Oklahoma Prepares: The Coronavirus

Ceremony Moved at Last MinuteDonald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president faced a sudden change in venue when extreme cold forced the ceremony indoors. Plans that had been months in the making, including construction of risers at the White House and the Capitol’s West Steps, were upended just days before the event.The change meant a limited audience in the Capitol Rotunda, where only about 600 people, including prominent donors, family members, and members of Congress, witnessed the swearing-in. The Oklahoma delegation attended, representing the state’s presence at the historic event.Parade and Events Adapt IndoorsThe inaugural parade was relocated to the Capital One Arena, where approximately 20,000 attendees watched.Following the swearing-in, Trump signed a record-breaking amount of executive orders on his first day in office.“It was all about the show...shock and awe, sort of a day for President Trump,” Cameron said. “Anytime you get to witness an inauguration, it's a special moment."Oklahoma Delegation Makes Early White House VisitJust two days into Trump’s presidency, Oklahoma lawmakers were already engaging with the administration. Sen. James Lankford and Congressman Kevin Hern joined a small leadership delegation at the White House to strategize on advancing Trump’s agenda."They really want to work as much of his agenda into a reconciliation initiative as they possibly can. But then they also have to be working on a dual track, bipartisan track," said Cameron.National Debt and Budget Challenges LoomCameron acknowledged bipartisan concern about the growing national debt but highlighted the challenges of addressing it. "I think that there is definitely goodwill on both sides to try and whittle away at the debt, but it's a question of, where do you whittle away?" he said.The Oklahoma delegation, particularly Senator Josh Brecheen, has voiced strong support for controlling the debt. "He in our delegation, is the most intense and most serious about getting control of the national debt," said Cameron.Confirmation Hearings Reflect Partisan DividesCabinet confirmation hearings have become a battleground for political disagreement, Cameron observed. While many nominees receive smooth approvals, others face fierce scrutiny based on their qualifications or political alignment.

Scott Mitchell talks to Mike Murphy of the Committee for Responsible Budget Policy, a Washington, D.C., policy group taking the lead in messaging about the unsustainable federal budget deficits and mounting federal debt. Murphy says federal delegations in D.C. tell him the public does not seem to be voicing alarm when they communicate with Congress, so they are going into the states to educate Americans as to the danger the debt represents.

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