The Hill Report: Week of September 12 - 16, 2016

This week I proudly joined my colleagues in the House in passing important legislation to stop the President from transferring prisoners from Guantanamo, to create more transparency in our regulatory system, and to stop and onerous provision of ObamaCare that directly impacts seniors. In addition to this important legislative work, I also had the opportunity to meet with Texas members of AIPAC, business leaders from Dallas, as well as multiple physicians from different disciplines across the United States. 

Legislation Passed in the House 
Stopping President Obama’s Effort to Return Prisoners Back to the Battlefield 
At a time when radical Islamic terrorism is on the rise and our world is becoming an increasingly dangerous place, there is no reason for President Obama to deliberately work to send known terrorists back to the battlefield. In recent months the president has made a concerted effort to release more and more known criminals. When he first took office there were 240 detainees at Guantanamo, today there are 61. Since January, leading into his last year as president, Obama has released 44 detainees. I refuse to allow the president to jeopardize the safety and security of our families as a last ditch effort to fulfill an irresponsible and dangerous campaign promise. I proudly joined my colleagues in responsibly acting to protect Americans by prohibiting this administration from transferring any detainees out of Guantanamo for the remainder of this presidency.

Creating Transparency and Fairness in our Regulatory System 
President Obama made a promise to circumvent Congress with his pen and his phone, and he is doing just that. Agencies’ regulation surge this year is on track to meet, if not surpass, the number of regulations reviewed last year. Last year, the administration imposed $99 billion in regulatory costs and so far this year they have imposed an additional $63 billion, with potentially dozens of economically significant rules still to come before the end of the year. To make matters worse, the process is skewed in favor of backroom deals rather than an open, transparent and participatory system when impacted stakeholders can provide feedback on the regulations that could potentially cost them their jobs and their livelihoods. Regulations continue to be one of the top challenges for businesses of all sizes, and every taxpayer is paying the price. More transparency and public participation in the rulemaking process is a goal that every Member of Congress should support and I urge my Senate colleagues to swiftly consider this important measure.

Stopping Tax Increases on Middle Class and Seniors 
Under Obamacare millions of Americans have seen their premiums sky rocket, their out of pocket costs soar, and have felt the burden of unnecessary, onerous tax hikes. One of the nearly twenty tax hikes in the president's healthcare law includes increasing the income threshold from 7.5% to 10% to determine eligibility for the tax deduction for medical care expenses. This unnecessary tax hike would impact families already struggling to keep up with their rising healthcare costs. This week the House passed a common sense solution that permanently lowers the adjusted gross income threshold for all taxpayers, regardless of age, back to 7.5% to provide Americans with the relief they need. As House Republicans continue to fight to reform and improve our healthcare system, I believe this bill will bolster our efforts to create a more sustainable, affordable healthcare system without unnecessary costs and onerous tax hikes.

Meetings with Texans 
AIPAC 
On Tuesday I met with constituents from North Texas, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) President Lillian Pinkus, to discuss the importance of United States assistance to Israel and my strong objection to this Administration's growing relationship with the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, Iran. Simply put, the reports of cash payments in exchange for the release of Americans detained in Iran are appalling. This money, which is now largely untraceable, will only be used to further strengthen Iran's military and embolden those who seek to do us and our allies harm. Throughout our history, the United States has always come to the aid and defense of our allies, and we will do the same for Israel. As your Member of Congress, I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the United States remains committed to the security of the Israeli people.

Congressman Sessions with members of AIPAC from Dallas

Healthcare Meetings 
I was pleased this week to meet with two of our nation's largest physician groups, the American Academy of Dermatology Association and the American College of Cardiology. We were able to discuss some of the most pressing needs our physicians have prior to the end of this year, especially MACRA reform. Thanks to congressional pressure, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid have given their practices some relief, but I know we cannot stop fighting on behalf of physicians such as those I met this week.

Congressman Sessions talking with cardiologists at the American College of Cardiology breakfast

This week I also had the opportunity to meet with the ACS Cancer Action Network and the Oncology Nursing Society. We discussed the importance of palliative care education and funding for cancer research. We all know what a priority it is for the Senate to pass 21st Century Cures this congress, and it is my sincere wish that the Senate will soon consider and pass this essential legislation.

Congressman Sessions with Linda Cole from the Oncology Nursing Society

The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation stopped by my office this week to discuss funding for research and pharmaceutical development for this debilitating disease. I appreciate having such wonderful and passionate parents share their stories and advocate for finding a cure.

Security Traders Association 
Key business leaders from Dallas took the time to join me in Washington this week as part of the Security Traders Association (STA) to discuss key legislative and regulatory issues. The STA is comprised of individuals who trade financial products from varying business models – buy-side, sell-side, hedge funds, exchange traders and market makers- dealing in equity and derivative trading. It's critical that Congress promotes policies that encourage investor confidence and reject job-killing proposals such as a financial transaction tax.

Congressman Sessions with business leaders from Dallas with the Security Traders Association