December 10, 2022

A DAY WHICH WILL LIVE IN INFAMY

Wednesday, December 7, marks the 81^st anniversary of Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor. Each year, we take this day to remember those lost in one of the most devastating attacks our great country has ever endured.

Over eight decades ago, the United States was the target of a raid that sank nine ships, severely damaged 21 more, and, most tragically, took the lives of 2,402 Americans while wounding 1,282 others. December 7, 1941, marks the cruel, far too early end of countless lives and the beginning of America’s involvement in the Second World War. President Roosevelt called December 7, 1941, “a day which will live in infamy.” These words still ring true today.

Oklahoma has always had a close connection to the tragedy of Pearl Harbor. Among the lives lost that day, 429 were aboard the USS Oklahoma. Of those 429, many called our great state home. Oklahoma has always been a state full of God-fearing, noble, and selfless men and women. The brave Oklahomans lost that day serving their country will forever stand as a reminder of those values and a heroic example towards which every Oklahoman should strive.

The men and women in uniform, civilians, and families impacted will always be remembered with the utmost respect and dignity as well as those who joined the war efforts shortly thereafter. It is our duty as Americans to take time to honor every victim of the attack on Pearl Harbor, all that was sacrificed in World War II, and every Oklahoman impacted on this day 81 years ago.

BIDEN WON'T DELIVER SAFETY AND SECURITY

The Biden Administration has announced they will deploy Federal Air Marshals to our southern border in an attempt to control its self-made crisis. This means 99 percent of commercial flights will be stripped of federal protection during the busiest time of year. Americans deserve a secure border and safe skies. There is no reason they should not have both.

The Biden Administration has repeatedly refused to prioritize the American people. We must reinstate policies like Remain in Mexico and ensure adequate funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Our national security depends on it.

A TITAN FOR OUR GREAT STATE

I joined my House delegation colleagues Reps. Frank Lucas (OK-03), Tom Cole (OK-04), Kevin Hern (OK-01), and Stephanie Bice (OK-05) in releasing the following statement after the passage of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023:

WORKING IN WASHINGTON

I enjoyed meeting Oklahoma's new Secretary of Energy and Environment, Ken McQueen. It was great to catch up with the first and only Native-born Oklahoman to serve as Region 6 Administrator at the Environmental Protection Agency. The state will benefit from his leadership and experience.

Thank you to Oklahoma Attorney General O'Connor and Mrs. O'Connor for stopping by.

It was great to connect with USDA Executive Director Kenneth Corn. 

Thank you to the leadership of the Navajo Nation for paying me a visit. I heard about water rights litigation that is before the Supreme Court as well as clean energy initiatives in the Four Corners region. 

I spoke with several Oklahoma Rural Telecom community leaders about the FAIR Contributions Act, a bill I introduced back in July to study the impact big streamers like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have on rural network costs and availability.

Thank you to AAHomecare for the opportunity to discuss my bill, the Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Relief Act. This legislation addresses the unsustainable reimbursement rates hurting Home Medical Equipment (HME) suppliers. 

WEEKLY WRAP UP

One of Congress’ most important jobs is to fund our military. While no bill is perfect, this year's NDAA ensures our servicemen and women are equipped with the resources necessary to deliver peace through strength. 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.