Media

After six weeks primarily devoted to legislative business in Washington, it was a welcome change to have a full week in Oklahoma devoted to meetings with constituents. When I travel across the Fourth District, I am always inspired by the spirit and can-do attitude of our small business entrepreneurs. And it serves as a reminder that Congress should do whatever it can to lift the regulatory and tax burdens that hinder the success of America’s small businesses. Because when small businesses succeed, American families succeed as well.

In the global war on terror, the United States has no better ally and friend than the State of Israel. Surrounded by enemies intent on destroying them, Israel has more at stake in this war than any other nation in the world. Moreover, our two nations share a commitment to living peaceably, fighting terrorism, defending freedom and protecting democracy. As terrorist activities in the Middle East become more barbaric, we must continue to value, nurture and respect our relationship with Israel, still our most reliable ally in the region.

The Oklahoman - Chris Casteel

President Barack Obama on Wednesday asked Congress for official permission to use military force against the Islamic State, but some Democrats called the president’s proposal too broad and Republicans complained of its limitations.

Six months after the United States military began conducting air strikes against the brutal Islamic organization that has occupied land in Iraq and Syria, the president requested a three-year authorization specific to the conflict.

NewsOK - Chris Casteel

Sen. Jim Inhofe, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, on Wednesday criticized President Barack Obama’s draft resolution requesting congressional authorization to use military force against the Islamic State, also called ISIL and ISIS.

Inhofe, R-Tulsa, said, “My first concern is that the President's AUMF limits the time frame, which telegraphs the wrong message.