Issues

The agriculture industry is the lifeblood of our economy and the breadbasket of our Nation. Oklahoma’s 3rd Congressional District is home to more than 19 million acres of farmland, and produces some of the most wheat and livestock in the country. Helping write the 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2018 Farm Bills and as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, I have long been a champion of providing tax relief and less government regulation, promoting fair trade in agriculture, and ensuring the successes of voluntary agriculture conservation programs. I also advocated for renewable energy provisions to be included in the 2008 Farm Bill which would allow rural areas to play a larger role in making the U.S. less dependent on foreign sources of energy. There are no better stewards of the land than those whose livelihood depends on the land, which is why I will continue to be a strong voice for production agriculture and work to ensure that farmers have the necessary resources to not survive, but to thrive.

In order to achieve energy independence as a nation, we must work towards lessening our dependency on foreign oil, create American jobs, and promote energy efficiency. Oklahoma began its role as an energy-producing state with the establishment of the first oil refinery in the late 1800s, and has grown to be one of the largest producers of oil and natural gas in the country. The oil and gas producers in Oklahoma’s 3rd Congressional District provide a safe and affordable energy to our nation, and thousands of jobs to our people. But it’s not just oil and natural gas that make Oklahoma great, our state is home to some of the United States’ largest wind farms. Not only are we creating cleaner, American-made energy, but our farmers are able to generate additional income by placing wind turbines in the wheat fields, boosting the American economy. America’s energy supply should be stable, diverse, and affordable, which is why I support an all-of-the-above energy strategy that encourages domestic production, reduces our dependency on foreign oil, and explores renewable energy solutions.

Recently, the American people have suffered through high unemployment rates and a sagging economy. Many are having to make tough choices and are finding it difficult to provide for their families. It’s time Congress put money back in the pockets of the American people by cutting taxes on American families and small businesses. Congress must rein in the excessive regulations that stifle American agriculture and energy production, lower the tax burden for our families and job creators, and create a fairer and simpler tax system that results in better job opportunities, higher household income, and a significant improvement for all Americans. Additionally, just as families across this country are doing right now, the federal government must begin to tighten their proverbial belt and cut back on spending. Congress must get back to the business of fiscal responsibility and strive for a balanced budget without raising the taxes of hard-working Americans. I remain committed to working to cut regulations and taxes in Congress, ensuring Oklahoma’s families are able to keep more of their hard-earned money at the end of the day.