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September 15, 2023
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Keeping Federal Agencies Productive & Accountable
As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce, I held a hearing on Thursday focused on the “Oversight of Federal Agencies’ Post-Pandemic Telework Policies.” While the shift to telework may have been a necessary response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital that my colleagues in Congress and I carefully examine the long-term implications of these policies on the functionality of our federal agencies. Good governance demands that we put the needs of the American people at the forefront of any policy affecting federal agencies.
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On May 18 I joined House Oversight Chairman James Comer in sending letters to twenty-five federal agencies asking for details on their telework policies and their effects on civil servants’ productivity. Over time, and after a follow-up letter, my subcommittee received responses from all but three agencies. Our witnesses at the hearing were invited based on their good faith efforts to answer our queries, which enabled a productive dialogue about the future of telework in federal agencies. A key conclusion was that federal agencies are failing to gather precise data capable of accurately gauging the impact of telework on their operations. 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.
In January, I cosponsored H.R. 139, The SHOW Up Act, which passed the House. If passed by the Senate, this bill would mandate that agencies revert to pre-pandemic telework levels until agency leadership can certify that broader telework policies will positively affect their mission. In April, following my Subcommittee’s pressure for better oversight, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued guidance requiring federal agencies to develop plans that include robust assessments of productivity and customer service.
I remain focused on proper oversight of our federal agencies and their productivity on behalf of Americans. I believe that telework can be a useful tool for agencies as they execute their mission; however, we must employ responsible data-driven management to ensure that these policies are truly effective. Over the next few months, the Government Operations and Federal Workforce Subcommittee will continue to hold the federal government accountable and prioritize the needs of the American people. |
Delivering for Texas Farmers & Ranchers
On Thursday, I met with Jeff Savell, Vice Chancellor and Dean of Agriculture and Life Science at Texas A&M University. A distinguished researcher and educator, Dr. Savell is widely recognized for his contributions to the livestock and meat industries. His wide-ranging expertise in the field of agriculture makes him an invaluable partner in discussions about the future of farming and ranching, particularly during our recent drought in Central and East Texas.
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Jeff oversees AgriLife, a comprehensive agriculture program in the Texas A&M University System with a presence in every county in the State of Texas. AgriLife provides advice, counsel, and resources to promote the best agricultural practices for farmers and ranchers.
Amid our ongoing drought, farmers and ranchers in Texas are seeking assistance to ensure robust food production for the upcoming year. A primary issue for farmers is the agricultural safety net, aimed at offering more business opportunities to farmers. As well, rising inflation is putting a strain on farmers due to the escalating costs of fertilizer, equipment, and seeds. A well-designed 2023 Farm Bill could help farmers increase production and stabilize markets. This is especially crucial given the uncertainty in market conditions and the damage poor weather has inflicted on their practice.
I want to thank Dr. Savell and the AgriLife program for their invaluable support to Texas' agricultural community, especially during our challenging season. Our farmers and ranchers deserve the utmost support through targeted policies and safety nets in the 2023 Farm Bill. Together, we'll navigate these challenges for a more prosperous and resilient agricultural future in Texas.
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Examining America's Relationship With Iran
Since the beginning of his presidency, Joe Biden has pursued unlawful negotiations with the Iranian regime with no oversight from Congress or transparency with the American people. This Monday, on the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, his Administration announced they struck a $6 billion deal with Iran for the return of the five American citizens. The timing of their announcement is disrespectful toward the families of those killed during the attack on the World Trade Center and the deal cuts against America’s national security and the safety of traveling citizens.
President Biden should reevaluate his foreign policy goals and pursue maximum pressure on Iran. We must not allow them to skirt sanctions, fund terrorism, or compromise American safety and that of our allies. Any policy falling short of this betrays the interests of the American people and casts doubt on our commitment to uphold justice and security on the global stage.
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Letter to the DEA Director
On Monday, I joined Senator James Lankford (R-OK) to lead a bicameral letter to the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), advising the agency to reject any change to marijuana's Schedule I status under federal law.
Senator Lankford and I were joined by a bicameral coalition of lawmakers, including: Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jim Risch (R-ID), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Tom Cotton (R-AR), and Ted Budd (R-NC), along with Congressmen Chuck Edwards (R-NC), Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Hal Rogers (R-KY), Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (R-GA), and Andy Biggs (R-AZ).
“Any effort to reschedule marijuana should be based on proven facts and science—not popular opinion, changes in state laws, or the preferred policy of an Administration…It is irresponsible for Health and Human Services (HHS) to recommend that marijuana be removed from Schedule I. It would also be irresponsible for DEA to act on this recommendation. Our country relies on DEA to enforce our nation’s drug laws. We ask you to uphold your mission by rejecting any effort to remove marijuana from Schedule I,” the Members wrote.
The letter was sent following a review by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which released a report to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recommending a reduction in the federal scheduling of marijuana. This was done as part of the Biden administration's efforts to potentially change the legal status of marijuana in the United States. I am proud to be a leader in the federal effort to keep marijuana off American streets and out of schools.
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Local
Fox 44 News - Rep. Pete Sessions supports Impeachment Inquiry into Pres. Joe Biden
Texas for Country Living - Congressman Pete Sessions Visits The Coalition, Inc.
Waco Tribune-Herald - Waco's L3Harris delivers Air Force plane capable of disrupting enemy communication
Fox 44 News -Baylor launches cybersecurity research and training hub
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National
Dallas Morning News - Case to impeach Biden is thin, some Texans in House GOP say, but probe may fill the gaps
Crypto News - Republican Lawmakers Reintroduce CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act to Block Digital Dollar
Bloomberg - Congress Losing Patience on Federal Workforce’s Return to Office
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| Sincerely, |
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| Pete Sessions |
| Member of Congress |
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