My office hosted a Celebration of Life honoring former Congressman Bill Archer. I had the privilege of welcoming friends, former colleagues, and members of the Archer family as we remembered his decades of public service.
Congressman Archer represented Texas in the House from 1971 to 2001 and later served as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. His legacy of public service, principled leadership, and commitment to future generations continues through the Archer Center and the many people he influenced throughout his career.
American Procurement Improvement Act
Congressman Steny Hoyer and I introduced the bipartisan American Procurement Improvement Act of 2026 to modernize and strengthen the AbilityOne program. For nearly 90 years, AbilityOne has helped create employment opportunities for Americans who are blind or have significant disabilities through federal contracting.
Our bill would expand opportunities for Americans with disabilities to advance in their careers, modernize federal procurement practices, and strengthen accountability for taxpayer dollars. These reforms would preserve AbilityOne’s mission while updating the program for today’s workforce and federal contracting needs.
Financial Services Committee
As a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, I participated in a markup considering legislation on fraud prevention, housing, access to credit, mental health services, digital assets, and financial regulation.
I also supported the Consumer Financial Protection Accountability and Reform Act of 2026, which I cosponsored to strengthen oversight, transparency, and due process at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. These reforms would help ensure the agency remains accountable to Congress and the American people.
International Financial System
As a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, I attended a hearing where Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testified on the state of the international financial system. The hearing focused on the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and ensuring U.S. participation advances American interests.
It also addressed the importance of the U.S. dollar’s reserve currency status and the benefits it provides to American consumers, businesses, and national security. This oversight helps ensure U.S. contributions to international financial institutions strengthen our economy and serve the interests of the American people.
Homelessness services
A House Oversight Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency hearing examined waste, fraud, and failures in federally funded homelessness services. I attended as witnesses discussed whether federal programs are producing meaningful results and how stronger oversight can improve accountability.
These programs are intended to help people experiencing homelessness, and taxpayers deserve to know that federal funding is reaching those who need it and producing measurable results.
Health care costs
I joined Market Institute President Charles Sauer and Legislative Director Hannah Gill for a conversation about site neutrality and its impact on health care costs. We discussed why patients should not face higher costs simply because the same service is provided in a different setting.
For families across Texas’ 17th Congressional District, site neutrality can help make health care more affordable and give patients greater clarity about what they are paying for.
U.S. Service Academy Forum
I invite high school students in grades 9 through 12, parents, and educators to attend the 2026 Central Texas U.S. Service Academy Forum this Saturday, September 19, in Round Rock. The event will provide information about the admissions process for all five U.S. Service Academies: West Point, the Air Force Academy, the Naval Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with congressional and academy representatives and hear from admissions representatives, parents, academy board members, and current cadets and midshipmen.
The forum will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon, with doors opening at 8:15 a.m., at the Cedar Ridge High School Fine Arts Auditorium, 2801 Gattis School Road, Round Rock, TX 78664. The event is free, and no reservation is necessary.
Pete Sessions represents District 17, which includes Trinity County, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
