Name: Stephanie Bice
Occupation: Freshman member of the 117th Congress and Representative for Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District, which includes the Oklahoma City metro area. Elected by my peers to serve as the first female Freshman GOP Class President
Previous positions held: Served 6 years in the Oklahoma State Senate, including Chairman of the Finance Committee, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation & General Government, Vice Chair of Business & Commerce, and Assistant Majority Floor Leader
Individual(s) who inspired me as a child: My grandfather. Harold Dean VanHooser, whose Navy nickname was “Scooter”, loved to travel, made sure I knew God, and had a great sense of humor. As the oldest grandchild, I had a special bond with him — he was loving, kind, and lived life to the fullest.
Issue facing America that is not getting enough attention: Mental health for children. I am concerned about the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on our youth. With so much isolation, particularly for kids, during the first 18 months of the pandemic, I fear we are headed for a mental health crisis in this country that we are not preparing for. Growing mental health services for children in schools, training for future mental health professionals and funding for treatment programs will be imperative as we try to tackle the growing number of children who are experiencing mental health challenges.
Challenge facing your District you are working hard to address: The energy industry accounts for almost 25% of all state revenues for Oklahoma, but the current administration has an anti-fossil fuel position which is affecting companies large and small across my state. Whether it is cancelling pipeline expansion projects, revoking lease permits, or enacting anti-fossil fuel environmental policies, Biden is more focused on punishing the industry than trying to find ways to work together to address today’s energy needs by utilizing an all-of-the-above energy approach. Oklahoma is the third largest producer of natural gas and fourth largest of oil in the country and we know how to produce clean, affordable energy, which will lower prices at the pump and at the grocery store.
Finish this sentence: “If I could change one thing about American politics, it would be…”: The distrust the public has of politicians. Although you may not agree with a particular member’s political ideology, most elected officials I have encountered over the years have a genuine desire to serve their communities with honesty and integrity. It is fascinating to me that in today’s modern era, Americans have more transparency of government than any time in our nation’s history, but they are more distrusting of government than ever before. I hope to find ways to restore confidence and faith of our elected leaders.