Weekly Columns

Community health centers are typically held in high regard and enjoy widespread, bipartisan support in Congress. So last week’s revelation that three such facilities in New York had allowed AmeriCorps volunteers to assist in abortion procedures was especially disturbing. Specifically within the AmeriCorps Community HealthCorps program, AmeriCorps volunteers were instructed and trained by the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) to act as “doulas” during abortions.

The world has rightfully taken notice of Russia’s role in the violence that is visibly escalating in the Middle East at the hands of ISIS. However, that unrest is not the only cause for international concern. More than two years after Russia forcibly annexed Crimea, it maintains a violent and aggressive presence in East Ukraine. With behavior that chillingly harkens back to the Cold War era, it is becoming increasingly clear that Russia won’t stop trying to forcibly broaden its territorial reach in an effort to reclaim its superpower status.

Oklahoma is the proud home of numerous military and National Guard installations. We are consistently among the top states in terms of our number of active duty personnel. And our communities that are the home to these men and women in uniform are the envy of every branch of service. That fact was reflected last week when the House Appropriations Committee, of which I am a member, passed the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs (MILCON) Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2017.

Since the Iran nuclear agreement was announced last year, the terrorist regime has made it abundantly clear that it has no intention of keeping its end of what was already a very weak agreement. Tellingly, Iran has demonstrated contempt for the United States and the Obama Administration by testing ballistic missiles suited for nuclear warheads and openly abusing human rights.

It’s almost the time of year again that the majority of Americans consistently dislike most: tax day. When it comes time for filing income taxes, similar woes and frustrations related to navigating the nation’s needlessly complicated tax system are shared by most Americans. Because of the headaches associated with finding the necessary filing documents, navigating the tricky instructions and still wondering if you got it right, it’s no wonder that many request an extension or opt for professional tax preparation services.

Last week marked the sixth anniversary of the president’s so-called Affordable Care Act, which served as yet another reminder that the law is not only unaffordable, it’s unfair and unworkable. But even more, Obamacare is marred by broken promises and dangerously threatens our constitutional freedoms.

Considering the presidential election cycle, terrorist threats at home and abroad and President Obama’s attempt to nominate a new justice of the Supreme Court, the coming months are certain to bring their fair share of drama. However, in the midst of these contentious circumstances, it’s important to note what isn’t adding to the turmoil for a change. Because of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, there has been no threat or even talk of a government shutdown this year.

Since 1987, the month of March has been celebrated as Women's History Month in the United States. This occasion rightly shines light on the numerous and lasting contributions of American women throughout our history. Certainly, we look back with admiration on trailblazers of the past and remember the invaluable role they played in shaping our past, present and future. But we also look ahead in anticipation, for the potential of the next generation of women leaders is great indeed.