Frankly Speaking
Flawed Process Leads to Flawed Policies
Jul 31, 2009In yet another example of the negative impact of overreaching federal power without the benefit of careful consideration, the majority leadership forced the passage of H.R. 2479, the Food Safety Enhancement Act. Members of Congress were given less than 24 hours to review the bill before it was voted on. The House Agriculture Committee, which had clear jurisdiction over the bill, was bypassed during the drafting stages so that not a single hearing or markup was held. Once again, this Congress has used a flawed process to create a flawed piece of legislation.
Filed under: GeneralUSDA Study on Cap & Trade Bill Is an Incomplete Analysis
Jul 24, 2009Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a preliminary analysis of the effects H.R. 2454, the cap and trade legislation, will have on the livelihoods of our farmers and ranchers.
Filed under: AgricultureFor the Health of Our Health Care System
Jul 24, 2009No one can deny that our health care system has problems that need to be addressed. There are those in this country who are without insurance, who are underinsured, and who go without necessary – and sometimes lifesaving – treatments each day. In a country like the United States, this is frustrating to see and we can no longer continue to accept it.
Filed under: Health CareFiscal Responsibility is the Best Policy
Jul 10, 2009Recently, the Obama Administration and Speaker Pelosi have joined many of their colleagues to call for yet another “economic stimulus” package, like the one passed in February of this year, as a means to encourage economic growth.
Filed under: EconomyGovernment Run Health Care a Bad Idea for America
Jun 19, 2009There has been a growing sense of frustration in this country over the rising cost of health care, and this problem has recently been compounded by our ailing economy as Americans are losing their jobs and struggling to make ends meet. I know there are many families in Oklahoma who currently do not have health insurance- making one sick child a potential family crisis. I host 50 town halls a year across the Third Congressional District, and when the topic of health care comes up, people consistently tell me they are happy with their doctor, their coverage, and their hospital, but are conc
Filed under: Health CareRemembering Tiananmen Square
Jun 4, 2009Today marks the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, known in China as The June Fourth Incident. Following seven weeks of protests by Chinese citizens in Beijing who opposed the authoritarian rule of their government, the Chinese Liberation Army rolled in to Tiananmen Square with tanks and armed soldiers and began an assault on the protestors. The complete death toll is unknown. The Chinese government claims only 241 people, including soldiers, were killed; however the Red Cross estimates a number closer to 2,600. While some media coverage of the protests were initially al
Filed under: Foreign AffairsWho Is Misleading Who?
Jun 3, 2009Since the birth of our nation over 220 years ago, the principle of civilian government oversight of our armed services and intelligence agencies has been the backbone of our national defense. For example, the Joint Chiefs of Staff report to a civilian: the Secretary of Defense. In addition, each branch of Congress has a Select Committee on Intelligence. American intelligence agencies are required to report their activities to these committees on a regular basis. The required civilian oversight is a safeguard put in place to ensure there are not rouge intelligence officials making improp
Filed under: Homeland Security and DefenseKeep America Safe
May 21, 2009In one of his first acts in office, President Barack Obama signed an executive order demanding the closure of the terrorist detention facility at Guantanamo Bay by the end of the year. However, he failed to explain any type of plan as to how the base would be closed, including what would be done with the prisoners within. There was immediate backlash from both sides of the aisle after the announcement. Many members introduced legislation barring detainees from facilities in their home state, and I joined every member of my Oklahoma colleagues in the House of Representatives to support H.
Filed under: Homeland Security and DefenseCap & Trade = Higher Costs for Rural America
May 19, 2009This week, members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce are expected to consider The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass) introduced the bill. A major component of this legislation is cap and trade.
As a lifelong rancher, as a student of Agriculture economics, and as the Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, I have very serious concerns about cap and trade and its impact on rural economies.
Filed under: EnergyFarewell to an American Institution
May 19, 2009There is nothing quite like the feeling of buying your very first car. There is a sense of accomplishment and freedom the first time you slide behind the wheel and drive it off the lot. There are many important memories in your life like your wedding, the birth of your children; but buying your first car is one memory that will always stick with you. I purchased my first car 30 years ago- a Pontiac Firebird. I bought it from my hometown Pontiac dealer who had been in business for as long as I could remember. I appreciated that he knew me and my family, lived and raised his family in ou
Filed under: Economy
