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I was fortunate to get to meet recently with members of the Norman Chamber of Commerce during their annual trip to Washington. The Capitol's commonsense quotient automatically jumped a few points with so many Oklahomans on the premises, but that's not the only benefit of their visit. It's always educational to hear from people who know what it's like to start and run businesses, to make payroll each month, and to navigate the many hazards of a shaky economy.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House passed the the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act – legislation to increase access to capital, spur the growth of startups and small businesses, and make it easier for more small-scale businesses to go public and create more jobs:
Americans are feeling the pinch from high gas prices even earlier than usual this year. The annual Washington tradition of pointing fingers and demanding new energy policies doesn't usually kick off until Memorial Day. However, tensions in the Middle East and rising demand from growing economies in China, India and Brazil have combined to send gas prices skyrocketing at a record-setting pace months in advance of the summer driving season.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House Committee on Natural Resources favorably reported H.R. 3263, the Lake Thunderbird Efficient Use Act:
With our skyrocketing national debt fast approaching levels that will cripple our entire economy, it's vital that the federal government cut excess spending from every part of the budget . Both political parties must be willing to examine their traditional policy priorities and make tough choices.
The Defense Department budget is certainly not immune from wasteful spending and should not be exempt from review. However, any military spending reductions must be undertaken very strategically to avoid jeopardizing our national security and endangering our men and women in uniform.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced the names of students from Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District who have received nominations to one or more of America's prestigious service academies.
"These young people represent Oklahoma's best and brightest," said Cole. "It is a privilege to nominate these exemplary students to our nation's service academies."
President Obama turned in his 2013 budget request a week late this year, but it's clear he did not spend the extra time looking for ways to reduce the deficit. After four consecutive years of trillion-dollar-plus deficits, the Obama administration crafted a budget that actually increases spending.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House of Representatives approved legislation to extend the payroll tax cut for the remainder of 2012. The legislation also reforms and extends unemployment insurance and prevents cuts to reimbursement rates for physicians who treat Medicare patients:
Conservatives warned from the beginning that President Obama's health care plan was a case of massive government overreach that would restrict health care choices, jeopardize individual freedom and expand government control over personal decisions. However, many never imagined that Obamacare mandates would end up blatantly trampling religious freedoms.
The annual budget report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) gets more grim every year. This year's Budget and Economic Outlook confirms that the 2012 deficit is expected to equal $1.079 trillion, marking the fourth consecutive year with a deficit above $1 trillion.