Weekly Newsletters
Sep 10 2012
The Hill Report: September 3 - 7
Today, the Department of Labor released its unemployment report for the month of August which stated that our economy gained only 96,000 jobs last month and that the unemployment rate lowered to 8.1 percent. Unfortunately, this slight drop in the unemployment rate is the result of Americans giving up looking for work. With 43 consecutive months of an unemployment rate above 8 percent, struggling Americans continue to watch the Obama Administration promote the same failed tax-and-spend policies that have discouraged economic recovery. Today’s disappointing jobs report serves as a harsh reminder that the President’s policies have failed to produce promised jobs and economic growth.
Despite the chronic unemployment crisis facing our nation, Democrats continue to push for tax increases which are estimated to cost our economy 700,000 jobs. As your Member of Congress, I proudly voted against this tax hike will continue to work with my colleagues on pro-growth policies that empower job creators to invest, grow, and hire more workers.
Meetings in TX-32
This week, I enjoyed spending time in North Texas and attending several meetings with local groups and businesses to discuss important policy issues and ideas. As always, I greatly appreciated the input and thoughtful conversations I had with my constituents on possible solutions to the challenges facing our nation during this critical time.
Texas Bankers Association Meeting
I was delighted to join my friend and colleague, Congressman Jeb Hensarling (TX-5), in addressing the Texas Bankers Association during their annual board meeting in Dallas. During our discussion, we addressed the negative impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act on the banking industry. As you may know, Dodd-Frank is a 2,300 page financial overhaul that brought forth an explosion of regulations on the financial services sector. Additionally, we discussed the importance of community banks and the issues they face in this increasingly weak economy. To learn more about the Texas Bankers Association, visit http://www.texasbankers.com/.
Congressman Pete Sessions addressing the Texas Bankers Association
American Israel Public Affairs Committee Meeting
On Thursday, I spoke to a group of local AIPAC advocates in Dallas. Our discussion centered on foreign policy and the need for a strong United States military. As you may know, AIPAC’s mission is to strengthen the critical relationship between America and Israel, and in Congress I have unequivocally supported our ally Israel. I will continue to work towards advancing a safer and open Middle East and look forward to working with AIPAC in the future.
Congressman Pete Sessions with local AIPAC leaders
KPMG Meeting
On Friday, I attended a small roundtable discussion with several of KPMG’s clients to discuss the impact of government regulations on their businesses and the current state of our economy. Like in all of my meetings with constituents, the attendees shared their concerns about the direction of our country and Washington’s out-of-control spending. I shared with them the action taken this Congress by House Republicans to cut spending and rein in government regulations in order to empower the free enterprise system and get the economy back on track.
Congressman Pete Sessions meeting with KPMG
Grant Thornton Meeting
Also on Friday, I had the opportunity to speak with nearly 250 Grant Thornton employees from the DFW area. Grant Thornton’s clients primarily consist of small to mid-size businesses that have been greatly impacted by our nation’s weak economy. I shared with them the pro-growth policies promoted by House Republicans to assist small businesses and encourage entrepreneurship, including those outlined in our Plan for America’s Job Creators.
Congressman Pete Sessions speaking to Grant Thornton employees
Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
Beginning in 1995, Prudential Financial, Inc., in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, has presented the “Spirit of Community” awards to students in grades 5-12 that have made meaningful volunteer contributions to their communities within the past 12 months. Last year, two Texans – Nicholas Cobb of Allen and Leah Prager of Dallas – were recognized in Washington, D.C. for their outstanding work.
If you are interested in applying or know someone who should apply to be recognized as a top youth volunteer, please visit http://spirit.prudential.com or www.nassp.org/spirit.
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Fighting Washington
This week, our national debt surpassed $16 trillion – $5 trillion more than when President Obama took office. Washington Democrats’ spending binge has led to three of the largest budget deficits in our nation’s history and has stifled much-needed economic growth. The House Republican budget plan, the “Path to Prosperity,” cuts spending by $5 trillion compared to the President’s budget and reduces deficits by $3 trillion over 10 years. I recognize that we can’t keep spending money that we don’t have and remain committed to fighting against Washington’s out-of-control spending to boost confidence in our economy and take the burden of debt off of the backs of our children and grandchildren.
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