Weekly Columns
August 11, 2008
Last week I was pleased to host an energy summit in Norman with experts from across the state who shared their ideas and insights about Oklahoma's current energy situation and how our state can continue to be among the nation's leaders when it comes to energy innovation.
Issues:Energy & Environment
August 4, 2008
While citizens across the country go bargain-hunting for the “cheapest” gas prices in their areas, Speaker Pelosi and other members of House leadership have collectively put up their “will return after 5-weeks vacation” signs.
Issues:Energy & Environment
July 30, 2008
On June 26, 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a federal appeals court decision that the gun ban in Washington, D.C. is unconstitutional.
Issues:Second Amendment
July 30, 2008
A new piece of legislation is being considered by the Armed Services and Judiciary committees that would irresponsibly amend the federal judicial code to allow detained, enemy combatants to apply for writs of habeas corpus.
July 21, 2008
While Americans continue to pay ever increasing prices for gasoline, House and Senate leaders continue to block real solutions and instead appear to have adopted the policy of "pay more - drive less."
July 16, 2008
It's no secret that our nation's veterans are enthusiastically using their higher education benefits when they return from service. In fact, last year over 523,000 American veterans took advantage of government education assistance.
Issues:Veterans & Military Retirees
July 7, 2008
The traditional tax deadline may have passed - but millions of taxpayers who are eligible to obtain economic stimulus payments have not filed the necessary paperwork to receive them. Those taxpayers will soon be at risk of losing their stimulus benefits.
Issues:Taxes
June 23, 2008
Thomas Paine once said, "The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph." In the past few months two pieces of legislation have been the source of intense debate from both sides of the political aisle.
June 17, 2008
Last week the Republican members of the U.S. House unveiled an economic agenda designed to lower gas prices, eliminate wasteful government spending and prevent tax increases.
June 6, 2008
When I think about the contrast between the condition of our state and the condition of our country, I am reminded of the famous line from Charles Dickens novel, A Tale of Two Cities, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."
Issues:Economy & Small Business