It has certainly been a busy past month in Washington, DC. For a full update on what I worked on this January, continue reading below.
Took the Oath of Office for the 119th Congress
At the beginning of the month, I took the oath of office and was sworn in for the 119th Congress, where I will continue my leadership as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
The American people gave us a mandate of change last November, and as we usher in this new Congress, we are focusing on our America First commitment to help us build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous nation.
By concentrating on the challenges and opportunities ahead of us, I see progress that will herald us into the golden years of America. One where stagnation will be replaced by growth, submissive governance will be transformed into bold leadership, and the dreams of everyday Americans will once again feel within reach.
The 119th Congress is already off to a great start. I look forward to continuing to work with President Trump and Republican leadership to deliver on the promises resoundingly demanded from people across this country.
Voted in Favor of the Laken Riley Act
Throughout the past four years, we have watched traffickers, dangerous criminals, and cartels take advantage of the Biden Administration’s open border policies. As a result, innocent Americans, like Laken Riley, have been violently murdered by illegal immigrants who entered our nation unvetted.
This cannot go on – and, under President Trump, it won’t.
This month, I voted in favor of the Laken Riley Act, which will require the DHS to detain illegal immigrants who have committed certain crimes – a policy that could have possibly saved Laken Riley’s life. Then, this week, President Trump signed this legislation into law.
I am so glad to see this bill become law, as it is past time that we end this ongoing border catastrophe once and for all.
Met with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago
In mid-January, I traveled down to South Florida to meet with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
Sitting beside the President at the dinner table, our conversation centered on conservative values to renew American greatness. We engaged on spending priorities, cutting waste, reconciliation plans, and the debt ceiling. I made clear of my readiness to partner with President Trump and his administration to advance the America First agenda, which begins with securing our borders and revitalizing pro-growth economic policies.
This meeting was a powerful and unifying start. I trust in President Trump’s direction and am grateful for the invitation and his time. The President has set the foundation to further a strong working relationship with the Republican House Committee Chairs.
Voted to Protect Women’s Sports
Allowing biological men to compete in women’s sports is unfair, jeopardizes safety in the women’s locker room, and takes away from the opportunities that female athletes have worked so hard to accomplish.
This is why, this month, I voted in favor of H.R. 28, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025, which generally prohibits school athletic programs from allowing individuals who are biologically male to participate in women or girls programs.
At the end of the day, it is simple: biological men do not belong in women’s sports.
Attended the Inauguration of President Trump
American greatness has always been borne from the people, and her citizens have spoken resoundingly. On January 20th, I was honored to join the country in celebrating the historic inauguration of the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump.
This day reflected the power of the American people and the boundless opportunity of a determined nation. We are now renewed by a hope of not only what America is – but also what it can be. No challenge is too great, no comeback is too daunting, and no dream is too bold in this nation.
As we look forward, decisive leadership directs a new era of governance that triumphs putting the U.S. first. Together, we will build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for all. Alongside President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the entire Trump Administration, I am ready to support the mandate demanded by our constituents. It is a new era in America!
Co-Sponsored and Voted in Favor of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
Last week, I co-sponsored and voted in favor of H.R. 21, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.
This legislation is simple: if a baby is born alive following an attempted abortion, then it is required that the infant be provided the same standard of medical care as any other newborn. Put plainly, it is just common sense and basic human decency.
We must always protect our most fundamental right: the right to life.
Introduced Legislation to Repair Our Broken Election Systems
As Americans, voting is not only our civic duty granted by the Founding Fathers, but also our power. It allows us to voice our opinion, serves as a tool for change, and shapes our great nation. Yet, after the issues we saw in the 2020 presidential election, confidence in our election systems has decreased significantly.
This is why, last week, I introduced the Protect American Election Administration Act, which blocks the private takeover of the government election administration, protects the voting laws of the individual states, prevents private funding for ballot harvesting or curing, and bars the use of election infrastructure to conduct ideologically motivated voter outreach campaigns.
We must ensure that Americans have the confidence that their vote truly counts, as our election systems are truly the bedrock of our republic.
Secured Funding for the Chickasaw National Recreation Area
This week, I announced that I have secured the first of many provisions to come that will benefit Oklahomans affected by tornadoes in 2024.
I secured $25.97 million for the Chickasaw National Recreation Area through the National Park Service. This funding will be used to repair the tornado damage including maintenance buildings, campground trails, debris removal, and other damages. Additionally, this will help with improving the safety and security of the infrastructure and fences surrounding the area, as well as cover the relocation of the bison herd, pedestrian bridge construction, and make new and existing structures more resilient.
I am so proud and relieved to have secured this much-needed assistance. Now more than ever, it is paramount that American dollars are going to help American people.
Please stay tuned for more announcements to be made regarding upcoming funds secured for other areas in Oklahoma’s Fourth District affected by the tornadoes.
