 14a-8 on material issues, curb misuse by special interests or disruptive filers, and increase transparency around conflicts at proxy advisors and among certain shareholder advocates.
On Wednesday, my bill, HR 5125, the District of Columbia Judicial Nominations Reform Act, was reported out of committee favorably. This critical bill amends the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to terminate the DC Judicial Nomination Commission.
For decades, the Commission has prioritized politics over justice, creating delays and judicial backlogs. My bill aligns DC with the federal judgeship nomination process, giving the President the power to nominate judges, subject to Senate confirmation.
As the son of a federal Judge, I respect the importance of this work, and that is why my bill does not remove any current judges, it simply brings the traditional process for filling vacancies moving forward to DC. The DC courts must be equipped to do their job: hold criminals accountable, protect victims, and restore order in our nation’s capital.
I was honored to receive an award from American Council of the Blind in recognition of my bill, HR 3417, the Website and Software Applications Accessibility Act of 2025. This bill affirms that entities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act must not operate or maintain websites and software applications that are inaccessible to people with disabilities.
This is about fairness, ensuring that Americans with disabilities are given a level playing field as technology continues to evolve. Thank you, ACB for recognizing my work in closing longstanding gaps in online access.
At the invitation of the American Association of People with Disabilities, I addressed their Hill Day reception on Tuesday. As a Member of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, I recognize that disabilities affect every American, either personally or through family. I am continually inspired by the work and strength of those working in the disabilities space.
Join us in Round Rock for the 2025 Central Texas Service Academy Forum on Saturday, September 13, an informational event co-hosted by the Offices of Senator Cruz, Senator Cornyn, Congressman Sessions (TX-17), Congressman McCaul (TX-10), Congressman Carter (TX-31), and Congressman Doggett (TX-37). Learn about the nomination process, speak with academy representatives, and get your questions answered.
I voted yes to pass our annual defense funding legislation to ensure our warfighters have what they need to protect our great country. This year’s bill included provisions to speed up procurement and cut red tape, so the Pentagon and increase effectiveness and field systems faster.
This bill strengthens border enforcement by removing mandatory minimums for entry and reentry, ensuring serious consequences for repeat and aggravated offenses. I was a proud yes on this legislation to secure our Southern Border.
<i>Pete Sessions represents District 17, which includes Trinity County, in the U.S. House of Representatives.</i>
