What Pete Sessions said, and what was done

“Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Bilirakis and the Energy and Commerce Committee for bringing this bill forward. My dear friend, the gentleman from Florida, Vern Buchanan, years ago began this process, understanding that it was more than just an issue that Congress would deal with.”

“Mr. Speaker, I do want to respond to the gentleman. I do want to respond to the gentleman and tell him today is that open invitation. He and I know that this is a lot of work, work that is factually based.”

“The gentleman has his own time. He has 23 minutes. The gentleman needs to understand that he, too, sits at one of these tables where they can have witnesses called.”

“Mr. Speaker, I will answer that question, and the answer is clear: The State of Texas that has that authority and responsibility did that in extensive hearings and extensive reports that led up to action by the State of Texas officially in the legislature to bring him before them, and he has answered every question he could have answered.”

“Mr. Speaker, the gentleman knows that not only am I open to this, but my door is open in my office. It is open for a reason. It is open for a reason, not just for those who might agree with me, but for those who might disagree with me or those who might want to do business.”

“Mr. Speaker, the gentleman has an opportunity to bring forth more than public data. He has the ability to go and take testimony, to gather the information. I encourage the gentleman to do that.”

“We are here on the floor today with this opportunity to come up with what started as and still should be a bipartisan agreement. Instead of sending the money out and then chasing it, we are going to run every bit of this data and information through the PRAC of existing people who receive benefits today.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary work of the Lazarex Cancer Foundation, which has announced it will conclude operations at the end of this calendar year after 19 years of remarkable service.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William ``Bill'' Forest Harris of Cameron, Texas, by presenting him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His persistent efforts in fostering beliefs of sacrifice and respect reflect his value as a leader during service and retirement.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Danny Charles Masur, of Rockdale, Texas, by presenting him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His persistent efforts in fostering beliefs of sacrifice and respect reflect his value as a leader during service and in retirement.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Delman Leon Orme of Crockett, Texas, as a distinguished recipient of the Congressional Veteran Commendation. His servant's life reflects the hard work and dedication that exemplifies the best of our Nation's values.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present retired USMC Colonel John Battista Airola, of Huntsville, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His servant's life reflects the hard work and dedication that exemplifies the best of our Nation's values.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present Nola Jane Saldana of Waco, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Nola Saldana is a proud United States Navy veteran, who served nearly 10 years and continues to dedicate her life to supporting veterans and her community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired USA Sergeant First Class Alyn Michael Macleod, of Pflugerville, Texas, by presenting him with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His persistent efforts in fostering beliefs of sacrifice and respect reflect his value as a leader during service and in retirement.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present Richard Reagan Horn, of Huntsville, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. His servant's life reflects the hard work and dedication that exemplifies the best of our Nation's values.”

“Good Conduct Medal 1st Award, Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Award 2nd Award and the Presidential Unit Citation. Richard completed Artillery Chart Operations and Computer Course in 1966.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present retired USAF Technical Sergeant Martha Socorro Ybarra of Waco, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation. Her 20-year service to our country followed by her heavily involved community service is a template for American Exceptionalism.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present retired USA Lieutenant Colonel William (Bill) Patterson Matthews, of Mexia, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation in recognition of his outstanding service to both his country and his community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present Danny Wallace Smith of Crawford, Texas, with a Congressional Veteran Commendation for his exceptional armed forces service and unwavering commitment to our country, state, and local communities.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am honored to present a Congressional Veteran Commendation to a member of our greatest generation, retired USAF Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Wagamon, of Huntsville, Texas.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank the young chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from Kentucky (Mr. Comer) for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, what we have heard today is a continuation of this lame excuse of politics and on Donald Trump.”

“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentlewoman coming forth, as she does represent the District of Columbia, but I think in the argument it is important to note that these are not just local judges that we are talking about.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor a dear friend, Marshall Brachman, on the occasion of his 75th birthday on July 6, 2025. Marshall has long exemplified the best of civic engagement and public service.”

“Mr. Speaker, I stand on a bipartisan basis with one of my fellow colleagues, Lloyd Doggett, from Travis County, Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, we became the beneficiaries of seeing the Corps of Engineers from the Fort Worth District visit us to talk about the water needs and the infrastructure of our water programs in Texas.”

“Mr. Speaker, you see gathered together Texans but friends, friends of not only a man who was with us last night but we were shocked to hear of his demise today.”