Weekly Columns
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.
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.