The House passed the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, which strengthens our military, improves quality of life for servicemembers, and enhances accountability within the Department of War.
The House also passed the Main Street Capital Access Act to expand access to capital for community banks and small businesses, and the Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act to help more Americans with disabilities return to the workforce.
All three bills now move to the Senate for consideration. The House also continued advancing key provisions of the SAVE Act through the budget reconciliation process, including measures to strengthen election integrity, support our troops, and provide greater certainty for America's food supply.
Department of War
As Chairman of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations, I met with Department of War officials at the Pentagon to discuss the Department's ongoing financial management audit and efforts to improve accountability. We reviewed progress toward achieving a clean audit opinion, discussed the Department's revised audit strategy, and examined steps to strengthen financial oversight and accountability across the Department.
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 Crimes Enforcement Network
As a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, I participated in a Subcommittee on National Security hearing examining oversight of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). I questioned FinCEN Director Andrea Gacki on efforts to modernize financial crime reporting requirements, improve coordination with law enforcement, and strengthen information sharing to combat illicit finance and protect the integrity of our financial system.
Medicare fraud and wound care
As Chairman of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations, I chaired part of a roundtable examining the rapid growth in Medicare spending on skin substitutes and the fraud that has driven these costs.
We discussed ways to strengthen oversight, prevent waste, fraud, and abuse within the Medicare program, and ensure legitimate providers can continue delivering high-quality wound care to patients. I also discussed legislative efforts to support access to quality wound care while improving accountability within the Medicare system.
Military Veteran Housing Caucus
I was proud to help launch the bipartisan Military & Veteran Housing Caucus as Republican Co-Chair alongside Democratic Co-Chair Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03). This new caucus will bring Members of Congress together to advance policies that strengthen housing opportunities, financial readiness, and economic mobility for servicemembers, veterans, and military families.
With only an estimated 15 percent of eligible veterans using the VA Home Loan benefit, we will work to raise awareness of earned benefits, expand access to homeownership, strengthen housing stability, reduce the risk of veteran homelessness, and ensure those who serve our nation have the resources they deserve. The caucus is now nineteen members strong.
Deadline reminder
Do you know an outstanding veteran in Texas' 17th Congressional District? I encourage you to help recognize veterans who have continued serving their communities after their military service by submitting a nomination for the 2026 Congressional Veteran Commendation. The nomination deadline is Aug. 14.
Visit my website for nomination forms, eligibility requirements, and submission instructions: https://sessions.house.gov/congressional-veteran-commendation
Boys & Girls Club of America
I enjoyed meeting with Boys & Girls Club of America Youth Advocates and leaders from the Texas Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs during the fifth annual Summit for America's Youth. We discussed the organization's efforts to provide young people, especially those who need it most, with mentorship, educational opportunities, and the support they need to reach their full potential.
It was a pleasure hearing directly from these outstanding young leaders and learning more about the positive impact Boys & Girls Clubs are making in communities across Texas.
Fraud threats
As Chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations, I led a hearing examining emerging fraud threats and the evolving fraud landscape. The hearing reviewed improvements to Login.gov, evaluated federal efforts to strengthen digital identity verification, and explored ways to better detect fraud, protect Americans, and safeguard taxpayer dollars.
Monetary policy
As a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, I examined the Federal Reserve's Semi-Annual Monetary Policy Report and questioned Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh on the nation's economic outlook, monetary policy, and the Federal Reserve's approach to inflation and interest rates. The hearing also examined housing affordability, the importance of Federal Reserve independence, and the challenges facing American families and businesses.
CFP report
I participated in a House Financial Services Committee hearing examining the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection's Semi-Annual Report. The hearing provided an opportunity to review the Bureau's recent activities and discuss ways to strengthen transparency, accountability, and congressional oversight to better serve the American people.
Daylight Saving Time
The House passed the Sunshine Protection Act, and I was proud to speak on the House floor in support of this bipartisan legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. I highlighted how ending the twice-yearly clock changes would provide greater consistency for American families, improve quality of life, and give Americans more daylight to spend with their families and communities.
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Pete Sessions represents District 17, which includes Trinity County, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
