November 19, 2022

HAPPY 115th BIRTHDAY, OKLAHOMA!

BORDER SECURITY IS NATIONAL SECURITY

This week, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol reported 230,678 illegal migrant encounters at our southern border during the month of October. This is a 334 percent increase from the average number of encounters under President Trump. Additionally, nine of the individuals apprehended were on the Terrorist Screening Database. Biden's open border policies are actively placing Americans in danger. We must secure our border now.

AN AFFORDABLE THANKSGIVING MEAL IS OFF THE TABLE

Next week, Oklahomans will travel near and far to gather with loved ones and enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Unfortunately, two years of one-party Democrat rule will make this hard for many. Grocery prices are skyrocketing, and travel is becoming a luxury few Americans can afford while fending off increasing utility bills and mortgage rates. Joe Biden’s gift to Americans this holiday season is a failing economy with no fix in sight.

An affordable Thanksgiving meal is off the table. Inflation is at a 40-year high, and there is no sign of it slowing. This means Americans will pay 13.5 percent more for their Thanksgiving meal. Grocery prices are 12.4 percent higher this year, and wholesale turkey prices have jumped 23 percent. Prices for the ingredients to prepare your favorite recipes are up too. For example, flour is up 24.6 percent, eggs are up 43 percent, and milk is up 14.5 percent.

If you are changing your plans this year due to rising costs, you are not alone. Airline prices are up 25 percent, outpacing inflation and crushing the hopes of many who had planned to spend the holidays with loved ones far away. The once economical choice of taking a road trip is now just as expensive, with gas and diesel prices still higher than in holidays past.

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and reflect on the many blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us. May we never forget that. However, we cannot ignore the pain that Biden’s failed economic policies have caused, nor fail to acknowledge how this will change the holiday traditions that many families have held for generations. I want every American to celebrate this wonderful holiday, and I will continue fighting in Washington to ensure that can happen.

CELEBRATING OUR RURAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

On Thursday, I joined my colleagues Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) and Rep. Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01) in introducing a bipartisan resolution to recognize November 17 as National Rural Health Day. Many of my constituents in the Second District have difficulty accessing the health care they deserve, and it's important we recognize rural health providers and all those who work to expand health care access across our communities. 

THE TIME FOR NEGOTIATIONS HAS PASSED

Recent remarks by Biden’s Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, suggest that a revival of the Iran Nuclear Deal is not completely off the table. On Monday, I led five of my House Republican colleagues in sending a letter to Secretary Blinken, urging the Secretary to close the door on an Iran Deal 2.0. We cannot return to negotiations with a regime that has made it clear they will do anything to stay in power. To condemn the regime with one voice and negotiate with another project weakness and lack of moral fiber. Click here to read the letter. 

WEEKLY WRAP UP

This week back in Washington was different than most. As we transition into the 118th Congress, I am grateful we are a nation by the people and for the people. It’s an honor of a lifetime to serve you all, and I thank God every day for it. You can watch this week's wrap up on Facebook, Twitter, or 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.