Weekly Columns
It has been an honor to welcome several members of President Trump’s administration to Oklahoma’s Fifth Congressional District. I’ve had the opportunity to host Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner, and Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Dr. Mehmet Oz. These visits allow us to showcase the innovative work taking place across Oklahoma and highlight the organizations, partnerships, and programs that are making a real difference in our communities.
One of the most important responsibilities I have as your representative in Congress is helping Oklahomans navigate the federal government. Whether you are waiting on a passport application, having trouble with the IRS, or trying to resolve an issue with the Department of Veterans Affairs, my office is here to help connect you with the right agency and work to get answers.
One of Congress’s most important responsibilities each year is passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Last week, the House passed the Fiscal Year 2027 NDAA, a bill that supports our service members, strengthens our national security, and ensures our military remains ready to meet the challenges of an increasingly dangerous world.
As a mother, I understand the challenges working families face. I was fortunate to have paid leave when my daughters were born, but many American families do not have access to this benefit. Too many parents are forced to choose between caring for a newborn and earning a paycheck. That is a choice no family should have to make.
This week, Americans across the country will celebrate Independence Day, one of our nation’s most meaningful holidays. This year is especially significant as we continue celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Elections are underway in states across the country. As voters head to the polls, it serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that only American citizens vote in American elections. Put simply, Americans need confidence that our elections are fair, safe, and secure.
Over the last few years, we have seen an alarming rise in government fraud in states throughout the country. These scams have been prevalent in Medicaid, home health centers, government contracts, and even in federal agencies. In states like Minnesota and Ohio, these schemes have gone undetected, costing taxpayers millions of dollars. The average taxpayer loses between $1,000 and $3,000 to these types of shams each year. Every dollar lost to a scam is a dollar taken from hardworking taxpayers and diverted away from the people these programs were created to serve.
Not long ago, flying in the United States symbolized efficiency, civility, and confidence in a system that works. Today, delays, Democratic-driven shutdowns, close calls and ongoing disruptions have chipped away at the system, making flying more of a hassle and even concerning for some consumers. However, a concerted effort is being led to restore what many remember as the golden era of American air travel.
Today, on Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Across Oklahoma and the United States, flags are flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon, wreaths are laid, and loved ones gather to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is a solemn reminder of the millions of Americans who tragically lost their lives defending our freedoms.
For four years under the Biden Administration, our country faced the worst border crisis in history. Drug smugglers, human traffickers, and criminal organizations took advantage of weak enforcement, putting communities at risk. Families across the nation felt the impact as fentanyl poured into the country and illegal crossings reached record highs. Even individuals on the FBI terrorist watchlist attempted to sneak into the United States.