Frankly Speaking
The Absence of God
May 19, 2009I was disturbed to discover that President Obama requested the religious symbols in Gaston Hall, most notably the inscription “IHS” that symbolizes the name Jesus, at Georgetown University be covered during his economic address earlier this week. This follows his comments in 2007 that America is “no longer a Christian nation.” While the President continues to quote the scripture and reference his faith, it seems the White House is subtly attempting to remove God from our every day lives.
Filed under: GeneralThe Winds of Change
May 5, 2009Wind-generated electricity is key to our future success of energy independence. Oklahoma has long played a role as one of the country’s largest energy producing states. And with the recent uptick in alternative energy, Oklahoma is once again leading the charge. Currently, we are the 9th largest producer of wind power in the United States, generating 689 megawatts each year which powers around 200,000 homes. This booming industry has not only allowed our state to create cleaner energy, it has also generated additional income for farmers who place turbines in their fields and has added to
Filed under: EnergyScience and Technology Committee Update
Apr 29, 2009This week, the Science and Technology Committee’s Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, of which I am a member, held a hearing to discuss the issue of space debris. Leaders at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as well as scholars in the field provided testimony for the subcommittee.
Filed under: Science and Tech CommitteeTown Halls and Tea Parties
Apr 27, 2009As most of you are aware, each year I host 50 town halls spanning the 32 counties in the Third Congressional District. These have long been one of my favorite traditions. I begin each meeting with a brief introduction and an update of current legislation under consideration in Washington as well as other hot button issues of the day. I then open it up to questions and comments from the people attending.
Filed under: TaxesThe Absence of God
Apr 17, 2009I was disturbed to discover that President Obama requested the religious symbols in Gaston Hall, most notably the inscription “IHS” that symbolizes the name Jesus, at Georgetown University be covered during his economic address earlier this week. This follows his comments in 2007 that America is “no longer a Christian nation.” While the President continues to quote the scripture and reference his faith, it seems the White House is subtly attempting to remove God from our every day lives.
Filed under: GeneralThe True Cost of Our Rising Deficit
Mar 25, 2009According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the President’s budget proposal for 2010 will produce a $9.3 trillion addition to our current deficit over the next ten years. As with a person or company that borrows money, the federal government must pay interest on all borrowed funds. To do this, the federal government sells U.S.
Filed under: EconomyTurn Off That Light Before Congress Taxes You!
Mar 23, 2009Last month, President Obama released his proposal for the 2010 federal budget. At a whopping price tag of $3.5 trillion, the President’s announcement was shocking to the senses.
Filed under: TaxesA Broader Economic Perspective of Accounting Practices
Mar 20, 2009I am sure that many of you have heard the phrase “mark-to-market” floated around recently. Mark-to-market is an accounting practice, instituted by the Federal Accounting Standards Board (FASB), that requires financial institutions to price an asset according to current market price, also known as fair value. The procedure was set up to create market-based information for investors regarding the current price of assets and implemented Financial Accounting Standard No. 157 in 2006 at the onset of the turmoil in our financial markets.
Filed under: Financial Services CommitteeRewarding Irresponsible Decisions with Endless Bailouts
Mar 6, 2009Yesterday, Congress passed H.R. 1106, the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act. Supporters hope this legislation will restore liquidity in the housing market and assist those homeowners who are in foreclosure. While this is a lofty goal, the bill just passed may not achieve it.
There are certain aspects of the bill that I can support. For example, permanently raising the FDIC insurance limit from $100,000 to $250,000 will provide additional assurances that our banks are safe, which will encourage investment.
Filed under: Financial Services CommitteeThe Congressional Rural Caucus
Feb 23, 2009I am proud to let you all know that I have recently renewed my membership in the Congressional Rural Caucus. The Congressional Rural Caucus is a bipartisan group of congressmen and women who want to work together to address the unique issues facing America’s rural communities.
Rural communities are the backbone of this country and play an important role in the Oklahoma economy. As a fifth generation Oklahoman and farmer in Roger Mills County, my roots have always been firmly planted in the rural communities of Oklahoma.
Filed under: General
