Weekly Columns

President Trump Has Not Waged War

February 4, 2020 Weekly Columns

When it comes to matters of war, you might have heard of something called an authorization for the use of military force (AUMF). In recent days following Iranian aggression and the President Trump’s use of defensive force, there has been a lot of attention paid to prior authorizations and the U.S. military’s ongoing presence in the Middle East.

Issues:

Defense and National Security

Cole Op-Ed in WSJ: Thanks to Congress, America Is Prepared for the Coronavirus

January 31, 2020 Weekly Columns

While it’s still too soon to know if the coronavirus will become a pandemic, Americans should take some comfort: Thanks to the bipartisan foresight of Congress and lessons learned in the past five years, the U.S. is in better shape today than at any other time in recent memory to confront a major public-health crisis.

Issues:

Healthcare

Recognition of School Choice

January 27, 2020 Weekly Columns

As a former educator, I understand how important it is for our children to have access to a quality education. And when it comes to educating our young people in the United States, we are fortunate to have numerous options to ensure the best results and learning for every child.

Issues:

Education

A Needless Delay

January 23, 2020 Weekly Columns

Even though House Democrats voted to impeach the president last month on December 18, it wasn’t until January 15 that action was taken to initiate the Senate trial, which has now begun in earnest. It’s important to remember that this needless delay came after an incredibly rushed and partisan process in the House, during which Democrats continually called impeachment an “urgent” matter of national security.

The Rightful Fall of a Terrorist

January 13, 2020 Weekly Columns

Earlier this month, the Pentagon announced that the U.S. military and intelligence communities were successful in taking out terrorist leader General Qasem Soleimani during an airstrike in Baghdad, Iraq. Soleimani was more than a bad actor. He was a designated terrorist for 13 years, but his terrible record encompassed decades.

Issues:

Defense and National Security, Foreign Affairs

A Politicized Year with House Democrats

January 7, 2020 Weekly Columns

This week, lawmakers in both chambers of Congress return for the first legislative session week in the calendar year. While a new year often ushers in hopeful anticipation about what can be achieved over the next 12 months, it’s important to remember that the divided government which shaped 2019 will continue to influence 2020.

Real Benefits and Real Results

December 31, 2019 Weekly Columns

Just over two years ago, President Donald Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law. Since then, Americans are not only getting to keep more of their hard-earned money as promised, but the economy is clearly booming as a result of the president’s continual focus on pro-growth policies. Indeed, there are numerous signs that the country is better off and that the best is still ahead.

Issues:

Economy, Taxes

Impeachment is Not a Political Weapon

December 24, 2019 Weekly Columns

While history was made in the United States last week, it was sadly done so as a result of hyper partisan politics and Democrats’ longtime dislike of President Donald Trump.

Supporting Our Common Defense

December 16, 2019 Weekly Columns

For nearly 60 years, lawmakers in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle have affirmed their bipartisan commitment to providing for our common defense.

Issues:

Defense and National Security

The Value of Full-Year Appropriations

December 10, 2019 Weekly Columns

Once again, Congress is quickly approaching another critical deadline related to government funding. At this time last year when Republicans controlled both chambers of Congress, more than 75 percent of annual funding had already been signed into law in record time before the start of the fiscal year.

Issues:

Economy