Weekly Columns

Along with mathematics and science, study of civics and American history is key to a well-rounded education. Indeed, when Americans have a deeper understanding of our nation’s history and founding principles, they become more engaged citizens who participate in our government the way our Founding Fathers intended. It also preserves our republic and ensures a prosperous future for generations to come.

Late spring in Oklahoma often means the possibility of severe storms and tornados, particularly in the month of May. Unfortunately, in recent weeks, some communities have already seen dangerous weather patterns that resulted in property damage. As we move through the coming weeks, we certainly hope and pray that our communities will be spared from the wrath of severe weather. Regardless, it is critical to have an emergency response plan and build readiness kits for staying safe if storms strike.

Last week, President Joe Biden delivered an address during a joint session of Congress on the eve of his 100th day in office. While it is always an honor to listen to any president speak to Congress, the president’s message unfortunately missed the mark, especially since his actions thus far have been marked by partisan and progressive proposals and misguided unilateral actions.

Last November, American voters made their decision at the polls and the result was to elect President Joe Biden and a Congress controlled by Democrats. However, even in this era as the minority party, Republicans can and should continue to work productively for the American people. Even in the minority, Republicans can be effective at stopping things and getting things done.

Earlier this month, Democrats in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate introduced legislation to add four justices to the bench on the Supreme Court. Ushering in such a drastic change to one of our nation’s most fundamental institutions would represent an outrageous power grab and set a precedent of using our nation’s highest court as a partisan political tool.

Earlier this month, President Biden released his discretionary spending outline for fiscal year 2022 – also known as a “skinny budget.” Unfortunately, instead of addressing issues facing Americans right now, what was instead laid out consisted of a series of progressive wish list items and disturbing cuts in our national defense.

On the heels of Democrats’ so-called coronavirus rescue package filled with provisions completely unrelated to the pandemic, President Biden recently unveiled the “American Jobs Plan,” billed as an infrastructure and climate plan. However, like the fake pandemic relief bill advanced solely by Democrats, President Biden’s irresponsible $2.3 trillion proposal spends too much and has very little to do with the problem it claims to solve and more to do with advancing a liberal policy wish list.

As more people become fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and with summer fast approaching, the desire to take trips and vacations outside of the United States again will only continue to grow.