Weekly Columns

Despite claims that he wants to work with the new Congress and enact positive reforms for the American people, President Obama certainly isn’t starting off the year in a way that reflects such intentions. By already threatening to veto any legislation on Keystone XL that makes it to his desk, the president is choosing environmental extremists over hardworking Americans who would benefit from the thousands of jobs created.

This week, newly elected lawmakers as well as those returning to Congress will come together and be sworn in to represent the beliefs, values and viewpoints of every state across the nation. But with the start of this new Congress also comes a fresh majority that was decisively elected by the American people.

As we prepare for the new Congress that assumes office on January 6 of 2015, it is important to think back on the full year behind us and remember what it meant for our country. While there were numerous challenges both at home and abroad, I believe that this year proved productive and set a positive example of bipartisanship. Despite inevitable differences on both sides of the aisle, there were several legislative achievements that proved government can function—even when it is divided.

Certainly, we always celebrate the safe return of one of our own. Especially before the holidays, we understand the relief felt by the family, friends and loved ones of Alan Gross, the U.S. citizen who was held captive in Cuba for five years after entering the country as a contractor. On the same day as the release of Gross last week, the Obama Administration announced a plan to “normalize relations” with the corrupt Castro regime responsible for the imprisonment. The steps ahead include efforts to re-establish diplomatic relations and open commerce by lifting sanctions.

Red Alert Politics - Congressman Tom Cole

Even though many would prefer to forget, last week was a reminder of the painful government shutdown during October of last year. As we recall, that situation dragged on for too long and caused the American people to question the ability of lawmakers to do what they were elected to do. However, when both sides came to the table, they were able to find common ground that restored hope of a government that can function and serve the best interests of the nation.

Just more than a year ago, members on both sides of the aisle in both chambers of Congress unveiled a two-year bipartisan budget deal. When the announcement was made by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan and Senate Budget Chairman Patty Murray that a deal had been reached, it proved that, despite inevitable differences and even conflicting priorities, we can work together and lead in divided government.

Since our nation’s founding, we have been a nation of ideas, including common beliefs held by the vast majority of Americans but also stark differences. Especially in government, there will always be a number of issues that tend to divide us rather than unite us. But instead of focusing on the things capable of tearing us apart, it is important that we work together when and where there is common ground.

Since 1984, Iran has been designated by the U.S. Department of State as a sponsor of terrorism around the world. Without question, this designation has set a precedent in our relationship with Iran, causing distrust and caution in our dealings with the country. In fact, last year was the first time since 1979 that direct communication between the U.S. and Iranian heads of government even took place, when President Barack Obama reached out to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani with a phone call.