Weekly Columns

More than six years after Obamacare was signed into law and forced upon the American people, the outlook for the law looks even bleaker than before. Throughout its implementation, millions of Americans have directly felt the negative consequences of the president’s unworkable law through lost coverage, unfair mandates and higher premiums. In fact, the already ridiculous premiums resulting from Obamacare are expected to see another dramatic increase in the coming year.

Like many others across the United States, my family understands firsthand the toll that Alzheimer's disease takes on those suffering with it and on their caregivers. What starts out as slight memory loss eventually leads to disappearing personalities and then no recollection of the people and memories that once filled an individual's life. I remember how painful it was to see that happen to my father during the last several years of his life. Given my experience, I remain committed to helping find solutions to defeat the disease—for patients, caregivers and the entire country.

Our veterans, who have served during times of war and peace, have made tremendous sacrifices for our nation. They are defenders of liberty and have ensured all Americans can continue to enjoy freedom and security. Considering the wide extent of selfless service rendered by current and past service members and their families, it was shocking and inexcusable that Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert McDonald recently chose to make light of excessive waiting periods experienced by veterans in need of care.

Contrary to some of the overheated rhetoric coming out of the White House and the Democratic side of the aisle in Congress, the United States does not currently lack the resources to confront the Zika virus. While some have disingenuously suggested otherwise, the Administration already has money at its disposal right now to respond to the emergency. But I am also pleased to report that last week House Republicans passed a fiscally-responsible solution for the ongoing Zika crisis in order to protect those most vulnerable.

Warfare has evolved again, and today, terrorism has become an intrinsic part of the world order. This type of conflict is ambiguous, spills across borders and is not subject to the lessons learned from history’s book on warfare. However, President Barack Obama has decidedly attempted to convince the American people otherwise, particularly in the War on Terror and in confronting ISIS.

Throughout the history of the American military, millions of men and women have volunteered to serve a cause greater than themselves, and their families have offered a similar sacrifice to support them. Given their incredible and selfless contributions to preserving and defending the American way of life every single day, it is only right that we dedicate an entire month to honor them and express our sincerest gratitude.