Weekly Columns
November 7, 2016
The life and culture of our nation's Native American tribes are written in nearly every chapter of America's story. It is rich with the traditions, languages, changes, notable names, and much more. Although we honor those legacies and traditions this month, we remember the contributions that our Native American ancestors brought before us every day.
It is an honor and a privilege to be a member of the Chickasaw Nation, and a true blessing to have been surrounded by family members who were active in representing and preserving our heritage.
Issues:Tribal Relations
October 31, 2016
In a little more than six weeks, a new labor rule governing overtime pay for salaried workers is set to take effect. Like many of his economic policies, this is another example of the President’s fundamental lack of understanding of the free market and the job killing aspects of overbearing federal regulations.
Issues:Economy & Small Business
October 24, 2016
Since it was established in 1935, the Social Security program has become one of the most popular, and relied upon, government programs. A typical retired American will derive more than fifty percent of their income from Social Security. And approximately twenty five percent of American retirees rely on Social Security for nearly ninety percent of their income.
Issues:Social Security
October 17, 2016
Our nation has been fortunate in the past to have strong leaders who have recognized the threat posed by an aggressive Russia. Virtually every president since Harry Truman has known that maintaining a strong national defense and a healthy skepticism of the former Soviet Union was our highest national security priority. But since this Administration has taken office, Russia has taken full advantage of the weak foreign policy of President Obama.
October 10, 2016
When the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was passed in the spring of 2010 it was done so with no Republican votes. Since then, the Republican controlled House of Representatives has voted more than sixty times to repeal the law.
Issues:Healthcare
October 3, 2016
Every American should have the opportunity to pursue and achieve the American Dream. One of the most basic foundations of opportunity is American enterprise and the ability for citizens to enter the workforce. Our economy has seen its ups and downs throughout our history. But since this Administration took office, the economy has seen more bad than good.
Recently, Speaker Ryan released a report on the state of the U.S. economy, and the results and outlook were dismal.
September 26, 2016
Americans have become all too familiar with the recent confusing and shady practices of the Internal Revenue Service, and no one looks forward to seeing an envelope from them in their mailbox. It is one of the most unpopular government agencies because it is also one of the most powerful in its ability to literally ruin people’s lives.
Americans justifiably expect an agency with this kind of power to have internal controls which ensure that American taxpayers are treated fairly and equitably.
Issues:Taxes
September 19, 2016
Even before he was elected President, Barack Obama had advocated the closure of Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp. Guantanamo is a U.S. Military Prison which incarcerates terrorists who have either plotted terrorism against the United States, or actually carried it out. To be clear, the inmates of Guantanamo are not men who committed crimes in America, they are men who have committed acts of war against America.
September 12, 2016
One of the preeminent responsibilities of Congress, demonstrated by its inclusion in the Preamble to the Constitution, is to provide for the common defense. With that in mind, both Congress and the President have historically made maintaining a strong military a priority. We must always ensure that our men and women in uniform always have the best resources at their disposal.
September 5, 2016
It’s been a great month in the Fourth District, and I enjoyed updating everyone with the work we’re doing in DC. And now it’s time to continue our work and get back to some unfinished business. As the Members of Congress descend back to Washington, we’re aware that there are things we’ve got to do, and there’s no time to waste in completing our tasks. From battling Zika to funding the government, everyone on both sides of the aisle have got some things to prioritize.
Issues:Economy & Small Business