The Speaker of the Oklahoma House Kyle Hilbert says Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. will not be invited back to the house floor.

 

According to lawmakers, the controversy stems from comments Hoskin made in support of Medicaid expansion during the Cherokee Nation Legislative Day at the state Capitol. Oklahoma Republican leaders are advancing two Medicaid proposals to go before voters. One would move the expansion of the program from the State constitution to state statute. This would give state lawmakers more control over changes. The other proposal would keep expansion in the Constitution, but would allow lawmakers to reduce spending if federal funding declines.

 

A statement fro the Cherokee Nation defended Hoskin's remarks, calling them timely and appropriate.

 

Speaker Hilbert stated that the decision to ban Hoskin was based on concern about political speeches being given on the House floor.