Representative Mark McBride

Hi, I'm Mark McBride and I represent the people of Oklahoma's 53rd District.


representative

Leadership

Assistant Majority Floor Leader

59th Legislature

News & Announcements


May 31, 2024
Recent Posts

McBride Comments on Oklahoma-Israel Exchange Commission Legislation

OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore, on Friday commented on legislation that would reestablish the Oklahoma-Israel Exchange Commission that has been sent to the governor. McBride is the House author of Senate Bill 729, which passed the Senate on Thursday with House amendments. "Israel is one of the United States' best allies, and Oklahoma has had a longstanding relationship with the Israeli people." McBride said. "This bill would help us better facilitate economic exchange with this important trade partner, including in the technology sector, which would greatly benefit our state." The purpose of the commission shall be to promote trade, joint action on policy issues, exchanges, economic support, and other opportunities of mutual benefit. SB729 establishes that the commission shall be located in Jerusalem and shall be comprised of nine members who would not all have to be in Israel. Members of the commission – appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, speaker of the House of Representatives and the governor – must be a representative of either an Oklahoma public institution of higher learning, the Israeli-American community in the state, an Oklahoman industry engaged in or seeking to engage in trade with Israel, or a trade association engaged in or seeking to engage in trade with Israel. Legislative members shall serve a two-year term.  The commission shall report its findings, activities, results and recommendations to the president pro tempore of the Senate, the speaker of the House and the governor within one year of its initial meeting and by Feb. 1 of each succeeding year.



May 16, 2024
Recent Posts

Capitol Arch Legislation Signed by Governor

OKLAHOMA CITY – Governor Kevin Stitt on Wednesday signed into law legislation that will fund the building of an arch at the Oklahoma Capitol to serve as an honorary symbol of the services performed by the Oklahoma National Guard. House Bill 4012 is authored by Rep. Mark McBride, R-Moore. "This arch was part of the original design for the state Capitol, and I believe it will add to the beauty of our complex," McBride said. "In addition, it will pay tribute to the legacy of Oklahoma National Guard members and their service and protection of the citizens of our great state." McBride, who is term-limited this year after serving 12 years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, said he's pleased that one of his last pieces of legislation will leave an enduring monument for Oklahomans to enjoy.  Architect Solomon Layton included drawings of the arch in early plans for the Capitol, which was completed in 1917. McBride said the arch originally was designed to stretch across Lincoln Boulevard much like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It was one of the structures, like the dome, however, that was laid aside because of lack of funding at the time.  The 30-foot tall and 60-foot long scale model arch would be constructed south of the visitor's parking lot on the south of the Capitol. It would have a small amphitheater that could seat about 100 people, and the grassy area that now exists would be named Veterans Park.  HB 4012 creates a revolving fund into which state appropriations, donations, gifts and bequests by private individuals or other entities could deposit funds for the purpose of maintaining the arch. McBride said the project has been in the works since about 2014, before restoration of the Capitol began. He said he wanted to get the $250 million restoration project off the books on time and under budget before he ran this bill asking for funding for the arch. The estimated cost of the arch is $4.3 million, which would come from the Legacy Capital Financing Fund to the Oklahoma Capitol Improvement Authority.  The Senate author of HB 4012 is Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City. 



Apr 30, 2024
Recent Posts

McBride, Bennett Praise Signing of Oklahoma Ireland Trade Commission Bill

OKLAHOMA CITY – Reps. Mark McBride, R-Moore, and Forrest Bennett, D-Oklahoma City, today celebrated the governor's signing of House Bill 3305, establishing the Oklahoma Ireland Trade Commission. The act becomes effective Nov. 1. The Commission will consist of nine members with the purpose of advancing business and other mutually beneficial activities between Oklahoma and Ireland. The Commission is required to report any findings or recommendations to the governor and legislative leadership within one year of its first meeting and by Feb. 1 each year thereafter. "Many Oklahomans are of Irish descent or have close ties to the Emerald Isle," McBride said. "We've enjoyed a rich history of sharing resources and trust with this longtime trade partner and ally. The work of this Commission will increase and strengthen our partnerships in business, culture and goodwill." McBride, the House author of the measure, said it was important this move forward as a bipartisan effort. It was co-authored and carried in committee and on the House floor by Rep. Bennett. "I'm thrilled to see us one step closer to making the Commission a reality," Bennett said. "We've already received enthusiastic interest from Oklahomans in the private sector, as well as the support of our colleagues, and we look forward to utilizing the Irish Trade Commission to build on the strong economic and cultural ties that bind us with Ireland." Sen. Greg McCortney, R-Ada, is the Senate author of the bill. The legislation was in collaboration with Mark Daly, chair of the Senate of Ireland. It matches efforts in other states to create similar trade commissions.  In committee, Bennett said that Ireland is home to 950 U.S. companies that use the island-nation as a jumping off point for the European trade market, which has 450 million consumers, and the United Kingdom market, which is 67 million consumers. Ireland is the ninth-largest investor in the United States' economy. Bennett also made reference to an existing relationship between the Choctaw Nation in Oklahoma and the Irish that has existed since members of the Choctaw Nation sent aid to the Irish during that country's devastating potato famine in the 1840s. In 2017, a sculpture commemorating the gift was dedicated in Midleton in County Cork, Ireland.