WASHINGTON — Congress passed a bill that could directly help military families in Oklahoma. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla) sponsored the National Defense Authorization Act as the chairman of the Armed Services Committee.
A committee that included Inhofe and U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn (D-Okla.) agreed on the language of the deal early this week. The representatives included guidelines in the bill that would allow better management and oversight of privatized housing on military bases.
“I thought it was just at Tinker Air Force Base. Then I checked, and we went to other establishments that we have around the state of Oklahoma. Fort Sill was the next one, and we found out we had problems there too,” said Inhofe. “Then we went beyond Oklahoma and found that this is a problem nationwide.”
While Tinker military families aren’t required to live on base, Inhofe said some may not have a choice when it comes to housing supply and demand in areas around bases.
“I consider this NDAA a first important step in protecting our families, but there's a lot more work to do, and we will continue to do that,” said Horn.
Leaders finalized the bill after Democrats agreed to the establishment of a U.S. Space Force sought by Republicans in return for the inclusion of 12 weeks of paid family leave for federal workers in the bill.
Lowering the cost of prescription drugs
Also this week, the House passed H.R. 3, which could lower the cost of prescription drugs for Americans. All Republican representatives for Oklahoma opposed the plan, while Horn voted yes.
While President Donald Trump released a plan last year to lower drug prices, the President will not sign the House bill into law in its current form, according to a statement the White House released.
“There are partisan things like impeachment or this H.R. 3 drug pricing bill that you can pass through one chamber, but you'll never get a presidential signature for,” said Congressman Tom Cole (R-Okla) in his weekly video. “We ought to focus again on the things we can get done.”
Horn included a provision in the bill that would cap out-of-pocket expenses at $2,000 for those who have Medicare Part D. While the cost of insulin increased by 197% over the past decade, for seniors with Medicare Part D, the cost has increased by 840%, according to Horn’s office.
“Today’s vote was for every parent I’ve met who struggles to afford insulin for their child and every person I’ve spoken with who is forced to choose between putting food on the table and buying life-saving medication,” said Horn. “Prescription drug prices are out-of-control, plain and simple.”
Judiciary Committee passed impeachment
The House Judiciary Committee voted Friday to impeach Trump on two articles of impeachment: One for abuse of power and the other for obstructing Congress. The vote fell along party lines.
Every Oklahoma representative except for Horn has spoken out against impeachment.
The congresswoman is also the only member of the Oklahoma delegation who has yet to comment on impeachment proceedings. Experts say this may put her in a tight spot for reelection.
“I'm taking time to review the articles,” said Horn. “They just came out [Tuesday] morning. We're dealing with some very serious and important issues here, and I want to make sure that I take everything into account.”
National Republican Congressional Committee Deputy Communications Director Bob Salera said that by trying to impeach the President, Democrats are hurting themselves because they aren’t focusing on issues other than impeachment.
“The Democrats are throwing away their majority by focusing on impeachment instead of getting things done on issues like health care and the USMCA,” said Salera.
The Oklahoma Democratic Party president Alicia Andrews said Horn is doing many things outside of impeachment. She also said she supports Horn in her decision to take time to deliberate.
“When the people of District five voted, they weren't voting for impeachment, they were voting for representation,” said Andrews. “She's gone to DC and she's actually doing things that directly impact the lives of Oklahomans.”
Andrews said Horn has been instrumental in making sure drug prices are lowered and ensuring better living conditions for military families.
Also this week, the House passed a trade agreement between the United States, Mexico and Canada. Every House member representing Oklahoma supported the trade deal. Senators Inhofe and Lankford also have spoken out in support of the USMCA.
“That's a big win for American business and certainly for agriculture, including Oklahoma agriculture,” said Congressman Tom Cole (R-Okla) after the win.
Gaylord News is a reporting project of the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma.
