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USA Today - Susan Davis

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flattered Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, paid respect to President Obama and received nearly two dozen standing ovations from lawmakers gathered in the House chamber.

However, he did not placate top Democrats who continued to see his Tuesday address as a diplomatic foul against the administration amid international negotiations over Iran's nuclear program.

Last November, the president announced that he planned to unilaterally grant legal status to millions of illegal immigrants. Republicans in Congress contended that this move was unconstitutional and that the president does not have the authority to take such sweeping action without the consent of Congress. Public opinion polls suggest that the majority of the American people believe so as well.

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.