By Congressman Tom Cole
Today, September 9th, is the day that lawmakers are traveling back to Washington, D.C. after spending the past six weeks in their respective states and districts. This time each year, called the District Work Period, is very valuable, as it provides me with the opportunity to interact directly with constituents and hear about the issues important to them.
Personally, this August, I traveled to a total of twelve different local communities throughout the Fourth Congressional District of Oklahoma, where I attended various site tours, spoke to community leaders, visited an abundance of small businesses, and heard more about what I can do to ensure I am accurately representing those who elected me.
As expected, I spoke with many constituents, small businesses owners, and employees who expressed pressing concerns about inflation. From grocery aisles to gas stations to housing costs, the burden of rising prices is truly devastating Oklahomans every single day. As a budget hawk, I know that we must change course in order to bring prices back down for the American people and I promise I will continue to work to reverse the Democrats’ inflationary policies.
Another consistent concern I heard about from Oklahomans was the wide-open southern border. Specifically, I spoke with the McClain County Sheriff’s office about the rising rates of illegal immigrants and fentanyl they have encountered throughout the past four years. The evidence they presented makes it very clear – there is a crisis at our border. We must not allow it to rampage on, and, as the Representative for Oklahomans in the Fourth District, I will always be a strong supporter of cracking down on illegal immigration.
In addition to hearing about economic and illegal immigration concerns, I had the opportunity to visit three different medical facilities in the district – Da Vita’s Kidney Care Ranch, Jefferson County Hospital, and Memorial Health of Tillman County, which I was recently able to secure about $6 million in federal government funding for. All these important facilities provide residents of Oklahoma with access to healthcare, as well as create jobs and economic opportunity in the area, so it was great to visit them and hear more about what I can do to aid the facilities.
I also was given a site tour of the Waurika Water Treatment Facility, which I was able to secure $2 million in funding for, Dot Foods in Ardmore, Holcim’s Ada Plant, BAE Systems in Elgin, and more. Additionally, I had the opportunity to meet with both the Waurika and Elgin Public Schools Superintendents to hear about the work that is being done in our schools.
Overall, the 2024 District Work Period was extremely helpful, and I am thankful for this time to gain beneficial perspectives before returning to legislative work.
Now, as I head back to Washington, D.C. to carry out my constitutional responsibilities, I will use the conversations and feedback I received throughout the August District Work Period to further inform my votes and ensure I am accurately representing the Fourth District of Oklahoma. If you were unable to speak with me during August or have any questions, concerns, or need help with a federal agency, please do not hesitate to call my office at (405) 329-6500 or send an email at cole.house.gov/contact.
