Weekly Columns

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.

Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives considered – and the Democratic majority passed – a very controversial resolution that bypasses past precedent of voting first to hold an individual in contempt of Congress before suing for information that has been requested. Introduction of this resolution follows the Democrats' ongoing dissatisfaction with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's completed investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and their loud denial about the findings of the report.