The Oklahoman: Oklahoma Lawmakers Respond to President Barack Obama's Speech
The Oklahoman - Chris Casteel
Members of Oklahoma's all-Republican congressional delegation responded Tuesday night to President Barack Obama's State of the Union speech.
Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa: “President Obama presented his hopes for 2014, one that will include him using a ‘pen and phone' to get work done. But these tactics are not new to President Obama. He used this strategy in 2013 when his administration issued thousands of pages of health care regulations and job-killing EPA regulations. This excessive power grab is all part of Obama's expanding government where power is increasingly in the hands of unelected bureaucrats instead of the American people.
“President Obama also talked around energy but will continue his war on coal, oil and gas. Sure, he mentioned natural gas — an abundant resource in my state of Oklahoma — but he will kill natural gas by killing hydraulic fracturing.”
Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore: “Throughout his administration, the president has had difficulty working with Congress. ... As expected, new promises abounded tonight, but lofty ambitions don't pay for themselves. Our nation is currently suffering the weakest recovery since World War II, which should drive the president to keep the focus on healing the economy by offering regulatory relief, reforming entitlements and putting the country on fiscally firm footing — not imposing new spending or raising taxes.”
Rep. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City: “I heard no constructive recommendations to Congress or the American people to reduce our debt, remove federal barriers to economic growth or strengthen our families. Oklahomans want to pick their own health care plans, and they want to keep their doctor. They want a thriving economy and safe communities. In a state that has driven the energy industry nationwide, we do not want to endlessly wait on a federal permit from Washington to lead us to energy independence. Oklahoma families want conservative solutions, not more sound bites.”
Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Cheyenne: “In order for the president to move forward and create economic certainty, he must make reducing government spending his top priority ... In addition, the president must quit ignoring the many opportunities we have to create jobs in America. For instance, he has failed to approve of the northern leg of the Keystone XL pipeline, which has the potential to produce tens of thousands of jobs in our country.”
Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-Westville: “The president confirmed tonight that his bipartisan talking points are hollow ... Forcing an executive agenda, without constructive conversation, creates a divided nation. Let's sit down with our nation's best interests in mind and come to bipartisan solutions that put America back in business.”
Online:The Oklahoman