Weekly Columns
This past weekend, Iran launched its first ever direct strike on Israel. Iran and its proxies, who are the primary backers of Hamas, launched an unprecedented aerial strike, utilizing one-way attack drones, surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, and land attack cruise missiles at our ally, Israel. Thankfully, Israel has the ability to defend itself. With the help of the United States, Israel built a sophisticated defense system, the Iron Dome, which is designed to intercept and destroy rockets and artillery shells.
In our state, we live by the line, "If you don’t like the weather in Oklahoma, wait a minute and it’ll change.” It's an acknowledgment of the state's unpredictable weather patterns, which can be both a blessing and a curse. However, with the rapid onset of severe weather events, this unpredictability can turn dangerous if we're not prepared. As Oklahomans, we've experienced more FEMA-declared disasters than any other state since 2000. In these moments, every second counts. |
Since President Biden took office, America’s energy independence has been at stake, with countless industries facing a full-on regulatory assault. The United States has long strived to reduce reliance on foreign energy sources, yet recent actions have once again shifted the balance dangerously. President Biden's decisions have not only cost thousands of American jobs but have significantly increased our dependency on foreign energy sources.
Every year, the State of the Union serves as an opportunity for the President to come to Congress and address the people on the wellbeing of our country. In this year’s highly anticipated speech, President Biden used the moment to deliver a hyper partisan and divisive speech which sounded more like a campaign speech than a true reflection on the state of America. He refused to address what truly matters to hard-working Oklahomans. |
The foundation of the United States economy rests firmly on the shoulders of our small businesses. From local, family-owned, mom-and-pop shops to hardworking farmers and ranchers, their tireless efforts fuel our economic engine. The federal government should allow these businesses to thrive, rather than burdening them with extensive taxes.
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.