Weekly Columns
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.
This week is National Police Week, a time to honor the brave men and women in law enforcement who work every day to keep our communities safe. Across Oklahoma and the nation, officers put their lives on the line to protect families, uphold the rule of law, and serve others. They are an essential line of defense in maintaining public safety, and they deserve our full support and gratitude.
This week is National Small Business Week, a time to recognize how important entrepreneurs are to our communities. In Oklahoma and across the nation, small businesses are the backbone of our economy by driving economic growth and creating jobs.
From family-owned hardware stores to local restaurants, boutiques, and small startups, these businesses are part of our everyday lives. They are run by hardworking people who take risks, support their employees, and invest in their communities.
April 19, 1995, is a day that forever changed Oklahoma City, our state, and our nation. This year marks the 31st anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, a tragic act of domestic terrorism that took 168 innocent lives. We remember the lives lost, those who survived, and those whose lives were changed forever. We also recognize the first responders and the many Oklahomans who stepped up in the moments and days after the attack. It is a day our state will never forget.
Wednesday, April 15th, is Tax Day, but Republicans and President Trump are working to turn what is often a burden into more relief and simplicity for American families. Through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, we are focused on putting more money back into your pockets while strengthening our local economy.
Over the weekend, President Trump authorized Operation Epic Fury, a joint combat operation conducted alongside our partner forces against the Iranian regime. This decision was not made lightly and was launched after numerous attempts by American leadership to seek negotiations with Iran. Ultimately, the Iranians refused to negotiate in good faith even when given clear and reasonable off-ramps.
Midway through last year, President Trump signed the Working Families Tax Cut legislation into law. This sweeping legislation extended the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and delivered new tax relief for millions of hardworking Americans. Just as important, it included forward-looking, pro-family policies designed to help the next generation succeed. One of those initiatives is the creation of Trump Accounts.