Hern backs out of House Speaker race, Brecheen picks Jordan

With the ouster of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the House Republican conference is in the midst of a multi-way race for the next Speaker. Reps. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Steve Scalise (R-LA) were early names, while Oklahoma's 1st District Congressman Kevin Hern openly considered joining the race. In the past 48 hours, there have even been rumors that some members may seek to renominate McCarthy for the position. Earlier this week, Hern officially declined to put his hat in the ring, while 2nd District Congressman Josh Brecheen endorsed Jim Jordan:

Oklahoma delegation splits on debt ceiling increase vote

On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to raise the debt limit by roughly $4T (trillion with a t) through January 2025 by a vote of 314-117 (165 Democrats and 149 Republicans in favor, 71 Republicans and 46 Democrats opposed). The U.S. Senate approved the measure on Thursday with a 63-36 vote (46 Democrats and 17 Republicans in favor, 31 Republicans and 5 Democrats opposed).

Among Oklahoma all-GOP delegation, Sen. James Lankford and Reps. Kevin Hern (1st District) and Josh Brecheen (2nd District) voted against it. Sen. Markwayne Mullin joined the moderate wing of the Senate GOP in supporting the measure, as did Reps. Frank Lucas (3rd District), Tom Cole (4th District), and Stephanie Bice (5th District) in the House. 

Below are statements from those members who have issued them since the vote (Hern appears to be the only one without a public comment).

Brecheen to vote NO on Biden-McCarthy debt ceiling deal as it currently stands

Congressman Josh Brecheen To Vote NO on Biden-McCarthy Debt Ceiling Agreement As It Currently Stands

Washington, D.C. (May 30th) – Congressman Josh Brecheen will vote NO on H.R. 3746, the Biden-McCarthy debt ceiling agreement as it currently stands.

Brecheen joins fellow House Freedom Caucus freshmen in hosting 'Fresh Freedom' podcast

Oklahoma 2nd District Congressman Josh Brecheen is cohosting a new podcast with fellow House Freedom Caucus freshmen Rep. Eric Burlison (MO-07), Rep. Eli Crane (AZ-02), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), and Rep. Andy Ogles (TN-05). 

Brecheen, Crane, Luna, and Ogles were all part of the 'Tenacious Twenty' who held together to extract transformative rules changes from Speaker Kevin McCarthy during the opening vote for House Speaker in January. This gang is going to be a core group of conservatives to watch.

Rep. Cole tapped to chair powerful House Rules Committee, Rep. Lucas leading Science, Space, and Tech

Oklahoma's two most senior members of the United States House of Representatives have been tapped to head up House committees. Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) will chair the powerful House Rules Committee, while Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-03) will chair the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Brecheen and 'Tenacious Twenty' extract transformative rules changes from McCarthy

It's an auspicious start to his time in Congress. Freshman Representative Josh Brecheen (OK-02) and nineteen fellow conservatives played hardball with House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy -- and extracted some truly transformative rules changes before supporting McCarthy's bid for House Speaker.

Erickson: Here's How to Get a Speaker of the House by Noon

One political commentator that I find to be particularly insightful, though I don't always agree with him (mainly on some finer points in theology/church issues), is Erick Erickson - formerly of RedState and The Resurgent. He now has a nationally syndicated radio show and writes on his own Substack here. He's been 100% right on the McCarthy speaker race, and I wanted to pass along part of his column this morning:

Here's How to Get a Speaker of the House by Noon

 ERICK-WOODS ERICKSON - JAN 4

Kevin McCarthy has lost three votes for Speaker of the House.

On the third vote, the opposition grew.

Who is being unreasonable now? The GOP could have a Speaker by noon today so long as it is not McCarthy.

Brecheen joins principled conservatives in revolt against McCarthy speaker candidacy

Congressman Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District is staking out a bold stand for change on Capitol Hill.

US House GOP unveils 'Commitment to America' platform

House Republicans Unveil Commitment to America

Cheyenne, OK (September 23rd) – Today, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement after House Republicans introduced the Commitment to America, a policy platform to create An Economy That's Strong, A Nation That's Safe, A Future That's Built on Freedom, and A Government That's Accountable:

Hern joins GOP caucus in introducing "Commitment to America" platform

Hern joins Republican Conference to introduce “Commitment to America” platform

WASHINGTON, DC – This morning, Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) joined Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), Republican Whip Steve Scalise (LA-01), and the rest of the House Republican Conference to formally announce the Commitment to America agenda, which will focus on restoring the American way of life, rebuilding the greatest economy in American history, and renewing the American Dream.

“The atmosphere was full of hope and opportunity this morning,” said Rep. Hern. “While Democrats focus on everything that separates us, Leader McCarthy laid out a plan of unity that celebrates American exceptionalism and seeks to restore what has been lost this year. My colleagues and I have been working on this Commitment for a while, compiling over 150 policy proposals to support the key promises to Restore, Rebuild, and Renew.

“We all believe that America is worth fighting for; there is no place like it. Only in America can someone like me start with nothing and – with a lot of hard work and setbacks along the way – build something successful and have the opportunity to serve my community in Congress. With this Commitment to America, we are promising that same opportunity to all Americans. I am living proof that the American Dream is not dead. I want the next generations to know that anything is possible with a big idea and lot of hard work. Your Republican leaders have a clear path forward, a legislative agenda to benefit all American families, businesses, and communities.”

Lucas introduces legislation to protect U.S. mineral supply chains

Lucas Introduces Legislation to Protect U.S. Mineral Supply Chains

Cheyenne, OK – Today, Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) joined Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-04) and Rep. Michael Waltz (FL-06) in introducing the American Critical Mineral Exploration and Innovation Act of 2020. They were joined by House Committee on Natural Resources Ranking Republican Rob Bishop (UT-01), and House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23).

The American Critical Minerals Exploration and Innovation Act aims to reduce America’s dependence on foreign sources of critical minerals by supporting responsible domestic mineral development. Minerals, with applications including healthcare, defense systems, and renewable energy technology, are essential to our modern way of life. China has dominated the critical minerals market for years, controlling the vast majority of the global supply.

Currently, 14 of the 35 critical minerals identified by the U.S.G.S. are imported to the U.S. at a rate of 100%. Ensuring a stable supply of critical minerals for electric car batteries, smartphones, healthcare equipment, and a range of other technologies and products, begins with encouraging responsible critical minerals development, production, and innovation here at home.

“Critical minerals power technologies ranging from cell phones to medical equipment to renewable energy storage. China holds an overwhelming advantage in access to critical minerals and the COVID-19 pandemic has made it dangerously clear that we can’t take our supply for granted. We need to be forward-thinking about how we develop our resources and manage our access to critical minerals. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this bill which not only helps secure our supply of critical minerals, but also accelerates research into critical minerals development and technologies” said Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03).