Weekly Columns
While lawmakers debate numerous issues of significance, an important matter surrounding personal freedom and national security quietly looms in the background. America and our Western allies are locked in a modern-day space race with China and Russia to establish international norms for the revolutionary 5G wireless network.
Last week brought some significant news for Oklahoma that affirmed the tremendous talent and potential that exists in our state's medical and research communities. Specifically, I was honored to have a part in applauding Oklahoma based researchers who are leading the way at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), as recognized by two competitive federal grants that were recently awarded.
The economic success that America has experienced lately is truly historic. Even with unemployment as low as 3.7 percent, Congress has an opportunity to further improve the nation's economy and create more jobs by advancing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which would replace the outdated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). USMCA already has bipartisan support, and if it were brought to the floor in the U.S. House of Representatives, I think it would easily pass.
Certainly, most people recognize the importance of ensuring a competitive and fair wage for hardworking Americans, and I strongly support finding solutions to help job creators in communities across the nation and in Oklahoma do just that. Last week, House Democrats tackled legislation to significantly raise the federally-required minimum wage. Unfortunately, the legislation they proposed and passed in the House is misguided and would cause more harm than good for the very people it aims to help, especially in states like ours.
Each year, Congress must authorize the necessary funding and resources for our nation's defense. Unfortunately, the partisanship that continues to plague the U.S. House of Representatives recently reached a new low, ending the longstanding tradition of passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with overwhelming bipartisanship in the House and affirming support for our troops and the critical resources they need to be effective.
Regardless of political points of view, most Americans can agree that good stewardship of the earth and its precious resources is important. And I am always encouraged by the special efforts made by individuals, families and communities to do their part today to ensure a fruitful and beautiful world for generations to come.
On the Fourth of July, we celebrate the courage, conviction and boldness of those who came before us to secure and defend American liberty.
June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, which marks an important time to talk about the widespread challenges facing our society due to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Indeed, these mysterious diseases have impacted all of us, whether we have had a family member or a friend suffer and tragically pass away as a result. My family understands firsthand how exceedingly difficult it is to watch someone you love helplessly deteriorate because of dementia.