At the invitation of Congressman Craig Goldman, I toured Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production facility in Fort Worth, where all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II are assembled. The visit provided a firsthand look at the work being done at the facility and the skilled men and women behind the F-35 program.
It was impressive to see the advanced manufacturing taking place here in Texas and the role this workforce plays in supporting our national defense.
Central Texas U.S. Service Academy Forum
Students, parents, educators, and military leaders gathered in Round Rock for a well-attended forum focused on opportunities at our nation’s five U.S. Service Academies. The forum gave students an opportunity to learn about the admissions and congressional nomination processes and hear directly from academy admissions representatives, congressional offices, academy board members, parents, and current cadets and midshipmen.
I enjoyed speaking with these young people as they consider the commitment, preparation, and service required to pursue an appointment to a U.S. Service Academy.
JPs, death Investigators
Williamson County Justices of the Peace, death investigators, and county officials met with me in Cedar Park during National Forensic Science Week to discuss their work and the role they play in medicolegal death investigations. These professionals carry important responsibilities that support law enforcement, public safety, and families seeking answers after a death.
The visit was also an opportunity to recognize their work and highlight the role forensic science plays in communities across Texas.
Texas Tribune Festival
At the Texas Tribune Festival, I joined a discussion focused on issues affecting Waco, Texas, and our country. We talked about Baylor University’s growing research capabilities, water, health care, immigration, and other challenges facing communities across our state. I also discussed the responsibility elected officials have to answer honest questions, listen to the people they represent, and engage directly on difficult issues.
We will not always agree on how to get things done, but we can continue talking with each other, working together, and focusing on the needs of our state and country.
Infrastructure projects
During the district work period, I joined local leaders in Woodway, Nacogdoches, and Williamson County for three funding announcements covering multiple infrastructure projects totaling $11.75 million. These investments will support water infrastructure, roadway improvements, and major transportation projects across Texas’ 17th Congressional District.
Woodway will benefit from $1.75 million for two infrastructure projects. Of that funding, $750,000 will support the Bosque Water Pump Station, Storage and Water Line project to strengthen the city’s water system and help address low water pressure. An additional $1 million will support improvements to Old McGregor Road and Ritchie Road, including roadway rehabilitation, utility relocations, drainage, signage, and striping.
The Nacogdoches announcement included $3 million in Community Project Funding for a feasibility study and environmental clearance for the remaining gap along U.S. Route 59 between Nacogdoches and Lufkin as part of the Interstate 69 Corridor. This funding will begin the process of bringing the roadway up to Interstate standards while improving mobility, safety, and cargo transportation along this important East Texas corridor.
Williamson County will receive $7 million for Corridor A2, a planned roadway connection between FM 3349 and SH 95 south of Taylor. The project is being developed in phases to improve safety, mobility, and connectivity as eastern Williamson County continues to grow. Construction is currently expected to begin in the first quarter of 2028.
These projects reflect the importance of working with local leaders to address infrastructure needs before they become larger challenges. By investing in reliable water systems, safer roads, and stronger transportation infrastructure, we are helping communities across Texas’ 17th Congressional District prepare for continued growth and better serve the people who live and work there.
State of the Nation
I joined Ross Perot Jr., Board Chair of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, for a fireside chat during the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Nation program. I spoke about tax relief for working Americans, efforts to combat fraud and improper payments, and the need for stronger accountability across the federal government. I also addressed border security and the importance of restoring control at the southern border.
These issues directly affect our economy, national security, and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I appreciated the opportunity to discuss these priorities with Ross Perot, Jr. and leaders from across the Waco community.
Texas Heritage Museum
A visit to Hill College in Hillsboro included a tour of the Texas Heritage Museum and a meeting with college leadership to learn more about its educational programs, community contributions, and plans to expand workforce training in heavy haul and specialized transportation.
I presented the museum with a Special Congressional Recognition following its receipt of the 2026 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries. The Texas Heritage Museum is the first community college museum in the United States to receive this distinction.
Recognized veterans
Across four Congressional Veteran Commendation Ceremonies, I had the honor of presenting commendations to 17 veterans from Central Texas, the Heart of Texas, Deep East Texas, and East Texas for their service to our nation and continued contributions to their communities.
The Congressional Veteran Commendation honors wartime sacrifice and peacetime community involvement while helping preserve the stories of distinguished local veterans for future generations. It was a privilege to celebrate these men and women and the example of service they continue to set across Texas’ 17th Congressional District.
Pete Sessions represents District 17, which includes Trinity County, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
