Weekly Columns
While the coronavirus crisis has caused unthinkable disruptions and challenges nationwide, this is not the first time in history that Congress has navigated extraordinary circumstances and still preserved the longstanding traditions imagined by our Founding Fathers. Throughout numerous emergencies and disasters in our nation's history, the American people have always been able to count on their elected representatives to be their voice.
As the school year comes to a close and graduation season begins, I am thinking of the many high school and college seniors who will be celebrating their achievements differently than they expected. Although the coronavirus crisis has canceled and postponed many traditional commencement ceremonies, that should not lessen the sense of great pride and joy felt by this year's graduates. And I want to extend my deepest congratulations and best wishes.
Oklahomans are no strangers to severe weather and the terrible destruction that can result from it. Our past experiences serve as a sobering reminder that we must be ready at a moment's notice to face tornadoes and other unpredictable weather patterns. In Oklahoma, it's not a matter of "if" but "when" that time will come.
Due to its massive scale and severity, the COVID-19 pandemic is a natural disaster unlike any other our nation has encountered in modern history. While the unprecedented disruptions have been felt across the whole of society, small businesses have undoubtedly taken some of the hardest, fastest and most damaging economic hits. In doing their part to heed social distancing guidance and help slow the spread of this coronavirus, many businesses on Main Street have been forced to rethink their daily operations or close their doors completely, jeopardizing millions of American jobs.
It is an extraordinarily somber time for Oklahomans when we remember the despicable act of domestic terror that took place in Oklahoma City on April 19, 1995 – and doubly so this year as the anniversary of that day occurs amid a global pandemic. But the tragic event that took place 25 years ago ought to both guide us and build confidence that Oklahomans can and will face down this current crisis as well. For although the bombing of the Alfred P.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty, one thing is certain when it comes to Americans. We always come together in times of crisis. When faced with unimaginable difficulty and loss, you can count on Americans to step up and pitch in to help. Amid the unthinkable disruptions caused by the spread of COVID-19, I have been greatly encouraged to see Americans rush to the aid of their family, friends, neighbors and communities.
The natural disaster caused by COVID-19 is unlike any other our nation has encountered in modern history. Its impact is severely felt across the whole of society – causing an unprecedented strain on our public health defenders and medical providers as well as sharp economic losses and unexpected disruptions for Americans of all stripes. Hardworking Americans, families, communities, small businesses and numerous industries have been hit hard and fast in a matter of days and weeks.
Unlike the traditional enemies our nation has faced throughout history, COVID-19 is one that can dangerously hide in plain sight and threaten the health and wellbeing of any American community. Indeed, winning this war requires not only special weapons but our collective effort and commitment. As the federal government continues to actively respond, arm communities nationwide and determine the best steps forward in terms of resources and relief for the American people, I am encouraged by the whole-of-government approach that's been deployed to fight this invisible enemy.