June 25, 2022

LIFE WINS

The Scales of Justice have weighed in favor of life. This is a historic day in our country. The sanctity of every life has prevailed and the unalienable rights prescribed by our forefathers have been restored. I am grateful for the system of checks and balances that allows for judicial review of prior decisions. And I am grateful as well for the affirmation of States’ rights, allowing states like Oklahoma to elevate life.

DEMANDING AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE MEMBERS OF JANE'S REVENGE

This past week, I led 28 of my Republican colleagues in sending a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, demanding they investigate the criminal members of Jane’s Revenge for what they are: domestic terrorists. The violent attacks committed by Jane’s Revenge and other left wing activist groups have no place in our Republic. And the members of this organization have made it clear they are not done. It’s shameful the Left has proven, so far, unwilling to speak out against their own fringe narrative, especially if it means American lives are in danger. It’s past time the Biden Administration quits with the complacency and investigates these members for exactly what they are. Click here to read more.

THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF TITLE IX 

This week marks the 50^th anniversary of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. For the past five decades, Title IX has protected women in educational programs from discrimination on the basis of sex. The law applies to all educational programs that receive federal funding and covers admissions, financial aid, sexual harassment, athletic facilities, and much more. Since its implementation, the percentage of female high school graduates who enroll in college has gone from 43 percent to 71 percent today.

Title IX has allowed countless women athletes the opportunity to compete on a level playing field. Before Title IX, less than 5 percent of girls played sports. Today, that number is closer to 40 percent. Despite incredible progress, unfortunately, these protections are now under attack.

The Biden Administration recently announced a plan to expand the definition of Title IX to include gender identity. This means a biological male who identifies as a female can be afforded the same protections. This change would diminish the very foundation on which Title IX was based.

When women are forced to compete against biological males, the level playing field is obsolete. We’ve already begun to see this happening. In 2018, 275 high school boys ran faster times than the lifetime best of World Champion sprinter Allyson Felix. Earlier this year, Lia Thomas, University of Pennsylvania swimmer and biological male, won the NCAA D1 500-meter National Championship. In Connecticut, high school female runners filed a lawsuit against the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference after being deprived of state titles and athletic opportunities by being forced to compete against two biological male sprinters.

I am grateful for states like Oklahoma who have taken measures to protect female student athletes. FINA, the governing body for aquatic sports, has also recently announced new guidelines that prohibit biological males who have transitioned after the age of twelve from competing against women. It’s a step in the right direction. However, the Biden Administration’s new rule will override these protections and circumvent the ability for states to ensure fairness for all athletes.

It’s not just unfair competition – it’s unsafe. All three of my daughters compete in wrestling which is a combative sport. As they get older, it will become increasingly more dangerous for them to compete on the mat against biological men. That is why I fully intend to counter this dangerous rule as soon as it is implemented using the power of Congressional Review.

There is no doubt that Title IX has given female athletes life changing opportunities. Countering the intent of Title IX undermines female competitors and limits these opportunities not just for competition but for scholarships as well. If our laws do not recognize the biological difference between men and women, female athletes will be the ones who suffer the consequences.

WORKING IN WASHINGTON

It was a busy week in Washington. Thank you to all who took their time to meet with me.

Thank you to the ALS Association of Oklahoma for the incredible work they are doing across the state to fight this vicious disease. We had a great meeting to discuss their efforts this past week.

It was a pleasure to welcome the 2022 Congressional Art Competition winner, Madison Dilley, to the nation's capital. Madison's winning piece, "Celebration of Syllabary" will hang in the U.S. Capitol for a full year. 

I had a great meeting with the representatives from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries this week. We discussed how federal funding has directly benefitted Oklahoma's libraries.

My daughters and I had the privilege of showing the Oklahoma Rural Electric Youth Tour around the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. This Tour is an annual, weeklong, all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. that is open to rising seniors who attend schools located in co-op service areas.

INTRODUCING A RETURN REQUIREMENT FOR FEDERAL LOANS USED ON ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES

There are billions of dollars’ worth of Paycheck Protection Program loan abuse that must be investigated. So, let’s start with those we already know engaged in illegal activities, activities such as the illicit services performed by Hunter Biden’s paid sexual partners. These taxpayer dollars were meant for small businesses struggling under the weight of forced government COVID closures -- not for funding illegal pastimes of the First Family. This legislation will ensure these taxpayer dollars are returned to the federal government immediately and the corruption cannot continue. Click here to read more about my new bill.

WEEKLY WRAP UP

Our Constitutional rights will always prevail. The United States Supreme Court has returned the power to protect the unborn back to the states like it should have always been. Even though the fight for life is far from over, I am encouraged by the outcome of this decision and am grateful to represent and reside in a state that has always valued the sanctity of life. Further, I voted no on the gun control bill on the House floor today. The Constitutional right to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. You can watch this week's wrap up on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube.

Thank you for reading my weekly e-newsletter! You can stay in touch by visiting my Facebook and Twitter pages and as always, don’t hesitate to contact me if I can help in any way. Watch 

Votes for the week of June 20th:

H.R. 7777 Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Training Act (YES)

H.R. 7666 Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act (YES)

H.R. 5585 Advanced Research Project Agency -- Health Act (NO)

H.R. 6538 Active Shooter Alert Act (NO)

H.R. 5407 Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act (YES)

H.R. 6493 Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act (YES)

H.R. 4176 LGBTQI+ Data Inclusion Act (NO)