Weekly Columns
August 21, 2017
The August district work period has always been a time that I dedicate to holding town hall and constituent meetings throughout the Fourth District. Last week, I held the first town hall in Ada, and throughout the remainder of the month there will be more in Norman, Midwest City and Lawton. Unlike many other town hall meetings in other parts of the country, my experience has been that Oklahomans – many of whom have diametrically opposing political views – have been civil, respectful and polite.
August 14, 2017
For decades, the United States has grappled with the unpredictable and dangerous regime of the Kim family, from Kim Jong-il to Kim Jong-un. The world has witnessed human rights violations, economic hardships and the volatility of the Kim government. Moreover, for years, the United States and its allies have attempted to keep the North Korean government from procuring a nuclear weapon and the means with which to deliver it.
August 7, 2017
In recent years, the geopolitical landscape has dramatically shifted, with past threats reemerging. After nearly a decade shying away from the world stage, hostile regimes feel emboldened and are threatening our safety and way of life.
July 31, 2017
Since 1958, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has overseen the standards and regulations of the airline industry. In that time, the magnitude and complexity of air travel has increased exponentially. Today, air travel is still one of the safest modes of transportation thanks to the training and professionalism of America's Air Traffic Controllers (ATC).
The FAA is a federal agency, funded and overseen by Congress.
July 24, 2017
This past week, as the House Appropriations Committee considered all twelve bills to fund the government, one of the more significant funding measures was passed. The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) Appropriations Subcommittee is responsible for funding some of our government's most vital agencies that reflect the things we place value on as a society – our health, our jobs and our education.
Issues:EducationHealthcare
July 17, 2017
For fifty-six years, Congress has consecutively passed a National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation authorizes funding and operations for the Department of Defense and military personnel. It is one of Congress' most basic and fundamental responsibilities.
The NDAA recently passed by Congress provides one of the largest funding boosts our military has received in eight years at $631.5 billion, with a $28.5 billion increase for essential readiness recovery.
July 10, 2017
For more than fifty years the United States has had a contentious and adverse relationship with North Korea. Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, we have maintained a military presence in South Korea and have considered South Korea as a strong ally in the region.
While the relationship between the two nations has long simmered, the past four decades have focused on North Korea's quest to attain nuclear capabilities and the United States' efforts to prevent it from doing so.
July 3, 2017
Independence Day has always been one of my favorite national holidays. From the parades, the cookouts, the flags and fireworks, and the outpouring of national pride and patriotism, it's simply a great day to celebrate with family, friends and community.
June 27, 2017
The last time Congress made significant changes in the tax code, Ronald Reagan was president. A lot has changed since then, and it is long overdue for an overhaul of the tax code that reflects our changing economy, trade practices and societal priorities. When Speaker Ryan delivered his speech on tax reform last week, he made it clear that Americans must have confidence in our economy, their jobs, and their ability to care for themselves and their families. Our current tax code is overly burdensome and complicated.
Issues:Taxes
June 19, 2017
Since becoming president, Donald Trump has consistently vowed to rebuild our national defense and to improve the services we render to our veterans. Last week, the House of Representatives took the first step for helping the president make good on that promise. When it comes to funding veterans' programs, our nation spends more on veterans than any other country in the world. Each year, Congress is responsible for maintaining that funding, and just this past week, the bill to fund the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and military construction was introduced in the House.