Remembering Time in Congress

Madam Speaker and my dear friend, I rise today for what will likely be my last speech as a Member of this Chamber. Nine years ago, I was having coffee with my wife, Tammy, when she encouraged me to run for Congress. While I am sure there were times when she regretted that encouragement, she has…

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Hern Applauds Passage of FY27 National Defense Authorization Act

Voted for FY27 National Defense Authorization Act strengthening military readiness and defense industrial base.

“Under the weak leadership of the Biden administration, our military suffered as supply chains weakened, recruitment declined, critical programs stalled, and our adversaries grew emboldened”

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Hern Votes to Fund ICE and CBP

Rep. Hern voted to fund ICE and CBP through second reconciliation package after Democratic government shutdown.

“Let’s remember why we had to pass a second reconciliation package. It’s because Congressional Democrats shut down the government, then refused to fund DHS, and have blocked funding for ICE and CBP for the past 115 days.”

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Hern Backs Farm Bill

Voted for Farm Bill, citing support for agricultural producers and economic stability.

“Our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers work incredibly hard, and they deserve certainty as they keep food on our tables and drive our economy.”

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Hern Applauds Passage of Budget Resolution to Fund ICE & CBP

Voted for FY2026 Budget Resolution to fund ICE and CBP operations.

“For 74 days, Congressional Democrats have held ICE and CBP funding hostage, putting our national security at grave risk”

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Hern Congratulates Obernolte on Election as Republican Policy Committee Chairman

Congratulated colleague on election as House Republican Policy Committee chairman.

“It’s been an honor to serve as the House Republican Policy Committee Chairman”

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Hern Releases Statement Following the Elimination of Ayatollah Khamenei

Praised elimination of Ayatollah Khamenei as delivering justice against terrorism.

“Ayatollah Khamenei led a regime committed to the destruction of the United States and was responsible for the death of thousands, including hundreds of Americans, and the oppression of anyone opposed to his evil dictatorship.”

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Hern Statement on U.S. Strikes on Iran

Supported U.S. strikes on Iran as necessary to prevent nuclear weapons development.

“As the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, the Iranian regime is an active threat to the United States, our allies, and stability across the Middle East. Iran’s refusal to accept a deal left President Trump with no choice other than to take decisive action to ensure the regime never possesses a nuclear weapon.”

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Hern Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address

Praised Trump's State of the Union address for reversing Biden-era policies and delivering tax relief.

“Tonight, President Trump reaffirmed that when we put America first, America wins. At an unprecedented pace, he’s reversed the damage caused by four years of reckless Biden-era policies that sent our nation down the wrong path.”

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Hern Votes to Restore Election Integrity

Voted for SAVE America Act requiring citizenship proof and photo ID for federal elections.

“By closing loopholes and reinforcing accountability, we help ensure Americans' voices are accurately represented when they cast their ballots.”

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Hern Announces U.S. Service Academy Nominees for Class of 2030

Announced U.S. Service Academy nominations for Oklahoma's First District Class of 2030.

“These young men and women represent the very best of Oklahoma”

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Hern Statement on ACA Subsidies Extension Bill

Opposed ACA tax credit extension as costly COVID-era bailout for insurers.

“We need to lower healthcare costs for all Americans, not just a few. This bill spends billions in taxpayer dollars on a COVID-era bailout for insurance companies, and recommitting three more years to a failed program won’t lower costs or expand care access for families.”

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Hern Commends Longtime District Director, Announces Staff Changes

Announced staff changes including transition of District Director to Senior Advisor role.

“Robert has been an essential part of our team, serving the people of Oklahoma’s First District with unwavering commitment and integrity”

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Hern Votes to Increase Healthcare Options, Lower Costs

Voted for bill to expand health care options and lower premiums through increased competition.

“I’m proud that my Choice Arrangement Act was included in this package. By helping small businesses offer healthcare options, we strengthen employer-based coverage, increase access to plans, and empower Americans to be in control of their healthcare decisions.”

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Hern Backs FY26 National Defense Authorization Act

Voted to pass FY26 National Defense Authorization Act with 3.8% military pay raise.

“The FY26 NDAA affirms our commitment to securing peace through strength around the world under our Commander-in-Chief, President Trump. We’re refocusing our military on meritocracy, readiness, and deterrence to ensure we are the most lethal fighting force in the world.”

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Hern Bill Protecting Children from CCP Propaganda Passes House

Announced passage of bill prohibiting federal education funding for schools hosting CCP-supported Confucius Classrooms.

“Congress has done the work to crack down on CCP propaganda and Confucius Institutes at our universities”

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Hern Votes to Reopen Government

Voted for continuing resolution to reopen government after 43-day shutdown.

“For 43 days, Democrats in Congress held government funding hostage at the expense of the American people. Back on September 17th, House Republicans passed a clean CR to keep the government open.”

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Hern Announces New Communications Director

Announced hiring of Ashley Haines as Communications Director.

“It is an honor to join Congressman Hern's office and support his work on behalf of Oklahoma's First District. I am eager to amplify his policies that deliver real results for the American people and strengthen our nation through solution-oriented leadership.”

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Hern Commends Longtime Communications Director

Commended departing Communications Director Miranda Dabney on her seven years of service.

“Since my first day in office, Miranda Dabney has served Oklahoma’s First District with unwavering dedication”

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Honoring the Life of Charlie Kirk

Released statement condemning political violence following a death.

“Political violence is meant to silence the voice and will of the people. Rest assured, anyone who has heard of Charlie Kirk, knows that the movement he inspired will never let the evil actions of a coward stop the advancement of civility, liberty, and patriotism that he helped ignite”

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Hern Introduces Legislation to Protect Small Businesses

Introduced bipartisan legislation to protect franchise business model from joint-employer rule changes.

“As one of the few franchisees in Congress, I understand how damaging an ever-changing joint-employer rule is to the franchise business model”

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Hern, Sewell Introduce Home Health Stabilization Act

Introduced bill to create sustainable payment system for Medicare home health agencies.

“Home health is a lifesaver for millions of seniors and their loved ones, especially in rural states like Oklahoma, where hospitals and nursing facilities may be hours away”

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Hern Mourns Heritage Founder Ed Feulner

Mourned the death of Heritage Foundation founder Ed Feulner.

“His work has strengthened and inspired the conservative movement for more than 50 years. I’m eternally grateful for his impact on Capitol Hill with the Republican Study Committee. Congress, and my own career in the House, would not be the same without him. We mourn the loss of a truly incredible American.”

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Hern Votes for One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, Codifying the Trump Agenda

Voted for One Big Beautiful Bill Act codifying Trump agenda with tax cuts and border security.

“It took an incredible amount of work to get this bill across the finish line, starting several years ago with field hearings, stakeholder meetings, and a lot of research into niche tax policy”

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Hern Applauds G7 Agreement on OECD Global Tax Deal

Praised G7 global tax agreement as protecting American tax sovereignty and multinationals.

“Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Bessent’s leadership on the world stage, we are moving in the right direction to protect American tax sovereignty and American multinationals”

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