Opinion

As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, it’s my honor and responsibility to ensure Oklahoma’s military installations and defense partners have what they need at the federal level to protect and serve our nation. What’s equally important, however, are the investments our communities make within themselves to support America’s warfighters and protect Oklahoma’s future as a national defense hub.

From downtown Oklahoma City and Tulsa to the far edges of the panhandle and Ouachita Mountains, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity.

The governor signed my first piece of legislation to make it to his desk this session, and I expect he will sign more of my bills into law in the coming weeks. Gov. Kevin Stitt’s desk is quickly filling up with bills as the Senate and House have hit our fourth major deadline of this session. April 25 was the deadline for bills to get a floor hearing in the opposite chamber.

On April 10, I was ratified by the House Republican Conference as the new Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee — but not only did I just become the new chairman, I also became the first Native American to ever chair this committee.

The Senate recently passed its third major deadline of this session, and both chambers will soon begin sending a deluge of bills to the governor’s desk. April 11 was the deadline for House bills to be heard in Senate committees and Senate bills to be heard in House committees. That means both chambers have completed the majority of their committee work for this session. The full Senate will spend the next two weeks voting on bills on the floor.

This week we will learn about The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), a vital part of The American Legion that is comprised of grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, direct and adopted descendants of the members of The American Legion.

It’s time for state enforcement on illegal immigration.

As this is being written, today, April 15th, is Tax Day — the day that individual income tax returns are due to be submitted to the federal government. As the American people and I file our tax returns today, I am reflecting on the American economy and the importance of pro-growth tax policy in our nation.

Cancer is a terrible disease that affects almost every American family in some form. During April, National Cancer Prevention and Early Detection month, we recognize the importance of expanding access to cancer screenings, stopping more cancers before they start, supporting research to find a cure for cancer, and enabling healthy lifestyles.

Oklahoma’s oil and natural gas sector remains a crucial pillar of the state and McClain County’s prosperity and is yet again the most significant source of tax revenue.

In a 2019 pledge, Joe Biden vowed to end fossil fuels, a stance now manifesting through numerous policies detrimental to the oil and gas industry, critical for Oklahoma’s economy. The Institute for Energy Research highlights over 150 Biden administration actions against fossil fuels, exacerbating energy costs nationwide and undermining Oklahoma’s economic stability and job market.