Congress should end tax loophole for foreign businesses

The “double drawback” loophole is a technical policy within federal trade law that is not widely known, yet it has a surprising connection to Oklahoma. The repeal of this loophole was included in the version of the One Big, Beautiful Bill that passed the House, but is missing from the Senate version of the bill.

That needs to change.

Here’s how the loophole works.

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 23, 2025) - Today, Governor Kevin Stitt, in conjunction with county and local leaders and law enforcement, released the following statements concerning a proposed settlement agreement between the City of Tulsa and the Muscogee Nation which would cede all enforcement authority over tribal citizens to the Muscogee Nation.

“Tulsa is essentially making itself a sanctuary city for tribal members engaged in criminal activity. As elected leaders, it is our job to represent our constituents regardless of race, heritage, or political affiliation,” said Gov. Stitt. “This proposed move by Mayor Nichols sets a concerning precedent and will make it impossible for elected officials and Oklahoma law enforcement to protect their communities. I will take every action to reverse course and ensure the rule of law is the same for everyone.”

This settlement comes after a drawn out legal battle between the City of Tulsa and the Muscogee Nation regarding the authority of state and local police to investigate and prosecute crimes committed by and perpetrated against non-member Indians.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Following up on legislation from earlier this year, Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, today announced she has filed for an interim study to further the conversation and research potentially harmful food dyes.

“Families deserve to know what’s in their food, and more importantly, what’s in their children’s food,” Thompson said. “This is about making informed choices and improving the health and wellbeing of Oklahoma families. With industry already beginning to make changes, we have a tremendous opportunity to be proactive rather than reactive. Through this study I intend to show why and how Oklahoma can become a model state for others as we try to improve health outcomes.”

Superintendent Walters attends historic event at White House

Washington, DC (June 18th) – Yesterday, State Superintendent Ryan Walters joined Second Lady, Usha Vance, and Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon at the White House for the historic launch of the White House Founders Museum. This launch by the Trump White House is an unprecedented, America-First initiative that will show students critical elements to the proud history of this great country.

Washington, DC (June 23rd) – Today the Agricultural Risk Review Act (H.R. 1713) passed on the House floor after Congressman Lucas spoke in support of the bill. You can watch his remarks by clicking here or watching below.

H.R. 1713 adds the Secretary of Agriculture as a permanent member on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the interagency committee charged with reviewing the national security implications of foreign investments in the economy. The bill also requires CFIUS to consider referrals from USDA for reportable agricultural land transactions.

A new report out this week finds abortions are increasing across the country, despite the Dobbs decision, primarily because of massive growth in "telehealth" prescriptions of abortion pills. Oklahoma Congressman Brecheen and Senator Lankford are asking the EPA about the impact of these pills on the American water supply.

Washington, D.C. (June 18, 2025) –  Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen (R-OK), Senator James Lankford (R-OK), and over 20 lawmakers sent a letter to the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lee Zeldin inquiring about the full negative effects of the chemical abortion drug mifepristone, specifically on its potential contaminant effects on America’s water supply.

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 19, 2025)—Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs President Jonathan Small today called on Oklahoma’s college regents to end the use or promotion of teacher-training programs that rely on the discredited “three-cueing” method, which teaches children to guess words based on associated pictures rather than sound them out phonetically.

The three-cueing method has been criticized for years as research has shown it does not help children become literate, and in 2024 Oklahoma law was updated to explicitly prohibit the use of three-cueing instruction in state public schools. Many other states have also banned three-cueing.

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 18th) – Newly-elected Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, took his oath of office in the Oklahoma House of Representatives on Wed., June 18. He won a special general election earlier this month to represent House District 74 in Rogers and Tulsa counties.

"Today has been an incredible day, and I’m deeply honored to represent the people of House District 74," Norwood said. "Serving my local community is a responsibility I take seriously. I truly love Oklahoma, and I’m committed to doing everything I can to make our state an even better place to live. I look forward to showing up every day and working hard to help our community thrive."

Originally from Muskogee, Norwood has lived in Owasso since 1994, where he works as a youth minister. He holds a bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry from Southwestern Christian University and a master's degree in applied theology from Oral Roberts University. He earned his doctorate in leadership and global perspectives from Portland Seminary at George Fox University. Norwood and his wife, Ann, have two children.

"Rep. Norwood has spent decades serving his community in ministry and today he takes on an additional role giving back to the people of his community. He is a great addition to the House of Representatives and I look forward to serving with him," said Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. "It is great to have our full 101 House members seated, ready to do the people’s business throughout the interim and into the 2026 legislative session."

He was sworn in by Oklahoma Supreme Court Chief Justice Dustin Rowe along with Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, and Rep. Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City.

Following Wednesday's swearing-in ceremony, the Oklahoma House is now comprised of 81 Republicans and 20 Democrats.

OKLAHOMA CITY (June 18th) – Representatives-Elect Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, and Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City, were sworn into the Oklahoma House of Representatives after winning their Special Elections to fill House District 71 and House District 97 respectively.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Rep. Amanda Clinton and Rep. Aletia Timmons to the Oklahoma House Democratic Caucus,” said House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City. “The House Democratic Caucus remains committed to improving the lives of working Oklahomans, ensuring they have quality, free public education, and the accessible, affordable healthcare they deserve. I know they will work to help accomplish these goals and diligently serve Oklahomans and guarantee their district’s best interests. I’m looking forward to standing alongside these two powerful women to serve all Oklahomans.”

Rep. Amanda Clinton, D-Tulsa, HD 71: "I grew up on a farm at the end of a dirt road in the Cherokee Nation, just about as far from the state legislature as you can get. My three sisters and I were raised by my dad, a general contractor, and my mom, a public school teacher of 53 years. Hard work is all I know, so earning this seat with 85 percent of the vote has been incredible. I'm deeply grateful to the voters, my family, friends, and the communities who helped me get here," Clinton said. "I'm also honored to be the fourth consecutive woman and the third Native woman to serve this district. For more than 20 years, I've worked in Tribal governments that are committed to providing health care, education, housing and pathways to a career. I know what's possible when governments invest in people because I've helped build those governments. Voters in HD 71 sent a clear message that it's time for Oklahoma to do the same, and I promise to be a strong, outspoken voice in that effort."

Rep. Aletia Timmons, D-Oklahoma City, HD 97: “I am humbled and honored to be elected by the people of House District 97 to serve as their State Representative,” Timmons said. “Fired up, ready to go!”

During the 2024 election cycle, Oklahoma House Democrats retained all of their seats, and with these two members filling vacancies, now have 20 members in the caucus. They will be up for re-election in November 2026.