Weekly Columns

The Oklahoman - By Congressmen Tom Cole (OK-04) and Jim Bridenstine (OK-01)

Driven by shrinking budgets across all areas of government, most noticeably to the Department of Defense, President Barack Obama’s recent budget proposal reveals cuts that will reshape the U.S. military for the remainder of the decade and far beyond.

Throughout our more than 237-year history, countless men and women have selflessly answered the call of duty to preserve liberty by serving in our military. Now each day we wake up in a country with freedoms that are coveted, studied and admired across the world. There is no nation greater than the United States of America—a status maintained because of the extraordinary service of those who volunteered to protect our nation.

As we look back on the tornadoes that devastated Oklahoma last May, we still mourn the precious lives taken, neighborhoods destroyed and communities shaken. Despite a heartbreaking tragedy, especially for those living in my hometown of Moore, Oklahomans proved their resilience and the rest of the nation supported us every step of the way.

A year later, our state is stronger and recovery continues to look better each day, but this would not be possible without those who navigated the tragedy, responding immediately and with great urgency during the critical first hours.

It’s now been nearly two years since our nation learned about the heartbreaking tragedy that claimed American lives in Benghazi, Libya. On the twelfth anniversary of September 11, four innocent Americans, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens, were murdered during what we later learned was a terrorist attack on our consulate. Coincidentally just weeks before the presidential election, the Administration’s explanation to the American people changed dramatically, justifiably causing suspicion of a political cover up.

The majority of Americans look at Washington with great frustration because they feel like Congress isn’t being productive or doing anything of real value. Despite this declining confidence in the lawmaking process, it’s important to realize that there have been several substantive bills that have become law and still other pieces of legislation that patiently await the action by the Senate and President Obama.

Last month, we surpassed 2,000 days since TransCanada first submitted its construction application for the Keystone XL pipeline. Unfortunately, even more recently, the State Department announced it will again postpone its decision on the project. After more than five years of delays, despite several studies revealing no noticeable impact on the environment, it is beyond frustrating that the Administration has again chosen to avoid making a decision.

Once April 15 rolls around each year, there is an palpable sigh of relief in households across the nation because tax day is finally behind us. We recently passed that milestone again this year, and as usual, it was a sad reminder that America’s tax system is broken and needs to follow a more simple and straightforward model.

Since our nation’s birth more than 237 years ago, generations of Americans have celebrated the right to hold and voice a variety of opinions and beliefs. There are few places where this reality is displayed more clearly than in the legislative process, both at home in Oklahoma and in our nation’s capital. As you might watch during floor debates, committee hearings or even during an interview on TV or radio, it can sometimes be easier to disagree than to agree. While discussion in government is important, it’s more important for that dialogue to actually lead to solutions.