Weekly Columns
Calling all Oklahomans! If you're planning to travel internationally this year, the first item on your checklist should be your passport. The United States Department of State faced significant backlogs and delays in passport processing in 2023, leaving many travelers frustrated. In the new year, it is time to plan ahead so that you aren’t left stranded. My office is here to guide you through the confusing process of the passport system with some tips and best practices.
Our adversaries continue to be emboldened as dangers to our country grow under President Biden. Sadly, this is not the first time I've had to say this. In November, I urged a strengthening of America’s position on the global stage in response to the numerous threats we face. Nothing has changed, and in fact, we continue to show weakness to nations across the globe.
The growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) across the globe and here at home has been a long-standing concern within Congress. China's rapid economic growth and expanding global reach demand that we implement safeguards to protect America’s dominance. Over the past few years, we have witnessed efforts by China to control the mineral market, acquire American farmland, increase its energy output, create the world’s largest petroleum stockpile, and produce life-threatening fentanyl analogs. |
As we enter 2024, many of us throughout Oklahoma are setting goals for the New Year. This is a time to focus on what we would like to accomplish and things we would like to achieve. For the remainder of this Congress, I will be working to deliver results and increase quality of life for Oklahomans throughout the Fifth Congressional District. These efforts will focus on two major initiatives: safeguarding our nation and revitalizing our economy.
The right to vote is a fundamental aspect of our Democracy. Over the past few decades, confidence in our elections has been shaken. We must restore the American people’s faith in our democratic system. The American Confidence in Election (ACE) Act is an important step in the right direction.
Over the course of the last few years, prices have risen across the board. This is especially noticeable during the Holiday season, which is set to be one of the most expensive on record. Just last week, we came together to celebrate Thanksgiving. The price of many Thanksgiving staples rose exponentially. Canned cranberries are up 60%, frozen vegetables are up 10.7%, sauces and gravies are up 7.5%, uncooked turkey was up 7.2%, rolls were up 5.7%, frozen pies were up 2.7%. |
We live in an increasingly unsafe world. Since President Biden took office, we witnessed the disastrous withdrawal of Afghanistan, the largest ground invasion in Europe since WWII, and the largest conflict in the Middle East in decades. Since October 17th, we have had more than 50 attacks on U.S. Military Forces or bases throughout the Middle East. This has resulted in injuries to more than 40 U.S. servicemembers. Terrorists are emboldened, and our adversaries are watching how we respond.
As Americans, we cherish the values of liberty, freedom, and patriotism. This week, I am reminded of a quote by Ronald Reagan, who once said, “Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they’ve suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us.” This quote rings true—America is the home of the free because of the brave.
The very same day Representative Mike Johnson was voted in as Speaker, House Republicans resumed moving legislation for the American people. So far, the House has passed multiple appropriations bills while the Senate has yet to pass a single one. These include state-foreign operations, energy-water, military construction-veterans affairs, homeland security, and defense. These appropriations bills focus on three major pillars: cuts, claw-backs, and conservative priorities.
Saturday at dawn, Hamas launched a massive offensive through land, sea, and air against Israel, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. Over the last few days, we have seen this unprecedented attack escalate as terrorists have taken hostages, executed Israelis in the streets, and committed countless other atrocities. Those who live in Western Democracies do not have to live with the fear of constant attack from adversaries all around us. This is the norm in Israel, with sirens blaring, rockets falling, and the fear of constant invasion.