This week marked the conclusion of the longest government shutdown in United States history, ending after 43 days.
I want to thank everyone across our district for your patience throughout this period. These past several weeks have been difficult for families, businesses, and federal workers who were caught in the middle of a national funding debate. You deserve clarity on what happened and why this fight mattered.
The central issue involved an effort by Democrats to make temporary COVID-era Obamacare premium tax credits permanent at a cost exceeding one trillion dollars. These subsidies were originally created to address pandemic related hardship, not to become a permanent expansion of federal healthcare spending.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, making these credits permanent would raise the federal deficit by $350 billion over the next decade, plus an additional 60 billion dollars in interest, bringing total new spending to nearly $500 billion. These expanded subsidies also primarily benefited insurance companies and high-income households, with eligibility extending to families earning up to $600,000 a year.
About one third of the boosted subsidies went to individuals well above 400 percent of the federal poverty level. I support lowering healthcare costs for those who truly need assistance, but permanent subsidies for high income earners do not reflect responsible governance, especially as our national debt continues to rise.
The House did its job and passed the initial Concurrent Resolution to fund the government back in September resulting in a bipartisan vote. On Nov. 12, the House voted again to end the shutdown by concurring with the Senate Amendment to HR 5371.
This legislation funds the government at current levels through Jan. 30, 2026, and provides full year funding for Agriculture, the Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. While not a final solution to every long-term issue, it reflects a meaningful agreement after weeks of negotiation.
The debate also highlighted the broader challenge of federal spending. Our national debt has grown from just over $6 trillion in the early 2000s to more than $38 trillion today and is projected to surpass $50 trillion by 2034. We now spend $6 billion every single day on interest payments alone. These are resources that could otherwise support veterans, strengthen national security, or invest in American families.
I have firsthand experience with the shortcomings of the Affordable Care Act, having been on an Obamacare plan for seven years. Under this system, doctors are reimbursed at rates roughly half of what employer-based plans provide. As a result, many providers left the network, leaving families with fewer options, longer wait times, and limited access to care.
Even with subsidies, many families face deductibles of seven to eight thousand dollars per person and premiums that can exceed $25 thousand dollars. That is not affordable healthcare.
After weeks of gridlock, a bipartisan breakthrough in the Senate finally allowed a compromise bill to advance. This agreement includes several important provisions secured by House Republicans, including closing the hemp loophole that allowed high-potency THC products such as Delta 8 to proliferate, protecting American farmland from foreign adversaries by giving the Secretary of Agriculture a role on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, providing significant full year funding for veterans medical care and benefits, protecting veterans Second Amendment rights by requiring judicial consent before data is shared with federal agencies, and ensuring retroactive pay for all federal employees affected by the shutdown.
While this is not a moment for celebration, it is an important reminder of the stakes. Without accountability and restraint, permanent entitlement expansions and unchecked spending will place an even greater burden on the next generation. This agreement ends the shutdown and restores stability, but it also underscores the need for continued work toward responsible, sustainable policy.
Thank you for your engagement and for the feedback many of you shared throughout this process. I remain committed to approaching these challenges with transparency, a willingness to work across the aisle where possible, and a firm commitment to protecting taxpayers and strengthening the long-term health of our economy.
I participated in the Waco Veterans Day Parade to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation. The turnout from families, veterans' groups, and community organizations reflected Central Texas’ deep appreciation for service and sacrifice.
November provides us an important opportunity to thank our veterans. I spent the last week around the district hosting ceremonies to present Congressional Veteran Commendations to this year’s award winners. These awards are for local heroes who have continued to serve through community involvement.
Thank you and congratulations to all of this year's honorees.
I attended the Eagle Scout Ceremony for Troop 494 to celebrate Brody Buchanan and Connor Lathern on earning Scouting’s highest rank. Their commitment to service and leadership reflects the best of our community, and it was an honor to recognize their achievements alongside their families and troop leaders.
I toured the Mars Wrigley Confectionery facility to learn more about their operations, workforce, and economic impact across the region. From production to packaging, their team continues to drive innovation and create strong local jobs. It was a valuable look at how this major employer supports our district.
I joined leaders at Baylor Scott & White in Temple for a comprehensive tour of their facility. We discussed ongoing healthcare priorities, patient access, and the critical role BS&W plays in supporting Central Texas families. The visit offered important insight into current needs and future opportunities for partnership.
Pete Sessions represents District 17, which includes Trinity County, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
