Weekly Columns

As described, established and intended in the United States Constitution, our nation’s government is broken into three separate branches. Like the people that make up our country, each branch provides a unique perspective and represents differing points of view. When one party controls both chambers of Congress and the White House, America tends to look more unified and productive.

The last several weeks have been difficult for our country and caused many to question not only our economic future, but the very ability of our federal government to perform its most basic functions.

In order to balance a household budget, living within your means is key. Hardworking American families understand this reality and plan budgets that anticipate paying for basic needs like housing, utilities, clothing and food and for extras like eating out, going to the movies or taking a trip.

It’s not surprising or uncommon when people disagree. We see differing points of view in every aspect of our lives, but one of the great things about being American is the fact that we’re all entitled to have an opinion and state it loudly if we choose.

Norman Transcript - Congressman Tom Cole

As I explained in numerous town hall meetings back in August, government shutdown is harmful to hard-working Americans, and using it as a strategy to repeal Obamacare is sure to fail, especially when its namesake is in the White House.

Just four months ago, Oklahomans proved their resilience by living through back-to-back tornadoes that claimed lives, destroyed entire neighborhoods and shook communities. While our state has come to expect the threat of tornadoes each year, it doesn’t make it any easier when it happens.

Few Americans support Obamacare, and its continued existence is a burdensome reality that has inspired numerous Republican efforts to dismantle the law. Most recently, the House of Representatives passed a continuing resolution that keeps the government running but prohibits any funding for further implementation of Obamacare.

During the month of August, I had the opportunity to have conversations with hundreds of individuals across the Fourth District through town hall meetings, local business visits and other informal meetings.