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Frankly Speaking
Restoring The EPA’s Credibility
Mar 30, 2017|
With the confirmation of former Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Trump administration has demonstrated a bold commitment to unwinding the regulatory regime of the past eight years. |
Tackling Government Overregulation
Feb 15, 2017When I talk to many of the farmers, ranchers, and business owners in the Third District, the number one concern I hear about is government red tape. Whether it’s EPA’s Waters of the U.S. rule that placed confusing restrictions on what individuals can do with their private property or the arbitrary requirements Obamacare forces on employers, these rules and regulations accumulate into one major headache for folks trying to make a living.
In the past eight years the federal government has provided little relief under former President Obama.
Tinker and Oklahoma’s Legacy of Service
Nov 11, 2016|
“An Osage leader is never at the back of his band of warriors” – Dr. James Crowder, historian at Tinker Air Force Base |
President Obama’s Final 100 Days in Office
Nov 1, 2016|
Abraham Lincoln once commented, “Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will have to sit on their blisters.” With two of the most unpopular candidates in recent memory, Lincoln’s observation is fitting. |
Serving You
Oct 7, 2016A big part of my job as your representative in Congress is to help you communicate with federal agencies. This assistance is often referred to as casework and ranges anywhere from expediting a passport application to getting an important question answered by the IRS in time for tax season.
Filed under: Constituent ServicesUSDA Proposal Threatens Rural America’s Access to Assistance Programs
May 13, 2016This week the House Agriculture Committee heard from a variety of retailers, including Love’s Travel Stops in Oklahoma, about their experience working with SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Under a new USDA proposal, there is a growing concern from many retailers and convenience stores that they will no longer be able to accept SNAP benefits.
Filed under: Agriculture, Agriculture CommitteeReasserting Our Privacy in the 21st Century
Apr 28, 2016In order to sniff out potential terrorist attacks, the National Security Agency (NSA) monitors the metadata of millions of phone calls and other communications. Whether you are for or against this practice, there are strong cases to be made on both sides of this debate – a constant balancing act between privacy and security.
However, most Americans would agree that if an agency like the IRS were to take advantage of similar methods, it would be a clear abuse of our Constitutional right to privacy.
A Tradition of Service and Leadership
Feb 23, 2016This column appeared in Farm Policy Facts in celebration of National FFA Week.
Every year, FFA shapes the next generation of young leaders. It’s the perfect blend of classroom, hands-on and leadership activities that prepares students for success in whatever they choose to pursue.
Filed under: AgricultureFunding America’s Priorities and Holding the White House Accountable
Dec 22, 2015As 2015 comes to an end, Congress is tasked with funding the federal government through the end of next September, or the remainder of the fiscal year. Last week the House and Senate passed a spending agreement that combined the 12 appropriations bills to fund various aspects of our government, ranging everywhere from defense to agriculture. In addition to this funding, the spending package also includes a number of policies to boost economic growth and encourage job creation in the private sector.
Filed under: Economy, Energy, General, TaxesRefugee Issue Calls for Serious and Deliberate Action
Nov 19, 2015The terrorist attacks in Paris have shaken France and its allies. We grieve for the lives lost and pray for the recovery and healing of those injured or otherwise impacted. This tragedy is a grave reminder that we cannot waiver in the face of Islamic extremism.
Filed under: Homeland Security and Defense