Hi everyone welcome. this is Congresswoman Kendra Horne. Thank you so much for joining us for another town Hall. We have our weekly summer town halls Virtual town Hall series it is wonderful to have all of you. join us and thank you for all of your questions. your comments and for all of your engagement if you were with us last week, you know that last week was our twentieth Town Hall. We had our twentieth town Hall of 2020 earlier this week and today is our 20 first town Hall last week I took 200 question and we're just gonna continue forward. I know there's a lot of a lot of things that are happening for individuals in our communities in the world. and of course, there's a lot that we're working on and that's why it is so important for us to have the opportunity to talk to each other for me to answer questions, especially while we. Gather in person in a way that we in the way that we used to as a reminder if you're joining us and you wanna ask questions you can do so by putting your question in the chat on Facebook, live or you can join us via the zoom link and please remember that your questions are keep your questions focused on issues that are related to you things that you're concerned about questions about what we're working on, but remember that we're talking. Our friends and our neighbors and other Oklahomans and I ask that you have any disagreements which are absolutely normal and natural, including with me and and we do so in a respectful way as as much as much as possible. So again, Thank you for being here and I I truly appreciate it because as your voice in in Oklahoma's fifth Congressional District in Congress, it's really important for me to hear the things that are most important to you. what you're. and and to be able to give you an update on the work that I'm doing here in DC and and what my team is doing here in DC as well as in in Oklahoma to help us navigate this challenging time of a global pandemic that's impacting the health and well-being of our communities and so many ways so again to ask a question during today's town Hall, you can submit a question live on Facebook live A comment section or you can always submit questions at Horn dot House dot Gov forward slash questions dot House dot Gov forward slash questions and we'll work to get to as many questions as possible. but before we turn to questions as I usually do, I wanna give you an update about what's happening? my work here in Congress and and and what's coming up and then we'll open it up to questions so this week is an incredibly. Week in in the House of Representatives in Congress yesterday, we passed the defense authorization in defense authorization bill out of the House of Representatives a strong bipartisan vote the majority of both Democrats and Republicans and we this is this is a product of the work that we've done and armed services and I am I I am excited to say that my Military Homes Act, which builds on the progress we made in. Defense authorization bill with the tenants Bill of rights to take care of our military families who are living in base housing and to hold companies accountable and to make sure that our military families are being treated with the dignity and respect that they deserve that they have a safe and and and quality housing to live in and that we're that we're continuing to work to make them whole and I'm excited that that past and we're one more step down the road towards getting that signed into law and. Of signed into law, I'm also very excited to say that today the House will be voting on a bill that I am an original cosponsor of that I helped to introduce here in the House of Representatives called the Great American Outdoors Zach. It's a bipartisan bill. It's passed the Senate now the House is considering it one step closer to being my sixteenth bill that I've either introduced or been a cosponsor of that has been signed into law law in the past year and a half and this bipartisan. It is important because it will do a number of things to help protect our public lands and and opportunities for oklahomans, including protecting and preserving our nation's public lands. which we all benefit from and providing a permanent and full funding for the land and water conservation fund which is absolutely critical in Oklahoma and across this country, and it also addresses a nearly 12 billion dollar maintenance backlog in our nation's parks and other land. This is important because as Oklahomans, we know the value of of conservation of making sure that we're protecting our public lands that there are places so many in Oklahoma that are where families gather they that people can explore and learn and they also help to foster foster healthy economies it in in every year in Oklahoma outdoor recreation supports 97000. Statewide Do you know as Oklahomans? we love our lakes and that is absolutely important and and and it also generates billions of dollars in in in wages and and and in so many and recreation for the state of Oklahoma and that's incredibly important so last year or last month, rather excuse me, the Senate passed this bill and now it is about to come out of the House and again this will be my. That I've sent to to the President's desk for signature and I am incredibly proud of this and and we'll continue to work across the aisle to get a bipartisan legislation pass the meets the needs of our communities. that is timely targeted and transparent and particularly in this time of covid- 19 and as I mentioned the military homes at passed yesterday in the defense authorization Bipartisan support and and we're gonna continue to see this through and and know that we will make sure we get to a yes on that defense authorization bill and that it gets signed into law before the end of the year and before I dive into questions, there's one more area that I that I wanna take a moment to that I want to take a moment to tackle and talk about and and that is as we know there's still so many things that are happening around the. Dim of Covid-, 19 the impacts the health and economic well-being of so many Oklahomans and so many businesses individuals families that's impacting health as well as economic security as you all know I have been fighting incredibly hard since the very beginning of this pandemic to ensure that we are taking bipartisan action to meet the needs of Having passed bills out of the House and the Senate and having them signed into law and under the Cares Act, expanded unemployment to include people such as a self employed workers gig workers part-time workers to make sure that they weren't left behind, but I didn't stop there after we pass this, we pass these bills. We added that this funding and this this unemployment assistance for Oklahomans and people across this country who've lost jobs through no fault of their own. I've. You divide and my team and I have worked and helped hundreds of Oklahomans. We've talked to thousands of Oklahomans and we're continuing to work to help any Oklahomans who've who've lost a job as result of this pandemic to get access to the resources that they're and and assistance that they're entitled to and that includes working with O E S C to make sure that everyone who has submitted their claims regardless of what happens moving forward and that. Entitled To benefits we'll we'll get those benefits now there is one piece of the Care Act that is that that is coming up. there's an expiration date on the supplemental portion of the Care Act funds for unemployment and so I wanna take a moment to address the issue of this expiring unemployment benefits, which are. which are have and have been critically important to so many Oklahomans this week I and I've been working on this but this week I publicly called on leadership from both parties to reach a bipartisan deal extend the federal pandemic Unemployment compensation program. the the supplemental program. that so that we don't have a gap in this program. We know that there have been so many challenges with this with unemployment with. Losing their jobs as a result of this pandemic and we are continuing to tackle these issues and and I think that as we do so that we have to look at what is the best path forward? what we can get over the finish line What can get signed into law and and while a compromise may reduce the original $600 per week benefit that was in the Care act. I want to be clear that that we should not have. And benefits. the focus should be that we continue to address the impacts of Covid- 19 in a timely targeted and transparent way in a way that helps individuals that that have lost jobs through no fault of their own to help make up that gap and and and make people whole and I'm continuing to fight for that without disincentivizing work. This is this is an important balance that we have to that we have to that we. To achieve and it is truly critical that we don't that we don't just give up and not seek compromise and and find a way to move forward on these issues and and that's that's what I'm gonna continue to work on. I think it's incredibly important and I'm glad to have you all here today. I really appreciate your attention your questions and I look forward to answering many of them so I I'm. Start actually, I think where it's a question that's similar to a question. I answered at the end of last week's town Hall and that was about a question from Amanda who's asking about her concern that PUA is ending at the end of the month, she and her husband Self-employed and and is is very concerned that that there this be extended so I wanna speak to a couple of things because there's so many different pieces of this. I wanna make sure I'm clear. I might have last week not be quite as clear as we need to be the the PA, which is part of the unemployment assistance that helps people who are self employed who are part-time workers who are gig workers does not expire to the end of the month. It goes through the end of the year and I agree we absolutely have to continue that the part that does expire at the end of the month is that supplemental payment of an additional. Currently additional $600 a week, and as I've mentioned, I have have and will continue to fight to make sure that Oklahomans who have who have worked and and have lost their jobs and are and and as a a result of of covid- 19 pandemic get access to and receive the benefits and the assistance that they are entitled to and and that is incredibly important. but as I mentioned, also working to find a bipartisan solution to this. That means that there is no. In coverage and then and then individuals are continuing to see the benefits that that are absolutely absolutely critical. while finding that balance and making sure that we're that that we can get this across the finish line and not Dist incentivising in any work and I know that that is and I know that is something that Oklahomans we just we work hard. We wanna work and we and we do and I know that that is something that impacts. Many of us and and and that's why we have to get another package across the finish line but we have to make sure that that we that we do it in the in the right way I don't know that there is a magic number, but it is a matter of making sure that that people aren't being left for the behind and I'm going to keep fighting for that As I have throughout this whole process and I think we can talk about more about that if there are more questions but. We are and right now there's conversation back and forth between the House and the Senate and and we're working to get to a solution that again it's timely. it is targeted and it's transparent. That means to be timely. it has to be able to get pass the House and the Senate and be signed into law in order to get benefits into into our communities. so we have to be able to get it across the finish line targeted it has to be in response to the Cove 19 pandemic that is impacting. The health and economic well-being of so many of us as well as changing our lives and many fundamental ways, especially until we have a vaccine as we are seeing cases rise we all have to continue to work towards solutions that that that that take care of our health as well as economic opportunities so that is that is something I'll continue to keep you updated on and continue to work towards And thank you again for that question. so the next question the next question we have is from Stan who ask are you able to meet or caucus with other representatives from Oklahoma? Stan? Thank you for that question. Absolutely I work with with my colleagues the Oklahoma delegation on an ongoing basis we regularly we regularly have conversations and work on issues that are really important to Oklahoma. That's what this is about making sure that we're that we're doing the best that we can. That doesn't mean we always agree on everything but we absolutely do work together for example, I have worked with congressman Mullen on a number of issues, especially related to mental health and funding for our certified community Behavioral health centers and this year in the appropriations bills that we're we're about to take up we were. Get another 220 - five million dollars in funding for these critical mental health services including the CBH C's that are in Oklahoma two in the fifth district and one in Congressman Mullins district. I have I'm excited and always happy to say that I get to work with with Congressman Lucas on a regular basis as we both serve on the House, science Space and Technology Committee Committee myself as chair of the space and Aeronautics subcommittee and As the ranking member of the full Committee to address issues that are incredibly important in research and innovation and and that that impact our lives on an ongoing basis and all of the rest of the delegation. we do as much as possible work together and that's what it's all about and I also spend a lot of time working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get to practical solutions. that that. Help our communities I am always proud to say that I'm a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers caucus working on important issues that impact our lives from how we respond to Covid- 19 coming up with bipartisan solutions working across the aisle to working on on a task force with with my problem solver colleagues on on how we. Justice and policing and and and making a pathway forward to help address some of the underlying issues that we've identified a systemic racism and challenges that we're not just letting these things go. We're working together actively working to come up with solutions just as we are on this this next relief package and so many other ways because the bottom line is we all are in this. So Stan Thank you so much for that for that question and and okay. I'm my next question is from Jean who asked. Will there be another stimulus Jean I the answer is yes, we are going to have another package and and what all is in. it is what we are negotiating now and. And that's what we're that's what we're actively working on so let me talk to you let me talk to you a little bit about what what I think is important and and and I think we are likely to see in this next stimulus package. And so there are there are many things and many impacts that we've seen in our communities first, let's just talk about health because Oklahoma and is seeing a significant spike in cases our hospitals are beginning to be filled to capacity. We are entering a place that is that is really concerning and troubling with the continued rise in covid- 19 cases and increase in hospital. And so health and the impacts of that is an area that we have to continue to focus on testing is still still an area where there are backlogs and delays and testing we still have to continue to work to reduce and eliminate the backlogs to ensure that we have sufficient resources for contact tracing because this virus is so challenging in many ways because it is. because people. Are contagious people who have it and not know they have it and spread it to others. They can be not symptomatic asymptomatic through and have the virus or they can not have symptoms and be contagious before they get symptoms. That's why it is so important if we are gonna make it through this crisis and to the other side that we do so together we do so in a way that we each do our part Oklahoman's really. Well, doing our part and that means wearing masks washing our hands, maintaining physical distance doing everything that the best evidence from our health professionals or public health experts shows us helps to reduce the spread and transmission because if we don't do that the impact on our hospitals and our health care professionals on our communities is only going to continue to grow. it impacts our health as well as our economic well-being and so it. Important that we all do our part so our part of our part as Congress is to look at the needs of the communities and make sure that any next stimulus package any relief package is again as I've said since the beginning, it is timely, it is targeted and it is transparent. That means we have to make sure they're sufficient funding for health care resources for research and development of vaccines and treatments for hospitals and health care professionals to have PE to make sure that our front line. That are essential workers across the community have the personal protective equipment that they need. these are things that are incredibly important and as we are continuing forward, we also know that again too many Oklahomans and people across this country have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. So we need to address the ongoing issues with and as I've said before find a bipartisan agreement to to deal with the to deal with the the provisions that are expiring to make sure that we're meeting the needs of of our communities and. With the paycheck protection program, the P that that the P that went to the that went to so many small businesses to help them keep the lights on and the doors open as this continues to expand this crisis continues to extend. We know that many small businesses are still doing their best to make it by and we have to look at that the other the other piece of this is funding for state and local governments to help them meet the needs of our communities, especially with our first responders. And and essential services including funding for our public school system to to make sure that that we are addressing the issues that are absolutely critical Now speaking of public schools, there's no one easy or good answer about what the right decision is what we do need to make sure that our public schools have the resources they need to take care and protect the health and safety of of teachers. And and individuals who work in the school system, as well as our students and and take into account all of the other factors from from the school breakfast and lunch programs for addressing the most critical needs for our students who are food insecure to preventing reducing and preventing the the transmission of Covid- 19, and we have to make sure that these resources are used wisely in the Cares Act. We included funding for state and local Unfortunately it had some restrictions around it that are making making it harder for our cities and our local governments to spend money to in in the places that it's most needed because Oklahoma, a cities and towns, We're the only state in the country where our cities and towns relies solely on sales tax and we need to make sure that they're able to efficiently and effectively use those funds and in the funding for our public schools to make sure that that that we're doing. We can to protect the overall health and safety and well-being of our teachers and our students and their education as well as their overall well being that they have the resources they need to get the personal protective equipment to make the adjustments to to take the actions that are in the best interest of everyone and these are not easy decisions but I I I do have to say here that I incredibly disappointed to see Governor took of the 30 - nine million dollars that the state of Oklahoma got in the care funding took a quarter of that not to give to public schools to meet these critical needs, our schools and our teachers that are giving their all in our students who have who have needs to take that money out of the public schools and to to to take it out of the public schools and provide it for scholarships for private schools when our when our public school systems are in such desperate need and I'm gonna continue to fight to make sure that our public school They need and our teachers and our educators and our students have what they need because these are public dollars and we need to make sure that they're that they're getting what they need to go. so thank you for that and and speaking of stimulus payment, I think you've probably more curious about that. I think that there's a chance that that there is another payment in this next package. I don't yet know what that's going to look like but what I will say is top of the list. Been fighting for since the Care Act came out and we realized that there were some people who were left out of the first round of stimulus payments to make sure that those people who are left out were included to make sure that the families that had dependents young students individuals between 18 and 24 that weren't included or families with adults independence that they care dependents that they care for are included in the next Care act. We have to start. And then continue to move forward, but we have to do so in a bipartisan way. and that's what I'm going to keep fighting for. so thank you for that question Jean and and I think we're gonna see that very soon but again it's gonna take a lot of a lot of a lot of work and it's gonna take bipartisan agreement and and so thank you for that. Alright. So I've got several different questions now. from a number of you about what's happening in the after the decision and the decision in the Supreme Court and working with our tribal Nations protecting tribal sovereignty indigenous people and and what we're doing there. I'm gonna run through a few of the questions and then talk about what's happening as this is incredibly important and something we will continue to work on and including questions about what what will? To protect indigenous people of Oklahoma and and attempts to take away reservation lands and and and and legislation that could take away take lands and larger legislative packages and and what's happening. Okay. So let's let me let me talk about all of this because I think it's incredibly important and it's something that I've been working on my team's been working on. I've been talking to and and meeting with the tribal leaders in Oklahoma and working to address these issues as well as working with my colleagues, I think bottom line first and foremost the most important thing is that we have to ensure that I will continue and you have to know that I will continue to stand up to to do everything that I can to protect and preserve tribal sovereignty the decision. Was incredibly significant for so many reasons and and especially showing that we no matter how long some something has been done that is wrong. It doesn't change it doesn't change the law and right now this is a is a critical. It is a critical issue for so many tribes across the state of Oklahoma for me. The bottom line is that we need to ensure that tribes the tribal Nations are able as sovereign as sovereign entities are able to protect. Sovereignty and negotiate with other with other with other sovereign groups with the state of Oklahoma and that that it is not our job as Congress interfere with that but and also to make sure that we are not taking any actions that would Strip away that would Strip away tribal sovereignty that was stripped away tribal lands. that is absolutely important. There are many different concerns and considerations for bearing tribes across the state of Oklahoma. Why I'm continuing to work with them and we'll be incredibly mindful and to continue the conversations to make sure that that that we are that we are working together to protect tribal sovereignty and that allowing the tribes to work out agreements with other law enforcement agencies to ensure that our Justice systems continue to work. I think that they're the progress is being made and I think that is. And and I think that's I think that that is something that we're going to see ongoing and we have to ensure that it is. that that any agreements that are made between tribes and the state or other entities are there that that the tribes are able to make those agreements and that the federal government should not be it should not be going back on our word again so as we as this continues forward, I will continue to have open. And dialogue with with with everyone at the table and work and and be a voice to protect tribal sovereignty and and and tribal rights and the rights of indigenous people as all of this continues to unfold, so I really appreciate all of those all of those questions and I will continue to keep you keep you informed and posted on things as they as they unfold so thank you. Of you who've asked those questions and alright, we've got a few more questions next question is from Dana, who asks What if you haven't received your first stimulus. check are they still being sent out Dana Thank you so much for that question. yes they are still being sent out their most of them have been said, but there are still there's still people who haven't received theirs yet. so there's a. Of things that you can do if you haven't received your first stimulus check yet and if for some reason you weren't required to file federal taxes and either 2018 or 2019, You can go to the IRS website to their non filers tool. IRS dot Gov. Please know that don't Google it go only directly to the IRS website. There are unfortunately scammers out there people that would. Advantage of and do attempt to take advantage of of people that are attempting to do so so only to the IRS website to make sure that you that you've submitted your information. there is a deadline of coming up this fall for submitting your application for that first stimulus payment. I believe it's October fifteenth I need to verify that I have a lot of dates in my head. I wanna make sure that that's correct. but you can also reach out to my office and and we will be happy to help you and see see what we can do. We've helped hundreds of Oklahomans get access to the support and resources that they need to help them get their to get their stimulus payments so let me let me give you that information. we'll put we'll put information in the in in the chat for contacting my office in Oklahoma City and and Happy to help you as well if you're if you're stuck so that's a place that we can absolutely can and will help so thank you for that and if you haven't if you haven't received it if you haven't requested if you didn't have to file make sure you make it by that deadline and we'll post that information in the in the comments as well. next question today is coming from Mary Mary asked in the next stimulus. Can you add assistance with payment? Internet, especially in the rural areas that don't have a choice of providers Mary Thank you for bringing up the issue of Internet and the issue of of connectivity and broadband rural broadband that access to rural broadband access to high-speed Internet has has been it has been a top priority for me. It's something that I've worked on since early on, I'm a member of a rural broadband task force and we are working on. on making sure that in any pack it includes support for expanding access to high speed Internet, which now much as electricity is is is not it's it's not a luxury as it is a necessity, especially when we're talking about what it means to be connected to the world how we connect with each other, making sure that we have access to high speed Internet as well as our students and we know that a hundred. Thousands of Oklahoma students and families don't have access to Internet at home. so it's it's rural areas as well as in urban areas where there is a lack of resources and we're actively working on solutions to address that again. This is another bipartisan issue that is so important for many many Oklahomans and people across the country something that was addressed partially in the infrastructure package that we passed out of the House recently and. I've also been working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including I had an op-ed with with colleague Brian Fitzpatrick from Pennsylvania Congressman Fitzpatrick where we. we specifically talked about the importance of closing the digital divide as part of Congress's work to address this pandemic, a highlighting the need to bring high-speed Internet access to rural areas and to. Areas and and in terms of of things that that will help so many people and families one of the very first things we did I did when this pandemic began to to to really emerge is to work to ensure that people in Oklahoma weren't getting their water shut off or getting their power shut off and had access to those resources. I think broadband is in that category. We know how important it is and we're continuing to work in the next few packages to help ensure the programs that help families who are struggling with paying their power bills or electric bills their utilities as well as water are able to do that so that we can not only help those families, but make sure that our utilities providers are you know in our municipal water systems are also able to keep their heads Need to keep to keep themselves going throughout throughout this crisis, and we need to do that in a way that's really smart and intentional and and and I think that that's one of the that's one of the things that we have to continue to do but I wanna go back for just a moment about when we talk about these relief packages when we talk about what we're doing here in Congress, what we've done in the first few packages. And what and I think what we will do and what we'll see in in the next package is is it again it needs to be a timely targeted and transparent. one of the challenges that we often face is that you know when we're when we're talking about things, it seems like there's there's there's not a way to get to a yes. There's not a way to get things across the finish line when it feels like things are so divided. But the truth of the matter is we are doing a lot and we've made a lot of progress and there's there's a great deal of opportunity to address the issues in our communities and and to and to to help people in the process in a way that meets their needs and that's and that's exactly what what we'll continue. what we'll continue to do and and why it's so very important and In this next package, there's one other thing I wanna touch on that I've been working on with a group of 30 Democrats and 30 Republicans and that is you know right now. we're in the midst of an unprecedented crisis. That means that it it is absolutely necessary and essential that we undertake emergency borrowing efforts that we that we fund these critical programs and at the same. In order for us to make it out of this pandemic and and recover in a sustainable way, we need to make sure that we include budget reforms in the next stimulus package. and that's that's what we're working on because after the crisis we we have to tackle the issues of our rising debt and deficit and the impact on the fiscal health of our nation. So this effort that. With Democrats and Republicans would we're asking for an annual report on the physical state of our nation, the physical state of our Union fiscal being the the the financial health because if we don't take action if we don't put triggers in place that prevent this from becoming a a back and forth of partisan football and Ping pong. we are in very real danger of losing. Our most critical trust funds including Highway Trust Fund, Medicare, Social security, and that's why we're also calling to create bipartisan and by camera rescue committees of the House members Senators on both sides of the aisle to make sure that we're when the economy begins to stabilize and recover when we're on the other side of this that we're putting we're putting automatic steps in place to address these critical issues, including including over overall. The reason that this is so important is that right now the the GDP the the our debt is projected to reach a hundred and eight percent of GDP or gross domestic product by the end of next year by the end of 2021, that is that is larger than the post World War two record of a hundred and six percent and it the the significant piece of this is earlier this year. Pandemic it was set to reach 81 percent of GDP by the end of 2021 and the reason that this is important is that if we do not take action if if policy makers of Congress if we don't take action we we will not be able to sustain our critical trust funds and it will require cuts but we can and we should take steps in a bipartisan way on on the other side of this to stabilize to pay down our debts to be responsible and and to save these. On so that the Highway Trust Fund, which is is close to running out of reserves in next year in 2020, - one and Medicare in 2020, - three and social security by 2031. we have to plan forward and create mechanisms that will ensure greater accountability and responsibility in the way that we're addressing these important issues. So as we're doing all of this, we also have to look forward and that is one. Are working to get that included in in the next package, so it doesn't turn into a political football down the road so we can't continue to kick the Can We have to make sure that we're being responsible with taxpayer dollars right now. we need to ensure that we're we're addressing the needs of of of our communities in a timely targeted and transparent way but down the road we have to make sure that we are addressing the ever increasing burdens of. And deficit so thank you so much for that question I know I talked about more than just I know I talk more than just about the rural broadband, but it is an incredibly important issue as a piece of this and as a part of infrastructure makes a big difference in the ability to for our communities to grow our students to learn so many so many different things and quite frankly with telemedicine and so much more it is a life-saving and and critical. For our homes so alright we've got a few more questions here. I'm gonna keep keep going and the next question is from Sammy. who ask Congresswoman Horne are you in favor of the full restoration of the Voting Rights Act? Sammy Thank you so much for that question the answer is. absolutely yes. I am proud. I was able to vote for and support and we pass out of the House HR for which is a bill that the House that we passed out of the House a few months ago to protect voting rights and access to the polls for every single Oklahoman and every single American our right to vote and our voice and and and ability to make sure that our voice is heard at the polls. It is fundamental. to our democracy to ensuring that we have a government of. And for the people and this is particularly poignant for me right now as we collectively in the House and I think as a nation grieve the loss of of of the the the late and amazing John Lewis, who I had the incredible honor and privilege to serve with who led, by example, who fought for for voting rights To. That everyone regardless of their color regardless of their background, have the ability to make their voice heard at the polls. This isn't as important today as it was in in the sixties and it is critical to all of us and I mean all of us regardless of our political stands, regardless of who we are that we not that we that we not lose the ability to make sure everyone's voice is heard and their vote is counted and that. It is so incredibly important, I had the the the great honor to join Congressman Lewis and a group of other members of the bipartisan group of members on a civil rights pilgrimage last year to to Alabama and to to revisit the the places where mister Lewis and so many others stood up nonviolent action. and made. Voices heard and change. change the nation in the process we still have work to do today. We've made great progress, but there is still more to do and ensuring that everyone's voice is heard and their vote is counted. is absolutely critical. so thank you for Thank you for that. thank you for that important question. and we've got we've we've got so many more. I'm gonna try to make it to at least More before before our before we have to leave today so let me next question. Alright so Vance next question is from Vance who ask Do you support opportunities zones? so Dan Thank you for that question. I think it's an important one, making sure that we're investing in all of our communities and that especially marginalized communities, communities of color that have been left behind for far too long. our or have investment. An opportunity and that includes from building and growing from within and and and and figuring out ways and mechanisms to encourage that I am a cosponsor of HR 20 - 590 - three, which is the opportunity zone Data Act, which would require the Treasury Department to collect data and issue a report on the opportunities on tax incentives that were Help us better understand the opportunity zone tax credits to help low-income neighborhoods that they intended to support I think investing in low-income neighborhoods creating jobs in low-income neighborhoods is absolutely critically important and I think that we need to ensure that the opportunity zone program is working in the way that it was intended that it is creating jobs from within good-paying jobs and opportunities and making sure that we know how it is being put into effect and giving opportunities for businesses and for For communities and and low-income communities to also see the benefits so that they are that they felt by the community that's impacted as well as encouraging people to come in, but we need to make sure that it's working in the right way and further incentivizing things that will ensure that to me is incredibly important and right now. we don't have a full picture of that. so I think we need to make sure that that they're working the way that they were intended and if they're. We can that we can make some changes to ensure that they are so that investments in low-income areas means benefits to the residents of low-income areas that it doesn't that it doesn't just make it harder for those low-income residents to live in that community that it's it's about building everyone up and creating more opportunities. so thank you for. Thank you for that question. I really appreciate it. Okay, we are getting close we're getting close to the end so I've got a couple more questions and I will I'll I'll go through as many as I can and again we'll be back next week and so if you if you didn't get your question answered today, we'll continue to have opportunities and forums and town halls and and and chances to have these conversations. I'm gonna keep you updated as much as possible. so again In the in the Facebook thread, or you can always send us questions at Horn dot House dot Gov forward slash questions Horn dot House dot Gov forward slash questions and I I'm gonna get to as many as I can so the next question comes from Sue and I think we've had several questions on this topic but I'm gonna read this question who says my husband and I are concerned about the Portland issue these troops must. Up What is your position on federal authorities rounding up people in Oregon so thank you so much for this very critical question. it is absolutely essential that our our government and and anyone that acts on our behalf is has accountability and transparency these individuals Unidentified individuals in Portland that are rounding people up is is deeply concerning for a number of. As a member of the armed Services Committee, we but let me let me make a distinction as far as we know these are not. military troops. They are not under the Department of Defense but to the best that we know right now under under other departments, Homeland security that fall under the Department of Justice at the bottom line is no no federal law enforcement. Should be able to be out in the public rounding people up without without cause and without clear indication of who they work for and who they represent this is this is something that is incredibly concerning to me as a member of the Armed Services Committee. we held a we held a hearing and a briefing with the Secretary of Defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and and worked with them. And got their absolute commitment and included in the defense Authorization, Bill and amendment that requires that Department of Defense troops. I think the same needs to be true of any other law enforcement officers that were not explicitly authorized to be for undercover under very specific circumstances. so this is something that is incredibly concerning. I know that that that work is being done but we need to ensure that that there is. Transparency and accountability and and that is absolutely critical and that you know the the the leadership of cities of of of cities of of States is is absolutely consulted in this process that we. peaceful protest protest is is is it absolutely valid way of expressing concerns and. And and pushing forward change and peaceful protesters or those who are not breaking the law should never should never be taken away without cause but certainly the the presence of Unidentified law enforcement personnel in in cities without the the consent of of of the the mayors or the governors or other elected officials is incredibly is incredibly troubling. It's something we'll continue to follow up. that's why it is important for us to have the rule of law that that that we have the ability to protect the safety and security of our communities but also making sure that individuals have their rights and liberties that are also protected. So I appreciate that question we'll continue we'll continue to follow up we'll continue to follow up on that and and to and to do everything that we can To to ensure that any any law enforcement personnel are abiding by those parameters and protecting the the civil rights and liberties of constitutional rights of protesters. we have to we have to make sure that we are adhering to the rule of law on all sides and that is incredibly important, making sure that people have the opportunity as a as a country and that. That is built on a foundation of freedom of speech to express their opinions and concerns and and as well as accountability on all sides and we are coming right up to the end. So unfortunately, I think we are just about out of time but I know there are many other questions that I'm sorry if I didn't get to all of your questions today. we will continue to come back to them and and we'll be here again next week at noon Central on Facebook. Thank you once again for your questions over the. we will be continuing to work on important legislation here in the House, including the spending bills for many of our for for many of our critical federal programs. that's coming up over the next week as well as continued negotiation and effort on on the next package And I'm gonna continue to fight for bipartisan agreement on the issues that are most important to Oklahomans to our communities. and I am Grateful for all of you for your participation for your questions and if you need any assistance from our office, if you're still waiting on your stimulus, check if you are still struggling with unemployment assistance if you're you're if you're working or have questions about any other federal agencies that need help from the IRS to Social Security to Medicare. we are here to help please don't hesitate to reach out. To my office either online or you can call my office at 405 405 6023 zero 74 4056023 zero 74 and again if you have questions submit them online at Horn dot House dot Gov forward slash questions and appreciate all of you for joining us. We'll keep you posted about what's happening and I look forward to taking more of your questions next week. Thank you so much have a wonderful day and please take care of yourselves. Remember if you're going out in the public please do your part to help us reduce the spread of Cob 19. so that we can that we can make it this unprecedented health and economic crisis together wear masks. physical distance wash your hands and and take care of yourselves and your neighbors and we'll see you next week. Thank you.