It’s no secret that the opioid epidemic is spreading at an alarming rate throughout Oklahoma. Our friends, our family members, and our neighbors – we all know someone affected by the opioid epidemic. Today, more than 2.4 million Americans struggle with addiction to opioids – a fifty percent increase over the last 10 years. With overdose as the leading cause of accidental deaths in our country, it is clear that something must be done to change the direction of this tragic epidemic. Last week, the... Read more

Across the state, Oklahoma families are preparing to send their kids off for another year filled with homework assignments, tests, and after school activities. As a father of five kids who all attend a small, rural public school in Oklahoma, I understand firsthand the importance of a child’s education. Primary education provides the foundation a child needs to be successful the rest of their life. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to tour several schools in the Second District to see what... Read more

Oklahomans deserve every chance to pursue their dreams, whether the goal is to open a restaurant, run a small business, or innovate something new. The federal government should not stand in the way of these goals. Instead, it should create opportunity and support our dreams. I am working to give Oklahomans these opportunities by cutting red tape, and eliminating obstacles caused by an overpowering tax code and burdensome regulations. Small businesses are the backbone of Oklahoma’s economy. Toget... Read more

Whether we’re aware of it or not, we’re constantly surrounded by heroes. Our heroes serve on the front lines to protect our freedoms, answer the call of duty, arrive on the scene in emergencies, and represent our communities as loyal friends and neighbors. During American Heroes Week, we recognize the heroes we know for the sacrifices they give to make our country a better place. For instance, take Sergeant Matthew Odom from Norman. Stationed as a part of the 1st Batallion, 279th Infantry Regime... Read more

The phrase ‘Made in America’ resonates with Americans uniquely and brings a feeling of patriotism unlike any other. Across the country, the label or stamp on a product of ‘Made in America’ is more than just a tagline – it’s a well-known promise of quality, dependable goods made right here at home. In 2012, American manufacturers sold $5.6 trillion in goods and a huge portion of those – almost 80 percent – were made here in the United States. Products made in America undoubtedly benefit our econo... Read more

Providing for the common defense is more than just a promise to our nation and military. It is a responsibility Congress has been entrusted with by the U.S. Constitution. Our military represents the nation’s strength around the globe. To continue as the world power and force of good that we are known for, we must do more than simply provide for the common defense: we must provide those who defend our Constitution with the tools they require to succeed. Our last president left our military in dis... Read more

Roughly six months into the 115th Congress and more than 160 days into President Trump’s first term in the White House, the Republican-led House has passed more than 260 bills and the President has signed more than 40 bills into law. In true form, the People’s House is listening to the people and we hear you. That’s why we’ve passed reforms that make life simpler, easier, and better for veterans, ranchers, farmers, small business owners, job seekers, job creators, and every other American. We im... Read more

Independence Day is one of our country’s greatest celebrations. Americans reportedly eat more than 150 million hot dogs and use more than 285 million pounds of fireworks each year on the Fourth of July while celebrating their independence. It’s an occasion like no other, and if there is one holiday that could unify our country better than any other celebration, I’d be inclined to say that it is Independence Day. When our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, th... Read more

Since its beginning, America has been known as the land of opportunity. Millions of immigrants left their own homes to find something in our country not readily available in their own: an opportunity to succeed. A large part of that success is defined by having a job. In Oklahoma, just like in all other parts of the country, people want a job that gives them purpose, allows them to provide for their family, and creates a chance for a better life. It’s our job in Congress to make sure the federal... Read more

When Christie and I first decided to enter into public service, our first concern was our family. When we were first honored enough to be able to represent the great state of Oklahoma, one of the first questions asked was: “Are you going to move our kids to Washington?” Our five kids are country kids through and through. Christie’s family and my family are generational in Oklahoma. The decision was easy – we are staying at home. Very often, I get asked how I manage being a Member of Congress and... Read more