October 6 

Fireside Sessions

Motion to Vacate

On Monday, the House voted to continue considering Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 appropriations language with conservative spending levels and policy changes. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-1) introduced a motion to oust Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA-20) from his position as Speaker of the House.

ImageThe vast majority of the House Republican Conference is collectively focused on strengthening our southern border, reducing overall federal spending, and holding the Biden administration accountable. The Motion to Vacate the office of Speaker passed on Tuesday evening, by a vote of 216-210. Four percent of the House Republican Conference joined with House Democrats to remove the Speaker. Their decision halted the government funding process for FY24 and has left the House in a state of chaos and uncertainty.  

Now, the Republican Conference is deliberating on who we will elect to fill the position of Speaker. I believe our candidate must prioritize border security, fiscal responsibility, reining in an expansive government, and crafting policies that prioritize American families. I remain committed to urging my colleagues to swiftly elect a new Speaker and return to passing the FY24 appropriations bills and continue serving the American public.

Continuing Resolution to Avert a Government Shutdown

Upon reconvening in Washington this September, Speaker Kevin McCarthy introduced plans for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 appropriations. Our task was clear: pass these bills by September 30 to uphold our duties as Congress to avoid a government shutdown.

Though united in many respects, Republicans had trouble consolidating party support for several appropriations bills. My commitment has consistently been towards conservative topline spending cuts and enacting policy reforms to secure our southern border.

ImageOn September 19, 2023, the House passed a rule to consider H.R. 5525, the Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, a Continuing Resolution (CR) aimed at sustaining the government till October 31, and included an 8% cut to all government spending accounts except defense, border security, and veteran care related accounts. It also included critical aspects of from H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act, which I cosponsored. Despite its merits, this CR, even after being amended to make an unprecedented 30% spending cut except for defense, border security, and veteran care related accounts, didn't pass, with a 198-232 vote.

Facing the impending end-of-month deadline, a subsequent CR was presented on September 30, to continue FY23 funding until November 17. While certainly not my preferred choice, I voted in favor of the bill to keep the government running, ensure our troops and Border Patrol are paid, and allow more time to pass full-year FY24 appropriations.

Despite recent challenges, funding the federal government is top of mind for the Republican Conference. My colleagues and I will continue to prioritize finding a consensus solution to passing FY24 appropriations bills.

In the News

Local

Dallas Morning News: Would-be successors to deposed House Speaker Kevin McCarthy court Texas Republicans

Dallas Morning News: Texas Republicans side with McCarthy as he’s voted out as House Speaker 216-210

Dallas Morning News: House votes to avert government shutdown over opposition of most Texas Republicans

KXXV: Pete Sessions calls U.S. Speaker situation 'chaos'

KTRE: East Texas Rep. Sessions discusses House’s decision to remove McCarthy as Speaker

National

Roll Call: How Patrick McHenry went from partisan ‘attack dog’ to holding the fate of the House in his hands

Epoch Times: How House Members Voted on Motion to Remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy

Family Research Council: Pete Sessions, U.S. Representative for the 17th District of Texas, weighs in on the Biden impeachment inquiry hearing. 

Sincerely,
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Pete Sessions
Member of Congress

 

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