Congresswoman Stephanie Bice
As August approaches, I’m looking forward to being at home in Oklahoma and taking advantage of the opportunity to meet and engage with constituents across the Fifth Congressional District. Since Congress’s early years, August has traditionally been a district work period, and this time away from the Capitol is dedicated for Members of Congress to return to their home districts and states, engage directly with their constituents, and immerse themselves in the local issues that matter most to their communities. While this period is a hiatus from legislative activity in Washington, it serves a crucially important role in ensuring that Members of Congress remain connected with the very constituents we serve.
Engaging with the communities we represent is a cornerstone of effective legislation. Many times, legislative initiatives emerge due to the conversations I have with local leaders, business owners, and Oklahomans of every walk of life. Over the next few weeks, I will be meeting with different community groups along with local government officials to have one-on-one conversations about what is hurting and helping our state. I anticipate hearing stories of businesses that are overburdened by regulations, Oklahomans who are struggling with record high prices due to inflation, and those who have lost loved ones due to the fentanyl crisis. While I work for Oklahoma in our nation’s Capital, my focus continues to be on the people who have elected me to serve, which means working with individuals across both the public and private sectors. It is important to hear from state legislators, local mayors, and numerous others to get updates and perspectives on all sides. These dialogues help ensure that legislative decisions are focused on the needs of our district.
Finally, the August work period is an opportunity for lawmakers to prepare for the legislative battles ahead. I will use this time to prepare for the issues which must be addressed before the end of the year, including finishing the appropriations process, working to secure our border, and pushing back against unconstitutional federal regulations. I hope to lay out my vision for the future. We must continue to work towards an economy that is strong, a nation that is safe, a future that is built on freedom, and a government that is accountable.
