Enjoyed an eventful weekend in TX-17. On Friday, I celebrated the Service Academy appointments of two outstanding individuals from our community.
Round Rock’s Bella Burgan received a nomination from me for consideration to appointment into the United States Naval Academy and was subsequently awarded a prestigious acceptance into the USNA. I am confident Bella will make her Round Rock community proud as a midshipman.
Lucas Kusano of Pflugerville received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. As a valuable member of our community, I have no doubt that Lucas will be an exceptional cadet in the USMA Class of 2029.
Both of these young leaders embody the values of service and commitment, and I look forward to following their journeys as they serve our nation.
Waco Professional Firefighters Association Dinner
On Saturday, I attended the Waco Firefighters Benefit Association Scholarship Fundraising Dinner. The Waco Firefighters Benefit Association was created by the Waco Professional Firefighters Association to provide scholarships for the children of first responders. I am grateful for the work of the Waco Firefighters Benefit Association as they support our first responders.
National Federation of the Blind
This week, the National Federation of the Blind awarded me their Distinguished Legislator Award for my work last Congress in supporting legislation that advances the lives of blind Americans. I plan to reintroduce my Blind Americans Return to Work Act to eliminate the SGA earnings cliff and allow for blind Americans to seek career advancement.
Special Olympics International
Representatives from the Special Olympics International visited me on Tuesday. This organization encourages people with intellectual disabilities to participate in athletic programming. I am proud to legislatively support the work of this organization in enhancing the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Texas Rural Water Association
On Tuesday, members from the Texas Rural Water Association came in for a meeting. We had a productive conversation about the ongoing crisis in Marlin and challenges faced across TX-17.
It is important that I, local representatives, and state groups remain in close contact to seek long-term solutions.
Interparliamentary Security Forum
On Wednesday, Congressman Robert Aderholt of Alabama and I hosted the Interparliamentary Security Forum with leaders from the Balkan countries. As we face an evolving geopolitical landscape, it is important to strengthen our partnerships with our allies in Europe.
We must work together to counter the growing threats posed by China, Iran, and Russia.
North Texas Commission
I enjoyed meeting with members of the North Texas Commission last week during their DC fly-in. The North Texas Commission is a 19-member delegation of private and public sector leaders from the region of North Texas. We discussed federal issues that impact business and local government across the state of Texas.
Smart Approaches to Marijuana
I attended and spoke at a dinner with leaders involved at Smart Approaches to Marijuana and the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions. The gathered group included representation across the political spectrum, however we were all united in our understanding of the dangers of marijuana. I am committed to legislation that protects Americans from dangers of marijuana use.
Legislative Highlights
• HR 27 —HALT Fentanyl Act: This legislation makes the temporary class-wide scheduling order for fentanyl permanent to give law enforcement the tools they need to keep Americans safe. I was a proud yes.
• HR 26 — Protecting American Energy Production Act: By prohibiting any President from declaring a moratorium on fracking unless authorized by Congress, this legislation protects American energy. Another yes.
Pete Sessions represents District 17, which includes Trinity County, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
