April 29

Fireside Sessions

Boy Scouts of America "Report to the Nation"

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) is an iconic organization that has played an instrumental role in shaping the lives of countless young men for over a century.

Each year, a delegation of youth representatives from BSA presents their "2023 Report to the Nation" to the President of the United States, members of Congress, and other key government officials. As an avid supporter of Boy Scouts of America and an Eagle Scout, I was honored to receive their annual update. It highlights their accomplishments, service projects, and the vital role it plays in developing responsible, well-rounded citizens.

ImageBy showcasing the achievements and positive impact of the Boy Scouts, the Report to the Nation serves as a reminder of the organization's relevance and importance in shaping future leaders. As the BSA continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of every generation, its core mission of empowering young people to become responsible, engaged citizens remains constant. They are a vital organization in shaping our nation’s leaders of tomorrow.

Debt Ceiling Victory

On Wednesday, House Republicans and I delivered a major victory for the American People. We passed the “Limit, Save, and Grow Act of 2023”, which addresses our nation’s debt, energy, and productivity crises. The 217-215 vote is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every Republican. This bill is a crucial step towards reducing the deficit by $4.8 trillion over a decade to save future generations of Americans from TRILLIONS of dollars in crippling debt.

ImagePassing this bill sends a clear message to President Biden: ignoring the problem is not an option. We urge the President to join us at the negotiating table. I believe it is essential to continue working towards a resolution for the benefit of our great nation. We have done our part, and now it is time for the President to engage in a meaningful discussion on the debt limit.

Earlier this week, I discussed current debt ceiling negotiations in-depth with CNN Legal Analyst and Anchor Laura Coates. You can listen to the full interview here.

Addressing Significant Sources of Fraud

On Tuesday, I participated in a hearing with the full House Oversight and Accountability Committee examine the Government Accountability Office “High-Risk List” for 2022. This list highlights areas of the federal government where liabilities exist that could cost $1 billion or more. I asked Comptroller Dodaro about the frailties involved with self-certification when applying for federal relief funds. As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, I am particularly concerned about waste, fraud, and abuse in federal relief programs. Self-certification has contributed to countless resources being misallocated and lost in government relief programs, which has extremely negative for the intended recipients and taxpayers alike.

ImageRecently, President Biden’s Department of Education proposed allowing applicants for their massive student loan forgiveness program to self-certify their eligibility! This would seriously increase the opportunity for rampant fraud in an already unconstitutional program. The Biden Administration must recognize the lessons learned during the pandemic and take appropriate measures to safeguard the American taxpayer's hard-earned money. Although the U.S. Supreme Court will rule against the Biden Administration’s new unconstitutional program, I am concerned about the Department’s interest in a method that has already cost the taxpayers billions in improper payments.

I will continue to hold President Biden and his Administration accountable on behalf of all American taxpayers. You can click here to see my full remarks during the hearing.

In the News

Local

Waco Tribune-Herald: Marlin set to start water plant overhaul

KTRE: City of Lufkin unveils new sheltered bus stops

National

P.O.T.U.S. on Sirius XM: Limit, Save, and Grow Act and Debt Ceiling Negotiations

Sincerely,
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Pete Sessions
Member of Congress

 

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