Kevin Hern

Hern Applauds Passage of FY27 National Defense Authorization Act

Position: The release states Rep. Hern voted in support of the FY27 NDAA, which it describes as strengthening the defense industrial base, improving quality of life for servicemembers, and investing in key defense capabilities. It attributes improvements in readiness to current administration leadership and characterizes the legislation as securing peace through military strength.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01) today voted in support of the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The FY27 NDAA strengthens America’s national defense by revitalizing the defense industrial base, improving quality of life for servicemembers and their families, and investing in the production and acquisition of key capabilities needed to protect the United States and our allies around the world. “Under the weak leadership of the Biden administration, our military suffered as supply chains weakened, recruitment declined, critical programs stalled, and our adversaries grew emboldened,” said Rep. Hern. “But with President Trump as Commander-in-Chief, readiness and lethality have been restored in our Armed Forces. The FY27 NDAA delivers a well-earned pay raise for servicemembers, strengthens the United States’ defense industrial base, and provides our troops with the resources, equipment, and support they need to defend our interests at home and abroad. The only way to secure peace is through strength, and this legislation ensures our military remains the most capable fighting force in the world.”

Hern Votes to Fund ICE and CBP

Position: Rep. Hern voted in support of a second reconciliation package to fully fund ICE and CBP, and argues that Democrats blocked DHS and ICE/CBP funding and that border enforcement and deportations should be resourced.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01) today voted in support of the second reconciliation package to fully fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Following his vote, Rep. Hern said: “Let’s remember why we had to pass a second reconciliation package. It’s because Congressional Democrats shut down the government, then refused to fund DHS, and have blocked funding for ICE and CBP for the past 115 days. House and Senate Democrats are willing to put our national security at risk to pander to their radical base, leaving it to Republicans alone to fund our border security. President Trump has given us secure borders we cannot afford to return to the Left’s open border policies. I’m proud to vote in support of this critical funding for border security so our Border Patrol and immigration agents have the resources they need to deport illegal immigrants, secure the border, and keep our communities safe.”

Hern Backs Farm Bill

Position: Congressman Hern supports the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, stating it provides certainty and necessary tools for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers while supporting economic stability.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after voting in support of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, also known as the Farm Bill: “Our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers work incredibly hard, and they deserve certainty as they keep food on our tables and drive our economy. The Farm Bill delivers real wins for the Oklahoma agricultural industry, ensuring they have the necessary tools to provide for our communities and the stability to plan for the current and future demands at home and abroad. I’m proud to support this critical legislation and the hardworking men and women who keep America running.”

Hern Applauds Passage of Budget Resolution to Fund ICE & CBP

Position: Congressman Hern supports increased funding for ICE and CBP, characterizing such funding as essential to national security and border enforcement.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01) today voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget Resolution, which lays the budget framework for the reconciliation process to fund Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). “For 74 days, Congressional Democrats have held ICE and CBP funding hostage, putting our national security at grave risk,” said Hern. “With today’s passage of the Budget Resolution, we can begin the process of funding those who work every day to secure our homeland. This is what putting America First looks like: backing our border agents, restoring law and order, and keeping Americans safe. House Republicans are committed to getting this done, despite Democrats continuing to play partisan politics at the expense of the American people."

Hern Statement on U.S. Strikes on Iran

Position: Congressman Hern supports U.S. military strikes on Iran, characterizing the Iranian regime as a state sponsor of terrorism and a nuclear threat that justified decisive military action by the President.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement on the U.S. strikes carried out on Iran: "As the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism, the Iranian regime is an active threat to the United States, our allies, and stability across the Middle East. Iran’s refusal to accept a deal left President Trump with no choice other than to take decisive action to ensure the regime never possesses a nuclear weapon. There is no peace without strength, and the United States will not sit by while this regime pursues their nuclear ambitions, fuels their terrorist proxies, and brutalizes the Iranian people. "I’m praying for our brave troops in the region. May God bless them, and may God bless the United States."

Hern Releases Statement Following the Elimination of Ayatollah Khamenei

Position: The representative expresses support for the elimination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei by American and Israeli forces, characterizing it as a historic occasion that delivers justice and protects against threats to the United States.

| U.S. Representative Kevin Hern Skip to Content Javascript must be enabled for the correct page display United States Representative KevinHern Serving Oklahoma's 1st District Menu Search Search Search facebook-page twitter-page instagram-page --> youtube-page Home COVID-19 --> About Biography Our District Committees and Caucuses Services Congressional App Challenge Congressional Art Competition Congressional Commendation Event Request Flag Request Grants Help with a Federal Agency Internships Inauguration Tickets --> Kids Page Library of Congress Surplus Books Program Meeting Request Presidential Inauguration Information --> Service Academy Nominations Tour Requests Issues & Legislation Key Issues 118th Congress Republican Study Committee Chairman Sponsored Legislation Co-sponsored Legislation Voting Record Media Press Releases In the News Articles Photos Videos --> Contact Email Me E-Newsletter Sign Up Veteran's Newsletter Sign Up Office Locations Live Events Global Competitiveness Tax Team news Press Releases Hern Releases Statement Following the Elimination of Ayatollah Khamenei Share on Facebook Share on X Print this Page Share by Email WASHINGTON, D.C., February 28, 2026 | Ashley Haines Tags: National Security WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after confirmation that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, was eliminated by American and Israeli forces: "Ayatollah Khamenei led a regime committed to the destruction of the United States and was responsible for the death of thousands, including hundreds of Americans, and the oppression of anyone opposed to his evil dictatorship. His death marks a historic occasion and delivers justice for his aggression against the free world and the Iranian people over many decades. I am praying for the continued safety and success of our brave U.S. military personnel as they continue this daring mission." ### Related News Hern Statement on U.S. Strikes on Iran February 28, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases Protecting our kids from foreign influence in the classroom January 18, 2026 | Posted in Articles Hern Backs FY26 National Defense Authorization Act December 10, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases Hern Bill Protecting Children from CCP Propaganda Passes House December 4, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases --> stay connected SUBSCRIBE

Hern Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Hern released the following statement after President Trump’s State of the Union address: “Tonight, President Trump reaffirmed that when we put America first, America wins. At an unprecedented pace, he’s reversed the damage caused by four years of reckless Biden-era policies that sent our nation down the wrong path. Families are now seeing historic tax relief, lower inflation, a secure border, and peace around the world – this is only the beginning. I’m proud to stand alongside President Trump as we continue our work to lower costs, put more money in Americans’ pockets, and strengthen the American Dream for families across the country.”

Hern Votes to Restore Election Integrity

Position: Rep. Hern supports the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo ID for federal elections, and directs states to remove noncitizens from voter rolls.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01) voted today in support of the SAVE America Act, which protects the voice of every lawful American voter by requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo ID when voting in federal elections, and ordering states to remove noncitizens from their lists of eligible voters. “Only U.S. citizens should vote in U.S. elections,” said Rep. Hern. “By closing loopholes and reinforcing accountability, we help ensure Americans' voices are accurately represented when they cast their ballots. The overwhelming majority of Americans support requiring ID to vote, and I’m proud to have cosponsored and helped pass this commonsense legislation out of the House so we can begin restoring trust in our elections.” The SAVE America Act permits various forms of documentation to confirm citizenship when registering to vote, as well as various forms of photo identification when voting. There are also provisions to account for name changes and mismatches between different forms of identification. Read the full bill here.

Protecting our kids from foreign influence in the classroom

Position: The representative introduced legislation to prohibit federal funding to schools that receive support from the Chinese Communist Party, specifically targeting Confucius Classrooms, which the representative characterizes as vehicles for CCP propaganda and influence rather than legitimate cultural education.

When parents send their children to school, they expect classrooms that encourage critical thinking, open dialogue, and learning without political influence. But these principles are threatened when foreign governments like the Chinese Communist Party set themselves up in our education system. This is why I introduced the Promoting Responsible Oversight To Eliminate Communist Teachings (PROTECT) Our Kids Act. The PROTECT Our Kids Act prohibits federal dollars from going to any elementary or secondary school that receives direct or indirect support, whether funding or operational support, from the CCP. The influence of the CCP in the American education system is often found in the form of “Confucius Classrooms” — programs that are backed by the Chinese government and implemented directly inside our children’s schools. This allows the CCP to staff classrooms, provide curriculum, and require teachers to sign contracts ensuring they do not damage the national interest of China. The goals of the CCP’s Confucius Classrooms are not to simply teach children Chinese history and Mandarin — these classrooms are a part of a larger global strategy known as the Belt and Road Initiative. The BRI has been used by the CCP to spread its malign influence for over a decade with one goal in mind: increasing the CCP’s economic and political dominance over the U.S. and the rest of the free world. The issue of CCP influence in our education system may seem alarmist, but the CCP has spent over a decade embedding itself in our elementary and secondary schools with the establishment of Confucius Classrooms and Confucius Institutes at our colleges and universities. Thankfully, Congress has taken critical steps over the years to mitigate CCP propaganda at the postsecondary level, but the CCP has since turned their attention to our K-12 schools where our children are the most susceptible. This legislation is only concerned with educational programs that are funded and supported by the CCP — it does not prevent schools from teaching students Chinese culture and language independently. Exposure to different languages and cultures helps students succeed in an increasingly interconnected world, and this bill does not limit that learning in any way. What does the PROTECT Our Kids Act do then? It prevents the CCP from using cultural education as a façade to push propaganda sponsored by one of our greatest adversaries that has documented human rights violations and an authoritarian agenda that is the antithesis to the democratic principles our country was founded on. These values should never be promoted in a U.S. classroom. For schools actively hosting a CCP-funded Confucius Classroom, they have a full year to come into compliance before losing federal funding. This timeline provides flexibility while making clear that CCP influence in our schools is unacceptable. Our classrooms should be environments that foster learning and growth while preparing today’s students to be our future leaders. Oklahoma families deserve confidence that when they send their children to school, they’re taught material that reflects American values, not the values of adversarial, foreign nations that stand against everything that makes our country great. Protecting our children from foreign influence should not be a partisan issue, and it is encouraging that members from both sides of the aisle joined together to pass the PROTECT Our Kids Act out of the House. I look forward to the further advancement of my legislation so we can ensure classrooms remain places of education – not indoctrination. Congressman Kevin Hern represents Oklahoma’s First Congressional District, serving as chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee and a member on the House Ways and Means Committee. Read the full piece here.

Hern Statement on ACA Subsidies Extension Bill

Position: Congressman Hern opposes extending enhanced ACA premium subsidies, characterizing the extension as a costly bailout for insurance companies that fails to address underlying healthcare costs. He advocates instead for market-based solutions emphasizing patient choice and competition.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement on his vote against House Democrats’ unaffordable healthcare proposal. “We need to lower healthcare costs for all Americans, not just a few. This bill spends billions in taxpayer dollars on a COVID-era bailout for insurance companies, and recommitting three more years to a failed program won’t lower costs or expand care access for families. Instead, my Democrat colleagues should work with Republicans to advance real, long-term solutions to make healthcare more affordable for everyone, whether they’re on the exchange or an employer-sponsored plan. It’s time to put patients back in the driver's seat so they can choose the plan that works best for them.” In December, the House passed the Lower Health Care Premiums for All American Act, which improves coverage options, expands patient choice, increases transparency and competition in the healthcare system, and lowers costs for all Americans. Included in the bill was Rep. Hern’s Choice Arrangement Act. The Choice Arrangement Act helps small businesses offer healthcare options through tax-advantaged funds, strengthening employer-based coverage and empowering Americans to be in control of their healthcare decisions.