October 1, 2022

GETTING OUR PRIORITIES STRAIGHT

COMBATTING THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC

No person is immune to the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic. I joined with Rep. O'Halleran to introduce the E-Prescribing Parity for Controlled Substances Act (EPCS Act 2.0) to expand the use of electronic prescriptions for Schedule II drugs in an effort to combat the opioid epidemic. This will reduce the prevalence of fraudulent prescription opioids and subsequent overdose deaths. These substances are controlled for a reason and we should be doing all we can to increase the safety and quality of the prescribing process to improve patient outcomes. I am confident in e-prescribing's ability to do just that. Click here to read more.

OUR COMMITMENT TO AMERICA

One-party Democrat rule in Washington is not working. Their out-of-touch policies and reckless spending have led our country down a path Americans can’t afford. The Republican Commitment to America is not just a commitment, it’s also a foundation on which the country can stand and for which the American people can hold us accountable.

An Economy that is Strong: The Democrat party has spent their way into 40-year high inflation, draining the pockets and savings of hard-working Americans. Republicans plan to bring stability to the economy and revive the American dream. This includes reigning in government spending, bringing back energy independence, strengthening the supply chain, and lowering the cost of living.

A Nation that is Safe: On the world stage, Joe Biden has approached America’s national security from a position of weakness. In our communities, Democrats’ “Defund the Police” efforts have resulted in law enforcement officers facing the toughest working conditions in decades. Our border is wide open, and the entire world has taken notice. Republicans’ commitment to safe communities includes a plan to regain control of our southern border, support 200,000 more police officers through recruiting and retention bonuses, and crack down on prosecutors and district attorneys who refuse to treat crime as crime. We will permanently criminalize all forms of illicit fentanyl, a priority that I, along with my Energy and Commerce Committee colleagues have been pushing for months without serious help from across the aisle. Finally, we will support our troops and exercise peace through strength with our allies to counter global threats.

A Future that is Built on Freedom: The Republican commitment to a freer future includes putting students first and improving health outcomes to ensure better care. Parents deserve a voice in their child’s education— not to be labeled a “domestic terrorist.” We will ensure accountability from those who are responsible for teaching our children. We will defend fairness by ensuring that only women can compete in women’s sports. Further, Democrats are determined to impose a top-down, one-size-fits-all government approach to medical care that will only lead to fewer cures and worse services. Americans deserve personalized care to provide affordable options and lower prices, which can only come from transparency, choice, and competition.

A Government that is Accountable: The Biden Administration is out of touch with the values on which our country was founded. Democrats have strayed too far from the nation our Founding Fathers envisioned, and it’s past time we stand up for our Constitutional freedoms such as open speech, religious freedom, and the right to bear arms. The government should work for the people, not against them. As elected officials, it is our job to demand oversight and accountability. Republicans will conduct rigorous oversight to rein in this abuse of power and provide transparency to the American people, such as requiring the White House to answer for the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal.  

Now is the time to put America first. We must remember that all men and women are created equal and endowed with God-given rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. With these pillars, the Republican party is ready to offer solutions for a healthier tomorrow.

WORKING IN WASHINGTON

Fully funding IHS is crucial. Thank you to the National Indian Health Board for the opportunity to speak at your legislative forum.

I had a great time meeting the new CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, Curtis LeGeyt!

I'm thrilled a group of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) from Durant High School took the time to stop by the office this week! HOSA is a career tech program for nursing and other health professions. They were in town for a leadership skills conference.

Thank you to Dr. Rose Gamble from the University of Tulsa for sitting down with me to discuss exciting new research on cyber security and energy grid security.

It was great to see familiar faces at the Oklahoma Bankers Association. 

I had a productive meeting with the American Medical Association about the on-going opioid epidemic and the steps we can take to combat it.

WEEKLY WRAP UP

Another week in Washington, another week of the Democrat party neglecting the real dangers facing our country. While Congress heads into recess for the next month, the American people are left suffering. 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.

Votes for the week of September 26th, 2022: 

H.R. 3482 National Center for the Advancement of Aviation Act (YES)
H.R. 7780 Mental Health Matters Act (NO)

H.R. 3843 Merger Filing Fee Modernization Act (NO)

S. 4900 SBIR and STTR Extension Act (YES)

H.R. 8466 Chai Suthammanont Healthy Federal Workplaces Act (YES)

S. 3470 End Human Trafficking in Government Contracts Act (YES)

S. 2551 AI Training Act (YES)

S. 958 Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment for (MOBILE) Health Care Act (YES)

H.R. 6965 Visit America Act (YES)

H.R. 7321 Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act (YES)

House Amendment to S. 3662 Preventing PFAS Runoff at Airports Act (NO)

H.R. 8888 Food Security for All Veterans Act (YES)

S. 2794 Supporting Families of the Fallen Act (YES)

H.R. 8446 Global Food Security Reauthorization Act (NO)

H.R. 8463 Millennium Challenge Corporation Eligibility Expansion Act (YES)

Concurring in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 6833 FY23 Continuing Resolution (NO)

H.R. 8987 Fairness for 9/11 Families Act (YES)