Media

Since our nation’s birth more than 237 years ago, generations of Americans have celebrated the right to hold and voice a variety of opinions and beliefs. There are few places where this reality is displayed more clearly than in the legislative process, both at home in Oklahoma and in our nation’s capital. As you might watch during floor debates, committee hearings or even during an interview on TV or radio, it can sometimes be easier to disagree than to agree. While discussion in government is important, it’s more important for that dialogue to actually lead to solutions.

In order to overcome our nation’s serious economic challenges, we must have a real plan with real reforms. Upon release of the “Path to Prosperity” budget blueprint for fiscal year 2015, Chairman Paul Ryan and the House Budget Committee again shared a positive vision for the nation’s future. This marks the fourth consecutive year that we have offered solutions that actually address our more than $17 trillion of debt and set forth a path to achieve balance.

Defense News - John T. Bennett

Widespread opposition has yet to form around any single Pentagon proposal to cut a specific weapon system, indicating most could be implemented despite lawmakers’ protestations on behalf of parochial interests.

Some lawmakers and analysts were quick to dismiss the Pentagon’s 2015 budget plan as dead on arrival. After all, it called for big troop cuts, politically radioactive troop benefit cuts, left some wondering if 11 aircraft carriers are affordable, and cut entire fleets of A-10 attack aircraft and U-2 spy planes.