{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://sessions.house.gov/media-center/weekly-newsletters/hill-report-week-december-5-9-2016", "The Hill Report: Week of December 5 - 9, 2016", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "TX", "Pete Sessions", "S000250", "sessions.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As Members of Congress we are entrusted with the responsibility to effectively and responsibly fund our nation\u2019s government. This week we passed a measure to fund the government into the new year and increases spending to ensure our men and women in uniform have the resources they need to protect our freedom both at home and abroad. While I do not believe that short term funding measures are an effective tool, I believe that as a unified government in the coming 115th Congress we have an opportunity to implement thoughtful and deliberate legislative solutions that will be considered under a Republican Administration. I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress and our new friend in the White House to put forth common sense policies that get our country back on the right track and make our nation safer and stronger.\nIn addition to the short term funding measure, the House also passed legislation to protect our water resources and strengthen critical infrastructure. Water in Texas is a precious resource that must be valued, appreciated, and most importantly protected. The WIIN Act cuts through unnecessary red tape that has hindered essential Army Corps of Engineers projects including expediting the permitting process for the Lower Bois D\u2019arc Creek in Texas. I have fought long and hard alongside my North Texas colleagues and the North Texas Municipal Water District to cut through unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and expedite construction on this necessary project. After a lot of hard work and persistence from everyone involved in this process, I am proud that we got this done to ensure North Texas families have access to a sustainable supply of drinking water.\nResolution to Honor Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas\u00a0  \n\tThis week I joined Congressman Buddy Carter (GA-01) along with twelve of their colleagues, introduced a resolution in the House recognizing the historical importance of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and calling on the National Museum of African American History and Culture to appropriately honor his life and work.\nThe museums of the Smithsonian Institution should highlight the historical achievements made in all areas of our nation\u2019s rich history. The new National Museum of African American History and Culture should be no exception to this tradition of celebrating historical excellence and intellectual diversity,\u201d said Chairman Sessions. \u201cThe sole sentence in the Museum recognizing the accomplishments of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is a disservice to history. Justice Thomas\u2019 story epitomizes the American Dream and is a reminder that in America, no matter where or how you grow up, your highest aspirations are achievable. His immense contributions to our great nation should be celebrated and revered. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and the Smithsonian Institution to ensure Clarence Thomas receives the recognition that he deserves.\nNational Physicians \u00a0Council Meeting\u00a0  \n\tLast Sunday, I had the pleasure of hosting more than 100 physicians and their colleagues from around the nation to discuss healthcare issues facing patients and physicians in the upcoming year. Specifically, we had the opportunity to speak on the futures of MACRA and ObamaCare. I am excited to work with them on these issues and many more as we move forward reforming healthcare in the near future. \u00a0If you are interested in learning more about the Council or joining, please contact my staff at Emily.Erb@mail.house.gov. \u00a0 \u00a0\nGlobal Down Syndrome Foundation\u00a0  \n\tThe Global Down Syndrome Foundation stopped by my office this week to update my on the research at the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome. They are making some truly remarkable breakthroughs for individuals with Down Syndrome as it relates to immunology. I am pleased that we were able to pass 21st Century Cures in the House last week to help support such important research efforts such as these and look forward to their research to come.\nTexas Physician Hospitals Advocacy Center\u00a0  \n\tThis week I had the opportunity to meet physicians from North Texas who are hospital stakeholders. I am delighted to work with them and other physician-owned hospitals around our country to ensure patients have access to the highest quality and most affordable care possible.\u00a0\n\u00a0  \u00a0Congressman Sessions with physicians from North Texas", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://sessions.house.gov/media-center/weekly-newsletters/hill-report-week-december-5-9-2016"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.4186538755893707, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}