Weekly Columns

Honoring the Bravest Among Us

November 8, 2019 Weekly Columns

Each year on the eleventh of November, we rightly pause to honor and remember the bravery and boldness of the men and women who selflessly answered the call of duty and wore one of the many great military uniforms of the United States of America.

Issues:

Veterans & Military Retirees

A Flawed Impeachment Process

November 5, 2019 Weekly Columns

The last several weeks have been eventful in terms of one particular topic, and that is House Democrats and Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s unprecedented pursuit of impeachment.

A Heritage That Persists

October 31, 2019 Weekly Columns

The month of November was first proclaimed “National American Indian Heritage Month” by the late President George H.W. Bush in 1990. Nearly 30 years later, November remains a special time to acknowledge the contributions and importance of tribes and their members in the United States.

Issues:

Tribal Relations

Combating Domestic Violence

October 23, 2019 Weekly Columns

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recognize the unacceptable existence of domestic violence in communities across the nation, and we join in strong support of victims and survivors.

Issues:

Tribal Relations

Changing the Course of the Opioid Epidemic

October 16, 2019 Weekly Columns

While it takes time to change the course of a national health crisis, I am encouraged that noticeable progress has been made to combat the epidemic of opioid abuse and addiction in the United States.

Issues:

Healthcare

A Step in the Right Direction

October 8, 2019 Weekly Columns

President Donald Trump and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently announced that our two countries finalized a limited trade agreement, and I am encouraged that it was formally signed by both countries this week. While I was participating in a congressional delegation trip to Japan and other Pacific Rim nations in August, we were told that a deal would likely be agreed to soon.

Issues:

Economy

Striking the Balance

September 30, 2019 Weekly Columns

Especially for those Americans who rely on regular prescriptions, the high cost of purchasing their vital medicine is an all too familiar burden. Certainly, if something can be done to bring cost down, something should be done. Unfortunately, while bipartisan agreement already exists on policies to do so, House Democratic leadership has thwarted the actual delivery of relief to the American people.

Issues:

Healthcare

A Waste of Time and Energy

September 23, 2019 Weekly Columns

When lawmakers returned for legislative session after the extended work period, House Democrats had an opportunity to turn a new leaf and actually get things done for the American people.

Constitution Day: A Turning Point

September 17, 2019 Weekly Columns

Each year on September 17, we rightly celebrate the single most important document ever written for securing liberty from the ambition of tyrants. It was on this day in 1787 that 39 of our Founding Fathers signed one of the most consequential documents in our history: The Constitution of the United States.

A Busy Six Weeks

September 10, 2019 Weekly Columns

Even though the U.S. House of Representatives was not in session, I kept a busy schedule during the extended work period. Throughout the last six weeks, I spent a great deal of time in Oklahoma hearing directly from constituents, local community leaders and small business owners at town halls and other meetings.

Issues:

Defense and National Security, Immigration