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December 1
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Curbing Runaway Agencies
On Wednesday, the House Financial Services Committee held a hearing with Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Rohit Chopra for a semi-annual report on the Bureau’s activities. Recently, Members of Congress have been concerned by a runaway number of new regulations from the CFPB, with no regard for Congressional intent or oversight. As a member of the Committee, I share their concerns.
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 During the hearing, my questioning of Director Chopra addressed an issue highlighted by a recent Wall Street Journal article about one of these runaway proposals the CFPB is considering that would effectively ban credit-reporting companies from selling credit-header data, with no carveout for law enforcement agencies. Generally, the sale of credit header data should be carefully restricted to protect consumer privacy. Citizens' right to privacy under the 4th Amendment must be upheld, ensuring that personal information is not commoditized without consent. However, I also recognize the vital role this data can play in law enforcement's efforts to prevent and solve crimes. Therefore, I advocate for carefully considered carveouts that allow law enforcement agencies access to this data under stringent conditions. These conditions must be transparent and subject to oversight to prevent abuse.
During recent remarks at the White House in August, Director Chopra announced that the CFPB was considering rule proposals that would seek to limit the ability to prevent misuse and abuse by data brokers. At this week’s Committee hearing, I questioned Director Chopra about the CFPB's policies in this regard, underscoring the need for a balanced approach that respects individual privacy while acknowledging the practical necessities of law enforcement.
In our efforts to protect privacy, we must not inadvertently handicap law enforcement's ability to protect us from those who would harm our communities. Conversely, in empowering law enforcement, we must not erode the fundamental rights and freedoms that define our nation. I am committed to advocating for legislation that reflects these principles. Our laws must evolve to address the challenges of our digital age, ensuring that while we guard against data misuse, we also maintain the tools necessary for effective law enforcement. |
Pushing for In-Person Work
As the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, I recently presided over the second part of a hearing series titled "Oversight of Federal Agencies’ Post-Pandemic Telework Policies: Part II." Our mission was to scrutinize the telework practices of federal agencies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in light of ongoing backlogs preventing them from fulfilling their core mission– serving American taxpayers with expedient and effective constituent services.
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 On May 18 I sent letters to twenty-five federal agencies asking for details on their telework policies and their effects on civil servants’ productivity. After receiving little response, I sent a follow-up letter in August, finally prompting all but three agencies to respond to my subcommittee. Our witnesses at this week’s hearing were invited because their agencies failed to submit comprehensive answers This is unacceptable, particularly when many agencies are not fulfilling their required objective. This means that taxpayers are not receiving a due return on their investment.
Alarmingly, 11 out of 25 agencies failed to provide clear data on their teleworking numbers. This lack of transparency is not only unacceptable but also raises serious questions about the Biden Administration's oversight of these policies. Earlier this year, the Biden Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued new guidance calling for an increase in meaningful, in-person work. In August of this year, the White House Chief of Staff made a subsequent public call for federal employees to return to in-office work. Yet months later, agencies are still having trouble transitioning their employees back to the office.
During the hearing, we heard from four agencies: the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), the U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce), and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), chosen due to their particularly unresponsive nature to our initial inquiries. Their testimonies, albeit delayed, were crucial in shedding light on the current state of telework policies. While these agencies have expressed commitment to evaluating and improving their telework strategies, I remain cautious.
In this era of post-pandemic recovery, we understand the need for flexibility. However, the balance between telework and in-office presence is crucial. Our work is far from over. I am committed to ensuring that federal agencies operate with efficiency, transparency, and, above all, with the American taxpayer's best interests at heart. I will continue to push for clear, actionable data and accountability from these agencies. |
Update: Bidens Under Scrutiny
As a senior member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, I am committed to ensuring transparency and integrity at the highest levels of our government. Recent findings and ongoing investigations into President Joe Biden and his family's business dealings have raised serious concerns, which we, as the Committee, are determined to address with the rigor and responsibility expected.
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 Our Chairman, Congressman James Comer (KY-1), recently disclosed alarming details about Hunter Biden's financial transactions with a company tied to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). A bank money laundering investigator flagged these transactions, which involved erratic payments with no clear services rendered or business purpose. This suggests a pattern of influence peddling that targets politicians' children through questionable deals. It's a pattern that raises serious questions about our national security and the integrity of our political process.
In line with our commitment to accountability, evidence gathered by our Committee contradicts President Joe Biden’s previous claims about his family's business activities. It appears that President Biden was not only aware of but also participated in and benefited from his family's international business ventures, including dealings with Russian and Kazakhstani oligarchs, a Burisma executive, and a Chinese national linked to the CCP. These revelations break down the supposed "wall" between the President's official duties and his family's business ventures.
On November 8, 2023, Chairman James Comer (KY-01) issued subpoenas to President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, brother, James Biden, and Biden family associate, Rob Walker, to appear for depositions. Our goal is to conduct a thorough and unbiased inquiry to bring the truth to light. We expect full cooperation with our lawfully issued subpoenas.
The controversy surrounding these findings is not just a matter of public interest but a potential national security threat. The involvement of foreign entities in our political process through financial means is a matter of grave concern. Chairman Comer and the House Oversight and Accountability Committee are steadfast in their duty to investigate these matters thoroughly and present the findings to the American people.
As we move forward, I assure you that our efforts are guided by a commitment to uncover the truth, uphold the principles of accountability and integrity, and ensure that our nation's leaders are held to the highest standards. |
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Local
Cenikor: Cenikor Awarded $640,000 SAMHSA Community Funding by Congressman Sessions to Expand Recovery Services in Waco
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National
Federal Times: HHS, Commerce seek to increase in-person work, leaders tell Congress
Government Executive: Debate over federal telework fumes in House subcommittee
Federal News Network: A running list of agencies’ return-to-office plans
Axios: Inside the Biden White House's aggressive back-to-office push
The Daily Wire: Federal Air Marshals Diverted From Sensitive Flights To Follow January 6 Suspects, Officials Say
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| Sincerely, |
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| Pete Sessions |
| Member of Congress |
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