Pete's Blog

Sessions Praises GOP Health Care Bill Alternative, Will Vote NO on Gov’t Takeover of Health Care

U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-32) has endorsed the House Republican Health Care Alternative, which would lower health care premiums and increase access to affordable, high-quality care – without adding to the national debt. This alternative bill totals only 219 pages – compared to Speaker Pelosi’s 1,990-page health care government-takeover bill. Introduced by Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), the alternative health reform bill includes coverage for pre-existing conditions, institutes real medical liability reform, enhances Health Savings Accounts, enables large insurance pools and purchasing across state lines, and provides incentives for states to reduce costs and increase insurance. “I will vote against Speaker Pelosi’s government takeover of health care because the American people do not want higher health care costs, fewer options, and government interference in personal health care decisions,” said Sessions. “Reform is needed, and I am pleased to support a common-sense alternative that will reduce health insurance costs and make health care more affordable and accessible.”

Sessions Statement 10.2 Percent Unemployment

U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-32) today released the following statement regarding unemployment reaching 10.2 percent: "Washington has failed the American people. Now over 190,000 more American families are facing the painful reality of joblessness while the Democrat Majority advances their job-killing agenda that will eliminate 10 million more jobs under health care ‘reform,’ cap-and-tax, and card check unionization. I stand ready to work on proven job creation policies that will empower employers to keep more of what they earn to grow, invest, and hire more workers. The American people deserve far better than a jobless recovery."

Sessions Statement on Fort Hood Shooting

U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (TX-32) today released the following statement regarding the shooting at Fort Hood: “I am deeply saddened over the unspeakable violence that has shattered the lives of brave and honorable soldiers at Fort Hood. This senseless shooting will no doubt be met with the justice and goodness of America, and I stand ready to support the Fort Hood family in any way possible. The fallen and wounded soldiers represent the best of America, and my thoughts and prayers go out for them and their families.”

House Call

Today, I joined my Republican colleagues in participating in a “House Call” on the current government-run health care bill. The public press conference held on the steps of the U.S Capitol attracted thousands of citizens from across the country. Republican Members and concerned Americans gathered today with a common purpose: to speak in strong opposition to a government takeover of health care. Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi and the Democrat Majority are racing to make massive changes to our current health care delivery system without regard for the voice of the American people. As a vote on Speaker Pelosi’s now 2,032-page health care bill is nearing, Americans are fighting to have their voice heard in Washington. Today, we sent a clear message against Speaker Pelosi’s plan for government interference in every American’s health care.

DISD’s Dealey International Academy Named a 2009 Blue Ribbon School

Today, I was pleased to meet with Dallas residents Johanna Bortnem and Dr. René Schmidt of the George Bannerman Dealey International Academy. They visited Washington, DC to accept an award from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan honoring Dealey International Academy as a 2009 Blue Ribbon School. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors both public and private schools across the country that have either made exceptional advancements in student achievement and have helped close gaps in achievement seen in minority and disadvantaged students, or schools that are academically superior. This year, Secretary Duncan awarded 314 schools – 264 public and 50 private – as 2009 Blue Ribbon Schools.

Reading Room: 1,990-Page Health Care Bill

1,990 pages. Over 400,00 words. And approximately $3.25 million tax dollars per word. That’s House Democrats’ latest government-run health care bill — filled with dense legislative language that can have a lasting impact on your family’s health care coverage as well as mine. The stakes are high, and I am committed to knowing exactly what is in the bill before it comes for a vote in the House of Representatives. That is why I joined Texas Congressman Michael Burgess, M.D. and other Republican Members this afternoon in participating in a Health Care Reform Bill “Reading Room.” Together, we read pages of the bill and discussed the impact those provisions will have on American families.