Opinion

Oklahomans may live far removed from Washington, D.C., but that doesn’t mean the negative repercussions of bad federal policy are not felt by families in all parts of the state. Out-of-control federal spending and government overreach has fueled constant tax increase attempts, historic inflation and widespread hardship.

Last week, the Oklahoma Legislature completed our bill filing for the 2023 session. There were just over 1,900 measures filed in the House and over 1,150 filed in the Senate. Combined, legislators have approximately 3,075 bills to consider in the coming months.

Psalms 126:1-6 says, “When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion, We were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with joyful shouting; Then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’ The Lord has done great things for us; We are glad. Restore our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south. Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed, Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”

For far too long, American leaders have accepted the erosion of our advantage over the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) both economically and militarily. In the meantime, the CCP has posed increasingly as an adversary rather than a friend to the United States and the entire world. It is time to analyze the policies that have allowed the CCP to dominate on the global stage and find solutions that ensure America’s success in this competition.

To the Editor,

As the 2023 session gets underway, we’ve been holding budget hearings at the state Capitol to learn more about state agencies and their requests for Fiscal Year 2024. Our Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services held two days of budget hearings with all the agencies and commissions we oversee.

Living in a fallen world is hard. As long as sin exists, there will be storms, fear, and pain that we each have to deal with in this life. The great news is that God has provided everything we need to be able to endure the challenges we will face. With every storm, fear, and pain, we must understand that Jesus is greater!

Asignificant role of my job as Representative of the Fourth District of Oklahoma is certainly being in Washington, D.C. to cast votes, debate on my assigned committees and be the voice of my constituents. However, I also take pride in offering a variety of constituent services through the help of my staff in my Washington, D.C. office and three offices located in the Fourth District.

Happy New Year friends! I hope this year is filled with every blessing for you and your loved ones. Last year was a difficult one for my family, and we’re looking forward to a clean slate and ready to make new memories with our family and friends in 2023.

The solvency of Social Security has reached a turning point, and millions of Americans who have paid into this program throughout their working lives are at risk of not receiving the money they deserve. The reality of the challenge facing Social Security is that without reforms, these funds will dry up. Congress must find solutions to save this program rather than sacrifice the hard-earned retirement of working Americans.

Newcastle is experiencing incredible growth. In fact, a newspaper article by reporter Jana Hayes in the Oklahoman last year states that Newcastle is the fastest-growing city in the state with an 8.9% growth rate.