This month, Congress was in session to pass a number of important pieces of legislation. We also funded the government and extended the Farm Bill.

Although I was working up in Washington for most of the month, I was glad to spend time with family for Christmas – as I hope all of you were able to do! Please keep reading for my full December update.

In Washington Supporting Our Servicemembers

This month, the House passed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2025, which included some big wins for Oklahoma.

By passing the NDAA, we not only fulfilled our duty to support America’s servicemembers and improve our military readiness, but we also bolstered Oklahoma military installations. I applaud House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers for his efforts in passing this legislation and ensuring it includes critical funding for Oklahoma’s Third District.

Funding Local Projects

The House also passed the Water Resources Development Act, which authorized much needed funds for community projects around our district.

Pieces of legislation like this remind us why we are here: to better our communities back home. That’s why I am so glad to see this bill pass. It directs funds to Oklahoma’s water infrastructure and ensures our hometowns are adequately equipped with the proper resources.

Funding the Government & Extending the Farm Bill Before we went home for the holidays, we passed the American Relief Act, which funded the government through March of 2025 and extended the Farm Bill until September 30th, 2025.

Extending government funding into early next year allows Republicans and President-elect Trump to get to work on day one where we will be able to deliver results for the American people. By including a Farm Bill extension in this effort, we also ensured much-needed economic assistance reaches American farmers and communities.

Meeting the Okies in the NFL

I joined my House and Senate colleagues to meet some of the great Oklahomans who are currently playing in the NFL.

Austin Seibert, Tress Way and Tyler Ott – who either grew up in Oklahoma or played college ball there – took time away from the Washington Commanders to meet with us in the Oklahoma Delegation. It was great talking with them!

In Oklahoma

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I hope everyone in Oklahoma and around the world enjoyed a Merry Christmas!

We have so much to be thankful for in this great country. Through the ups and downs, America will always remain the greatest nation to ever exist, and that is something to always be grateful for.

I am especially blessed to call Oklahoma my home, and like always, I remain forever grateful for the incredible people that make this state so special. I’m looking forward to 2025!

Mourning the Loss of Dr. Moore

I join Oklahomans everywhere in mourning the loss of Dr. Berrien Moore, a devoted international scientist and longtime public servant.

As the Director of the National Weather Center in Norman, Dr. Moore’s influence made Oklahoma the weather forecasting capital of the country. His impact was also felt around the globe, as he was a lead author for an intergovernmental report that won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.

I was lucky enough to work closely with Dr. Moore over the years in Oklahoma and as Chairman of the Science Committee. While it is a tremendous loss for our state and country, I am confident his legacy will have a lasting impact for generations to come.

Former President Jimmy Carter

We are also mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter, who was a faithful and public servant. While he faced a number of political challenges throughout his time in office, it was President Carter’s generosity, honesty, and deep religious roots that characterized his life.

It was the same generosity and honesty that brought then-President Carter back to Elk City, Oklahoma in 1979 after he promised would be-Elk City Mayor Larry Wade he’d be back if he won the ‘76 election. Very few have forgotten the warm greetings and smiles shared with President Carter as he graced our community for a town hall meeting and a Sunday church service. I extend my deepest condolences to the Carter family in this somber hour.

Constituent Services

One of my most important duties as your representative in Congress is to assist you when dealing with federal agencies – this assistance is referred to as casework.

If you are a resident of the Third District and can’t get an answer from a federal agency in a timely manner, or if you have questions about a program or process, my office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need.