Last week, I introduced the Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act, legislation aimed at shifting the federal government from a “pay-and-chase” model to proactively stopping fraudulent payments before they occur.
The House also advanced a continuation of FISA to strengthen our national security and ensure we have the tools necessary to keep Americans safe. We are also still facing the unfortunate reality of a partial government shutdown, with thousands of Department of Homeland Security personnel, including members of the Coast Guard, FEMA, CISA, and other frontline personnel, going without pay for no justified reason.
I also chaired a House Oversight Subcommittee hearing focused on preventing fraud in federally funded state-run programs, where we examined the root causes of fraud and solutions to better safeguard taxpayer dollars.
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.
As Chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations, I chaired a hearing on fraud in federally funded programs administered by states, highlighting the need to better understand and address abuse in programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and unemployment insurance.
During the hearing, I underscored my Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act, which shifts the federal government’s approach from chasing fraud after it occurs to stopping improper payments before they go out, while establishing a permanent framework to strengthen oversight and accountability.
I introduced the Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act to strengthen oversight and stop fraudulent payments before taxpayer dollars are lost, building on lessons learned during COVID-era relief programs. The bill establishes a permanent Inspector General for Fraud, Accountability, and Recovery within the Treasury to support agencies in detecting and preventing fraud across federal programs, addressing an issue that costs taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars each year.
I met with Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Sid Miller to discuss our work on agricultural freedom zones and how we can better prioritize the needs of Texas farmers. We focused on advancing policies that strengthen agricultural productivity, support rural communities, and ensure long-term success for future generations.
In the City of Waco, I announced $1 million in federal Community Project Funding I secured for the Flat Creek Water Reuse Project, a key investment to strengthen long-term water sustainability and support future growth. I was proud to advocate for this funding as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process, helping advance critical infrastructure that will allow for the reuse of treated water for industrial and non-potable purposes.
I was honored to nominate Hunter Kolb for an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy and to recognize him at Midway High School during the baseball game against Temple. His commitment to service, leadership, and excellence reflects the very best of our district, and I look forward to seeing all he will accomplish in the years ahead.
I joined local leaders for the groundbreaking of the Brazos Transit District’s East Texas Maintenance Facility in Lufkin, a project I was proud to secure $1 million in federal funding for through the FY2024 appropriations process. This investment will improve transit operations across Nacogdoches and Angelina Counties, ensuring safer, more reliable service and maximizing vehicle availability for East Texas riders.
I was honored to nominate Isabella Meggiato for an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy and to join the community in Lufkin to celebrate this achievement. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to service reflect the very best of Texas, and I look forward to seeing her represent our district with distinction.
I was proud to secure $1 million in federal funding for storm drainage improvements in the City of Nacogdoches through the FY2026 appropriations process. This investment will enhance drainage capacity, reduce flood risk, and strengthen long-term infrastructure resilience to better protect the community.
I was proud to help host the Deep East Texas Art Competition reception, recognizing the incredible talent and creativity of students across our region. Events like this highlight the importance of arts education and provide young Texans the opportunity to showcase their work and be celebrated by their communities.
I was proud to host the East Texas Congressional Art Reception, celebrating the creativity and hard work of talented students from across TX-17. These young artists represent the future of our communities, and it was an honor to recognize their achievements and showcase their work.
I was proud to secure $4 million in federal funding for Baylor University to support cutting-edge research, including $2 million for the ARKTOS Research Center and $2 million for advanced cold spray technology at the Point-of-Need Innovation Center. These investments will strengthen innovation, enhance national security capabilities, and position Texas as a leader in next-generation research and technology.
Pete Sessions represents District 17, which includes Trinity County, in the Texas Legislature.
