Weekly Columns
June 4, 2018
In recent years, our country has been ravaged by a deadly epidemic that is destroying communities and families alike. The opioid crisis has been a devastating battle for Americans young and old, and combatting this epidemic has become one of the most significant challenges facing families and communities across the nation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 115 American die each day from an opiate overdose. That is one American every 13 minutes. In fact, drug overdoses are the leading cause of death among Americans under 50.
May 30, 2018
With global threats from our near competitors and great-state adversaries, improving our military's readiness could not come at a more critical time. Congress is committed to funding improved maintenance, readiness, and personnel accounts while providing key oversight on near and long-term procurement programs to build a modern force. After years of budgetary dysfunction, we must recapitalize our military and ensure it remains a superior and effective fighting force across all domains anywhere in the world.
May 21, 2018
Our nation's veterans, who serve during times of war and peace, have sacrificed a great deal to keep our nation safe and protect our freedoms. It is our duty in Congress to ensure that veterans receive the care they have earned for their service to our country. Although the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has the responsibility to provide a variety of services for veterans, it is also Congress' responsibility to oversee the VA and ensure they operate in the most transparent and efficient manner possible.
Issues:Veterans & Military Retirees
May 16, 2018
Every year, Congress is responsible for establishing legislation through its Appropriations Committees that will fund the federal government for the fiscal year. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I know that the committee is diligent to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and for good purposes. Reducing excessive spending and finding places where cuts can be made remains a goal of mine every year, which is critical to addressing the federal debt and long-term spending problems.
May 7, 2018
As Congress reaches the final stretches of its 115th session, the House can reflect on a long list of accomplishments it has achieved since the beginning of the session. Despite the constant discussions that partisan gridlock may be the new norm, it has been quite the opposite. Since the beginning of the 115th Congress, the House has passed 598 bills – 470 of which are sitting in the Senate with no action. That means almost 79% of all legislation passed thus far have yet to see the Senate Floor or the President's desk.
April 30, 2018
Oklahoma is a leader in multiple industries, like aviation and energy, but there is no question that agriculture is at the heart of the state's commerce. Farmers and ranchers add incredible value to our nation's economy, and we should not take them for granted. Our national well-being depends on the health of the nation's agriculture production. To maintain healthy crops and produce, farmers and ranchers need protection and stability.
Issues:Agriculture
April 23, 2018
For the past seventeen years, the United States has been engaged in several military conflicts, primarily, but not exclusively, in the Middle East. Most recently, the United States worked in concert with British and French military forces, allies and NATO, to strike targets in Syria. This response to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's use of chemical weapons was an appropriate use of force well within the bounds of the authorities granted to the President of the United States in Article II of the Constitution.
April 16, 2018
This week, millions of Americans will file their taxes under an antiquated system for the last time. What was once an onerous task will become a more simple, easier process in the years to come. Filing taxes for the past 32 years was done under a complicated, invasive tax code. The burdensome process grew and evolved under the changes of society, and we are left today with a system that allowed for many loopholes and unfair tax brackets.
Issues:Taxes
April 2, 2018
Now that the Fiscal Year 2018 omnibus spending bill has been signed into law, many Americans will benefit from the wide range of funding that supports the nation's health, economy and military.
March 26, 2018
After passing multiple continuing resolutions throughout the past year, Congress has finally fulfilled its duty to the American people to fully fund the federal government for the remainder of the 2018 Fiscal Year. This is a significant accomplishment in the progress to return to regular order in the appropriations process. For too long, we have kicked the can down the road and failed to keep our government funding up to date. This habit was damaging and costly to federal programs and agencies, and especially to the military.