BOOMER!

Congratulations to Oklahoma Transportation Secretary Gatz on his retirement after 37 years of service to our state. Throughout my time as the Representative for Oklahoma, I have had the pleasure of working with ODOT Sec. Gatz on several projects such as widening I-35 in high traffic areas, adding safety shoulders to SH-19, and several intersection and interchange improvements, especially around Tinker Air Force Base to improve traffic flow. Therefore, I can say firsthand that Secretary Gatz has truly made an impact on Oklahoma. Wishing you and your family all the best in your next chapter, Secretary Gatz!

For 79 years, selfless men and women in the Air Force have fought for our freedom, defended our skies, and made enormous sacrifices for the American people. Today, and every day, we thank them for their service and bravery. Happy Birthday to the United States Air Force!

Since the founding of our nation, Americans have selflessly chosen to serve our country in the military. We are truly so indebted to them, as it is because of their sacrifices that we are able to enjoy the freedoms, rights, and safety that are coveted by so many around the world. Therefore, I am excited to see that Oklahoma has been awarded $11 Million in grants to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. Ensuring veterans have access to safe, stable housing is truly the least we can do. https://t.co/6V6bqq02Lp

Aviation is very important to Oklahoma. We are home to Tinker AFB, Vance AFB, Altus AFB, the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, the American Airlines base maintenance facility, and much more. Proud to have represented the Fourth District today as FAA Administrator Bedford and I discussed how we can work to ensure America continues to lead the world in aviation.

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks – a day that changed our nation forever. It was a sunny September morning when al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four civilian aircrafts, turning them into suicide weapons for mass murder. The first two planes hit the World Trade Centers in New York City. 2,753 people were killed in the Twin Towers, as they both collapsed to the ground. New Yorkers were seen jumping from the burning buildings, preferring to fall to their own death, instead of being consumed by fires caused by the actions of evil terrorists. The footage is something I will never forget watching. Another plane crashed into the Pentagon, the headquarters of our nation’s defense, while the fourth plane was stopped by brave Americans who attempted to take back control of the aircraft. That plane ended up crashing into a field in Pennsylvania, taking the lives of every passenger on board and bringing the total number of deaths to 2,977. Like most Americans, September 11, 2001 is a day I will truly never forget. At the time, I was working as a political consultant, enjoying my time in the private sector after serving several years as Oklahoma’s Secretary of State and Chief of Staff for the Republican National Committee and in the Oklahoma legislature. During an advisory meeting for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, one of my roles as a consultant, the news of the attacks broke. We gathered on the fourth floor of the building, looking out the window at the White House. I will never forget the Bush Administration employees pouring out of the building as we saw smoke rise from the Pentagon across the river. At the same time, FBI agents were running into the U.S. Chamber headquarters to take their positions and keep us safe. In that moment, sad, angry, and disgusted, I knew I was watching history. That event forever changed me in so many ways, as it was actually what steered me back into running for office. Yet, while our country was deeply shaken, America itself was not broken. In the face of horrific tragedy, we demonstrated unity, resilience, strength, and courage. Americans truly rallied around the flag, supporting one another in the face of adversity. We showed the world that even in our darkest hour, the United States will endure – a reality that I believe remains just as powerful and true today and every day. So, today, on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, let us pause to remember the 2,977 innocent lives taken too soon, stand with the loved ones they left behind, and honor the brave first responders who acted with courage and heroism on that tragic day. At the same time, we must also continue to stand in unity with the survivors who must still live with the trauma to this day. September 11, 2001 was a day of inconceivable tragedy and loss. At the same time, it was a day that brought us together as Americans. Twenty five years later, as we remember and reflect on the 9/11 attacks, let’s do so with unity as we show our respect for those we lost and for this great country we are so fortunate to call home.

As my fellow Oklahomans know, @OU_Baseball pulled off one of the most historic triumphs in NCAA baseball history when they beat the University of North Carolina in the College World Series. I introduced a resolution before Congress to congratulate the team. Boomer! https://t.co/wK4ViG8zPl

This partnership between Epirus and FISTA is yet another example of Oklahoma aiding in our nation’s defense and ensuring our warfighters have the capabilities they need. Great to be at the ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday!

It is with heartfelt sadness that I learned of the passing of my dear friend, and magnificent former colleague, Kay Granger of Fort Worth, Texas. Some simply hold the gavel – Kay demonstrated what it meant to wield it. Her life and career were defined by a remarkable legacy of firsts: the first woman to become Mayor of Fort Worth, the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Texas, the first woman to Chair the Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, and the first woman to lead House Republicans on the Appropriations Committee. Yet, Kay never rested in the remarkableness of each milestone – she was always ready for the next responsibility, the next challenge, and the next opportunity to serve. I admired Kay Granger the moment I met her. She carried herself with an unmistakable grace, but behind her regal appearance was a razor-sharp tenacity that commanded any room. Kay demanded respect, and she got it from everyone she ever interacted with. Whip-smart and Texas tough, she had a presence that could settle any debate with little more than a look. I was lucky enough to know her personally and professionally through our work serving together in Republican leadership. So, I can attest with firsthand knowledge that ‘Don’t mess with Texas’ was more than a motto when it came to Kay. I know it well because I lost to her when we both sought the chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee previously. After that, our friendship and mutual respect didn’t change for one another. In fact, she named me to be her Vice Chair. Her mentorship and guidance were large parts of my own committee journey and helped prepare me for the privilege of succeeding her as Chairman. On the Appropriations Committee, Kay was known as a fiscal conservative, a defense hawk, and a hard – but fair – negotiator. Ever proud of her Texas roots, Granger ferociously fought for the interests of the Lone Star State. Her colleagues on both sides of the aisle always respected her professionalism, her good humor, her unfailing civility, and her willingness to strike a deal. Indeed, she and the first woman to Chair the Appropriations Committee, Nita Lowey of New York, were fast friends. They were partners who set the gold standard of how to achieve bipartisan consensus. Their portraits above our dais today remind us of the example they set and the responsibility we inherit. I will miss my friend Kay Granger. She set an unmatched standard of excellence, civility, professionalism, and dedication to duty that few can match – and no one will ever exceed. My thoughts and prayers are with Kay’s family, friends, and many admirers. We have lost a great lioness of the House, and I have lost a dear friend to whom I shall always be indebted.

It was great to meet with the Air Force Sustainment Center Commander Lt General Hammerstedt, who is based in my district at Tinker Air Force Base! https://t.co/mXYMvjIrnG