Media

There is a rampant health crisis that is destroying families and communities across our nation. Opioid addiction and drug overdoses have turned into a shocking epidemic that impacts people from all walks of life and every corner of our nation. We cannot stand idly by while this scourge steals the hopes and aspirations of our fellow citizens while simultaneously destroying entire communities.

For sixteen years, the United States has been engaged in military conflict in Afghanistan and has maintained a presence there to prevent terrorists from taking over the country and recreating the conditions that led to 9/11. Throughout our time there, our men and women in uniform have diligently eliminated terrorist threats, protected local civilians and supported rebuilding the Afghan defense forces. But as terrorism across the globe changes and grows, we still are facing the challenges of preventing another attack from occurring on our soil.

The August district work period has always been a time that I dedicate to holding town hall and constituent meetings throughout the Fourth District. Last week, I held the first town hall in Ada, and throughout the remainder of the month there will be more in Norman, Midwest City and Lawton. Unlike many other town hall meetings in other parts of the country, my experience has been that Oklahomans – many of whom have diametrically opposing political views – have been civil, respectful and polite.