Fellow Oklahoman,
August in Congress means that both the House of Representatives and the Senate are out of session and the annual district work period has begun. In other words, this is a time when members of Congress are able to spend the month back in their districts with their constituents and local communities.
This time in August is something I consider very valuable, as it helps me to ensure I am remaining in touch with those who elected me.
This year, I had the opportunity to converse with small business owners and employees, local community leaders, Chambers of Commerce, leadership from local military bases, and many other constituents throughout Oklahoma’s Fourth District, where they expressed to me firsthand the issues important to them and what I can do to help.
These critical conversations are what I take back with me to Washington, DC, as I know that my duty as a member of Congress is to the People and the August district work period is critical to ensuring I am accurately representing them.
For a recap of what I was up to this district work period, continue reading below:
I visited the new Noble Fire Department, where I had the opportunity to tour the space and talk with Fire Chief Matt Creed. It was a great visit, and I thank these first responders for all they do for our community!
This August, I had the opportunity to meet with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Director, Donnie Anderson, and Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Director, Keith Brown, as well as some of their staffers. The work these leaders do couldn’t be more important and I look forward to continuing to work with them to fight against drug trafficking in Oklahoma.
I spoke with my constituents at the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber Coffee a few weeks ago. I want to give a special thank you to Chamber Director, Elisabeth Baker, Sheriff Landy Offolter, Undersheriff James Goin, Purcell Police Chief Bobby Elmore, and many other police officers, as well as Sonny’s Cafe Owner, Tona Fogle Price, for making this event happen!
This August, I met with Keili McEwen from the Tinker Federal Credit Union to discuss the structural reform of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
I stopped by the Noble Police Department, where I took a look around the building and visited with Police Chief Casey Cottrell. They have a great new facility there in Noble!
I had the privilege of speaking to the Midwest City Rotary Club this August. What a great group of veterans, business owners, and community members!
It was a great time attending World Helicopter Day in Norman, where we celebrated Semper Fly’s partnership to become a certified training unit with Bell Aviation.
As your representative, I take the duty of advocating for Oklahoma’s small businesses very seriously. This August, one of the many small businesses I stopped by was Ten Arrows Roofing and Contracting in Newcastle. It was great visiting with them!
It was a pleasure to stop by and meet with Jeremy Hodge, the owner of Toyota in Ardmore. We had a great conversation, where we discussed the new tax incentives for Made in America vehicles and much more.
It was great to visit the Davis Library with Southern Oklahoma Library System Director, Gail Oehler, and her team. During the visit, I learned about their innovative makerspace, which allows students to create digital art, use virtual reality, and have access to a 3D printer. I really enjoyed this visit, and they even made me a 3D model of both Washington, D.C. and Oklahoma City!
While in Goldsby, I had lunch with the owners and staff of B&H Construction, as well as a few State Representatives. B&H Construction is a fantastic, purpose-led small business that provides work for formerly incarcerated individuals. They also provide them with financial advice and access to a daily Bible study. What a great company!
It was wonderful to meet Rusty Grissom and his family while I visited the Grissom Landscape Nursery. Before Rusty’s ownership the past forty years, the business was owned by three previous owners, making it the oldest plant nursery in the state!
While at ECU, I visited with the Oklahoma Indian Legal Clinic and celebrated their fifth anniversary!
This August, I met with the board of the Norman Chamber. It is always helpful to hear from them about the issues they care about!
It was truly an honor to meet with the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Randy George, as well as engage with 4-3 ADA, after their 15 month deployment. These men are true heroes!
I made a stop at the Noble Public Library to check out the great things they provide to the community. The library now has a makers lab that has a 3D printer and a laser printing machine. Libraries are truly so important to our communities – whether big or small!
While working in my Norman office, I attended a meeting with a group of ALS advocates. We discussed their experiences with ALS, its community impact, and legislative issues of great importance to the ALS community.
Sincerely,
Member of Congress
