Weekly Columns
October 30, 2017
The United States is fortunate to have the world's strongest and most capable military force. Each day, thousands of men and women in uniform put their lives on the line to protect our nation and our fundamental freedoms. Beyond our own borders, they are working all over the world to ensure our country remains secure on the international stage. And we were all saddened and shocked to hear of the deaths of four U.S Army Special Operations soldiers killed in Niger earlier this month.
October 23, 2017
For decades, the United States has had a contentious and adversarial relationship with the dangerous, theocratic regime of Iran. It has been a nation well known for funding, training and harboring terrorists. Often times, the United States has been the target of such activity. Since 1984, Iran has been a designated state sponsor of terror and remains so. With clear evidence that Iran's nuclear ambitions are disingenuous and threatening, it is imperative that the U.S.
October 16, 2017
Our federal budget is a critical part of keeping our government functioning. It sets the boundaries and framework for how much money the federal government should spend on various federal programs and agencies. It is a fundamental measurement to help control spending and balance federal expenditures. However, for the past few years, the national debt has risen at an alarming rate.
Issues:Economy & Small Business
October 9, 2017
For many Americans, the perils of harsh weather are familiar parts of daily life. Oklahomans, for example, are all too familiar with natural disasters. For millions of Americans though, September was a brutal month of harsh hurricanes. Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria displaced millions of Americans from their homes and destroyed immense swaths of infrastructure. The images of the destruction brought to light the reality of how strong these storms were.
October 2, 2017
In 1986, then President Ronald Reagan introduced a sweeping plan to reform our nation's tax system, and it worked. It simplified the outdated tax code which opened the door for individual prosperity and spurred economic growth. It also became one of the highlights of his presidency. Since then, our society has grown and the value of the U.S. dollar has changed. The working middle-class taxpayer today probably does not have the same priorities as they did in 1986.
Issues:Taxes
September 25, 2017
In his first appearance to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, President Trump delivered one of his most consequential and effective speeches since he assumed the presidency. The world had been exposed to the firm rhetoric that President Trump has used in the past, and it is partly the reason why he was elected President of the United States. He is not afraid to speak his mind and has always been dedicated to his message to put America first.
September 18, 2017
Each year, millions of Americans rely on numerous federal agencies and the government for assistance on a wide range of priorities. Farmers need support for food safety programs. Veterans rely on VA hospitals for medical attention. Researchers need funds to continue programs that range from finding cures for cancer to preventing the next disease epidemic. Through the Constitution, Congress has held the role to authorize and appropriate funds for the variety of programs that the government runs.
September 11, 2017
Oklahomans are all too familiar with natural disasters. Having dealt with deadly tornadoes on a regular basis, we are painfully aware of the destruction and heartbreak that they visit upon our communities.
September 4, 2017
There is a rampant health crisis that is destroying families and communities across our nation. Opioid addiction and drug overdoses have turned into a shocking epidemic that impacts people from all walks of life and every corner of our nation. We cannot stand idly by while this scourge steals the hopes and aspirations of our fellow citizens while simultaneously destroying entire communities.
August 28, 2017
For sixteen years, the United States has been engaged in military conflict in Afghanistan and has maintained a presence there to prevent terrorists from taking over the country and recreating the conditions that led to 9/11. Throughout our time there, our men and women in uniform have diligently eliminated terrorist threats, protected local civilians and supported rebuilding the Afghan defense forces. But as terrorism across the globe changes and grows, we still are facing the challenges of preventing another attack from occurring on our soil.