On Wednesday, legislation that I introduced passed out of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee markup.
This bill, known as the “Manager Attitudes and Notions According to Government Employee Responses Act”, or the “MANAGER Act,” amends the annual Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, administered by the Office of Personnel Management, to add specific questions for federal agency managers.
This legislation is part of my effort as the Chairman of the Government Operations and the Federal Workforce Subcommittee to eliminate waste and increase productivity in government agencies. Efficiency in government agencies is essential for taxpayers and government employees alike.
By identifying areas where federal employees in supervisory positions need support, this survey will ensure our government is working effectively for our citizens.
On Thursday, I attended a full committee hearing with the House Oversight and Accountability Committee entitled, “A Legacy of Incompetence: Consequences of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Policy Failures.” Expert witnesses on immigration, broadband, the environment, and security testified to the disastrous effects of the Biden-Harris Administration on our country.
CEO Commission for Disability Employment
My son, Alex Sessions, accompanied me to Washington this week. He was able to join my Wednesday meeting with members of the CEO Commission for Disability Employment. This organization is seeking to advance legislation that supports businesses to hire and develop individuals with disabilities.
As the father of a young man with Down syndrome, I have seen firsthand how disabled Americans have a lot to offer our workforce. I am grateful for organizations like the CEO Commission for Disability Employment that are designed to increase opportunities for people with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment.
International Facility Management Association
Last week, I was invited again to address the International Facility Management Association’s Annual Public Policy Forum. The IFMA supports facility managers as they work to support organizations and improve the quality of life for people in business.
I spoke about the current state of the federal workforce and my vision to reduce waste in the federal sector. Facility managers play a key role in the function of our organizations.
American Cancer Society
On Wednesday, representatives from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network visited my office to discuss how lawmakers can help address the burden of cancer in our country. This group included members from Texas’ 17th.
The American Cancer Society is focused on evidence-based public policy change to assist in the early detection and prevention of cancer. I am proud to join them in the fight to end cancer.
Legislation Highlights
HR 9468 — Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024
This legislation provides $3 billion in mandatory funding for certain veteran benefits. After passing both the House and the Senate this week, this bill is set to be signed by the President and will allow the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay veterans’ benefits without delay.
HJR 136 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles”
This legislation rescinds the Environmental Protection Agency’s rule that would result in two-thirds of new vehicle sales to be battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric by 2032. We lack the infrastructure and supply chain capacity to enact this unfeasible rule. Aside from being impractical, the EPA’s rule places un-American constraints on consumer choice. I cosponsored this legislation to ensure that our free market remains independent from woke policies.
HR 5339 — Protecting Americans’ Investments from Woke Policies Act
The Biden-Harris Administration implemented a rule to put the retirement security of millions of Americans at risk by enabling and encouraging retirement plan fiduciaries to consider or choose investments based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. ESG funds leave the futures of retirees less secure to advance a political agenda. This legislation ensures financial institutions are focused on protecting returns in retirement plans rather than pushing ESG funds. My vote was yes.
HR 3724 — End Woke Higher Education Act
Across our country we are seeing unconstitutional regulation of free speech on our college campuses. These institutions have turned from education to indoctrination. This legislation will ensure colleges do not have to bend to DEI policies to receive accreditation and protect free speech by restoring viewpoint diversity in postsecondary education. My vote was yes.
Pete Sessions represents District 17, which includes Trinity County, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
