December 3, 2022

EMBRACING OUR HERITAGE

FIGHTING FOR FIREARM ACCESS

To properly protect the Second Amendment, we must fight for lawful avenues to acquire firearms. Currently, foreign passports are acceptable identification documents for individuals to purchase firearms, but Tribal IDs are not.

I joined a handful of my House Republican colleagues in introducing the Tribal Firearms Access Act to clarify that Tribal governments are eligible entities to issue identification documents for the purposes of obtaining a firearm. There is no reason law-abiding Tribal members should not have equal access to their Second Amendment rights.

ENERGY SECURITY IS ESSENTIAL

On Saturday, the Biden Administration granted the Chevron Corporation permission to produce and export oil from Venezuela to, among other countries, the United States. This is not with the intent to lower gas prices for Americans, but as a “restoration of democracy” in Venezuela. With this announcement, it’s abundantly clear the Biden Administration has failed to understand one major premise: American energy independence brings global stabilization.

Energy independence is one of the most important solutions in strengthening our nation against threats from any foreign adversary. When we have energy independence, we can provide our trade partners with reliable power from a friendly nation. We can set global energy markets, and thanks to the innovation of our domestic producers, we can emit the lowest carbon emissions in the world. There are strategic risks when the U.S. is not a net exporter.

Over the past year, our nation has witnessed firsthand how our adversaries have used energy access as a threat. Russian President Vladimir Putin has weaponized Russian energy, withholding gas to influence and coerce Europe. We have seen the Saudis refuse to drill more oil, despite Joe Biden debasing himself with desperate pleas. Has Joe Biden forgotten that Venezuelan President Maduro has strong ties to Putin? He must govern with peace through strength, and energy security is the best place to start.

Oklahoma has the capacity to produce millions of barrels of crude oil every year and is home to 14 of the nation’s 100 largest natural gas fields. There is no reason to embolden dictatorships when we can exercise strength from the God-given resources right under our feet.

WORKING IN WASHINGTON

Quality health care is more than treating an illness, ailment, or chronic condition. We must look at the full picture of patients’ lives. On Wednesday, I had the opportunity to speak at the Social Determinants of Health Policy Forum to highlight the work our Caucus is doing to improve health care outcomes in rural communities like the ones in my district. Special thank you to RISE for having me.

Thank you to the American Communications Association Connects for stopping by to discuss the future of ACAC.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Oklahoma State University leadership and discuss their exciting new research projects for 2023. Thanks for stopping by!

Thank you to General Hokanson of the National Guard Bureau for paying me a visit this week.

On Wednesday, Rep. Jackie Speier (CA-14) and I hosted a panel discussion and viewing of the new documentary on the life and tragic death of SPC Vanessa Guillén and the fight for military justice reform. 

For the past couple of years, I have worked alongside Rep. Jackie Speier and the family of the late Vanessa Guillen to draft legislation to transform the the military’s response to sexual violence and missing servicemembers. I strongly believe that we must strengthen the military’s ability to protect its most important resource, which is the people who willingly sign-up to protect all Americans.

WEEKLY WRAP UP

This lame duck session is the prime opportunity for House Democrats to squeeze in one more reckless spending bill before they lose power. What happens in these next three weeks is vitally important for the next year. 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.