D.C. Spotlight with The Honorable Stephanie Bice Highlights Federal Stability, Workforce Quality of Life and Oklahoma City’s National Role

At the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s recent D.C. Spotlight, The Honorable Stephanie Bice joined Chamber Chair Teresa Rose for an in-depth discussion on federal priorities shaping Oklahoma’s economy, workforce and long-term competitiveness. Throughout the conversation, Rep. Bice emphasized a message that resonated with business leaders: predictability, responsible federal investment and support for workforce wellbeing are critical to sustaining the region’s momentum.

Federal Stability and Defense Investments

Rep. Bice opened with an update on congressional appropriations efforts and the push to return to a more disciplined, timely budgeting process. Advancing appropriations bills, she noted, helps avoid disruptions to families, businesses and local governments. Last fall’s continuing resolution provided needed stability while negotiations continued—preventing the uncertainty of a government shutdown.

She also highlighted progress on the National Defense Authorization Act, which outlines defense priorities including a 3.8% pay increase for service members and major investments in military construction. Quality-of-life improvements—such as modernized base housing and expanded childcare capacity—remain central, reflecting Oklahoma’s strong military and veteran presence.

Innovation, Biotechnology and National Security

As a member of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, Rep. Bice discussed a newly released roadmap to strengthen U.S. competitiveness in biotechnology, space and cyber capabilities. The commission’s work reinforced a growing reality: national security increasingly depends on innovation, data and advanced technology alongside traditional defense assets.

She pointed to Oklahoma City’s collaborative biotechnology ecosystem as a national standout, citing strong alignment between public, private and academic partners—an advantage as federal leaders evaluate where emerging industries can scale.

Healthcare, Paid Leave and Mental Health

Healthcare affordability emerged as a significant concern across employer-sponsored plans, Medicare, Medicaid and Affordable Care Act coverage. Rep. Bice emphasized that rising costs are system-wide and require solutions addressing underlying cost of drivers. Current discussions include strengthening health savings options, advancing pharmacy benefit manager reforms and targeted efforts to stabilize premiums.

Paid leave was another focus, with Rep. Bice highlighting her bipartisan Paid Family Leave for More Act, which encourages flexible, state-based paid leave programs designed to work for employers of all sizes—particularly small businesses.

She also addressed growing mental health needs, underscoring federal efforts to expand the mental health workforce through training pipelines and targeted incentives.

Housing, AI and Looking Ahead

From high interest rates to rising insurance costs and supply shortages, Rep. Bice acknowledged the pressures facing today’s homebuyers and renters. Federal conversations around mortgage portability, insurance affordability and housing-transportation coordination could help ease these challenges.

As Chair of a House modernization subcommittee, she discussed the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and the need for clear, consistent federal guardrails. She cautioned that a national framework would help avoid fragmented state policies that could slow innovation, while ensuring responsible deployment—particularly within federal agencies.

Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, Rep. Bice noted Oklahoma City’s supporting role in areas such as security, infrastructure and transportation, emphasizing continued collaboration between federal, state and local partners.

Impact for Oklahoma City

From defense investment and healthcare to tax policy and workforce development, the conversation underscored how federal policy directly shapes Oklahoma City’s future. Through continued advocacy and strong relationships in Washington, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber remains committed to ensuring the region’s priorities are clearly communicated and effectively represented.