Weekly Columns
Tulsa World - Congressman Tom Cole
The Syrian conflict is a violent, unfortunate situation, but American military intervention is not in our best interest. What we are watching unfold is a civil war, a proxy war between Iran and Saudi Arabia and a religious war.
For the Obama Administration, scandals have become a sad but common reality. Throughout the series of scandals surrounding Fast and Furious, Benghazi, the IRS and Associated Press, the president’s behavior has become predictable and irresponsible.
With each day, there is something to report about our economic situation. Unfortunately, the news is rarely promising, and we are constantly reminded that we still hold more than $17 trillion in debt.
In today’s society, there are numerous possibilities for receiving an education that prepares students for academic success and achievement. While the majority of elementary and secondary students in the United States attend public or private schools, the popularity of home schooling continues to grow and has become a widely accepted and respected alternative.
President Obama is well-practiced at taking credit for economic recovery and job creation. Whether actual progress or improvements exist or not, he claims time and time again that the country is in better shape because of his political initiatives. However, due to the Administration’s flawed policies, closer analysis of the facts reveals that our economy and job market are lackluster at best.
House Republicans have jumped on every opportunity to fully repeal and change or defund the president’s healthcare law. His signature piece of legislation, President Obama’s so-called affordable plan for healthcare is already showing signs of inevitable failure, and it continues to grow less popular with each passing day.
The safety and security we enjoy each day isn’t without a price. As the greatest military power in the world, our country must continue to preserve our defense capabilities and support those who put their lives on the line daily.
There have been several issues at the forefront in Congress this summer, and unfortunately, few have been resolved. We’re continuing to prioritize and work on a number of issues, including the necessary passage of a farm bill, which is very important to our state and nation at large.
In times of economic uncertainty and mounting national security issues, it is critical that each branch of government is allowed to play its constitutional role. We must protect the uniquely-American system of checks and balances set forth by our forefathers, which helps prevent abuse or overreach of power.