Whatzup Politics

Whatzup Politics (1562)

Written by News Release

Oklahoma Senators Hicks and Kirt receive national honors

OKLAHOMA CITY – The National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) has chosen two Oklahoma Senate members to receive the organization’s Elected Women of Excellence Award. Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, and Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, were named by the non-partisan, non-profit organization as 2023 recipients.

According to NFWL, the Women of Excellence Award was created to identify women who have worked tirelessly to serve their communities, fostering an environment supportive of women serving in public office. Winners for the award are first nominated by their colleagues and constituents from their home states before being chosen by a distinguished panel of NFWL members.

Hicks is in her second term in the Oklahoma Senate. She has both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oklahoma City University, has worked as an educator and in the nonprofit sector. Hicks holds seats on the Senate Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget; Appropriations; Health and Human Services; Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services; Education; Finance; and Public Safety.

“I am passionate about issues that support Oklahoma families, including the health and well-being of mothers, infants and children, education, and child care. These are areas of policy women legislators have helped bring to the forefront across the country, and that directly impact all of our citizens as we work to strengthen our families and communities,” Hicks said. “I’m also proud to help support my fellow women officials and encourage others to seek office, and I thank NFWL for their support and recognition.”

Kirt is also in her second term in the Oklahoma Senate. She has a bachelor’s degree from Macalester College in Minnesota and a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to joining the Senate, Kirt led statewide arts and culture nonprofit organizations for almost 20 years. She holds seats on the Select Committee on Business Retention and Economic Development; Joint Committee on Appropriations and Budget; Appropriations; Oversight Committee for the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency (LOFT); Joint Committee on Pandemic Relief Funding and the Health and Human Services Working Group; Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services; Appropriations Subcommittee on OMES/ARPA oversight; Finance; Rules; and Veterans and Military Affairs. Kirt is also a co-chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Women’s Caucus.

“It's an honor to champion affordable housing, mental health care, education and well-paying jobs that lift folks out of poverty. We need this network of investment to build a bright future for our state,” Kirt said. “We have talented and capable women in our Legislature who are making important contributions on behalf of our citizens, and I encourage more to seek public office for the betterment of Oklahoma. I thank NFWL for this honor, and for their support of women in government.”

Written by News Release

Representatives Visit U.S. Southern Border

OKLAHOMA CITY – A group of Oklahoma House Republicans this week visited the Rio Grande River in Eagle Pass, Texas, on the border between the United States and Mexico.

Reps. Justin Humphrey, R-Lane; David Hardin, R-Stilwell; and Danny Williams, R-Seminole, said they were invited by the sheriff in Eagle Pass who wanted to personally show the reality of what is happening at the nation's southern border.

The trio said by about 3:30 p.m. Central Standard Time on Monday, U.S. Border Patrol agents reported about 450 illegal crossings into the country just for the one partial day.

"We have been told Eagle Pass is now receiving the majority of illegal entries into our country, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection is just overwhelmed," the lawmakers said in a joint statement. "We cannot keep this up. We don't know who all of these people are, if they need legitimate asylum or if they are connected to a drug cartel, or terrorist groups, or child, sex or labor traffickers, or what. This represents a terrible public safety crisis, and even economically, we cannot support all of these people in a humanitarian manner. It has been reported that Oklahoma spends a little more than $780 million every year to support those who illegally enter our country. Our current presidential administration is failing to protect our borders, leaving the states to take this matter into our own hands. We are here to discuss how we can assist Texas and protect Oklahomans."

Written by News Release

Congressman Josh Brecheen Introduces Two Bills to Fight Back Against the Biden Administration’s Pro-Abortion Agenda

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen introduced two bills today to fight back against the Biden Administration’s far-Left, pro-abortion agenda.

The No Taxpayer Abortions for Unaccompanied Minors Act says that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may not issue, finalize, implement, or enforce any rule or guidance to facilitate abortions or access to abortions, including expenses for travel or lodging for the purpose of obtaining an abortion, for an unaccompanied alien child.

The No Abortion Coverage for Medicaid Act includes a findings section which states that the Hyde Amendment prevents taxpayer funds for abortions, applies to all Medicaid funds, and cannot be superseded by a waiver. Additionally, legislation to prohibit Medicaid dollars from going to elective abortions, including payment for services, is consistent with the Hyde Amendment. It also amends section 1115 of the Social Security Act to clarify that HHS may not approve an application or extension for any Medicaid or CHIP project that provides federal financial assistance for abortion or health coverage benefits that include abortion, including expenses for travel or lodging for the purposes of obtaining an abortion.

“Following the historic Dobbs decision, the Biden Administration has deliberately ignored federal law in order to pursue its far-left, pro-abortion agenda—all without the authority of Congress. These bills are needed to fight back against the Biden Administration’s war against life,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

The Daily Signal’s Mary Margaret Olohan wrote an exclusive report on the bills, which you can read here.

Original co-sponsors for the No Taxpayer Abortions for Unaccompanied Minors Act include: Representatives Trent Kelly (R-MS), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Bob Good (R-VA), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Mary Miller (R-IL), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), and Randy Weber (R-TX).

Original co-sponsors for the No Abortion Coverage for Medicaid Act include: Representatives Trent Kelly (R-MS), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Bob Good (R-VA), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Mary Miller (R-IL), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Randy Weber (R-TX), and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX).

Written by Rep. Jim Grego

Capitol Greetings November 20, 2023

A colleague told me recently about the Thanksgiving that her brother wanted to host the family gathering.

This brother was sometimes homeless. He was on and off of drugs, and while family members were willing to help him, and he'd done multiples stunts in rehab, he sometimes still chose drugs and homelessness over normal life.

So, when he offered to host Thanksgiving, the family was skeptical. He was living in a relative's house at the time and had been clean and sober for a bit, so everyone agreed to give this a try. If it turned out bad, there were always restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day.

The brother had a girlfriend at the time, and he said she was a terrific cook and wanted to make the entire dinner herself – Turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie – everything. Again, the family was dubious, but thinking this might be the only time this particular sibling might have it together enough to play host, they went along.

The brother didn't have much furniture, so most of the family ate Thanksgiving dinner on the front porch. Thankfully, Oklahoma's weather was fantastic that year and it was a beautiful day. Turns out the girlfriend was a really good cook. Everyone said a prayer the food wasn't stolen or purchased with drug money, and they all appreciated the fact that they didn't even have to argue over who was bringing what that year.

That was the last year this brother was alive on this earth. Not long after that Thanksgiving, he went back to doing drugs and resumed his homelessness. The last time my colleague saw him, he was holding a cardboard sign at a busy intersection in Oklahoma City asking for handouts to get some food. The colleague turned her car around to get back to him to see if she could take him to buy him a meal, but he'd disappeared by the time she got back to the intersection. Several weeks later, they found his body on a path behind a local church. In some nearby woods was his campsite. On one of his cardboard signs was written the word smile in all capital letters, each letter in a different color of marker.

This year, as the family resumes it's normal Thanksgiving plans with the group text listing what everyone is bringing, what time they're gathering, a reminder for everyone to bring their own to-go dishes, etc., etc., she can't help but think back to that particular Thanksgiving. It was one of the least stressful. When you don't have much, you're thankful for everything, she said.

Good reminder to the rest of us!

I hope everyone in House District 17 has much to be thankful for this year. I know I do. Included on my list are all of you. Happy Thanksgiving!

As always, thank You for allowing me to serve you. I can be reached at (405) 557-7381 or by email at jim.grego@okhouse.gov.

Jim Grego serves District 17 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Latimer County and parts of LeFlore and Pittsburg counties.

Written by News release

House Democrats Release Statement Condemning Recent Ticketing of Tribal Citizens

OKLAHOMA CITY – We have heard from our constituents and Oklahomans across our state who have great concern and frustration regarding the recent ticketing of tribal citizens for driving with tribal car tags off of tribal land. We want to be clear: we continue to be in support of tribes, and acknowledge and respect their tribal sovereignty.

This is another attempt by the Governor to undermine our tribal leaders and nations as he continues to demonstrate his inability to work with them.

If he has valid concerns, he should lead by having discussions with tribal leaders instead of creating unnecessary chaos that is harmful and unproductive.

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Congressman Josh Brecheen Statement in Honor of Veterans Day

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen issued the following statement ahead of Veterans Day:

“Veterans Day is an important time to honor the brave men and women in uniform who serve our country courageously every single day. These brave men and women allow us to enjoy so many of the freedoms that we often take for granted in this country. As Ronald Reagan famously said in 1967: ‘Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It must be fought for by each generation.’ So make sure to thank a veteran this weekend for all they do to keep our country safe. Thank you and God bless America!,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

If you are a veteran and experience any problems with the VA or have any ideas how we can make the VA more effective and efficient we want to hear from you! Please reach out to our district office at (918) 283-6262.

Here are some of the actions Congressman Brecheen has taken this year to support veterans:

H.R. 366: Korean American Valor Act, which gave Korean veterans who served in Vietnam alongside the U.S. between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 access to VA healthcare at VA facilities as long as they are current https://www.congress.gov/congressional-report/118th-congress/house-report/64 U.S. citizens.

S. 777: Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2023, which increases the amount of money that is paid to veterans for disability compensation, clothing allowance, and increase the amount received by surviving family members through https://www.dav.org/get-help-now/veteran-topics-resources/survivors/# Dependency and Indemnity Compensation.

H.R. 1606: Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2023, which authorized the Small Business Administration to carry out the Boots to Business program until at least 2028. This program provides assistance and in-depth training to covered individuals interested in business ownership.

Voted in favor of the FY24 NDAA which gave enlisted service members a 5.2% pay raise.

Voted for https://amendments-rules.house.gov/amendments/roytx_110_xml_updated230724154604521.pdf Chip Roy's amendment to terminate the https://mcusercontent.com/d4254037a343b683d142111e0/files/f3da3b26-084a-2ea8-2b41-656f0015b6a1/d_1193_01_1__2022_01_27.pdf VA program that requires VA personnel to be vaccinated.

Voted for the VA secretary to study the effectiveness of the https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/bills-118hr4366rh/pdf/bills-118hr4366rh.pdf suicide hotline to help prevent and intervene before additional veterans commit suicide.

Voted in favor of H.R. 3981: The Veterans Education Oversight Expansion Act, which increases oversight into programs that receive VA education benefits and ensures that veterans have access to relevant information about educational and training programs.

Voted in favor of https://clerk.house.gov/votes/2023399?page=2 S.112, to provide health care for life to the children of Vietnam War veterans who have spina bifida.

Voted in favor of H.R. 1530, to improve veterans benefits as it relates to veterans who seek a law degree, and creates a community care outreach program for veterans to understand which physicians they can visit outside of the VA.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3176/text?s=1&r=70 Cosponsored Rep. Biggs's Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which allows veterans to access heath care more quickly from providers in the private sector by removing the VA from the referral process.

Written by News release

Pugh files bill to protect military surviving spouse benefits

OKLAHOMA CITY – As Oklahomans prepare to celebrate Veteran’s Day, Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, filed legislation Thursday to honor veterans killed in action by protecting the benefits of their surviving spouses. He pointed out that surviving spouses only get benefits as long as they do not remarry before the age of 55 – an unfair and disrespectful federal law that Pugh hopes to raise awareness of with Senate Bill 1201, while also providing assistance for those loved ones left behind in Oklahoma.

“There is no greater or more honorable sacrifice an American can make than to lay his or her life down for our country, and no greater loss or pain than to lose a loved one in service. As a veteran myself, I’ve grieved for friends and colleagues laid to rest far too soon and have seen their families’ pain and anguish. There’s no way to properly honor or recognize such a sacrifice, but we can ensure their loved ones are taken care of, which is why we have these benefits,” Pugh said. “Sadly, the federal government’s sympathy and support only lasts as long as those surviving spouses don’t get remarried. I’m working at both the federal and state level to change this unjust practice of punishing surviving spouses for trying to rebuild their lives, and I hope Oklahomans will join me in fighting to right this unconscionable wrong.”

The Oklahoma Service Lives On Act of 2024 would create an Oklahoma pension specifically for those surviving spouses who have had their federal surviving spouse pension terminated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), solely because they remarry.

“The fact that the federal government puts an age limit on when surviving spouses can remarry without losing their benefits is ludicrous,” Pugh said. “We have to remember the majority of service members killed in action are in their twenties, so to expect surviving spouses to stay single until their fifties is ridiculous. Their loved ones wouldn’t want them to be alone all those years and the government shouldn’t punish them for living their lives, but sadly it’s estimated that around 95% of surviving spouses forego marriage to avoid being financially penalized. We need to uphold our promise to those veterans who make the ultimate sacrifice for our country and take care of their loved ones.”

According to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), there are an estimated 11,000 surviving spouses in Oklahoma, the vast majority of which are Vietnam-era widows/widowers, and around 775 are under the age of 55.

Pugh will also be authoring a resolution urging Congress to pass the federal Love Lives On Act of 2023, which would ensure surviving spouses are able to retain their benefits from both the VA and the DoD upon remarriage at any age.

Written by Press Release

Congressman Josh Brecheen Introduces Stop Climate Hysteria in Diplomacy Act

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen introduced the Stop Climate Hysteria in Diplomacy Act, which would ensure President Biden’s Executive Order 14027, which created the Climate Change Support Office at the State Department, would have no force or effect.

“President Biden has used the excuse that climate change is an existential threat to create additional bureaucracy inside the State Department. The Climate Change Support Office is nothing more than a pet project for John Kerry to integrate climate change into all aspects of American foreign policy decisions. With this bill, Congress can eliminate a useless office and prevent the United States from prioritizing radical climate policy over our national security,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

Breitbart’s Sean Moran wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which you can read here.

Original co-sponsors include: Representatives Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and Eric Burlison (R-MO).