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Weekly Columns

An Executive Protection
February 7, 2017
Weekly Columns
During the campaign, candidate Donald Trump stated that he was in favor of banning Muslims from coming to the United States.To quote: "Donald J.
Issues:Immigration
A First Week's Report
January 31, 2017
Weekly Columns
Just a little more than a week after being sworn in, President Trump has proven he is a man of action. He has set a dizzying pace and shown that what he promised on the campaign trail is precisely what he intends to deliver as President.
New President, New Budget
January 23, 2017
Weekly Columns
As President Trump begins his first 100 days into his presidency, Congress is busy working hand-in-hand with the new administration. Traditionally, the President presents the outlined budget for the next fiscal year in February. This begins the appropriations process to determine how each of our agencies and the entirety of our government are funded.
Issues:Economy & Small BusinessSocial Security
Deregulating the Swamp
January 17, 2017
Weekly Columns
Ever since the historic election on November 8, 2016, the United States has gotten a glimpse of what to expect from a Donald Trump Administration. President-elect Trump ran on an unabashedly populist platform that consistently put America first. Even before being sworn in President Trump was instrumental in convincing several American companies not to relocate and move American jobs overseas. And the stock market has consistently hovered around historic levels since Mr.
Issues:Economy & Small Business
The Road To Replacement Begins Now
January 9, 2017
Weekly Columns
Of all the policy disagreements between President Obama and Congressional Republicans, none have been as persistent or contentious as the debate over health care reform, and Obamacare specifically. So it comes as no surprise that the very first item on President-elect Trump’s agenda is the repeal of President Obama’s signature legislative “accomplishment.”
Issues:Healthcare
New Year, New Promises
January 2, 2017
Weekly Columns

This week the 115th Congress will be sworn in and will immediately be faced with a host of challenges and opportunities. I am honored to serve another term as the Representative for the Fourth District of Oklahoma. When I was first elected in 2002, I was proud to serve with a Republican Administration and in the majority party in Congress. Six years later my party was the minority party and the United States had elected a Democratic president. In November 2016, the voters elected a Republican president and Republican majorities in both houses of Congress.

Issues:Social SecurityTribal Relations
Looking Back to Look Forward
December 27, 2016
Weekly Columns
This past year was one of great change for America. After eight years of President Obama, the American people elected perhaps the most unorthodox candidate in our nation's history. The nominating process for both parties was unlike any we have ever seen. The Democrats nearly nominated a self proclaimed Socialist before settling on the establishment front runner, Hillary Clinton. And the Republicans nominated a candidate who had never sought or held elected office before.
Issues:Defense, National Security & Foreign AffairsHealthcare
Two Years of Accomplishments
December 20, 2016
Weekly Columns

When the 114th Congress began its session in January of 2015, many Americans had concerns about the direction of our nation, and the job approval of their Congressional leaders was appropriately low. After so many years of onerous executive overreach, House Republicans faced many challenges in the fight to block President Obama’s liberal agenda. There were many times that House Republicans have come close to making common sense conservative progress, only to be shot down by the president’s veto pen.

Issues:Defense, National Security & Foreign AffairsEconomy & Small BusinessEducationHealthcareNatural ResourcesTribal RelationsVeterans & Military Retirees
A New Year's Resolution
December 13, 2016
Weekly Columns
In Article I, section 7, clause 1 of the United States Constitution, our Founding Fathers laid out the framework for the Congressional “Power of the Purse.” Congress has the fundamental responsibility for raising revenue and appropriating spending. It has done so for more than two centuries, but the job has become more complicated than need be in recent decades. Over the past several years, passing a budget and funding the government has grown more difficult, and has even resulted in government shutdowns.
Issues:Defense, National Security & Foreign AffairsEconomy & Small Business
Cole Joint Op-Ed in The Oklahoman: The importance of higher ed research
December 11, 2016
Weekly Columns
Supporting our higher education institutions and providing adequate resources for them is a priority that Americans can agree on. Higher education is the backbone for American ingenuity and innovation, and Oklahoma is home to many colleges and universities committed to quality education.
Issues:Education