Mullin owns several companies under the Mullin Plumbing umbrella.

“The congressman is referencing the federal taxes that he and his businesses have paid to the government over the years, prior to his being in office,” said Amy Lawrence. “Like all business owners, Congressman Mullin pays his taxes, which contribute to congressional salaries.”

In a video making the social media rounds, Mullin can be heard saying, “You say you pay for me to do this. Bullcrap. I pay for myself. I paid enough taxes before I got there and continue to through my company to pay my own salary. This is a service. No one here pays me to go.”

When several members of the audience object, Mullin says, “I’m just saying this is a service for me, not a career, and I thank God this is not how I make my living.”

In another video, which appears to have been taken at another location, Mullin says, “I’m paying more taxes inside my company and personally than I’ll ever receive from Congress.”

“The congressman reiterates in the video that his work as the representative of the Second District of Oklahoma is a service,” Lawrence said. “His aspiration is to be a career legislator and not a career politician. He is not, nor does he ever aspire to be, a career politician. His priority will always be to serve his constituents to the best of his ability.”

Mullin is in his third term and has not said whether he will seek a fourth.

Mullin canceled a town hall scheduled for Tuesday in Tahlequah due to safety concerns.