Pete Sessions

Fraud Prevention and Accountability Act

in committee

Exchange Rate Accountability Act of 2026

in committee

Words Matter Act of 2025

in committee

“Mr. SESSIONS. 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. Since its founding in 2006, by my good friend Dana Dornsife, Lazarex has invested over $30 million to support more than 13,000 patients in finding and participating in cancer clinical trials through its CARE and IMPACT Reimbursement Programs. It has also provided cancer education and equitable access to resources, services, and care to tens of thousands of people in underserved communities through its Cancer Wellness HUBs. In Texas, Lazarex has worked extensively with the world-renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center, ensuring that financial barriers such as travel and lodging never stood in the way of patients seeking hope through clinical trials. Nationally, Lazarex has been a driving force for change, helping to pass legislation in California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, Georgia, Massachusetts, and Texas affirming that reimbursement of patient travel expenses is not inducement but essential support. This has reshaped the clinical trial landscape, making travel reimbursement a standard practice and opening doors for more diverse and representative participation in research. Lazarex has not only changed laws and policies--it has changed the conversation. By diminishing stigma and fear, Lazarex created space for honest discussions about cancer in homes, communities, and places of worship. Its work has inspired patients, families, and health systems alike to reimagine what equitable access to cancer care should look like. Mr. Speaker, the decision to close was not made lightly. Shifts in the pharmaceutical funding landscape, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, cuts to research funding, and a broader retreat from diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives created economic headwinds that made continuation unsustainable. Yet even as it closes, Lazarex leaves behind a proud legacy--one of compassion, equity, innovation, and measurable impact. On behalf of patients in Texas and across the United States, I want to express deep gratitude to Lazarex staff, community partners, sponsors, donors, and, especially the founder and heart and soul of Lazarex for the last 19 years, Dana Dornsife. Their belief in this mission has changed--and saved--lives. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the Lazarex Cancer Foundation for its 19 years of tireless advocacy and achievement in the fight against cancer. ____________________”

2026-04-30 · Healthcare

“Mr. SESSIONS. 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. After completing his early education in Lockhart, Texas public schools, Danny enrolled at Southwest Texas State College. Within his first week there, he recognized the potential of the ROTC program, and after his first experience with them he was set on a path to earn his pilot's license, graduate, and head to Air Force Pilot Training as soon as possible. He dedicated five years and one day of service to his country before his release from active duty. Beginning in June 1968, Danny spent a year at Del Rio's Laughlin AFB Pilot Training, and upon completion he was assigned to Dover AFB, Delaware's Military Airlift Command. He flew the C-133 Cargomaster, the largest military transport aircraft at that time. Danny flew special missions world-wide including flights into Vietnam, followed by European and Middle Eastern trips supporting our Nation's Cold War military exercises. He also flew into other various conflicts such as the Israel-Jordan Crisis, and across the world to Pakistan, Ethiopia, Panama, Greenland, and Libya. Danny had the privilege of flying the last C-133 to the Boneyard at Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. After leaving the Air Force, Danny became a tracking pilot/recovery supervisor at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. He was located in Palestine, Texas at their Balloon facility, wherein, alongside some of the world's top scientists and astrophysicists, he contributed to invaluable scientific discoveries in the facilities critical outer space work. Danny then moved to work at the ALCOA plant in Rockdale, Texas, where he began dedicating his life to his family and several community volunteer organizations. For twenty-two years he was a board member of the Rockdale Fair Association, as well as the Goat Superintendent and Vice-President of Fiscal Affairs. In 1982, he joined the Rockdale Knights of Columbus, serving as Columbus Club treasurer for 18 years and spending significant time as a Crew Leader. Since 2012, Danny has served as a Board Member for Minerva Water Supply Corporation; and for 17 years has served the Minerva community as a volunteer fireman where he currently serves as their treasurer. Alongside his wife, Linda Matocha Masur, Danny has dedicated 58 years of marriage to raising four children and has extended his love and commitment to nurturing nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Danny's heart has never left the sky. As a pilot in the Rockdale Flying Tigers Flight Club, Danny is an EAA member and works with the Young Eagles Flight Program giving introductory flights. He has been an instructor pilot for years, serving as a technical, emotional, and mental mentor to many students who have made piloting their career. It is with great honor and respect that I present Danny Charles Masur with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas. His exemplary service to our Nation and continued contributions to his community stand as an inspiration to us all. ____________________”

2025-10-21 · Veterans

“Mr. SESSIONS. 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. Bill was drafted into the United States Army in 1969 and served a combat tour in Vietnam with the 809th Engineer Battalion. The battalion's mission was diverse, including construction, aviation support, and multi-role bridging capabilities, all while maintaining a combat-ready posture to fight at a moment's notice. Bill's heroic efforts earned him the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. After being honorably discharged in 1970, Bill served in the Army Reserves until 1975. Although his military service had ended, Bill stayed committed to the honorable life of a public servant, becoming a firefighter with the Temple Fire Department before turning to serve in their Police department from 1974 to 1981. During his time in the police department Bill rose to the position of investigator and served as part of the Central Texas Narcotics and Organized Crime Task Force. Bill joined the Milam County Sheriff's office in 1982, where he served the remainder of his distinguished law enforcement career. Upon his retirement from that position, he continued to serve as a reserve deputy and as the Sheriff's office Chaplain until 2023. Bill's commitment to Milam County is evident in every aspect of his life. His business, Cameron Tire Store, has been a staple of the community since he purchased the property in 1992. Bill has served on committees and boards repeatedly since moving to Milam County, as his leadership cannot go unnoticed. In the early 2000's, he was selected to serve on the committee tasked with developing the new jail for Milam County. His work with this committee led to the conversion of an old hospital into the new offices for the Sheriff's Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Precinct One and Two Justices of the Peace, and attached to all of this was a new modern jail. Bill has served on the Cameron Housing Board, as member and director, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the North Milam Water Supply District and served as a city councilman for years. From 2000 to 2024, he served as the Mayor of Cameron, stepping in to serve as Interim City Manager while the city was held without one. Bill does not simply lend a helping hand, but he truly commits himself to enforcing change and improvement where it is needed. At nearly 77 years old, while raising three children and being a grandfather to two, many would have retired, but not Bill. He continues to work hard every day as the owner of multiple businesses, which he runs with his wife Gwyn. His service has been recognized by the Cameron Chamber of Commerce, which named him Citizen of the Year in 2007 and presented him with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. As a man of great faith, Bill continues to serve as pastor of Davilla Baptist Church. Through community, both broadly as an American and much more personally in any number of ways, through family, and of course through a strong commitment to faith, Bill has made himself more than worthy of this achievement. It is with great honor and respect that I present William ``Bill'' Forest Harris with a Congressional Veteran Commendation from the 17th Congressional District of Texas. His exemplary service to our Nation and continued contribution to his community stand as an inspiration to us all. ____________________”

2025-10-21 · Veterans