Weekly Columns

With just a few short weeks left in the year, I am pleased to report that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in both chambers of Congress are working together to find common ground on issues that matter to the American people. In fact, last week alone brought with it legislative victories that proved the federal government can function under regular order--even when it is divided.

In response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, thousands of refugees have fled the violence, terrorism and oppression directed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ISIS). Without question, this flood of refugees into Europe and their potential resettlement into the United States calls for compassion, but our handling of the crisis also demands that we exercise serious caution.

Tulsa World - Congressman Tom Cole

The Hill - Reps. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and Betty McCollum (D-Minn.)

In recent years and especially in the past months, there has been sensationalized news coverage about the controversial adoptions of Native American children into non-tribal families or their placement into foster care. Given the unfortunate coverage and several heartbreaking cases, it’s important to think back on how we got here and remember the centuries of injustice that Native families have faced.

In the United States of America, we have a longstanding tradition of coming together each year on Thanksgiving to recognize and reflect upon our many blessings. While some years produce a great deal of trials and hardship, it’s important to remember that there is never a shortage of things for which to be grateful.

Over the weekend, the world was shaken by a series of devastating terrorist attacks that claimed dozens of innocent lives in Paris. Reportedly carried out by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ISIS), the senseless attacks demonstrate that these terrorists are becoming bolder and more violent by the day, intending to terrorize and harm all of humanity.

It’s trite but true that America is the “land of the free” because it’s also the “home of the brave.” While there are many veteran heroes in our midst, we are often unaware of the extraordinary things these brave individuals have done for our country and the incredible sacrifices they have made. I can certainly recall many stories in my own family of which I am most proud and grateful.

As long as President Obama is in office and Republicans control Congress, the nation will remain in an era of divided government. Given our system of checks and balances, true negotiation must take place and real compromise must be reached to govern effectively. And like I’ve said on numerous occasions, neither side can ever get all that it wants in a negotiation. In fact, in a true negotiation you’ll always get less than you want and give up more than you’d like.