For Immediate Release:
Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Following the Democratic takeover of the U.S. House and Senate in last week's midterm elections, President Bush and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi pledged to work together to govern in a bipartisan manner. For the sake of Oklahomans and all Americans, I hope they live up to that commitment.

 

I will do my part by cooperating with all members of the delegation so we can work both sides of the aisle to pass measures important for Oklahoma. Much of what I have accomplished in my first term has been the result of the delegation coming together not as Republicans and Democrats, but as Oklahomans.

 

Because neither party will hold a supermajority in Congress, bipartisanship will continue to be the only way to accomplish anything of significance. In the past when Oklahoma has had a split delegation, our senators and representatives, Democrats and Republicans alike, worked together to save such vital assets as our own Tinker Air Force Base.

 

The challenges facing our state and nation are not partisan issues and it will take members of both parties to address them. I am committed to working with the delegation and party leaders. I will continue to direct funding back to the state to meet our growing infrastructure needs. From my seat on the House Armed Services Committee, I will remain an advocate for our military bases. I also plan to do whatever I can to encourage job creation through tax incentives like the former Indian Lands Tax Credit.

 

Democrats came back to power by electing moderate to conservative members from states such as Kansas and North Carolina, not liberal strongholds. As a result, the moderate Democratic Blue Dog Coalition, of which I am a member, will be 47 strong in the new Congress and positioned to exert considerable influence.

 

As Congress moves forward on such divisive issues as energy and tax policy, my first priority will be to ensure that Oklahoma is protected. When it comes to energy policy, for example, Oklahoma stands to benefit as much as any state from incentives for alternative energy production. At the same time it must be remembered that, at least for the foreseeable future, the country will remain dependent on oil and gas production in states like ours.

 

In addition to state issues, important national challenges such as the battle against terrorism require a consistent foreign policy with continuity over time. Such an approach is essential to our success and can only be accomplished through bipartisanship.

 

Voters overwhelmingly voiced their desire for a change in Washington. They want us to spend less time arguing about problems and more time working together to solve them. I look forward to working in Congress to make sure Oklahoma's voice continues to be heard.

 

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Rep. Dan Boren (D-Muskogee) represents Oklahoma’s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.