December 12, 2024

Fireside Sessions

Hearing with the Postmaster General

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Congressman Sessions speaks at an Oversight hearing with the USPS

Legislative business this week in Washington kicked off with an important House Oversight and Accountability hearing with the United States Postal Service. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy appeared before the Committee on Tuesday to answer for the shortcomings of his agency. It goes without saying that there is an incredible lack of efficiency in the USPS, as delays have affected all Americans. The USPS has a difficult job as their industry becomes increasingly reliant on shipping packages rather than smaller pieces of mail. Moving forward, the USPS needs to catch up to the needs of Americans by prioritizing efficiency. You can watch my hearing remarks here.

Letter to the GAO

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The first page of Congressman Sessions's letter to Comptroller General Dodaro
As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, I am dedicated to stopping financial mismanagement in our agencies. The Department of Defense (DOD) recently failed their seventh consecutive financial audit. I wrote to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), requesting them to analyze these results of the DOD’s audits and provide insights to my Subcommittee on progress in reducing waste, fraud, and abuse in the DOD. You can read the letter here.

Waco Wonderland Parade

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Congressman Sessions rides in the 2024 Waco Wonderland Parade

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of riding in the Waco Wonderland Parade. Despite the rainy weather, the community came out to celebrate the Christmas season. We are blessed to live in a country where we can openly celebrate the birth of our Savior. The Christmas season is a beautiful time to come together with our family and communities to share love and make memories. I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a very Merry Christmas!

Honoring Congressman Burgess

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Congressman Sessions and Dr. Burgess Members of the Texas GOP Delegation celebrate Dr. Burgess

In the midst of a busy week last week, I celebrated the unveiling of a new portrait to hang in the House Rules Committee. My friend and fellow Texan, Chairman Michael Burgess is retiring from serving the people of the 26th district of Texas and subsequently putting down the gavel at the Rules Committee. I served as Chairman of the Rules Committee from 2013-2018 and spent a total 20 years on the committee. Because of my time as Chairman, I also have a portrait hanging in the committee room. Congratulations on your retirement, Chairman Burgess!

Legislation of the Week

H.R. 5009→ Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA)
This week, we passed the National Defense Authorization Act for FY25. This legislation takes care of two issues: servicemember quality of life and bad policy. By strengthening our military housing programs, ensuring access to medical care, enhancing employment support for military spouses, and increased access to childcare, this year’s NDAA will improve the quality of life for the men and women of our armed forces. Secondly, this legislation takes out the woke DEI policy pushed by the Biden Administration. Our servicemembers need to focus on their service to our great nation rather than teaching their children to accept transgenderism. The House Republican Conference has done great work in this legislation to take care of our military.
 
H.R. 7673→ Liberty in Laundry Act
The Biden Administration’s war on American energy has taken the power of choice away from the consumer. In an effort to push a radical rush-to-green agenda, the Biden Administration has issued rules on home appliances that drive up costs by discouraging the use of natural gas regardless of cost, reliability, or availability. H.R. 7673 will prohibit the Department of Energy from enforcing energy efficiency standards for washing machines that are likely to result in additional costs to Americans. This bill reinforces consumer protection measures in current law and establishes clear prohibitions for regulations on specific appliances.

H.R. 9625→ JUDGES Act of 2024
Our justice system is not moving at the speed of which it should. Right now, the caseload of our federal district judges across the nation is too large, causing delays in criminal and civil court cases. To fix this, we passed the JUDGES Act to increase the number of federal district judges.


In the News

TALK 1370Cardle & Woolley
This week, I discussed headlines like the Daniel Penny trial, House Foreign Affairs hearing with Secretary Blinken, and Cabinet appointees with Lynn Woolley of TALK 1370 and Brian Phillips of Texas Public Policy Foundation. 
 
The HillTop House Republican calls for GAO to investigate Pentagon’s audit failures
As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, I called on the GAO to oversee the continued financial mismanagement of the DOD. 
 
Washington TimesHouse Republican calls on government watchdog to investigate DOD after another failed audit
After 7 failed audits, the GAO needs to investigate. The Washington Times also covered my letter to Comptroller Dodaro.

NewsmaxRep. Sessions Asks GAO to Probe Pentagon's Audit Failures
DOD spending comprises nearly half of the federal government's discretionary spending and its physical assets make up over 70% of the government's physical assets. It is essential the GAO oversee the management of the DOD's finances.

Waco Tribune-Herald→ U.S. Rep. Sessions joins tech titans in government efficiency push
As co-chair of the House DOGE Caucus, I will work to shine a light on government waste and help the Department of Government Efficiency.

Federal News NetworkDOGE-supporting lawmakers call on USPS to privatize some operations, scrap electric fleet
Following the hearing with USPS Postmaster DeJoy, I told Federal News Network that the DOGE Caucus intends to take a closer look at USPS operations, and identify ways to make the agency more efficient.

Sincerely,
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Pete Sessions
Member of Congress

 

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