Frankly Speaking - Homeland Security and Defense
Never Forget
Sep 11, 2014Thirteen years ago, our nation suffered one of the most devastating terrorist attacks in modern history. The lives of thousands of innocent Americans were suddenly taken by an evil we did not yet fully understand.
September 11th was a sobering moment for the entire country. When it finally hit home, it came as a complete shock.
Filed under: Foreign Affairs, Homeland Security and DefenseOne Step Closer to the Truth on Benghazi
May 9, 2014It has been almost two years since the horrific Benghazi terrorist attack occurred, taking the lives of four innocent, brave Americans; however we continue to seek answers from the Administration on what took place that day.
Filed under: Foreign Affairs, General, Homeland Security and DefenseTime to Cut Spending and Open the Government
Oct 10, 2013On October 1, the United States experienced the first government shutdown since 1996. The constituents of Oklahoma’s Third District and many others across the country have felt the negative effects of the shutdown and are sadly still feeling them today. Everything from the closure of the national parks, USDA stopping collection of market data, VA administrative delays, and the furlough of many federal workers has directly impacted Americans nationwide at a time when they can ill afford it. The longer the shutdown lasts, the more they will suffer.
Filed under: Agriculture, Constituent Services, Economy, General, Health Care, Homeland Security and Defense, Immigration, Science and Tech Committee, TaxesPresident Obama is Demonstrating Poor Leadership on Syria
Sep 20, 2013In early September, President Obama announced that he would seek Congressional approval for the United States to use military force in Syria in retaliation to the chemical attack the Assad regime inflicted on hundreds of thousands of Syrians.
Filed under: Economy, Foreign Affairs, General, Homeland Security and DefenseThird District Students Should Remember to Apply for Service Academies
Aug 30, 2013Earlier this year, I announced that the application process for our nation’s service academies had started. As it gets closer to the deadline, I want to remind students interested in serving our nation through the academies to apply.
Filed under: Constituent Services, General, Homeland Security and DefenseAmericans Deserve the Truth on Benghazi
May 17, 2013By: Congressman Frank Lucas
Confirmation of Petraeus by Full Senate Must Be Quick
Jun 29, 2010Today, the Senate Armed Services Committee held the confirmation hearing of General David Petraeus to serve as commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. General Petraeus was nominated for this post after the ouster of General Stanley McChrystal by President Obama following a very public disagreement between the president and the general on future plans for Afghanistan.
Filed under: Homeland Security and DefenseImplementing a Successful Strategy in Afghanistan
Oct 9, 2009Last March, President Obama, stating that the fight in Afghanistan was the front-line in the war on terror, appointed General Stanley McChrystal to evaluate the situation in that country and draft a successful plan of attack. Seven months later, General McChrystal has done just that. While the exact report has not yet been released, some details have been leaked to the public. And the information is distressing.
Filed under: Homeland Security and DefenseWho 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 Defense