Weekly Columns

Hardworking Americans deserve to know their taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly. According to federal estimates, the government loses between $233 billion and $521 billion annually to fraud. From health care to student financial aid, these schemes highlight the need for stronger oversight and greater accountability across the federal government. Those who take advantage of these programs must be held accountable. 

Creating more opportunities for American workers starts with making it easier to build, invest, and grow here in the United States. From manufacturers creating jobs to small businesses on Main Street, we should be supporting policies that encourage companies to expand their operations, hire American workers, and invest in our communities. In Congress, we have taken important steps to increase domestic production, expand our housing supply, and support job creators across the country.

Holding Members of Congress accountable is essential to maintaining the trust of the American people. Since coming to Congress, I have worked with my colleagues to advance commonsense reforms that hold elected officials to high standards, protect taxpayer dollars, and ensure representatives are responsible for their actions. 

During the Biden Administration, costly federal regulations negatively affected businesses and consumers across the country. According to the National Association of Manufacturers, these provisions cost the U.S. economy more than $3 trillion each year.  Since taking office, House Republicans and President Trump have worked to reverse these policies, lower costs for American families and small businesses, and restore commonsense to the federal government. 

Last year, President Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cuts into law, delivering tax relief for American workers, families, seniors, and small businesses. Among the many provisions included in this legislation were forward-looking, family-focused policies designed to support parents today while helping the next generation build a strong financial future.

It is always a privilege to recognize the men and women who serve our nation. This year, I have had the honor to host several Vietnam Veteran Recognition Ceremonies across Oklahoma’s Fifth Congressional District. These events pay tribute to veterans who served on active duty between November 1, 1955, and May 15, 1975, the years of the conflict in Vietnam. By holding these ceremonies in communities throughout central Oklahoma, we were able to reach as many veterans as possible while allowing their families and the community to participate in the ceremonies.

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.