Weekly Columns
Political opinions aside, it is clear that our economy is broken and that our debt is growing at an alarming rate. In fact, the bipartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recently called our situation “unsustainable indefinitely.” The entire nation was reminded and awakened to this grave reality over the last several weeks—first with the lapse in appropriated funds that caused shutdown and second with the debt ceiling deadline that, without action, would have resulted in default.
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. But even in divided government, we can find ways to function, achieve common ground and make all voices heard and considered.
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. We can play the blame game all day long, but at the end of the day, the American people elected lawmakers and the president to govern, and they depend on us to work together and find common ground, regardless of party affiliation.
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. Setting spending limits that don’t exceed income is how millions of Americans manage their budgets.
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. From birth onward, every individual finds the belief system that makes the most sense and through that, values are shaped and opinions defined. So we learn to expect disagreement as part of life, and in so doing, we also realize the necessity of discussion, negotiation and compromise. That’s how we get along.
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.
To be clear, I oppose Obamacare. I voted against it and, since passage, I have voted 41 times to either repeal it fully or partially. Seven of these bills have actually become law, modifying the Affordable Care Act and saving taxpayers $62 billion.
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. Fortunately, with the support of friends across our state and nation, we have persevered and lost no time in picking up the pieces and rebuilding our communities.
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. As we visited together at every meeting, there were several recurring questions and issues that came up, particularly those concerning the future of Obamacare, the National Security Agency, immigration reform and American military involvement in Syria.
Tulsa World - Congressman Tom Cole
After the recent chemical attack in Syria, the American people expressed their strong opposition to the military strike proposed by President Obama. Through phone calls, emails, letters and town hall meetings, my Oklahoma constituents made it abundantly clear to me that they were strongly and unequivocally opposed to any U.S. involvement in Syria's civil war.