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Oklahoma,
Representing the entire state of Oklahoma is an honor and a privilege, and it’s a responsibility that I do not take lightly. This week, I had the opportunity to kick off my first official statewide tour, beginning in the panhandle moving East to Lawton. As a kid from Westville, I know how vital it is to understand the needs of our most rural communities. Thank you to everyone in Guymon, Boise City, Beaver, Laverne, Shattuck, Woodward, Fort Sill, and Altus for taking the time to meet with me.
In Guymon, I was hosted by Mayor Kim Peterson to discuss the ongoing drought, and other top issues facing Western Oklahoma. I later toured the Seaboard Pork Processing Plant, which is a staple of Guymon’s economy – producing 6 million hogs annually. I also sat down with some friends in Boise City to speak about the border crisis. And at Oklahoma Panhandle State University, I got the opportunity to meet their nationally recognized shooting sports team.
On Wednesday, I traveled to Beaver County to share coffee and conversations with the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce and other engaged residents. I also visited Laverne and Shattuck hearing directly from citizens on Oklahoma’s most pressing issues, including the farm bill, workforce shortages, and the burden of federal overregulation. In the afternoon, I toured the High Plains Technology Center at Woodward Middle School to learn about their innovative job-training TAP program.
Yesterday, I was in Lawton and Altus to speak with business owners and residents about my role on the Senate Armed Services Committee and learn about some of the biggest military and economic developments in Southwest Oklahoma. A trip to either of these places is never complete without visiting Fort Sill and Altus Air Force Base to thank our service members and receive operational updates. I was also able to attend the Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator (FISTA) grand opening to celebrate Lawton’s newest public-private partnership that will bring tremendous business and job opportunities to the region.
I often say, if Washington, D.C. looked more like Oklahoma, we’d be in much better shape. It’s always a great day when we can sit down together and discuss the most pressing issues directly. As your Senator, I am committed to engaging with as many Oklahomans as possible in order to best represent you in Washington.
This weekend as you celebrate Easter and the resurrection of Jesus, let's rejoice in the gift of community and the joy of conversation. I’m so grateful to be able to represent you in Washington, D.C. – as always, don’t hesitate to contact my office if we can help in any way. Have a blessed Easter weekend with family and friends.
God Bless!
Markwayne Mullin
U.S. Senator for Oklahoma
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