The Hill Report: Week of April 11 - 15, 2016
This week I proudly joined my House colleagues in supporting legislation that creates more transparency and accountability in Washington, cuts through unnecessary red tape, and fights against the President’s FCC regulations. In addition to our legislative work, I also had the opportunity to meet with Texans from a variety of industries to discuss important issues happening at home and across the country.
House-Passed Legislation
Cutting Red Tape and Ensuring Accountability
I have always believed that the biggest threat to our country is a big, unchecked federal government. After nearly eight years of this president, we have seen laws such as the Dodd-Frank Act take power away from Americans and expand the size and scope of Washington. This 2,300 page law has imposed hundreds of new crippling regulations on American businesses and given an unprecedented amount of power to unelected Washington bureaucrats. We cannot and must not let our country be derailed by this Administration’s continued efforts to destroy the free-enterprise system. That is why I proudly voted to cut unnecessary red tape strangling small financial institutions including the more than 2,000 community banks in Texas and create a more transparent system to review the practices of FSOC and OFR. This legislation would ensure that these organizations are held accountable for their actions, not just by the President and his liberal cronies, but by the American people.
Fighting Against FCC Regulation of Broadband Internet
As many of you know, prior to serving in Congress, I spent 16 years working for a private sector telecommunications company and witnessed the creation of broadband service. It has always been my firm belief that the FCC should never have a say in the rates internet service providers charge. Despite promises by FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler and President Obama to not regulate rates, Chairman Wheeler has made it clear that the FCC would have the power to issue such regulations if it so chooses. The piece of legislation that passed the House would codify into law the promise against rate regulation, providing greater certainty for businesses and consumers.
Meetings with Texans
Healthcare Industry
This week I was pleased to meet with Texas medical professionals from the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Even though their disciplines are different, their frustrations are the same. We had a robust discussion about ObamaCare’s impact on their practices and ways that we can work together to provide a free-marketplace alternative to the President’s disastrous law. ObamaCare has taken a toll on doctors, patients, and the economy, and I look forward to continuing our conversation on how to better our healthcare system.
NDSS Meeting and Champion of Change Award
On Tuesday I was delighted to welcome two Texas families from the National Down Syndrome Society to my office in Washington. We had a great discussion about the implementation of the ABLE Act as well as other ongoing initiatives to help provide individuals with disabilities more opportunities.
Congressman Sessions with Alison reading her story that she brought to him
In addition to meeting with these two wonderful families, I was also pleased to receive the NDSS Champion of Change Award for the 20th year in a row. As the proud father of a Down syndrome young man, I am honored to be able to help individuals with disabilities have the opportunities they need and deserve to succeed.
Congressman Sessions receiving his Champion of Change Award at the National Down Syndrome Society lunch
Greater Dallas Restaurant Association
On Wednesday, I met with the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association to discuss issues that affect small business restaurant owners, operators, and employees. Specifically, we discussed two important legislative items, the National Labor Relations Board “joint employer” rule and H.R. 4773, the Protecting Workplace Advancement and Opportunity Act, of which I am a co-sponsor. Time and time again we have seen how sweeping “one size fits all” regulations affect small businesses, hurt employees, and increases costs for consumers. Specifically, in regard to H.R. 4773, I agree that we need to consider common-sense changes to the federal overtime rule and believe the best way to do so on a case-by-case basis as it pertains to the industry, specific employment models, and particular restaurant standards. As we move into the final months of the current Administration it remains vitally important we work together to counter these burdensome Obama regulations and protect small businesses across our state and the country as a whole.
Congressman Sessions meeting with the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association
Independent Insurance Agents of Texas
It was a pleasure to meet with the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas this week in Washington. These men and women are on the front lines of President Obama’s attack on job creators and middle class families. I’m proud that the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas is the nation’s largest state association of independent insurance agencies, representing nearly 1,800 agencies employing 15,000 agents and insurance professionals. These dedicated agents provide homeowners and auto insurance for nearly 30 percent of the families in Texas and play an important role in our North Texas communities. I’m committed to fighting against the arbitrary and burdensome regulations that are threatening the livelihood of so many across our great state.
Congressman Sessions with representatives from the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas
Texas Farm Bureau and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
I was delighted to meet with and speak to representatives from the Texas Farm Bureau, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, and Texas Cattle Feeders Association to discuss the continued joint efforts to oppose regulatory overreach by the Obama Administration. As a key member of Speaker Ryan’s recently introduced “Restoring Constitutional Authority Congressional Task Force”, I have renewed my focus on ending President Obama’s blatant disregard for the limits of his executive authority on issues ranging from immigration to healthcare to environmental policy. Specifically, as Congress considers the appropriations process and upcoming government funding bills it is critical that we recognize the stresses the Obama Administration is placing on our state’s farmers, ranchers, and agriculture economy. During the appropriations process I remain committed to working with my Republican colleagues to counter these policies at every possible chance.
Congressman Sessions speaking to representatives from the Texas Farm Bureau
Toyota
This week, I met with Toyota North America to discuss the on-going transition to their new North America headquarters in North Texas. As a Texan, I am delighted to see yet another major company move to our great state. I am also proud to see how companies such as Toyota have given back through investment on a state and local level. Specifically, out of the $22 billion Toyota has invested in the United States, $5.1 billion has been in Texas, leading to the almost 21,000 new jobs across the state. Further, Toyota has contributed almost $21 million to charitable organizations such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dallas, Plano ISD Education Foundation, and Junior Achievement of Dallas. I am proud that Toyota chose to move their new headquarters to North Texas and look forward to working them to make Texas an even better place to live and do business.
Congressman Sessions with Cheryl Hughes, Kazuo Naganuma, and Sandra Phillips