Weekly Columns

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. Stepping outside of the roles intended and defined only leads to unfortunate, harmful decisions that affect the entire country.

More than three years after Obamacare was jammed through Congress and a year after it was upheld by the Supreme Court, support across America for the law is weak and in decline. As we near implementation of the so-called affordable healthcare overhaul, it’s clear that it is anything but affordable. The recent White house decision to postpone requiring businesses to provide insurance to their employees or suffer a fine is yet another sign that even the Administration recognizes its failure.

America’s story is one brimming with patriotism and hope. Independence Day begs us to remember that we were not always free. The freedoms we enjoy today were paid for at a high price by thousands of brave patriots who came before to establish and preserve liberty. Because of their desire and commitment to build a better future for coming generations, our patriotism should ring even truer, resound even louder and beat even harder in our hearts. For we live in truly the greatest nation on earth.

Ours is the land of opportunity. The age-old idea of the “American dream” is who we are. It drives the dreams we have and reassures us that success is attainable through hard work and ambition.

Generation after generation of Americans have pursued and yearned for their part of this dream. The wealth of opportunity available in our country has fueled the pursuit of knowledge in order to attain success. It is this American ambition that has kept dreams alive in our hearts, turning them into reality—century after century.

Due to federal government resistance in approving TransCanada’s application to build, the Keystone XL pipeline has remained a topic of conversation far too long. For more than 1,700 days, TransCanada has awaited approval of its permit to begin construction. With each passing day, we are reminded of the needless delay placed upon this vital project. This must change, and the American people are not willing for another four years to pass before it does.

Without question, your friends, family and anyone that surrounds you on a consistent basis will shape and influence your decisions and how you will be viewed by the rest of the world. History has proven over and over again that the character, ideology and decisions displayed in your inner circle provide a usually-accurate assessment of who you are. That reality is no less true for President Obama’s choice of advisers.

The first and arguably most foundational amendment to the United States Constitution clearly states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.” As a result of these wise words penned and adopted by our forefathers more than 220 years ago, regardless of religious or political beliefs, the framework was established to protect one’s right to hold and exercise their personal beliefs.