Weekly Columns

Last week I had the opportunity to host two community town hall meetings in the Northern part of the 4th district. I enjoy these events because it gives me a chance to hold a forum in which citizens can ask me questions and give me their opinions directly.

As Spring Break approaches many Oklahomans are preparing to take family vacations, church mission trips or retreat to other sun-filled vacation spots. Groups are planning their trips outside of the country, but they may not be aware of recent passport changes announced by the Department of State.

In the next few months, soon-to-be high school graduates across the country are going to be weighing their college education options. One of the most practical deciding factors for most families and students is the cost of tuition at prospective schools.

During his final the State of the Union address last week, the President voiced candid but optimistic words to the American people.

In August, Congress acted in a bipartisan fashion to pass a temporary law called the Protect America Act. This policy amended a number of out-of-date intelligence laws and gave our country's intelligence officials the legal ability to use advanced information-gathering techniques to monitor the communications of dangerous foreign enemies.

As we enter the New Year, American families are finding themselves increasingly anxious about the economy. While we are still in a period of economic growth, that growth has become sluggish.

In just a little over a year there will be a big change in the way television is broadcast. By February 17, 2009, every television set in America will need to be digital television (DTV) compatible to continue to receive local broadcast programming.

America's leaders understand that securing a strong and reliable relationship with Pakistan is a critical foreign policy goal. Global terrorism is thriving along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, radical Islamic practices are surging in the area, and most recently, former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has been assassinated.