{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where party = \"Republican\", state = \"OK\" and year = 2017 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/christmas-gift", "A Christmas Gift", "2017-12-25", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As promised, Congress and the Trump Administration delivered substantial tax reform to tens of millions of American taxpayers and hundreds of thousands of US corporations and businesses before Christmas.For years, many of my colleagues and I have called for tax reform - reform that would benefit American workers by letting them keep more of what they earn, bring American companies back to our shores, promote economic growth, and lower taxes on businesses. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which has now become law, is the answer to delivering economic expansion, higher wages, more job opportunities and individual prosperity.\n\nUnder the new tax system, the standard deduction that most Americans use is doubled. Single filers will see their standard deduction go from $6,500 to $12,000, married couples filing jointly will see theirs go from $12,000 to $24,000 and heads of household will go from $9,550 to 18,000. Furthermore, the additional child tax credit is increased to $2000 and becomes fully refundable up to $1400. And to the benefit of all individual filers, the top rate for each bracket is lowered. For Oklahomans, that means the average 4-person household in the Fourth District making $73,624 will see a tax cut of $2077.\n\nThis legislation was also a major tax relief for job creators of all sizes  from the small businesses on Main Street to large corporations that employ thousands  and the results are already beginning to emerge. With a significantly lowered corporate tax rate of 21%, American companies will now be more competitive on the global stage. Since the final passage of the tax reform bills, numerous corporations like AT&T, Fifth Third Bank, Comcast, Bank of America, Boeing, Wells Fargo and more have pledged to give hundreds of thousands of their employees generous bonuses, and some have announced plans to invest billions of dollars into the American economy. For those of us who have been advocating this kind of tax reform, the results we are already seeing confirms what we have been claiming for years - lowering taxes unleashes the innovation of American businesses and helps families all across the income spectrum.\n\nIn addition to the benefits on the individual and corporate level, the tax bill was changed to support other initiatives like housing and education. I am pleased that the medical expense deduction was retained and the mortgage interest deduction will be allowed on home purchases up to $750,000. Furthermore, I am pleased that the Conference Committee removed harmful language that would have forced thousands of graduate students to face significant yet unintended tax bills on tuition waivers.\n\nNo tax reform bill is perfect and there are aspects of the code that can still be improved. But the passage of this tax reform bill is historic. This was a major legislative accomplishment and a welcome Christmas gift for millions of Americans.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/cole-congress/cole-congress-guest-chairman-pete-sessions", "Cole on Congress with guest Chairman Pete Sessions", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) recently filmed another episode of his television and web show, Cole on Congress for December 2017. This months program featured an interview with Chairman Pete Sessions, who represents the 32ndDistrict of Texasand currently serves as the Chairman of the House Rules Committee. Elected in 1996, Sessions was a businessman before running for public office. He is the proud father of a child with Down syndrome and is a strong advocate for the disabled community. Sessions has served as Chairman of the Rules Committee since 2013, and Congressman Cole has served with him since then.\n\nOn winning his first Congressional election, Sessions states his goal was to make the country a better place coupled with Republican ideals:\n\nUpon winning, I came to Washington looking to make our country better and stronger. [I] deeply believed that the biggest problem we have in this country is big government. The biggest threat to freedom is big government. And Ive believed that throughout my career along with other things and believe that the Republican Party and Conservative philosophy offers the best way to move forward.\n\nSessions is the father of a child with Down syndrome and advocates for funding research for the Down syndrome community and many other medical initiatives. During his tenure in Congress, he has been able to serve in many capacities in supporting the medical research community:\n\nI have a Down syndrome son  Alexander Gregory Sessions. Down syndrome young man, Eagle Scout cool guy. But it throws me in the midst of this disability. What really is a thrust is that Congress must be engaged in making sure that we have more research and developmentIm the retina guy in Congress. I understand about photoreceptor cells and how we need to bring sight to people. I understand the disability community with Down syndromemy service in Congress is about helping other people.\n\nAs the Chairman of the Rules Committee, Sessions has the unique position to see every piece of legislation before it goes to the House Floor for a vote. On having that responsibility, Sessions states:\n\nIve tried my best throughout all these years being on the Rules Committee to make sure we looked at all the avenues, tried to be fair to allow every side to make its argument  which for a number of yearslots of times is hurry up and get through it. I want people who I believe are Members of Congress to be able to represent people and their ideas. And I think almost every person I listen to, I hear at least shreds of evidence that some of their ideas, if not all their ideas, could be included in a bill and its important that we listen.\n\nTo watch the full show of Congressman Coles conversation with Chairman Sessions, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-again-pushes-gridlock-reform-on-senate-floor", "Senator Lankford Again Pushes Gridlock Reform on Senate Floor", "2017-12-22", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.22.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Again Pushes Gridlock Reform on Senate Floor \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Lankford: We've got agencies all over this town that can't answer a question because the bureaucrats are waiting on a Senate confirmed nomination.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t CLICK HERE to view the video.\r\nWASHINGTON, DC  Days after testifying before the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration about his gridlock reform proposal, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) delivered a speech on the floor of the Senate, Thursday, about the issue. Lankford has advocated a series of Senate rule changes to streamline the executive confirmation process, to address the numerous federal agency vacancies, and also allow the Senate to debate and vote on more legislation.\r\n\r\nThe Senate has confirmed 300 of President Trumps nominations, compared to 418 of President Obamas nominations and 493 of President Bushs nominations on this date (December 22) of their presidencies. In April 2017, Lankford proposed to reinstate a rule from 2013, supported by former Democratic Leader Harry Reid, in order to reduce Senate post-cloture debate time. Specifically, the resolution seeks to reduce post-cloture debate time for most executive branch nominees from 30 hours to eight hours and district court nominees from 30 hours to two hours. The resolution would maintain the 30 hours of post-cloture debate time for Supreme Court, circuit court, and Cabinet-level nominees. \r\n\r\nExcerpts:\r\nI believe the Senate is moving gridlock from here on this Capitol Hill all across the city and across the nation. The reason for that is how we do nominations and the length of time on nominations. Its time for the Senate to fix the Senates rules. \r\n\r\nHere's how it works. As this body knows extremely well, we have over 1,000 nominees that come from the president. The first year of a new presidency, a vast amount of time is spent in getting those 1,000 people through the nomination process. Each one of those is selected by the white house. They do their own vetting and then they send them over to the Senate. The Senate has the constitutional responsibility for advice and consent. When they come to the Senate they'll go through background checks and evaluations, conversations with staff on both sides of the aisle, then come to the committee. They'll go through a committee process and a hearing. They're voted on in that time period and then they move to the floor. When they move to the floor for debate, typically for most of the years of the Senate, they have already gone through the committee process. Every member of the Senate has the opportunity to be able to take a look at their information and then they move through with a simple majority vote. That's the way that it's moved for most of the history of the Senate. \r\n\r\nA few years ago, 20 or so, some individual senators started asking for cloture votes. Those cloture votes started to slow the process down on about three or four nominations a year. And then it became nine or so nominations a year. And then it moved to as crazy of a number as 13 or so a year of the 1,000 or so moving through. \r\n\r\nThat became such a nuisance that in 2013, my democratic colleagues called for something they call the nuclear option, to say we'll just take nominations not from 60 required to be able to get to cloture, but just to 51. There's a lot of debate and internal conversation about that because Republicans, quite frankly, were holding up 15 or so nominations a year in the cloture process. So there was a big debate about that. In the beginning of President Obama's second term, Republicans and Democrats came together, and they changed the rules of the senate for two years. And said, okay, truce. \r\n\r\nThe simple rule of the Senate was for any cloture vote, if there was one called for, again typically you'd never call for one, but if there was one called for it would be two hours of debate for a district court judge, eight hours of debate for most nominees, and 30 hours of debate for supreme court, circuit court or cabinet level. Again even Harry Reid, when he stood on the floor, said this would be only, his words, extraordinary circumstances. You should ask for a cloture vote at all. But if they were asked for, it would be two hours, eight hours or 30 hours. Prior to that, all nominations were 30 hours of debate. Literally taking up an entire day to move one person, knowing that you have to move 1,000. Then a few months later after that, still in 2013, Democrats still frustrated that Republicans were calling on some cloture votes still, moved to have the nuclear option entirely in just transition all nominations except for supreme court to just 51. So now they had the rule of expediting 2 hours, 8 hours and 30 hours and the ability to move them all with just 51 votes. \r\n\r\nQuite frankly, if you're going to change the rule to 51 votes, you probably need to change the cloture rule as well. They just did it in reverse. Changed the rule for how many hours it would take and then later changed the rule for how many people it takes to go through the process. \r\n\r\nNow, what's happened? Remember I argued that we had 13, 14, 15 people held up in cloture in a year. This year so far there have been 64 nominations held up in a cloture vote. That is 64 days in the Senate we could do nothing else but sit here in waiting. Now it wasn't for debate. It may sound like it's being held for 30 hours of debate during that time period. Debate normally didn't happen. Most of the time this chamber was just empty. It was just 30 hours were demanded to shut down the body as a whole, 64 in this year. What has brought us? It's brought us more animosity. It's brought us more division and more frustration. \r\n\r\nWhat happens in the meantime when that does not occur? I'll tell you what happens. In the meantime, we've got agencies all over this town that can't answer a question because the bureaucrats are waiting on a Senate-confirmed individual to be able to lead that, to be the secretary, under secretary, deputy secretary, whatever the task may be, the counsel for that particular agency. So they sit and wait. So our constituents that are trying to get a permit in certain places or trying to get an answer or trying to get disaster relief, all that they can say in the office is we can't do that until we get a Senate-confirmed position in this place, but we can't get Senate confirmed positions in place until my democratic colleagues will actually allow individuals to actually come up and be debated on. \r\n\r\nIt's the same frustration that has existed for a while. It's just getting louder. At some point, we have to put in a process and say how do we get out of this? How do we fix this? I think the best way to be able to fix this is take a bipartisan solution that was agreed on to before when Democrats were in the lead and to agree to it now and say that's going to be the permanent rule. \r\n\r\nIn what is historically called the greatest deliberative body in the world wouldn't it be nice to get back to deliberating again, spending time on more legislation rather than more time arguing about why aren't we debating it when everyone secretly knows the reason is because we can't get to the floor. I do grow tired. I grow tired of hearing all the political statements and accusations. Republicans hate children. They want to throw them out. They don't want them to have health care. They hate people of color. They're trying to exclude people from voting. They're trying to keep people from having taxes. They only care about the wealthy. It's just over and over and over when at the same time the undercurrent is out there to block all legislation and to keep anything from being discussed on the floor. \r\n\r\nI look forward to the day we can work through solutions, not just argue and banter back and forth on political statements. We're going to get stuff solved. Let's not pretend and play games and put each other down. Let's fix the rules in the Senate whether it be budget rules that keep us from having real debate, the rules in the Senate that keep us from actually working rather than allow us to actually do work. The rules of the Senate and the process in the Senate is determined by the Senators. So we alone are to blame when the Senate's not working. There's no finger pointing, there's no it's that party, there's no it's that person. It's all of us. So my recommendation is simple. Let's fix it. Let's resolve the issue. Let's do the right thing the right way. With that, Mr. President, I yield the floor.\r\n\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-statement-continuing-resolution-and-disaster-relief", "Cole Statement on the Continuing Resolution and Disaster Relief", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.- Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 4667, Emergency Disaster Aid Package and the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1370, Further Continuing Resolution.\n\n\"I am pleased that the House has delivered on their promise to continue to help our neighbors in Puerto Rico, Texas and Florida after a tough year of devastating natural disasters, and that we have also avoided shutting down the government,\" said Cole.\"Although another continuing resolution is not the ideal funding measure, a government shutdown would have been much worse and more costlier. It is now up to the Senate to follow through on that same promise and help keep our government running efficiently until January 19th.\"\n\n\"For the time being, it is my hope that Congress can find appropriate budget levels for the next fiscal year so that the appropriations process can return to regular order. It is imperative that our federal dollars are being spent efficiently so that our national security, federal agencies and government programs can continue to serve the American taxpayer well.\"\n\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-inhofe-holds-epw-subcommittee-hearing-about-freight-movement", "ICYMI: Inhofe Holds EPW Subcommittee Hearing About Freight Movement", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ICYMI: Inhofe Holds EPW Subcommittee Hearing About Freight Movement\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 21, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen.Jim Inhofe(R-Okla.), Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Transportation & Infrastructure, held a subcommittee hearing yesterday entitled Freight Movement: Assessing Where We are Now and Where We Need to Go. This hearing was especially timely as theOklahoma Freight Transportation plan received federal approval this week.\r\n\r\n\r\nClick here to view Inhofe's opening statement.\r\nRemarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nThank you all for being here today. Id like to thank my friend, Ranking Member Cardin, and his staff for their help in getting this hearing together. In the new year, the president and Congress will be shifting our focus to infrastructure.\r\nIm looking forward to working with my colleagues on this committee as we work to put together legislation that will benefit the users of our transportation networks and the economy.\r\nSince President Trump has been in office, weve seen three percent growth in the economy, weve added over two million jobs, and consumer confidence has sky rocketed. However, the economy will only continue to grow if our infrastructure is maintained and expanded to meet our future needs.\r\nIn 2015, over 18 billion tons of freight worth $19 trillion moved over our highways, railways, waterways, and through the air. These numbers are only expected to grow with an estimated 25 billion tons of freight movement by 2045 worth an estimated $37 trillion. Yet when freight is delayed on congested highways, diverted around structurally deficient bridges, or awaiting movement at our ports and on our waterways, an estimated $27 billion annually in increased costs are borne by businesses, raising prices on consumer goods.    \r\nThe more delays we see, the further behind we will become.\r\nAccording to the World Economic Forum, the U.S. ranks 12th in overall infrastructure quality and the American Society of Civil Engineers scored our infrastructure at a D+ earlier this year, estimating that the we need to spend close to $2 trillion in the next 10 years to improve all of our infrastructure and the overall economy. In order to address this need, last Congress passed the FAST Act which authorized $305 billion over 5 years.\r\nThe FAST Act also established a $6.3 billion freight formula program for states to invest in freight projects on the National Highway Freight Network and created a $4.5 billion over 5 years grant program to improve the safety and movement of freight.\r\nThough the FAST Act was the largest transportation authorization in a decade, we have more work to do before we close the gap between our funding and our needs.\r\nIm looking forward to hearing from our witnesses today to learn more about those needs and how they might be addressed. The president and his administration are committed to working with Congress and all the various stakeholders across the country to address those needs and continue to grow our economy.\r\nI am ready to get to work on this priority of his and mine and I know many others on this committee and on both sides of the Capitol are too.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-inhofe-speaks-about-enhancing-veterans-care-they-deserve-it-and-theyre-going-to-get-it", "ICYMI: Inhofe Speaks About Enhancing Veterans Care: \"They Deserve It and They're Going to Get It\"", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ICYMI: Inhofe Speaks About Enhancing Veterans Care: \"They Deserve It and They're Going to Get It\"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 21, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen.Jim Inhofe(R-Okla.), spoke on the Senate floor today about the Enhancing Veterans Care Act and veterans care in Oklahoma. \r\n\r\nClick here to view remarks.\r\nKey Excerpts:\r\n two years ago today I picked up the USA Today and in the USA Today they singled out my state of Oklahoma and said that we are not treating our veterans right and we were in shock at that time. \r\n This isnt how we take care of veterans in Oklahoma. So, Senator Lankford and I and two of the House members got to work on this thing. \r\n Meanwhile, back to our VA problem in Oklahoma, weve put two great new directors in the VA clinics and have a level of veteran care Oklahoma is proud of. \r\n... Only yesterday President Trump signed the Enhancing Veterans Care Act to ensure we continue to give our veterans the best care. They deserve it and theyre going to get it. And, at the same time, were going to restore and rebuild our military as our nations # 1 priority. Our troops deserve it and theyre going to get it.\r\nRemarks as prepared for delivery:\r\nMadam President, two years ago today I picked up the USA Today and in the USA Today they singled out my state of Oklahoma and said that we are not treating our veterans right and we were in shock at that time. This article detailed the appalling standards of care at Veterans Affairs facilities in Oklahomasomething multiple inspector general reports from the Obama administration failed to reveal: Our veterans werent getting the care they deserved. Our VA facilities werent being held to the highest standards.\r\nThis isnt how we take care of veterans in Oklahoma. So, Senator Lankford and I and two of the House members got to work on this thing and talked to regional VA leadership, veterans and whistleblowers and identified three key problems we needed to fix:\r\nFirst, the VA couldnt fire bad employees. Many VA employees are dedicated public servants, but, unfortunately, there are bad actors that do not adhere to the highest standards of care. Yet, despite having been identified as poor performing individuals, they couldnt be fired or terminated from their positions due to the immense bureaucracy surrounding the VA.\r\nWe fixed that this summer when President Trump signed the VA Accountability Act that included our language to allow the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to immediately fire employees for misconduct or poor performance. President Trumps administration has used this authority to fire over 500 bad actors from the VA. Were finally creating a culture of accountability at the VA  which has led to positive improvements.\r\nThat was the first reform.\r\nNext, too many veterans were forced to receive care from VA facilities that were hours away or didnt provide the specialized care they needed. Our veterans should have a choice in their doctor, hospital or other treatment facility.\r\nWe worked with the president to reauthorize the bipartisan VA Choice program earlier this year to ensure veterans have access to high-quality health care of their choice. Thats done.\r\nFinally, after the USA Today article, we requested an accredited third-party look into the problems at our VA facilities because previous reports from Obamas Veterans Affairs inspector general failed to identify and correct the problems.\r\nMy request was denied. The VA didnt want someone looking over their shoulder.\r\nYou may remember that I blocked the Senates confirmation of the inspector general nominee until he agreed to allow an outside entity investigate our VA facilities--but that was a one-time authority.\r\nToday, I am pleased to announce that is no longer the case.\r\nPresident Trump has signed the Enhancing Veterans Care Actpermanently granting VISN directors and medical center directors the authority to request outside oversight to ensure that their VA facilities are held to the same standards as private hospitals. It is important for the regional directors to have this authority because they have the best idea of the reality of care at their facilities.\r\nI appreciate the work of my colleagues, Senator James Lankford, Congressman Markwayne Mullin, and Congressman Steve Russell. We are a team in advocating for these efforts. Were already starting to see real progress and improvement in veterans care in Oklahoma and across the country. We need to get our VA facilities from their current ratings to the highest standard: a 5 star rating. Were almost there in Oklahoma.\r\nPresident Trump will continue to be an important partner for Oklahoma as we continue to improve veterans care. His commitment to our veterans is only matched by his commitment to our service members and our national security. We saw that earlier this week when the president outlined his National Security Strategy, charting a new course for American foreign policy, leaving behind the failed policies of President Obama.\r\nWith his National Security Strategy, President Trump has been clear  he is committed to protecting the homeland, promoting American prosperity, advancing peace through strength and rebuilding our military. He has reasserted Americas leadership in the free world.\r\nWe saw how under President Obama, the military was forced to divert resources for priorities that werent about defending America. He used the military to advance his liberal agenda.\r\nThis led to the wasteful spending of the green Navy and the green bullets and the idea that climate change was the largest threat to national security. Thats all changing and not a moment too soon.\r\nPresident Trump is focused on what mattersrightfully taking out things like climate change from our nations national security strategy and focusing all efforts on rebuilding our military that has been starved for eight years.\r\nWhen the president came into office, our military was facing a readiness crisis. Americans didnt know what had happened to our military under President Obama.\r\nOur Air Force is short 1,500 pilots, including 1,300 fighter pilots. Only 50% of Air Force squadrons are trained and ready to conduct all of their assigned missions.\r\nThe Navy is the smallest and least ready its been in years, and currently can only meet 40% of demand from regional combatant commanders, including only enough personnel to man 6 and a half of our 9 carrier air wings. A carrier wing consists of approximately 75 combat aircraft and nine squadrons. They are 8,000 enlisted sailors short. More than half of Navy F-18s are grounded because theyre awaiting maintenance or lack necessary spare parts.\r\nThe Army has said only about one-third of their Brigade Combat Teams, one-fourth of their Combat Aviation Brigades and one-half of their division headquarters are currently ready. A BCT consists of seven battalions, approximately 4500 soldiers.\r\nFacing the most dangerous threats I have seen in my lifetime, these are critical gaps in our military we can simply not accept.\r\nThe NDAA that the president just signed into law will be a big step forward in correcting the readiness shortfalls and I look forward to continuing to work with him on this critical process. Meanwhile, back to our VA problem in Oklahoma, weve put two great new directors in our VA clinics and have a level of veteran care Oklahoma is proud of.\r\nOnly yesterday President Trump signed the Enhancing Veterans Care Act to ensure we continue to give our veterans the best care. They deserve it and theyre going to get it. And, at the same time, were going to restore and rebuild our military as our nations # 1 priority. Our troops deserve it and theyre going to get it.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-lankford-cole-statement-after-meeting-with-cms-administrator", "Inhofe, Lankford, Cole Statement After Meeting with CMS Administrator", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe, Lankford, Cole Statement After Meeting with CMS Administrator\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 21, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Senators Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement after meeting with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma yesterday: \r\nWe appreciate the opportunity to meet with Administrator Verma and highlight the importance of the continuing the physician training program to support Medicaid patients. We were encouraged by Administrator Vermas commitment to prioritizing Oklahomas waiver request and are hopeful progress will be made quickly.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-presidents-authorization-of-lethal-aid-to-ukraine-", "Inhofe Statement on President's Authorization of Lethal Aid to Ukraine", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Statement on President's Authorization of Lethal Aid to Ukraine \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 21, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, made the following statement after President Trump authorized the sale of lethal defensive weapons to Ukraine. Sen. Inhofe sent a letter to President Trump in November urging him to provide lethal aid to Ukraine.\r\nIt is the right call to provide defensive lethal aid to Ukraine. Russia has continued to escalate their dangerous and illegal aggression in Ukraine, and President Trumps bold action will be a decisive show of strength and a message of support to our allies. This support is critical in supporting Ukraine as they defend themselves and their democratic values against further encroachment and annexation by Russian forces, Inhofe said.\r\nThe Oklahoma National Guard's 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is proud to have just completed a year in Ukraine. During that time, we were able to provide support to the Ukrainian military in specific areas of training and professionalism. We hope that any changes to US Government policy enhances their security and democracy in the years to come,\" said Major General Michael Thompson, Adjutant General, Oklahoma National Guard.\r\nThe FY2018 NDAA, which the president signed into law just last week, also authorized $350 million for lethal defensive aid to Ukraine.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-letter_-tax-reform-special-edition", "Lankford Letter - Tax Reform Special Edition", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.21.17\n\t\t\t Lankford Letter - Tax Reform Special Edition \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCLICK HERE for the December 21, 2017 Tax Reform Special Edition Lankford Letter.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-lankford-klobuchar-harris-collins-heinrich-and-graham-introduce-election-security-bill", "Senators Lankford, Klobuchar, Harris, Collins, Heinrich and Graham Introduce Election Security Bill", "2017-12-21", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.21.17\n\t\t\t Senators Lankford, Klobuchar, Harris, Collins, Heinrich and Graham Introduce Election Security Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Bill Would Protect Against Foreign Interference of Future Elections\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE\r\nD.J. Jordan (Lankford): 202-228-1477\r\nKirsten Hartman (Klobuchar): 202-228-6317\r\nTyrone Gayle (Harris): 202-897-6212\r\nAnnie Clark (Collins): 202-224-2523\r\nWhitney Potter (Heinrich):202-228-1578\r\nTaylor Reidy (Graham): 202-224-5972\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON, DC  Senator James Lankford (R-OK), along with co-sponsor Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), today introduced the Secure Elections Act, a bill to strengthen election cybersecurity in America and protect against foreign interference in future elections.\r\nDuring the 2016 election, intelligence reports have factually established that Russia hacked presidential campaign accounts, launched cyberattacks against at least 21 state election systems, and attacked a US voting systems software company. While there is no evidence that a single vote outcome was tampered with, this dangerous precedent should be a wake-up call as we head into the 2018 election cycle. To protect against these THREATS, the Secure Elections Act streamlines cybersecurity information-sharing between federal intelligence entities and state election agencies; provides security clearances to state election officials; and provides support for state election cybersecurity operations. This bipartisan solution to fix these existing problems aims to bolster our election systems against future threats while protecting states primacy in running elections.\r\nSafe and free elections run by individual states are at the core of our national identity, said Lankford, a member of the Intelligence Committee. We were born as a nation because patriots stood up against foreign tyranny.During the 2016 elections, Russia tried to interfere in our elections. Although they didnt change actual votes or alter the outcome, their efforts were an attack on our democracy. It is imperative that we strengthen our election systems and give the states the tools they need to protect themselves and the integrity of voters against the possibility of foreign interference. In this new digital age, we should ensure the states have the resources they need to protect our election infrastructure.\r\nElection security is national security, and our election systems have become a target for foreign adversaries, said Klobuchar, Ranking Member of the Rules Committee with jurisdiction over federal elections. The freedom to choose our leaders and know with full confidence that those leaders were chosen in free and fair elections is something that Americans have fought and died for since our country was founded. We must do everything in our power to protect our democracy from future attacks, and ensure those on the front-lines of administering elections are equipped with the tools and resources necessary to keep them safe. Time is of the essence, the next federal election is less than a year away.\r\nRussia attacked the very heart of our democracy when they interfered in the 2016 election, said Harris, With the 2018 elections just around the corner, Russia will be back to interfere again. We must act now to fortify our election system against attacks by foreign powers in a way that is smart and allows for effective communication and information-sharing between election and intelligence officials.\r\nSenators Lankford and Harris are the only Members of the Senate who serve on both the Homeland Security Committee and Intelligence Committee.\r\nWhile there is no indication that the Russians were able to change vote totals, we know that Russian actors repeatedly tried to breach state election systems or public websites, said Senator Collins. Our bipartisan legislation will strengthen the integrity of our election process by ensuring that local voting officials have the information and financial resources they need to secure their voting systems. These safeguards will protect and bolster public confidence in our elections.\r\nOur democracy hinges on protecting Americans' ability to fairly choose our own leaders. We must do everything we can to protect the security and integrity of our elections, said Heinrich. As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I remain committed to uncovering the full extent of Russia's interference in the 2016 election and ensuring that we create protections against similar actions from foreign actors going forward. The U.S. needs to improve and modernize protections for our voting systems, registration data, and ballots to prevent theft, manipulation, and malicious computer hacking. Until we take these necessary steps, our nation's democratic institutions will remain vulnerable.\r\nThe Russians have been trying to break the backs of democracies all over the world, said Graham. And although they did not change the outcome, they clearly interfered in our 2016 election. This bipartisan legislation will help defend our elections from foreign interference and sends a strong signal to other bad actors -- like Iran and North Korea -- that similar acts will not be tolerated. We are committed to defending and promoting confidence in American democracy by providing states with the resources they need to safeguard their election systems.\r\nDetails of Secure Elections Act:\r\n \r\nReaffirms individual state leadership in administering federal elections.\r\nEnsures the federal government, specifically the Department of Homeland Security, promptly shares election cybersecurity threats and information with state, county, and municipal election agencies.\r\nProvides security clearances to appropriate state officials so they can access and act quickly on classified cybersecurity information.\r\nDevelops, through a panel of independent experts and an open process, a set of voluntary cybersecurity guidelines for election-related systems.\r\nAuthorizes block grants for electronic voting machine upgrades and implementation of cybersecurity guidelines.\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lucas.house.gov/press-release/lucas-votes-final-passage-tax-reform-legislation", "Lucas Votes for Final Passage of Tax Reform Legislation", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Frank Lucas", "L000491", "lucas.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-3) today voted to pass the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, legislation that amends the Internal Revenue Code to lower taxes rates and adjust various tax credits and deductions for businesses and individuals. The legislation will now be sent to President Trump for final approval. Upon passage of the bill, Congressman Lucas issued the following statement:\n\t\t\t\tToday Congress has approved a sweeping reform to our nations tax code  something that has only happened twice since WWII. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will allow American families to keep more of their hard-earned dollars to put toward priorities such as saving for their childrens education, purchasing a new home, or investing for the future.\n\t\t\t\tBy lowering rates and making it easier for companies to bring home foreign earnings, this bill will level the playing field for American workers and businesses who are competing with folks from around the world. The legislation will also encourage capital reinvestment and new job hiring across several industries. Energy firms drilling for oil in Western Oklahoma or an ag producer purchasing a better tractor to more efficiently raise wheat are just a couple examples of how reforming our nations tax code can generate renewed economic growth her at home.\n\t\t\t\tOverhauling our tax code to broaden out the base, simplify the rules, and lower rates is an enormous undertaking, and I am proud to join my colleagues today to deliver much-needed relief to American taxpayers.\n\t\t\t\tTax Cuts and Jobs Act Highlights\n\t\t\t\t Lowers individual taxes and sets rates at 0%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%\n\t\t\t\t Roughly doubles standard deduction to $12,000 and $24,000 for individual and joint filers\n\t\t\t\t Doubles the Child Tax Credit to $2,000\n\t\t\t\t Lowers corporate rate to 21% from 35%", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-talks-tax-overhaul-and-veterans-on-the-radio-", "Inhofe Talks Tax Overhaul and Veterans on the Radio", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Inhofe and Charlie Taraboletti of KWON Radio in Bartlesville talked tax reform and veterans.\r\nOn how tax reform will help Oklahomans: \r\nThere is an independent group called The Tax Foundation that makes an evaluationTheyre not Democrat, Republicantheyre all economists They have said the bottom line in the state of Oklahoma is the average family of four is going to increase their income by $2,000 per year.\r\nListen to the full segment here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSen. Inhofe and Leroy Billy of KPRV Radio in Poteau talked tax reform, the GDP increase and the importance of military funding.\r\nOn the GDP increase under President Trump: \r\nFor every 1 percent increase in economic activity, that translates into 3 trillion dollars of additional revenue. Now, thats something that has always happened and during the Obama Administration, we only increasedduring his eight yearsthe economy only increased 1.5 percent a year. Already, in the second and third quarter of the Trump Administration, its increased 3 percent.\r\nListen to the full segment here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-this-is-a-reagan-tax-cut", "Inhofe: \"This is a Reagan Tax Cut\"", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe: \"This is a Reagan Tax Cut\"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 20, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) praised the Senates passage of tax reform overhaul. The legislation will be sent back to the House of Representatives before it goes to the President and becomes law. \r\nThis is a Reagan tax cut  a truly pro-growth reform that will grow our economy and create jobs. The tax cut package passed by the Senate tonight will support working families in Oklahoma with an average tax cut of approximately $2,000 by doubling the standard deduction and the child tax credit. These are tangible benefits and I am eager to see this tax cut enacted before Christmas so families can keep more of their hard earned money.\r\nWatch Senator Inhofes floor remarks on tax reform here.\r\nRead Sen. Inhofe's statement about the conference report, which includes key provisions he secured, here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/president-trump-signs-the-enhancing-veterans-care-act", "President Trump Signs the Enhancing Veterans Care Act", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "President Trump Signs the Enhancing Veterans Care Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 20, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and U.S. Sen. James Lankford praised the president for signing S.1266, the Enhancing Veterans Care Act today. Sen. Inhofe, Sen. Lankford and Rep. Mullin, authored this legislation to provide greater accountability and allow independent oversight at Veterans Affairs facilities.\r\nTwo years ago this week, a front page story in USA Today outlined problems in Oklahomas VA facilities. I immediately got to work, fighting to ensure that our VA facilities are held to the highest standards of care. I identified three key reforms I wanted to address: provide authority for VA directors to fire poorly performing employees, extend the Veterans Choice program and allow independent, third-party oversight at VA facilities, said Inhofe.\r\nToday, with the presidents signature, we have now enacted each of those reforms into law.\r\nAs a strong, outspoken advocate for our nations veterans, I appreciate President Trumps leadership as we work together to provide our veterans with the highest level of carethey deserve no less. Our reforms have already improved patient care for our veterans, but were not done yet. In the coming weeks, I will work with our VA directors in Oklahoma City and Muskogee to identify our next set of priorities to ensure that Oklahoma leads the nation in veterans care.\r\nUnfortunately, the VA hasnt always met the standard of healthcare that our veterans deserve. The Enhancing Veteran Care Act will help ensure our veterans receive quality care by giving senior officials at the VA regional level the tools to hold people accountable. Im glad the President has signed this bill into law to bring the VA in line with the expectations of our veterans and fellow Oklahomans, Lankford said.\r\n\r\nBackground:\r\n \r\nOn Nov. 30, 2015, VISN 19 sent two teams to investigate operations at the Muskogee VA center, one that looked at quality of care and the other that looked at management of the facility. Their visits resulted in the immediate shut down of intermediate surgeries at the Muskogee facility due to issues that were discovered. It also prompted the removal of the facilitys Chief of Staff on Feb. 9, who was temporarily reassigned until the completion of VAs review of VISN 19s report.\r\nOn Dec. 23, 2015, Inhofe contacted VISN 19 Network Director Ralph Gigliotti and requested his personal assistance in ensuring proper care is provided to the five veterans identified in the Dec. 23, 2015, USA Today article.\r\nIn January 2016, Inhofe requested that the VA IG visit Oklahoma VA facilities with a third party entity since past VA IG reports had not indicated any problems in Oklahomas VA facilities. This request was denied.\r\nOn Feb 1, 2016, Inhofe placed a hold on the Veterans Affairs Inspector General nominee until the VA agreed to send an outside entity to investigate Oklahomas VA facilities.\r\nOn Feb. 12, 2016, Inhofe and Lankford introduced S. 2554, the Veterans Affairs Accountability Act, which would give authority to the Secretary of the VA to remove or demote a VA employee based on performance or misconduct and allow independent, third party oversight at VA facilities.\r\nOn Feb. 23, 2017, Sen. Inhofe announced on the Senate floor that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has committed in writing to conduct investigations of Oklahomas VA hospitals in coordination with an outside entity, a condition made by Inhofe prior to allowing confirmation of the VA Inspector General nominee.\r\nOn June 23, 2017, President Trump signed S. 1094 the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act into law. This bill gives greater authority to VA directors to fire poorly performing employees. This legislation contained portions of S.2554, which Inhofe introduced the previous year.\r\nOn July 10, 2017 the VA IG released a report following an investigation of the Muskogee VA that was done in conjunction with a third party, the Joint Commission. The report provided over 20 recommendations to improve the facility and care provided, which Director Mark Morgan committed to implementing.\r\nOn August 14, 2017, President Trump signed S.114, to extend the Veterans Choice Program.\r\nOn November 2, 2017 the VA IG released a report following an investigation of the Oklahoma City VA that was done in conjunction with a third party, the Joint Commission. The report provided over 20 recommendations to improve the facility and care provided, which Director Wade Vlosich committed to implementing.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-signs-enhancing-veterans-care-act-into-law", "President Signs Enhancing Veterans Care Act Into Law", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.17\n\t\t\t President Signs Enhancing Veterans Care Act Into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) praised the president for signing into law the Enhancing Veterans Care Act (S.1266) today. Sen. Inhofe, Sen. Lankford and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), authored this legislation to provide greater accountability and allow independent oversight at Veterans Affairs facilities.\r\nUnfortunately, the VA hasnt always met the standard of healthcare and patient care that our veterans deserve, said Lankford. Most of the administration and staff at our VAs hospitals work incredibly hard to take care of people, but the VA system does not give local leaders the authority to quickly respond when someone does not meet the VA standard. The Enhancing Veteran Care Act is designed to give local senior officials at the VA regional level the tools to hold people accountable if they do not provide the quality care our veterans deserve. Im glad the President has signed this bill into law to bring the VA in line with the expectations of our veterans and fellow Oklahomans.\r\nTwo years ago this week, a front page story in USA Today outlined problems in Oklahomas VA facilities, said Inhofe. I immediately got to work, fighting to ensure that our VA facilities are held to the highest standards of care. I identified three key reforms I wanted to address: provide authority for VA directors to fire poorly performing employees, extend the Veterans Choice program, and allow independent, third-party oversight at VA facilities. Today, with the presidents signature, we have now enacted each of those reforms into law.\r\nInhofe continued, As a strong, outspoken advocate for our nations veterans, I appreciate President Trumps leadership as we work together to provide our veterans with the highest level of carethey deserve no less. Our reforms have already improved patient care for our veterans, but were not done yet. In the coming weeks, I will work with our VA directors in Oklahoma City and Muskogee to identify our next set of priorities to ensure that Oklahoma leads the nation in veterans care.\r\nBackground:\r\n \r\nOn Nov. 30, 2015, VISN 19 sent two teams to investigate operations at the Muskogee VA center, one that looked at quality of care and the other that looked at management of the facility. Their visits resulted in the immediate shut down of intermediate surgeries at the Muskogee facility due to issues that were discovered. It also prompted the removal of the facilitys Chief of Staff on Feb. 9, who was temporarily reassigned until the completion of VAs review of VISN 19s report.\r\nOn Dec. 23, 2015, Inhofe contacted VISN 19 Network Director Ralph Gigliotti and requested his personal assistance in ensuring proper care is provided to the five veterans identified in the Dec. 23, 2015, USA Today article.\r\nIn January 2016, Inhofe requested that the VA IG visit Oklahoma VA facilities with a third party entity since past VA IG reports had not indicated any problems in Oklahomas VA facilities. This request was denied.\r\nOn Feb 1, 2016, Inhofe placed a hold on the Veterans Affairs Inspector General nominee until the VA agreed to send an outside entity to investigate Oklahomas VA facilities.\r\nOn Feb. 12, 2016, Inhofe and Lankford introduced S. 2554, the Veterans Affairs Accountability Act, which would give authority to the Secretary of the VA to remove or demote a VA employee based on performance or misconduct and allow independent, third party oversight at VA facilities.\r\nOn Feb. 23, 2017, Sen. Inhofe announced on the Senate floor that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has committed in writing to conduct investigations of Oklahomas VA hospitals in coordination with an outside entity, a condition made by Inhofe prior to allowing confirmation of the VA Inspector General nominee.\r\nOn June 23, 2017, President Trump signed S. 1094 the Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act into law. This bill gives greater authority to VA directors to fire poorly performing employees. This legislation contained portions of S.2554, which Inhofe introduced the previous year.\r\nOn July 10, 2017 the VA IG released a report following an investigation of the Muskogee VA that was done in conjunction with a third party, the Joint Commission. The report provided over 20 recommendations to improve the facility and care provided, which Director Mark Morgan committed to implementing.\r\nOn August 14, 2017, President Trump signed S.114, to extend the Veterans Choice Program.\r\nOn November 2, 2017 the VA IG released a report following an investigation of the Oklahoma City VA that was done in conjunction with a third party, the Joint Commission. The report provided over 20 recommendations to improve the facility and care provided, which Director Wade Vlosich committed to implementing.\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-tax-reform-is-one-step-closer-to-becoming-law", "Senator Lankford: Tax Reform Is One Step Closer To Becoming Law", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford: Tax Reform Is One Step Closer To Becoming Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) tonight made the following statement after voting in favor of the House and Senate conference agreement of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\r\nAfter thirty years, we finally have a tax reform bill thats one stop away from being signed into law by the President. Over the past decade, economic growth has stalled and for the first time since World War II, America has grown around 2 percent or less. For the past year, we have worked to simplify the tax code and bring down the rates for everyone. This bill accomplishes both of those goals. This tax reform bill will put more money in peoples pockets, to spend or to save, which will help our economic health, and increase jobs, productivity, and wages for all Oklahomans. For families with very modest incomes, this bill doubles their standard deduction, doubles the child tax credit, and significantly reduces their taxes. For small, medium and large businesses, this bill will allow them to keep more of what they make to invest in new equipment, new employees, and business expansion. While no bill is perfect, this bill is a vast improvement on the current tax code.\r\n\r\nCLICK HEREfor a summary of the latest tax bill.CLICK HEREto view Lankfords recent interview about tax reform on CBS Face The Nation.CLICK HEREto view a December 8 floor speech from Lankford on tax reform.CLICK HEREto read a December 6 op-ed written by Lankford in support of tax reform.\r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-tax-reform-one-step-closer-to-becoming-law", "Senator Lankford: Tax Reform One Step Closer To Becoming Law", "2017-12-20", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford: Tax Reform One Step Closer To Becoming Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) tonight made the following statement after voting in favor of the House and Senate conference agreement of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\r\nAfter thirty years, we finally have a tax reform bill thats one stop away from being signed into law by the President. Over the past decade, economic growth has stalled and for the first time since World War II, America has grown around 2 percent or less. For the past year, we have worked to simplify the tax code and bring down the rates for everyone. This bill accomplishes both of those goals. This tax reform bill will put more money in peoples pockets, to spend or to save, which will help our economic health, and increase jobs, productivity, and wages for all Oklahomans. For families with very modest incomes, this bill doubles their standard deduction, doubles the child tax credit, and significantly reduces their taxes. For small, medium and large businesses, this bill will allow them to keep more of what they make to invest in new equipment, new employees, and business expansion. While no bill is perfect, this bill is a vast improvement on the current tax code.\r\n\r\nCLICK HEREfor a summary of the latest tax bill.CLICK HEREto view Lankfords recent interview about tax reform on CBS Face The Nation.CLICK HEREto view a December 8 floor speech from Lankford on tax reform.CLICK HEREto read a December 6 op-ed written by Lankford in support of tax reform.\r\n###\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mullin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=834", "Mullin Supports Tax Cuts and Jobs for Oklahomas Families and Small Businesses", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Markwayne Mullin", "M001190", "mullin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) voted today in support of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, to deliver significant tax relief to Oklahomas families and small businesses. \r\nFor thirty-one years, Oklahomas families have struggled to get ahead under our increasingly burdensome tax code, said Mullin. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides real relief to the hardworking Oklahomans who need it most. Starting next year, Oklahomans will see their paycheck stretch further, simply because they are going to keep more of it in the first place. For example, the average family of four in Oklahomas Second District is going to receive a $1,643 tax cut under our bill and regain the power to spend their dollars in a way that works best for their family.\r\nAdditionally, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act delivers the jumpstart our businesses need to invest, grow, and succeed, said Mullin. This pro-growth tax reform allows small businesses to create the new jobs and investments necessary to compete in the global market. Im proud to be a part of this historic tax reform that will keep more money in our local communities and stimulate our national economy. I look forward to the Senate moving quickly so that we can deliver on our promise to the American people and send the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to the presidents desk before the years end.\r\nH.R. 1 passed the House by a vote of 227 - 203. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-statement-passage-conference-report-hr-1", "Cole Statement on the Passage of the Conference Report for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.  Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the passage of the Conference Report forH.R. 1, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Conference Report passed in the House by a vote of 227-203 with Coles support.\n\nThe passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a historic vote to overhaul our nations tax code,\" said Cole.\"This is the first major reform in 31 years. I applaud Speaker Ryan, House Leadership, Chairman Brady and the Conference members for bringing forward a comprehensive and working tax bill, and achieving this major legislative accomplishment.\n\nUnder this reform, the standard deduction most Americans use is doubled  to $12,000 and $24,000 for individuals and married couples, respectively. The additional child tax credit is increased to $2000, and becomes fully refundable up to $1400 and phases out for families making over $400,000. Further, to benefit all individual filers, the top rate for each bracket is lowered. Most American will receive a tax cut.\n\nThis bill also represents a major tax reduction for businesses. We have lowered the corporate tax rate significantly from 35% to 21%, bringing businesses back to the United States and making our economy more competitive on the global stage. Every economic study shows that the reduction in the corporate rate will deliver economic growth and job opportunities.\n\nAfter substantial debate over the legislation, my colleagues on the Conference Committee were able to affect significant improvements and changes in the original House bill. To point out a few, the medical expense deduction was retained and the mortgage interest deduction will be allowed on home purchases below $750,000. Furthermore, I am pleased that the Conference Committee removed harmful language that would have forced thousands of graduate students to face significant yet unintended tax bills on tuition waivers.\n\nNo tax reform bill is perfect and there are features in the current legislation which I will work to improve. However, on balance, this legislation is good news for most taxpayers and American businesses. It will lower taxes, promote faster economic growth and add more jobs. Again, I applaud my colleagues on this historic vote and I look forward to seeing this legislation reach the Presidents desk.\n\n###\n\nContact: Teresa Davis (202) 225-6165", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-russell-statement-house-passage-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act", "Rep. Russell Statement on House Passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC  Rep. Steve Russell (OK-5) today voted for theTax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1), which passed the House by a margin of 227 to 203. Despite the many MYTHS, H.R. 1 overhauls Americas tax code for the first time in a generation to deliver historic tax relief for workers, families, and job creators, and revitalize our nations economy. By lowering taxes across the board, eliminating costly special-interest tax breaks, and modernizing our international tax system, this legislation will help create more jobs, increase paychecks, and make the tax code more simple and fair for all Americans.\nRep. Russell commented on the passage of theTax Cuts and Jobs Act, stating: This legislation lives up to its name- cutting taxes for individuals, families, and businesses while delivering more jobs and higher wages for the American people. It simplifies our broken tax code, preserving the adoption tax credit for middle-income families and encouraging American businesses to bring offshore investments back home. It also eliminates the Affordable Care Acts individual mandate penalty tax, providing families with much-needed relief and flexibility to buy the health care thats right for them if they choose to do so. TheTax Cuts and Jobs Actis exactly what our country needs to get back on track. By doing nothing, we will continue to see our economy worsen and trillions added to the deficit. By taking our country in an entirely different direction through these tax cuts and reforms, we have a chance to let Americans enjoy more of the fruit of their own labor.\nRep. Russell looks forward to Senate Republicans passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act this week so that the unified Republican government can deliver more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks for hardworking Americans by the end of the year. To follow the progress oftax reform as it crosses the finish line, sign up to receive text message updates from the House Republican Conference by texting TAX REFORM to 50589. Message and data rates may apply.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=578", "Rep. Russell Statement on House Passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Russell Statement on House Passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 19, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Rep. Steve Russell (OK-5) today voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1), which passed the House by a margin of 227 to 203. Despite the many MYTHS, H.R. 1 overhauls America's tax code for the first time in a generation to deliver historic tax relief for workers, families, and job creators, and revitalize our nation's economy. By lowering taxes across the board, eliminating costly special-interest tax breaks, and modernizing our international tax system, this legislation will help create more jobs, increase paychecks, and make the tax code more simple and fair for all Americans.Rep. Russell commented on the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, stating: This legislation lives up to its name- cutting taxes for individuals, families, and businesses while delivering more jobs and higher wages for the American people. It simplifies our broken tax code, preserving the adoption tax credit for middle-income families and encouraging American businesses to bring offshore investments back home. It also eliminates the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate penalty tax, providing families with much-needed relief and flexibility to buy the health care that's right for them if they choose to do so. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is exactly what our country needs to get back on track. By doing nothing, we will continue to see our economy worsen and trillions added to the deficit. By taking our country in an entirely different direction through these tax cuts and reforms, we have a chance to let Americans enjoy more of the fruit of their own labor. Rep. Russell looks forward to Senate Republicans passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act this week so that the unified Republican government can deliver more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks by the end of the year. To follow the progress of tax reform as it crosses the finish line, sign up to receive text message updates from the House Republican Conference by texting TAX REFORM to 50589. Message and data rates may apply.\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-testifies-on-gridlock-reform-before-senate-rules-committee", "Senator Lankford Testifies on Gridlock Reform Before Senate Rules Committee", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Testifies on Gridlock Reform Before Senate Rules Committee \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Lankford: The rules of the Senate are not something that we can just complain about and do nothing about.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t CLICK HERE to view the video.\r\nWASHINGTON, DC  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today testified before the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration on Senate Resolution 355, which is a resolution introduced by Lankford to address Senate gridlock. Lankford has advocated keeping the legislative filibuster but changing the rules that produce or result in a delay in the Senate calendar for presidential nominations. In April 2017, Lankford proposed to reinstate a rule from 2013 in order to reduce Senate post-cloture debate time. This will allow the Senate more time to consider legislation. In 2017, the Senate has confirmed 261 of President Trumps nominations, compared to 418 of President Obamas nominations in his first year and 483 of President Bushs nominations in his first year.\r\nSpecifically, the resolution seeks to reduce post-cloture debate time for most executive branch nominees from 30 hours to eight hours and district court nominees from 30 hours to two hours. The resolution will maintain the 30 hours of post-cloture debate time for Supreme Court, circuit court, and Cabinet-level nominees.\r\nTranscript from Opening Statement:\r\nChairman Shelby, Ranking Member Klobuchar, friends, and colleagues, I anticipate this to be a dialogue. I dont think a single one of us thinks that things are going swimmingly. Were not engaging on the issues. We do consume a tremendous amount of time not in 30-hours of debate but 30-hours of silence on the Senate floor. With occasionally someone standing up to speak on something unrelated to the 30-hours of debate on the floor for that nominee. This is not so much a debate about if only we had 30-hours of debate we would get so many facts out on so many individuals because were really not debating the individuals. The work is done in the committees; the work is done in a back-and-forth with the administration. Thats where it really occurs. The challenge is we have learned as a body that we are now either going to do nominees or were going to do legislation, but we cant do both. Because if the calendar if full for a week on three nominations youll never get to any legislation, and we continue to have constituents come to us and say whens the Senate going to vote on things. And we can respond, we are on nominations. But we dont have time for nominations and legislation. This continues to accelerate.\r\nThe issue that were going to continue face is the gridlock on Capitol Hill is spreading across the rest of Washington, and the more that you have nominees that are not confirmed in every agency all of us and our constituent services folks and all of our legislative staff will tell us theyre calling over to agencies and the agencies are saying we cant give you an answer; theres not a Senate-confirmed person in there. As that spreads, it affects all of our constituent services, it affects every permit that we request, it affects every bit of the process that happens. The gridlock thats here is moving over there. That doesnt help us long-term.\r\nI tried to be able to give some basic examples of this and some history of it and as we deal with the post-cloture debate just on nominations. From 1949 to 1992, there were only 12 total cloture votes for nominations during that entire time period.Then, starting in 1993, the Senate averaged around six cloture votes for nominations through 2004. In the 109th Session, the average jumped to nine cloture votes for nominations for a year, then in 2009-2012, it jumped again to over 13 a year.In 2013, at the beginning of President Obamas second term, the Senate determined that something had to be done about nominations. In January of 2013, the Senate passed S.Res.15 by a vote of 78-16, a standing orderjust for that one sessionto reduce post-cloture debate time for most executive branch nominees from 30 hours to 8 hours and reduce that to two hours for district court nominees Under the standing order, post-cloture debate time for Supreme Court Justices and Cabinet-level nominations stayed all at 30 hours.\r\nThe standing order in 2013 was an attempt to avoid the nuclear option, as we know now well from history that did not occur. The nuclear option was still invoked in November of that same yearthat standing order remained and it functioned through the rest of 2014. Now, in 2013 the Senate considered it intolerable that the Senate would have 13 to 15 cloture votes in a year on nominations. This year weve had 63 cloture votes on nominations. Thats not comparable to where we were its an acceleration. I would say to this body we all know the direction of this body. We have 63 cloture votes on nominations now for this president when the presidential party changes, there will be a future Democratic president, Republicans will say they did 63 to us well do 120 to them. And then the next time itll be they well do 240 them. As we have watched this over the last 20 years slowly go up year by year, I dont know how that turns around until this body determines that its going to turn around. Enough is enough.\r\nThe rules of the Senate are not something that we can just complain about and do nothing about. The Senators control the rules of the Senate and at some point, we have to determine this is getting out of hand. We have to be able to solve it. Now, I was not here in 2013 when the nuclear option was invoked but Ive heard the stories of the frustration that was rising and that my Democratic colleagues believe that Republicans were pushing it too far and so they determined something has to be done. I would just say I have the sense that was in a very similar position. That this can be pushed too far and at some point, Republicans respond something has to be done. For the sake of the future not just this administration but for the sake of the future, we have to determine how we're going to do this and how to be able to put his in place so that it actually works. Senator Merkley is my next-door neighbor. I was probably in the Senate three weeks and he reached out to me and said can we sit and talk about rules. Ive heard you mentioned some things about rules. I sat in his office and we shared a lot of commonality on a lot of these issues in the sense that we have to be able to find a way to actually resolve these issues not just talk about them but figure out how its going to work long-term. Senator Merkley had a proposal to take all nominations to two hours period except for Supreme Court nominations\r\nTheres not a lot of debate that happens on the floor anymore. Most of it happens in committee and now with 51 votes for all nominees, the outcome is most often certain. So its really determined before we ever get there. The issue is are we going to do legislation and nominations, or are we only going to nominations? As I mentioned in my written testimony, the old Roosevelt term of first 100 days can never be a marker again, because from here on out every president in their first 100 days wont even get their cabinet in place. They wont be able to move legislation because they wont be able to get personnel because it will be tit-for-tat from here on out. Losing that time period is a great loss to the American people and is unexplainable to those of us in the Senate.\r\nMy proposal is simple. Lets take the role that was done during that time period in 2013 with wide bipartisan support and lets make it permanent and say this is how were going to continue to function from here on out. I would very much appreciate the conversation on it. If theres a better idea to do it, Im willing to be able to take it on and to be able to say what can we do to be able to fix this, but the best idea that I had was to take one that was already done and was already agreed on and say lets make it permanent and go from here on out.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-lankford-and-klobuchar-urge-department-of-homeland-security-to-prioritize-election-cybersecurity", "Senators Lankford and Klobuchar Urge Department of Homeland Security to Prioritize Election Cybersecurity", "2017-12-19", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.19.17\n\t\t\t Senators Lankford and Klobuchar Urge Department of Homeland Security to Prioritize Election Cybersecurity \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) have written the new Homeland Security Secretary Kristjen Nielsen to urge the Department to prioritize election cybersecurity. Intelligence reports make it clear that Russia hacked presidential campaign accounts, launched cyberattacks against at least 21 state election systems, attacked a US voting systems software company, and illegally obtained emails from more than 100 local election officials.\r\nIn todays letter, Klobuchar and Lankford call on DHS Secretary Nielsen to do more to fully protect our systems, including improving information-sharing between states and the federal government and providing states with resources, best practices, and manpower to help combat attacks and update voting technology. The senators, along with Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) as original cosponsors, have also developed bipartisan legislation, to be introduced Thursday, to require DHS cooperation and leadership on establishing information-sharing processes and improving election cybersecurity.\r\nAs Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight jurisdiction over federal elections, Klobuchar also leda group of 26 senators in calling for a full account of the Election Assistance Commissions (EAC) efforts to address Russian cybersecurity threats.Senator Lankford serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which is investigating foreign interference during the 2016 presidential campaign and election. \r\n\r\nA PDF of the letter is available here, and the full text isbelow:\r\n\r\nDear Secretary Nielsen,\r\n    We write to express concern about the security of U.S. election systems and to urge you to prioritize election cybersecurity as you begin your tenure as Secretary.\r\n    Election security is national security, and our election systems have become a target for foreign adversaries. Intelligence reports make it clear that Russia hacked presidential campaign accounts from both parties, launched cyberattacks against at least 21 state election systems, attacked a U.S. voting systems software company, and illegally obtained emails from more than 100 local election officials. National security officials continue to sound the alarm that our voting systems will remain a target in future elections.\r\n    In response to these attacks on our election system, in January 2017 the Department of Homeland Security determined that election infrastructure should be designated as a subsector of the existing Government Facilities critical infrastructure sector. This was an important step towards ensuring that election systems, including voting machines, voter registration databases, and other systems used to administer elections and store election data are prioritized and protected. However, more must be done to fully protect our systems.\r\n    For example, we must improve information sharing between the federal government and states regarding threats and ensure that security clearances for appropriate state election officials are expedited so that they can receive relevant information. We must also provide states with resources, best practices and manpower to help combat attacks and update voting technology. State and local election officials are on the front lines of our democratic process. It is wrong to leave them defenseless against sophisticated cyber hackers backed by the Kremlin and other adversaries.\r\n    We have worked across the aisle with colleagues from both the Senate and the House to develop legislation that would help protect our election systems. Our Senate legislation requires DHS cooperation and leadership on establishing information sharing processes and improving election cybersecurity. Given your significant experience across administrations, within the Department, and on issues of cybersecurity, we are hopeful that under your leadership DHS will make securing our election infrastructure a top priority.\r\n    We must do everything in our power to protect our democracy from future attacks. Time is of the essence, the next federal election is less than a year away.\r\n    Thank you for your attention to this important matter, I look forward to working with you.\r\nSincerely,\r\nAmy Klobuchar\r\nJames Lankford\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/agenda-rest-year", "The Agenda for the Rest of the Year", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This week, Congress will start to wrap up its first legislative year and work to accomplish some of its major objectives. This year has been a productive one, but we are racing to the finish line to accomplish two of our most important priorities  funding the government and tax reform.\n\nEach fiscal year, it is imperative that Congress funds our government agencies to meet the needs of the American taxpayer and that they remain open for business. Congress, with the power of the purse, is responsible for appropriating money for federal agencies so that they can serve the American people. And with each fiscal year, the demands and functions of federal agencies change. Unfortunately, the Senate has failed to pass full funding legislation on time for another year  in fact, the last time all twelve appropriations measures were passed by both chambers and signed into law by the fiscal year deadline of September 30th was in 1996.\n\nThis year, the House accomplished passing all twelve appropriations measures through the Appropriations Committee in a timely manner. Unfortunately, a comprehensive spending package was not brought up for a vote, and Congress resorted to kicking the proverbial can down the road  by passing another continuing resolution. By passing a continuing resolution, we are functioning and relying on funding levels set by the previous fiscal year. And each time we reached a funding deadline, it has been a race to reach an agreement on what kind of spending deal should be done. Once again, Congress finds itself scrambling to pass a funding measure that will keep the government open, supply our military and defense forces and continue helping our neighbors in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico who have been devastated by hurricane disasters.\n\nAnother item on the 2017 agenda for Congress has been the passage of tax reform. Earlier this year, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1), which was the comprehensive tax legislation to reform our nations tax code, making individual filing easier and corporate taxes less burdensome. It passed in both the House and the Senate, and a bicameral conference committee worked on a final product to be passed in the House and Senate this week, and sent to the Presidents desk. Should the President sign the bill, we will have accomplished the first major overhaul of the tax code since 1986.\n\nThere is a lot of work to be done. It is imperative that Congress passes the appropriations measures for Fiscal Year 2018 by the next funding deadline. Entering the New Year under the previous years standards will be detrimental and costly to the federal government. Even worse would be a government shutdown. Congress can close out this year with a lot to be proud of  we should end 2017 on a positive note.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-presidents-national-security-strategy", "Inhofe Praises President's National Security Strategy", "2017-12-18", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Praises President's National Security Strategy\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 18, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, praised the presidents speech today on the National Security Strategy for the United States:\r\nPresident Trumps bold national security strategy leaves little question that he is charting a new course for American foreign policy, leaving behind the failed policies of President Obama. His strategy puts American leadership at the forefront of our security and economic growth and I look forward to working with him on these initiatives. With the presidents clear commitment to protecting the homeland, promoting American prosperity, defending human rights and advancing peace through strength, the United States will once again be the unquestioned leader of the free world.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-secures-amendments-protecting-oklahoma-businesses-in-tax-bill-conference-report-", "Inhofe Secures Amendments Protecting Oklahoma Businesses in Tax Bill Conference Report", "2017-12-15", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Secures Amendments Protecting Oklahoma Businesses in Tax Bill Conference Report \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 15, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) praised the release of the conference agreement on H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today, which included key Inhofe amendments that would ensure the tax cut bill treats all Oklahoma companies fairly, protecting jobs and economic growth in Oklahoma:\r\nI am pleased the conference committee demonstrated Congress commitment to making the tax code fair and simple by including my amendment to ensure family-owned businesses of all types are treated the same under the tax code. Many of our manufacturers, retailers, farmers, and community bankers have structured their businesses to maximize their ability to grow and create jobs, but the original Senate bill penalized some because of their specific ownership structure. My amendment addressed that, so now family-owned businesses will not be at a competitive disadvantage. The conference report also included other provisions I fought for to support businesses who make capital investments by expanding interest deductibility and protecting the tax-exempt status for valuable community-serving organizations. \r\nBackground on the Amendments\r\nInhofe 1736 - Including trust businesses for pass through deduction. The Senate-passed version of H.R. 1 provided a 23 percent deduction for businesses structured as pass through entities, but it excluded those entities that are organized as trusts. This would have a negative impact on family owned businesses in Oklahoma. Inhofe authored Amendment #1736 to address this issue. The conference report to H.R. 1 incorporated this amendment into the final package; all businesses organized as pass through entities will be treated the same.\r\nInhofe 1602  Increasing the amount of interest that can be deducted by businesses. Both the House and Senate passed versions of H.R. 1 limited the amount of interest that can be deducted by businesses. The House limited the amount to 30 percent of a businesses annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Senate limited to 30 percent of a businesses annual earnings before only interest and taxes, a significantly lower number. The Senate language would have resulted in a less favorable tax position for many Oklahoma companies. Inhofe authored Amendment #1602 to address this so that the Senate bill would mirror the House. The conference report to H.R. 1 incorporated this amendment into the final package for the first four years of the bill.\r\nLocal businesses praised Inhofes advocacy and leadership on tax reform:\r\nI commend Senator Inhofe for his leadership to ensure that family-owned businesses will benefit from comprehensive tax reform. Because Senator Inhofes tireless advocacy, our company will continue to be able to invest in the economy and grow jobs in communities across the United States, said Frank Love, Co-CEO of Loves Travel Stops and Country Stores.American family owned businesses are key drivers of robust and sustained economic opportunity in communities throughout the United States and should be treated equally under the new tax code.\r\nI appreciate efforts by Senator Inhofe to ensure that family-owned businesses will see a positive impact from comprehensive tax reform, said Jeff Records, MidFirst Banks Chief Executive Officer. Community banks, like MidFirst Bank, serve as anchors in our communities, providing economic opportunity for families and small to mid-size businesses across Oklahoma and the other markets we serve. Thanks to Senator Inhofes tireless advocacy, our family-owned company will continue to be able to maximize our support of community investment and in turn grow the nations economy.\r\nWe greatly appreciate Senator Inhofes work to ensure that tax reform will encourage more economic growth and investment that will benefit the citizens of Oklahoma, said Alan S. Armstrong, CEO of Williams Companies. The Williams Company strongly supports this legislation and urges its rapid enactment into law.\r\nThe nations nearly 2,000 Subchapter S community banks greatly appreciate Sen. James Inhofes successful efforts to improve the tax reform bill to correct a damaging provision on trusts that would have harmed locally focused financial institutions, said Camden R. Fine, President and CEO of the Independent Community Bankers of America. ICBA and the nations community bankers thank Sen. Inhofe for his bold leadership in ensuring that these institutions can continue using their business model to best serve families and small businesses in their communities for generations to come.\r\nMany construction firms utilize trust ownership for a variety of reasons, such as estate and succession planning, and asset protection, said Stephen E. Sandherr, chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America. Excluding trusts from receiving the pass-through deduction would have resulted in increased shareholder taxes at many construction firms, interrupted ownership arrangements, or forced changes in business entities. AGC appreciates Senator Inhofes leadership on ensuring that pass-through businesses with trust owners fully benefit from tax reform under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.\r\nNRCA commends Sen. James Inhofe for his strong leadership in ensuring that tax reform treats family-owned roofing industry entrepreneurs fairly, said Jim Barr of Barr Roofing, Abilene, TX, Chairman of the Board, National Roofing Contractors Association.We greatly appreciate his efforts on this critical issue.\r\n\"Senator Jim Inhofe and his staff have tirelessly worked on a number of issues to ensure that American consumers have access to plentiful affordable energy, said Mike Mears, CEO of Magellan Midstream. Most recently the Senator played a key role in preserving a competitive structure for Master Limited Partnerships during tax reform deliberations. Magellan and many of America's other pipeline companies are structured as a Master Limited Partnership. This structure provides the public an opportunity to invest in capital intensive energy infrastructure projects. We are grateful for the Senator's leadership on tax reform and other issues important to Oklahoma and the entire country which create jobs and grow the economy.\"\r\nMLPA thanks Senator Jim Inhofe for his unwavering commitment to MLPs and our nations domestic energy infrastructure industry, said Lori E. L. Ziebart, Executive Director of the Master Limited Partnership Association. Through his determined leadership on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, MLPs will continue to be able to attract capital from the public markets to build our nations critical energy infrastructure and in turn lowering the cost of energy for Americas consumers.\r\nI appreciate Sen. Inhofes efforts during the consideration of theTax Cuts and Jobs Actto ensure the Oklahoma Farm Bureau is continued to be treated as a tax-exempt organization,said Rodd Moesel, President of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau. Each year, the Farm Bureau serves Oklahomas farmers and ranchers by providing important services to improve the lives of rural Oklahomans. Our mission would have been directly jeopardized if any changes to our tax status had been contemplated in this important legislation. Because of his leadership, agriculture will continue to be a vital component of our states economy.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-senate-confirmation-of-epa-nominees", "Inhofe Praises Senate Confirmation of EPA Nominees", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Praises Senate Confirmation of EPA Nominees\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 14, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen.Jim Inhofe(R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, praised the Senates confirmation of Matthew Leopold and David Ross to serve in key positions at the EPA. Matthew Leopold was confirmed by voice vote to serve as EPA General Counsel and David Ross was confirmed by voice vote to lead the EPAs Office of Water. \r\nI am pleased that the Senate continues to confirm highly qualified, experienced nominees for the Environmental Protection Agency, like Matthew Leopold and David Ross. I am confident that they will work closely with Administrator Pruitt to promote and protect the environment. Congratulations to Matthew and David on their confirmation and I look forward to working with them in their new role.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-talks-ndaa-and-tax-reform-updates-on-the-radio-", "Inhofe Talks NDAA and Tax Reform Updates on the Radio", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Inhofe and Cameron Dole of KWHW Radio in Altus talked the Altus fire station, military readiness and tax reform.\r\nOn the threat of North Korea: \r\n\u201cThe military themselves\u2014and normally they don\u2019t do this\u2014they admit \u2026 that we today have a hollow force like we had in the late 1970s. So, that\u2019s the biggest problem, but it\u2019s a problem nobody is aware of.\u201d\r\nListen to the full segment here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-introduces-judge-charles-goodwin-at-nomination-hearing", "Senator Lankford Introduces Judge Charles Goodwin at Nomination Hearing", "2017-12-13", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Introduces Judge Charles Goodwin at Nomination Hearing \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Lankford: \u201cSenator Inhofe and I both believe he is qualified to serve as the US District Court Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t CLICK HERE to view the video.\r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced Oklahoma Judge Charles Goodwin at his nomination hearing before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Goodwin is nominated to serve on the US District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma.\r\nGoodwin currently serves as a United States Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Oklahoma. Goodwin presided over approximately 500 initial proceedings in felony cases, issued approximately 350 opinions in civil cases, and disposed over 1000 misdemeanor cases. Previous to serving as Magistrate Judge, Goodwin was a partner and civil litigator at Crowe & Dunlevy, P.C., and served as a law clerk to Judge Lee R. West of the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma and then-Magistrate Judge Claire V. Eagan in the Northern District of Oklahoma. Goodwin received his BA from the University of Oklahoma and JD from the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where he served on the Oklahoma Law Review.\r\nTranscript:\r\nMr. Chairman, it is absolutely an honor to be able to be here. To be able to introduce Charles Goodwin. President Trump nominated Charles Goodwin to serve as a federal district court judge in the Western District of Oklahoma on July the 13th. He is a lifelong Oklahoman, graduate of the University of Oklahoma\u2014which will win the national championship in a few weeks\u2014and he is also a graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law. He has served as a Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Oklahoma for four years, demonstrating a strong reputation for being fair and ethical. He also serves as the chair of the Western District local civil rules committee. He has received the Martindale-Hubbell AV rating of 5, a preeminent rating for the highest level of professional excellence. Before serving as a Magistrate Judge, he was a partner and civil litigator at Crowe & Dunlevy for 13 years. He has practiced in all of the three federal district courts in Oklahoma, federal district courts in New York, California, the Courts of Appeals for the 2nd and 10th Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. He has worked as a law clerk for US District Judge Lee West from 1998-1999, and he was also assigned to work with District Court Judges Ralph Thompson, Tim Leonard, Wayne Alley, Vicki Miles-Lagrange. He also clerked for US Magistrate, now District Court Judge Claire Eagan in 1998. Both Senator Inhofe and I both believe he is qualified to serve as the US District Court Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma.\u00a0\r\nThe Chief Judge for the Western District, as you have already mentioned, Mr. Chairman, Joe Heaton, said that Charles Goodwin has the full confidence of the district judges. Serving with him for the last four years as a Magistrate Judge, they have watched him in his daily work, and they have seen the quality and quantity of the work and professionalism that he works with. His statement was, \u201cbased on the service here, and his experience as a partner practicing lawyer with one of Oklahoma\u2019s largest law firms, I believe Judge Goodwin is plainly qualified to be a US District Judge.\u201d The Oklahoma City chapter of the Federal Bar Association said this about Judge Goodwin, \u201che is a superb choice for the District Court bench. We know him to be thoughtful and intelligent as a judge and a lawyer with the right judicial temperament.\u201d Similarly, past-Presidents of the Oklahoma Bar Association have said, \u201ceach of us knows Charles personally or by reputation and believes he is highly qualified for this position. As a lawyer and a judge, Charles is always exhibited a high degree of ethical conduct, professionalism, competence, hard work, and, as a judge, exceptional judicial temperament.\u201d Former governor of Oklahoma Frank Keating said that Charles Goodwin is a \u201ccapable and fine person, lawyer and judge who cares about the principles set forth in the United States Constitution and the people of the state of Oklahoma.\u201d Former US Attorney for the Western District Sanford Coats, who was nominated by President Obama, said that \u201cCharles Goodwin is well qualified for the position for which he has been nominated. We have been privileged for many decades to have outstanding individuals answer the call to serve as judges here, and Judge Goodwin is right in line with that tradition.\u201d Former US Attorney Robert McCampbell, also from the Western District, who was nominated by President Bush, said that \u201cJudge Goodwin is an outstanding lawyer, and outstanding Magistrate Judge, and would be an outstanding District Judge.\u201d Former US Attorney Dan Webber, who was nominated by President Clinton, said that he believes, \u201cJudge Goodwin is more than qualified to be a District Court Judge.\u201d Judge Goodwin has received letters of support from fellow attorneys at Crowe & Dunlevy, as well as other firms in Oklahoma.\u00a0\r\nHe is a reputable attorney, he has been a quality Magistrate Judge, and I believe he will continue to serve Oklahoma and the nation well as on the federal bench for the Western District of Oklahoma. We highly recommend him, and as many of Oklahomans have stated in multiple letters to this committee and to our office, have stated he is also highly qualified. We look forward to seeing him serving the people of Oklahoma in the Western District. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mullin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=828", "Mullin Statement on FY18 NDAA Signed into Law", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Markwayne Mullin", "M001190", "mullin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) released the following statement after President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18 NDAA) into law:\r\n\u201cThe FY18 NDAA rebuilds and restores our military by supplying our men and women in uniform with the critical resources needed to protect our country from harm,\u201d said Mullin.\u00a0 \u201cOur troops work tirelessly to defend our flag.\u00a0 By giving them a well-deserved pay raise, we recognize their constant commitment and lend our gratitude for their brave sacrifice.\u00a0 A Second District priority, I\u2019m also glad to see the DOD Workforce Flexibility Act extended through 2021 in this year\u2019s NDAA.\u00a0 I applaud President Trump for his strong support of our nation\u2019s military and this year\u2019s NDAA.\u201d\r\nThe FY18 NDAA\u2019s 2.4% pay raise for our men and women in uniform is the biggest pay raise for our troops in eight years.\u00a0 Additionally, the legislation increases the overall topline funding, adds additional troops to our Armed Forces, and invests in new technology to help the United States confront conflicts around the globe.\u00a0 The bill also includes language that extends Congressman Mullin\u2019s DOD Workforce Flexibility Act through Fiscal Year 2021.\u00a0 The DOD Workforce Flexibility Act gives flexibility in the hiring process for installations with a civilian workforce, like the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-lawmakers-introduce-certify-heroes-act", "House Lawmakers Introduce the CERTIFY Heroes Act", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Representative Steve Russell (OK-5) \u2014joined by Representatives Steve Womack (AR-3), John Carter (TX-31), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-5), and Sanford Bishop (GA-2)\u2014 today introduced the Credentialing, Educating, and Relevant Training Initiative For Your (CERTIFY) Heroes Act.\nThis legislation will permit individuals who are eligible for the Department of Defense tuition assistance program to use their tuition assistance for licensing, credentialing, and certification programs offered by entities other than an institution of higher education.\nUpon introduction, the sponsors released the following statement:\n\u201cThe members of our armed forces deserve nothing short of the best, and we should provide them with the resources necessary for success once they return to civilian life. The CERTIFY Heroes Act, authored by Rep. Steve Womack, will allow active duty men and women who are unable to attend a four-year college to pursue more than 1,500 different licenses, certifications, and credentials using tuition assistance. This bill makes clear the House\u2019s priority to not only equip our service members for their future, but also to give our nation\u2019s workforce the best we have to offer.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=577", "House Lawmakers Introduce the CERTIFY Heroes Act", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Representative Steve Russell (OK-5) joined by Representatives Steve Womack (AR-3), John Carter (TX-31), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-5), and Sanford Bishop (GA-2) today introduced the Credentialing, Educating, and Relevant Training Initiative For Your (CERTIFY) Heroes Act.This legislation will permit individuals who are eligible for the Department of Defense tuition assistance program to use their tuition assistance for licensing, credentialing, and certification programs offered by entities other than an institution of higher education. Upon introduction, the sponsors released the following statement: The members of our armed forces deserve nothing short of the best, and we should provide them with the resources necessary for success once they return to civilian life. The CERTIFY Heroes Act, authored by Rep. Steve Womack, will allow active duty men and women who are unable to attend a four-year college to pursue more than 1,500 different licenses, certifications, and credentials using tuition assistance. This bill makes clear the House's priority to not only equip our service members for their future, but also to give our nation's workforce the best we have to offer.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-highlights-ferc-legislation-at-senate-energy-committee", "Inhofe Highlights FERC Legislation at Senate Energy Committee", "2017-12-12", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Highlights FERC Legislation at Senate Energy Committee\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 12, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) submitted comments for the record during today\u2019s Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing regarding the permitting process for energy and resource infrastructure projects. Sen. Inhofe\u2019s comments highlighted the importance of S.1844, legislation he authored with Sen. Angus King (I-ME) on streamlining pipeline approval processes.\r\nKey excerpts:\r\n\u201cOur infrastructure is failing us and we are falling behind our international competitors who can build out new infrastructure quicker, efficiently moving goods to market.\u00a0 We need to tackle new projects and we need to do more to maintain and upgrade existing infrastructure.\u00a0 Unfortunately, delays in the permitting process happen too often and add significant costs - to the detriment of taxpayers and consumers.\u00a0 One study by Common Good found that a six-year delay more than doubles the effective cost of a project.\u00a0 We must consider ways to make infrastructure funding go further and streamlining the permitting process is a natural fit in a broader infrastructure package.\u00a0 I am confident Congress will take action soon \u2013 action that is vital for the economic health of our nation. \u2026\r\n\u201cIn that same vein, earlier this year I introduced the Coordinating Interagency Review of Natural Gas Infrastructure Act of 2017 (S. 1844) with Senator King.\u00a0 S. 1844 will improve the process to permit certain natural gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas facilitates.\u00a0 While FERC generally does a good job carrying out its infrastructure permitting responsibilities, Senator King and I introduced this legislation narrowly to target known inter-agency slowdowns in the permitting process for Natural Gas Act Section 3 and Section 7 applications.\u00a0 S. 1844 is supported by API, INGAA, NGSA, and the Center for LNG and I encourage the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to consider and act on this important legislation.\u201d\r\nFull Comments as submitted:\r\nThank you, Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Cantwell, for holding this hearing on permitting processes at the Department of Interior (DOI) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for energy and resource infrastructure projects.\u00a0\r\nOur infrastructure is failing us and we are falling behind our international competitors who can build out new infrastructure quicker, efficiently moving goods to market.\u00a0 We need to tackle new projects and we need to do more to maintain and upgrade existing infrastructure.\u00a0 Unfortunately, delays in the permitting process happen too often and add significant costs - to the detriment of taxpayers and consumers.\u00a0 One study by Common Good found that a six-year delay more than doubles the effective cost of a project.\u00a0 We must consider ways to make infrastructure funding go further and streamlining the permitting process is a natural fit in a broader infrastructure package.\u00a0 I am confident Congress will take action soon \u2013 action that is vital for the economic health of our nation.\r\nThe National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA) serve important purposes when implemented efficiently and as intended by Congress.\u00a0 The intent of these two statutes is to allow agencies and stakeholders to identify and assess potential impacts from infrastructure projects and collaboratively, and concurrently approve a project that minimizes environmental impacts and best addresses stakeholder concerns.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nUnfortunately, implementation of NEPA and CWA by the previous administration has created a standard of delay and inefficiency \u2013 preventing economic development.\u00a0 Rather than allowing federal agencies, states and other agencies to act constructively together, these statutes are increasingly being misused to create delays and foster unproductive entrenchments.\u00a0 Environmental reviews under NEPA have ballooned due, in part, to litigation fears, resulting in exhaustive documents and protracted efforts that leave no pebble unturned.\u00a0 Regulations promulgated by the Council on Environmental Quality in 1978 set a target size for Environmental Impact Statements (EIS).\u00a0 These regulations are still in effect and state that EISs should normally not exceed 150 pages in length and 300 pages in length for proposals of unusual scope or complexity.\u00a0 This is rarely followed.\u00a0 FERC, for example, has issued four Final EISs this year.\u00a0 Excluding appendices, they all weighed in well above that limit: 567; 866; 930; and, 485 pages, respectively.\u00a0 Including appendices, they don\u2019t even come close: 1,699; 7,378; 6,971; and, 2,473 pages, respectively.\u00a0 This is symptomatic of a system stretched well beyond its intent.\r\nThe framework of the Clean Water Act provides for all Section 401 permits to be acted upon within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed one year after receipt of a request.\u00a0 Some state environmental agencies increasingly abuse permit requests, insisting that applicants withdraw (and refile) requests because the state hasn\u2019t been able to meet its statutory obligation.\u00a0 This process re-starts the annual clock and clearly abuses the intent of the CWA.\u00a0 More troubling, states are increasingly abandoning their objectivity and withholding Section 401 permits, not as a result of reasoned analysis but rather in an attempt to obstruct infrastructure proposals.\u00a0\r\nIn my role as Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman, I led the way on a number of infrastructure bills that included provisions to make cumbersome and costly permitting processes better.\u00a0 We amended NEPA to create concurrent reviews between agencies and targeted timeframes for completion of reviews.\u00a0 We raised independent peer review triggers from $45 million to $200 million to prevent frivolous studies.\r\nIn that same vein, earlier this year I introduced the Coordinating Interagency Review of Natural Gas Infrastructure Act of 2017 (S. 1844) with Senator King.\u00a0 S. 1844 will improve the process to permit certain natural gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas facilitates.\u00a0 While FERC generally does a good job carrying out its infrastructure permitting responsibilities, Senator King and I introduced this legislation narrowly to target known inter-agency slowdowns in the permitting process for Natural Gas Act Section 3 and Section 7 applications.\u00a0 S. 1844 is supported by API, INGAA, NGSA, and the Center for LNG and I encourage the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to consider and act on this important legislation.\r\nFunding from private sources should not be discouraged from investing in infrastructure.\u00a0\u00a0 Private investment, unquestionably, benefits everyone.\u00a0 Permitting processes, however, must provide consistency and demonstrate that agencies are urgently and constructively working together.\u00a0 Without this, competition among, and indeed participation by, private funding sources will not materialize.\u00a0 Streamlining efforts should always focus on these principles.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nThank you again, Chairman Murkowski and Ranking Member Cantwell, for holding this hearing.\u00a0 As you know, we must continue to assess what is working and what is not working in our existing statutes.\u00a0 I look forward to working with you and the full Senate as we take action to streamline infrastructure permitting.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/first-step-toward-peace", "A First Step Toward Peace", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Regarded as a sacred city to the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths, the ancient city of Jerusalem as been at the center of dispute between Palestine and Israel for decades.\u00a0And for many years, U.S. Presidents have attempted to engage and negotiate peace talks between Israel and Palestine in hopes that it would help set firm boundaries and a final two-state solution.\n\t\u00a0\n\tEvery president in recent history has campaigned on a pledge to officially recognize Jerusalem as the true capital of Israel.\u00a0Yet none of them has followed through and actually done so. But last week President Trump delivered on his promise and recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.\n\t\u00a0\n\tThe city of Jerusalem is home to many religious sites of the three monotheistic religions \u2013 Judaism, Christianity and Islam - and millions of people hold these sites sacred. Since 1948, both Palestine and Israel have claimed Jerusalem to be the capital of their respective states. These conflicting claims have incited many acts of violence throughout the years. In 1995, Congress passed bipartisan legislation to formally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and the seat of its government. Although this sent an important message at the time, no previous administration has actually recognized Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital.\n\t\u00a0\n\tIsrael is the most powerful, democratic ally of the United States in the Middle East. It has served as the catalyst of democracy in the region. As a democratic and sovereign nation, it has and should have every right to name its capital. The majority of Israel\u2019s government institutions \u2013 from the Knesset to the Supreme Court and the office of the Prime Minister \u2013 are located in Jerusalem. It should be fundamentally understood that Israel should be able to claim Jerusalem as its rightful capital.\n\t\u00a0\n\tPresident Trump\u2019s was careful to point out that the geo-political boundaries of Jerusalem should be negotiated and agreed upon by Israel and Palestine. In addition to formal recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the Administration also plans to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in the future. However, the President was careful to keep open the possibility that Jerusalem might also serve as the capital of a future Palestinian state.\n\t\u00a0\n\tThe idea of recognizing Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital has had bipartisan support for many years. Many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle strongly expressed their support for President Trump\u2019s decision. United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley has also been a leader in voicing America\u2019s position on Jerusalem on the international stage to garner support from other nations. In the coming weeks and years, the United States will play an integral role in the process for peace between Palestine and Israel. However, by recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the United States has sent a powerful message of our alliance and friendship with the Jewish state.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-urge-nationwide-review-of-va-providers-in-light-of-usa-today-report", "Senators Urge Nationwide Review of VA Providers in Light of USA Today Report", "2017-12-11", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senators Urge Nationwide Review of VA Providers in Light of USA Today Report\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 11, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) joined a bipartisan group of U.S. senators calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct a nationwide review of its providers after a USA Today investigation found multiple providers hired by the Department had at least one state medical license revoked due to malpractice.\r\nIn a letter to VA Secretary David Shulkin led by Sen. John Boozman (R-AR), the senators presented a series of questions.\r\n\u201cFor years, states have experienced provider shortages across many different medical specialties, and like the private sector healthcare industry, the VA has faced similar provider shortages,\u201d the senators wrote to Shulkin. \u201cAs such, we request information about the VA\u2019s oversight of provider hiring guidelines to ensure that the pressure to fill shortages has not led to insufficient health care quality controls.\u201d\r\nIn addition to Boozman and Inhofe, the letter was signed by Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mike Enzi (R-WY), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).\r\n\r\nFull text of the letter can be found here and below:\r\nDecember 8, 2017\r\nThe Honorable David Shulkin\r\nSecretary\r\nU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs\r\n810 Vermont Ave NW\r\nWashington, DC 20420-0001\r\nDear Secretary Shulkin:\r\nWe write to express our serious concerns regarding recent media reports suggesting that the Department of Veterans Affairs offers employment to medical practitioners with a known history of licensure revocation by a state medical licensing board. The national reporting also highlighted cases of the VA hiring providers with known conduct and performance deficiencies that resulted in sanctions and criminal charges of the individuals.\r\nFor years, states have experienced provider shortages across many different medical specialties, and like the private sector healthcare industry, the VA has faced similar provider shortages. For states, such as Arkansas, in which many veterans eligible for VA care are rural, the provider shortage is even more pronounced. As such, we request information about the VA\u2019s oversight of provider hiring guidelines to ensure that the pressure to fill shortages has not led to insufficient health care quality controls.\r\nWe request that the Department of Veterans Affairs conduct a nationwide review to identify all providers by state and specialty, who were known to have had adverse actions taken against their clinical privileges, to include the revocation of state medical licensure, and were subsequently hired by the Department. Of the individuals identified by the aforementioned report, what is the employment status of each individual identified? What additional oversight measures are required for providers identified through this review who remain employed by and practicing within the VA?\r\nIn addition to a review to determine the current status of providers within the VA, we would also like information relevant to oversight of VA policies regarding hiring of individuals who have disciplinary or performance deficiencies that resulted in sanctions, claims, or charges. At what level is a final personnel decision approved? Does the VA have regular reporting and review of any providers hired under these circumstances? How is the performance and conduct of such individuals tracked, including the healthcare outcomes they deliver for veterans? When the VA intends to hire a provider with known medical malpractice claims, what additional scrutiny or consideration are such applicants subjected to?\r\nDoes the VA have authority to hire a provider whose license has been revoked? When the VA considers hiring these providers, at what level does the VA approve a final offer of employment? Are such hiring decisions subject to reporting requirements to the Department? If so, to what level? Following the employment of such a provider, does the VA require any probationary periods of review or mandatory consultation prior to authorizing the direct provision of care to patients? Do these positions include any responsibility for the direct provision of medical care?\r\nPlease confirm the status of this request and provide a timeline for completion of the requested review. We ask that you please keep our offices updated on this issue. Thank you for your consideration of this request.\r\n\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mullin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=827", "Mullin Supports Fair International Business Practices", "2017-12-09", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Markwayne Mullin", "M001190", "mullin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Mullin (OK-2) today reaffirmed his support for H.R. 4563, the Georgian Fair Business Practice Sanctions Act, which enforces sanctions on the Georgian Government in the event they partake in unfair, unethical business practices with companies based in the United States.\r\n\u201cFair, honest agreements are crucial to maintain a good working relationship with any foreign government,\u201d said Mullin.\u00a0 \u201cCountries partaking in corrupt international business practices should not be tolerated by the United States.\u00a0 As a cosponsor of the Georgian Fair Business Practices Sanctions Act, I want to reiterate my support for the people of Georgia in their fight against the corruption that exists within their own government.\u201d \r\nMullin is a cosponsor of H.R. 4563, a bill to impose sanctions with respect to the Government of Georgia if the President determines that the Government of Georgia is taking actions to undermine commitments or contractual agreements with United States persons engaging in business operations in the country of Georgia.\u00a0 Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) introduced H.R. 4563 on December 6, 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-letter_-december-8", "Lankford Letter - December 8", "2017-12-08", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.17\n\t\t\t Lankford Letter - December 8 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCLICK HERE for the December 8, 2017 Lankford Letter.\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/cole-congress/cole-congress-guest-chairman-diane-black", "Cole on Congress with guest Chairman Diane Black", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) recently filmed an episode of his television and web show, Cole on Congress for December 2017. This month\u2019s program featured an interview with Chairman Diane Black, who represents the Sixth District of Tennessee and currently serves as the Chairman of the House Budget Committee. Elected in 2010, Black brings an extensive background of public service in the state legislature of Tennessee, as a registered nurse, a small businesswoman and an educator. She has served on the Budget Committee with Congressman Cole since 2011 and was named the Chairman of the committee in 2017.\nBefore running for public office and serving in the Tennessee State Legislature, Black worked in hospitals as a registered nurse. On what inspired her and pushed her to run for office, Black says:\n\u201cI never thought about myself running\u2026I was working in a hospital and saw what kind of care, or the lack of care that people were getting. The cost was breaking the state of Tennessee. [I] decided that maybe I could have a voice in this.\u201d\nDuring her time in the Tennessee State Legislature, Black helped shape healthcare policy for the state, which eventually inspired her run for Congress:\n\u201cI\u2019m very proud to have done a lot of things in healthcare there because my healthcare background has really been the base of most of what I have done. But then what comes along in 2010 \u2013 I\u2019m watching the very same thing that happened in the state of Tennessee happen at the national level. The passage of the Affordable Care Act \u2013 which I always say is neither affordable nor caring \u2013 and I\u2019m watching once again this healthcare plan that is not offering people quality nor the cost of things they can afford.\u201d\nIn addition to her passion to improve healthcare policy, she is also driven by fiscal conservatism. On becoming a member of the Budget Committee, Black states:\n\u201cThe second reason why I came here beside the healthcare piece was that I was watching what was happening in my country about this awful debt and deficits we have. And being a mother, and now a grandmother of six grandchildren, I just couldn\u2019t fathom leaving our country in such terrible conditions.\u201d\nThis year, Black was named the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, and also serves as a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. She attributes the experience of serving on both as achievements to unlocking mandatory spending reforms:\n\u201cIt was such an honor to be asked this year, to do something that I really wanted us to do for the last several years and that is actually get in to some of that mandatory spending\u2026we so many times forget about the mandatory [spending] and that being the true driver of our debt.\u201d\nTo watch the full show of Congressman Cole\u2019s conversation with Chairman Black, please click here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-applauds-senate-confirmation-of-susan-bodine", "Inhofe Applauds Senate Confirmation of Susan Bodine", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Applauds Senate Confirmation of Susan Bodine\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 7, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Susan Bodine to be assistant administrator of the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance at the EPA:\r\n\u201cI am pleased the Senate has finally confirmed Susan Bodine. As the former general counsel of the Environment and Public Works Committee and a former EPA staffer during President George W. Bush\u2019s administration, Susan has a wealth of knowledge and experience making her the right person to work with Administrator Pruitt to faithfully enforce our environmental laws. I congratulate my good friend Susan on her confirmation, and look forward to working with her in her new role.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-touts-benefits-of-the-senate-tax-reform-bill", "Senator Lankford Touts Benefits of the Senate Tax Reform Bill", "2017-12-07", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Touts Benefits of the Senate Tax Reform Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Lankford: \u201cA middle-income family in Oklahoma will have an increase in their take-home pay of $2,200\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t CLICK HERE to watch the video\r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today delivered a speech on the floor of the Senate to tout the benefits of the tax bill that passed the Senate on December 2. Lankford used the speech to clear up misinformation about the bill, and to explain how the bill would help middle class Oklahomans. This speech comes a day after Lankford penned an op-ed on the same topic.\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nExcerpts:\r\nMr. President, we're in the middle of a have very protracted conversation about tax reform. This conversation started in January. I heard people say it was rushed through at the end. It started in January. We\u2019re starting into month twelve of this process. There were hearings in the House. There were hearings in the Senate\u2026 different drafts coming out, shot down, start all over again, and coming back and forth. We\u2019re now starting our 12th month of going through this process. As we get close to the end, I want to outline a few things that we're actually working to be able to set back to this body to the American people what\u2019s actually happening here.\r\nThe focus of this from the beginning, from the very start of it, was two simple things: How can we reduce the rates for individuals so they can keep more of their own money and then spend their own money to stimulate the economy? The second aspect was, how can we simplify the system? There is a lot going on with the back and forth on the final details, but those two things are very clear. This dramatically simplifies the tax structure that we have and it reduces rates for people so that people have more of their own money to be table to spend. Businesses have more of their own money to be able to invest in their business, to pay their workers more, to be able to buy more equipment, and expand their business. That helps everybody in the economy. Whether you save your money, or whether you spend your money, or you\u2019re able to keep your own money.\r\nSo, here's what this means for hardworking Americans and in particular for my state of hardworking Oklahomans.\r\nEvery bracket gets a tax deduction. In fact, the Tax Foundation, as they\u2019re studying the Senate plan going state-by-state, they looked at the middle-income family in Oklahoma, and the Tax Foundation found that the middle-income family in Oklahoma will have an increase in their take-home pay of $2,200 over the next year. People will see it in their paycheck when it\u2019s not being withheld anymore, because they\u2019re able to keep more of their own money. The Senate plan doubles the standard deduction so that a single adult working will have the first $12,000 of their money is not taxed all. For a married couple, that is $24,000 of their income is not taxed at all. We also double the child tax credit to $2,000 directly to be able to protect the people that need the help the most. What does that look like for us? When you take an Oklahoma family of four, that family with all the incomes put together with two working parents that are there, that typical family of four in my state makes about $73,000, combining all of their income together. That family of four with a $73,000 total income for the family will see a cut in their tax bill of $2,200 next year. They pay typically about $3,600 in federal taxes, next year they will pay $1,500 in federal [income] taxes. That's a pretty dramatic shift for them.\r\nLet's take a teacher in Oklahoma. A teacher that has been teaching for a couple of years, a single mom with a couple of kids, $41,000 in total income, trying to be able to make \u2018ends meet.\u2019 That single mom with a couple of kids will see a tax reduction of $1,400 for her. That is incredibly significant to her in day-to-day life. I can assure you every Oklahoman would be glad to see an extra $100 in their paycheck or $150 in their paycheck every single month. That buys a lot of groceries and that sure does bring a lot of help.\r\nThis is a process that really does affect real people and it has been lost in all the conversation. It has been interesting to me to hear the debate and all the noise on it. I'm hearing things that I\u2019m calling the \u2018tax myths\u2019 of this bill. The most common one is that it will increase taxes for those in poverty. So, people that are out there saying \u2018oh my goodness, this is going to increase taxes for those individuals.\u2019 It does not. It actually does the exact opposite, not only by reducing rates but increasing the standard deduction, by increasing the child tax credit. It helps people that need help the most.\r\nI have also heard individuals out there in the media say this is going to hurt people because the individual mandate, something unrelated to tax policy entirely, has been snuck into the tax bill. Well, the individual mandate on the Affordable Care Act is a tax policy that was actually added to a health care bill. This is a tax bill dealing with the tax aspect that was snuck into the original Obamacare healthcare bill. How does that work? Well, the individual mandate says if you don't buy the insurance that\u2019s approved by the folks in Washington, DC, then you get an extra tax on you. Where does that tax go? Well, in Oklahoma 81 percent of the people that pay that extra tax make $50,000 or less. That extra Obamacare tax, that penalty that was put on there was targeted directly at the middle class. And the middle class in Oklahoma pays that fine 81 percent of the fine that is paid is paid by people making $50,000 or less in my state. We want to see that tax rate go down for those individuals and we want to allow people to be able to have that choice. That's a significant change for those individuals that are not only trying to make ends meet they don't want to see one more tax laid upon them.\r\nIt also put into an extension of the 529. Many parents set aside a little bit of money every month to go toward the child's college education. This [provision] would allow it to also be used for education that they can use from kindergarten to 12th grade as well as college, increases that opportunity. The House bill did have a portion in their bill about student loan interest and tuition waiver for graduate students. The Senate actually does not have those two areas. Protecting graduate students and tuition waiver expenses. I think that's important. There's also been a great myth that's out there that Republicans are cutting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid with this bill. Can I tell you, there is nothing in this bill about Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid. We are not trying to damage or change any of those programs. In fact, there was one of the hearings that came up in it just last month where JCT, the Joint Committee on Tax, was asked that question directly and they affirmed that there is nothing in the bill that is trying to change those policies. That is just a myth that\u2019s sitting out there.\r\nWhat we need is a healthy growing economy. Our economy has been flat for the last eight years, growing at around 2 percent. Historically, the United States economy, since World War II, has grown at about 3 percent. That little one percentage point may not be a big deal, but that's a lot of jobs across the country, that\u2019s increased wages across the country, and that\u2019s increased opportunity. I feel sorry for college graduates that graduated in the past several years because they\u2019re trying to land a job in this economy and are finding it difficult it is to get a job in this economy and they wonder if it has always been like that. It has not. If you go back just a decade or two decades ago, people were graduating out of college and landing into great jobs because the economy was growing faster. If we don't do something to get this economy growing faster again, we will continue to have limited opportunities for all Americans and people's paychecks will continue to be flat yet another decade. This is a way to nudge the economy, to say let's get it back going again. Quite frankly, my Democratic colleagues eight years ago passed a $1 trillion stimulus package and said that\u2019s what would nudge the economy and the economy didn't budge at all. This is an opportunity to come back and say, let's actually do this right. Not having the government spend your money, but allow you to keep more of your money and allow the free market, just from people spending, buying, and saving and watch that lift the economy. That lift makes a tremendous difference.\r\nOne last interesting conversation. There's been a lot of folks that talked about deficit or debt effects in this bill, to say that this bill could be up to another $1 trillion in the deficit. This is typical Washington speak and the challenge of serving here in Washington. There are 130 economists that look at this, all turn in reports, everyone has a different outlook. Economists study hard. They look at their numbers, they run their models, but everyone is guessing. And I get that. They are educated guesses, but they are all guessing. It is the responsibility of us here in this Chamber to look at their models and to look at the study and determine does this work. For instance, J.C.T. [Joint Committee on Taxation], in their study of it, said that there will be about half trillion dollars in deficit, because of this bill. But what they didn't take into account, when you look at their actual numbers, is any real increase in international funding, any increase in our American businesses that do business here in America and across the ocean. That's not really taken into account in their [estimates]. They also don't look at tremendous swaths of the economy because they don't have that in their model. But they estimate that we'll have half a trillion dollars in deficit even without those things in there if our economy grows by .1 percent. As I mentioned before, our economy is stuck at 2 percent or less. We\u2019re typically running at 3 percent. They are saying if we can go from .9 percent to 2 percent, or 2 percent to .1 percent, then we're half a trillion dollars in deficit over ten years. But if our economy grows .2 percent, according to J.C.T., we break even. If we go .3 percent, we're in the positive. Do you understand what I'm saying? The focus of this is if you look at the studies, and if you ask the questions, they\u2019ve all got very conservative estimates, as they should, as economists. But if our economy even goes up to maybe 2.5 percent, so half a percentage point of what's typical for us, we're far in the black. I understand it's always a risk. My Democratic colleagues took a risk eight years ago when they spent almost $1 trillion in the stimulus package saying, saying I hope this works, and it did not.\r\nI understand it's a risk, but I think it's an appropriate risk to be able to say let's allow Americans to keep more of their own money to invest in this economy on the risk that we grow the economy .2 percent more to be able to break even. I think the American economy can grow much faster than that. She has for decades up until the last decade. Let's get us back to our old normal and allow that to be our new normal. There's a lot of questions on the tax policy, rightfully so. It's important to all of us. Let's get it right and let\u2019s keep moving. Over the next couple of weeks, this body along with the House, we'll do a conference committee. It's a back and forth about how do we resolve the differences between the House bill and the Senate bill. When that's done, it will have to pass the House and it will pass the Senate and go to the president's desk. In the days ahead, Americans will see the changes in their own paycheck as they see their rates go down and people are able to keep more of their own money. Understanding that the median family, their rates are set to go down by 60 percent in this bill. It's a tremendous benefit to them and one we shouldn't miss that opportunity. With that, Mr. President, I yield the floor.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mullin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=813", "Sens. Inhofe, Lankford, Rep. Mullin Praise Passage of Bill to Enhance Veteran Care", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Markwayne Mullin", "M001190", "mullin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Senator James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Senator James Lankford (R-Okla.), and Congressman Markwayne Mullin (R-OK-2) praised the passage of S. 1266, the Enhancing Veteran Care Act, today in the U.S. House of Representatives.\r\nThe Enhancing Veteran Care Act will allow the Directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) to enter into contracts with nonprofit organizations that accredit health care organization entities in order to ensure medical centers at the Department of Veterans Affairs are providing the highest quality care possible for our veterans. \r\n\u201cToday we are one step closer to holding VA care providers accountable by granting VISN and medical center directors the permanent authority to request outside oversight of their medical facilities,\u201d said Senator Inhofe. \u00a0\u201cOur veterans deserve the highest standard of patient care, and empowering regional leaders with greater oversight ability will improve veterans care in Oklahoma and across the country. \u00a0I will continue to fight for the best veteran\u2019s care possible and look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law quickly as yet another example of his strong commitment to our nation\u2019s veterans.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \r\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased this important bill has passed the Congress and is now on its way to the President\u2019s desk,\u201d said Senator Lankford. \u00a0\u201cIt will be another important tool for our leaders at our veteran\u2019s facilities to ensure they\u2019re able to provide the highest level of care for our veterans.\u201d\r\n\u201cWithout a doubt, we want our veterans to receive health care that is second to none,\u201d said Congressman Mullin.\u00a0 \u201cThe Enhancing Veteran Care Act will bring transparency and accountability to VA medical facilities so that we can ensure our veterans are receiving care equal to the best civilian hospitals.\u00a0 Just as patients often look for a second opinion, so too should our VA clinics be able to recruit a second opinion when it comes to evaluating their medical facilities and services.\u00a0 I\u2019m proud to see this bill pass the House today with bipartisan support so that we can better deliver on our promise to take care of our nation\u2019s veterans.\u201d\r\nSenators Inhofe and Lankford are sponsors of S. 1266.\u00a0 Congressman Mullin is the sponsor of the House companion bill, H.R. 42.\u00a0 S. 1266 passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 423 - 0.\u00a0 The bill will now head to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mullin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=814", "Mullin Statement on President Trump Recognizing Jerusalem as Capital of Israel", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Markwayne Mullin", "M001190", "mullin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mullin Statement on President Trump Recognizing Jerusalem as Capital of Israel \r\n   \r\n    \r\n       \r\n      \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e\r\n      \r\n      \r\n    \r\n    \r\n      \r\n        Washington,\r\n        December 6, 2017\r\n      \r\n       \r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      \r\n      \r\n      Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) released the following statement after President Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel and instructed the State Department to relocate the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem:\r\n\u201cI commend President Trump on his decision to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel,\u201d said Mullin.\u00a0 \u201cWhile previous presidents have spoken about this day for years without ever following through, President Trump has acted boldly to press on with a decision that receives broad, bipartisan support across Congress.\u00a0 Home to Israel\u2019s legislature, Supreme Court, President, and Prime Minister, it is clear that Jerusalem is the rightful center of government in Israel.\u00a0 With Israel as our continued ally in the Middle East, I look forward to supporting President Trump in his efforts to foster peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.\u201d\r\n    \r\n  \r\n  \r\n  \r\n    \r\n      f \r\n      t \r\n      #\r\n      e", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-russell-introduces-international-anti-corruption-bill", "Rep. Russell Introduces International Anti-Corruption Bill", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Rep. Steve Russell (OK-5) today introduced the Georgian Fair Business Practices Sanctions Act of 2017 (H.R. 4563). This legislation is a response to several examples of the Government of Georgia violating contracts with U.S. entities and our allies, often after significant investment of time, energy, and capital by U.S. individuals and entities.\nThe Georgian Fair Business Practices Sanctions Act of 2017 would commission a semiannual report that determines whether or not the Government of Georgia is undermining commitments or contractual agreements made with U.S. persons, and identifies individuals responsible. Those individuals and the Government of Georgia would then be subject to U.S. sanctions.\n\u201cI will stand with the Georgian people in their fight against corrupt business practices within their government.\u201d said Rep. Russell. \u201cI also stand with them in their fight against outside forces and oligarchs, including former Georgian officials, who seek to harm the free people of Georgia in their quest for free democratic governance and erode the friendship between the peoples of the United States and Georgia by continuing these dishonest practices.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=334", "Rep. Russell Introduces International Anti-Corruption Bill", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Steve Russell (OK-5) today introduced the Georgian Fair Business Practices Sanctions Act of 2017 (H.R. 4563). This legislation is a response to several examples of the Government of Georgia violating contracts with U.S. entities and our allies, often after significant investment of time, energy, and capital by U.S. individuals and entities.\r\rThe Georgian Fair Business Practices Sanctions Act of 2017 would commission a semiannual report that determines whether or not the Government of Georgia is undermining commitments or contractual agreements made with U.S. persons, and identifies individuals responsible. Those individuals and the Government of Georgia would then be subject to U.S. sanctions.\r\rI will stand with the Georgian people in their fight against corrupt business practices within their government. said Rep. Russell. I also stand with them in their fight against outside forces and oligarchs, including former Georgian officials, who seek to harm the free people of Georgia in their quest for free democratic governance and erode the friendship between the peoples of the United States and Georgia by continuing these dishonest practices.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-lankford-mullin-praise-passage-of-bill-to-enhance-veteran-care", "Inhofe, Lankford, Mullin Praise Passage of Bill to Enhance Veteran Care", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe, Lankford, Mullin Praise Passage of Bill to Enhance Veteran Care\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 6, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen.\u00a0Jim Inhofe\u00a0(R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) praised the passage of S. 1266, the Enhancing Veteran Care Act, today in the U.S. House of Representatives.\r\nThe Enhancing Veteran Care Act will allow the Directors of Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) to enter into contracts with nonprofit organizations that accredit health care organization entities in order to ensure medical centers at the Department of Veterans Affairs are providing the highest quality care possible for our veterans.\r\n\u201cToday we are one step closer to holding VA care providers accountable by granting VISN and medical center directors the permanent authority to request outside oversight of their medical facilities,\u201d Inhofe said.\u00a0 \u201cOur veterans deserve the highest standard of patient care, and empowering regional leaders with greater oversight ability will improve veterans care in Oklahoma and across the country. I will continue to fight for the best veteran\u2019s care possible and look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law quickly as yet another example of his strong commitment to our nation\u2019s veterans.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019m pleased this important bill has passed the Congress and is now on its way to the President\u2019s desk,\u201d said Lankford.\u00a0 \u201cIt will be another important tool for our leaders at our veteran\u2019s facilities to ensure they\u2019re able to provide the highest level of care for our veterans.\u201d\r\n\u201cWithout a doubt, we want our veterans to receive health care that is second to none,\u201d Mullin said.\u00a0 \u201cThe Enhancing Veteran Care Act will bring transparency and accountability to VA medical facilities so that we can ensure our veterans are receiving care equal to the best civilian hospitals.\u00a0 Just as patients often look for a second opinion, so too should our VA clinics be able to recruit a second opinion when it comes to evaluating their medical facilities and services.\u00a0 I\u2019m proud to see this bill pass the House today with bipartisan support so that we can better deliver on our promise to take care of our nation\u2019s veterans.\u201d\r\nSenators Inhofe and Lankford are sponsors of S. 1266.\u00a0 Congressman Mullin is the sponsor of the House companion bill, H.R. 42.\u00a0 S. 1266 passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 423 \u2013 0.\u00a0 The bill will now head to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-presidents-statement-on-jerusalem-", "Inhofe Praises President's Statement on Jerusalem", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Praises President's Statement on Jerusalem \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 6, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), one of the most pro-Israel members of the Senate, praised President Trump\u2019s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and eventually locate the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem:\r\n\u201cI applaud President Trump for officially recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and beginning the process of moving our embassy to the Holy City. Not since supporting the creation of Israel in 1947 has the United States done more to uphold our strategic and long-standing ally, Israel. As an original cosponsor of the legislation that prompted this action, I look forward to supporting him and his administration over the next few years as they begin the process of moving the embassy to Jerusalem.\r\n\u201cFor over two decades, presidents of both parties have delayed the implementation of the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act, leading to confusion about U.S. policy and preventing meaningful progress to forming a lasting peace. With his clear commitment to Israel, President Trump is once again showing the world he\u2019s prepared to take decisive action and restore the United States to being the undisputed leader of the free world.\u201d\r\n\r\nSen. Jim Inhofe was an original cosponsor of the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-the-nomination-of-gregory-slavonic-", "Inhofe Statement on the Nomination of Gregory Slavonic", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Statement on the Nomination of Gregory Slavonic \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 6, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) released a statement in support of President Trump's announcement of his intent to nominate Gregory Slavonic to be Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs:\r\n\u201cMy good friend and fellow Oklahoman, Gregory Slavonic, is an outstanding choice for Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Throughout his 34-year career in the Navy and as Chief of Staff to Sen. James Lankford, Greg has served his country and his home state of Oklahoma with great honor and distinction. I congratulate him on his nomination and look forward to his swift consideration before the Senate Armed Services Committee.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-talks-tax-reform-and-national-defense-on-the-radio-", "Inhofe Talks Tax Reform and National Defense on the Radio", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Sen. Inhofe and Hugh Hewitt talked national defense and the Hewitt Amendment, an amendment to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that Inhofe introduced in the Senate after taking in to consideration what he previously heard on The Hugh Hewitt Show.\r\nOn the Hewitt Amendment: \r\n\u201cI think it is ingenious, and it is the only thing out there. I cannot think of one thing out there that is going to have an immediate thrust of generation of revenue in the first few weeks, or actually, days.\u201d\r\nListen to the full segment here.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSen. Inhofe and Ron Hays of the Oklahoma Farm Report talked tax reform, the death tax and the success of Scott Pruitt\u2019s EPA.\r\nOn Scott Pruitt\u2019s work to roll back WOTUS: \r\n\u201cHe is going to get it done as fast as we can and we are directing the EPA to rescind it \u2026 this is going to happen.\u201d\r\nListen to the full segment here.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSen. Inhofe and Rick Brady of KGYN in Guymon talked tax reform, deregulation and missile defense.\r\nOn the threat of North Korea: \r\n\u201cIt is a scary thing, the threat we are facing now. I think of it in terms of my 20 kids and grandkids, Rick. You know, that\u2014that is something I never thought we would have to face in my lifetime, but it is here now.\u201d\r\nListen to the full segment here.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSen. Inhofe and Phillip Larsen of Crossover Radio talked the Museum of the Bible, tax reform, working across party lines and DACA.\r\nOn tax reform: \r\n\u201cIn 1981 \u2026 Reagan came along and changed all the structures down. \u2026 The result of that was huge increases in revenue coming in. \u2026 The problem was, that the Democrats, who are the bigger spending party, they were in charge of the House and the Senate during that time. So as more revenue came in, they increase spending. So, the revenue came up, but the deficit still increased at that time. This is going to be different \u2026 As the revenue comes in, we are going to reduce the debt, we are going to be doing things, and also repairing our military at the same time. So, we are in the midst of something huge that is going on right now, Phillip. \u2026\u201d\r\nListen to the full segment here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/senator-lankford-in-the-oklahoman-tax-reform-will-help-oklahomas-economy", "Senator Lankford in The Oklahoman: Tax reform will help Oklahoma's economy", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.06.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford in The Oklahoman: Tax reform will help Oklahoma's economy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tIt has been more than 30 years since there was a major change in federal tax policy. Thankfully, the Senate passed a tax reform bill last week that will simplify our tax code, cut taxes in all brackets and help grow the economy.\r\nDuring the past 70 years, the American economy has grown at around 3 percent or more a year, on average. But in the past 10 years, economic growth has collectively averaged only 2 percent, and last year, our GDP was just 1.5 percent for the year. We must get our economy moving again, because a healthy economy will increase jobs, productivity and wages for Oklahomans.\r\nThe Senate tax bill provides middle-class relief. It lowers individual rates and doubles the standard deduction. For an individual, the standard deduction goes from $6,350 to $12,000; and for a married couple, it goes from $12,700 to $24,000. The Child Tax Credit doubles from the current $1,000 to $2,000, and the first $24,000 of income for a family is tax free.\r\nThe average federal tax reduction for households of income between $30,000 and $40,000 is about $4,000 less. Our bill also doubles school supply deduction for teacher expenses, from $250 to $500.\r\nThis Senate tax bill makes no changes to Medicaid or Medicare, but it does give relief from the Obamacare individual mandate tax, which hits middle-class families the hardest. In Oklahoma, about 80 percent of the mandate taxes have been paid by people who make less than $50,000 a year. Even though this tax is repealed, the Obamacare subsidies to purchase insurance remain.\r\nOur bill gives a lower rate for small businesses so they can hire more people, buy new equipment, and compete with major corporations. Companies need a reason to keep their business in America, rather than move it overseas where taxes are lower. To do this, our bill lowers the corporate tax rate from 35 percent, one of the highest in the world, to 20 percent. This would make us competitive internationally.\r\nThe Joint Committee on Tax estimates that if the economy grows an additional .2 percent a year more than last year, the cuts in tax rates will pay for themselves; but that really is only a tiny amount of economic growth. The U.S. economy, this year, is already on target to grow more than twice that rate, even before the tax plan has passed.\r\nI have long warned about our growing federal deficit, which can only be addressed by cuts to wasteful spending, government reform and a growing economy. I am confident the economic growth from this tax reform bill will not only pay for itself, but help pay down the federal debt over time. More than 130 economists have projected that the Senate tax plan will result in strong economic growth, and I agree with their assessment.\r\nEight years ago, Democrats in Congress passed a massive government debt-funded stimulus bill to jump-start the economy, but years later, the economy remains stuck. We need a different path to economic growth. In the days ahead, Congress will come together to merge the House and Senate tax bills, then put it on the president's desk before Christmas. I am confident it will help Oklahoma's economy.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\t    By:\u00a0\n\t\t\t\t    Senator James Lankford\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t  \n\t\t\t\tSource:\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Oklahoman\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-chief-of-staff-nominated-assistant-secretary-of-the-navy", "Senator Lankford Chief of Staff Nominated Assistant Secretary of the Navy", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.06.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Chief of Staff Nominated Assistant Secretary of the Navy \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today applauded the President\u2019s nomination of Retired Rear Admiral Gregory Slavonic to be the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Slavonic is a native Oklahoman and currently serves as Chief of Staff in the Office of Senator Lankford.  \u00a0  \u201cRear Admiral Greg Slavonic is the model of public service. He has dutifully served our nation in the Navy, and he has served the people of Oklahoma as my Chief of Staff. He has been nominated to serve our country again in the Department of Defense. I am very proud of his long career and dedication to this nation. Greg has been my Chief of Staff for three years. His leadership will be missed on our team, but he will be a tremendous asset to the Navy. I fully support his nomination and look forward to Greg continuing his distinguished career as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.\u201d  \u00a0  Prior to Slavonic\u2019s role in Lankford\u2019s office, he was a senior leader at the Computer Sciences Corporation, where he planned and executed several nationwide US Navy community outreach engagements. He also served as Executive Director of the Jim Thorpe Association; and as President of Flagbridge Strategic Communications, a consulting company focused on strategic communications and leadership. Mr. Slavonic retired from the US Navy after a 34-year career, where he originally enlisted as a Seaman Recruit and, after repeatedly distinguishing himself, was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral. During his Navy career, he held four command assignments, served in combat deployments to Vietnam, Operation Desert Shield/Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was awarded numerous decorations including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Presidential Unit Citation, and Combat Action Ribbon. Mr. Slavonic earned a BS from Oklahoma State University and M.Ed. from the University of Central Oklahoma, where he was recognized with a Distinguished Alumni Award.  \u00a0  ###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-supports-presidents-decision-to-recognize-jerusalem-as-israeli-capital", "Senator Lankford Supports Presidents Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as Israeli Capital", "2017-12-06", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.06.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Supports President\u2019s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as Israeli Capital \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Congress Has Long Supported This Action With Broad Bipartisan Support\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today applauded the President\u2019s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel\u2019s capital, an action that Congress has supported for decades on a strong bipartisan basis:\r\n\u201cAfter more than two decades of bipartisan requests from Congress, I applaud the President\u2019s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the start of a long process to move the US Embassy to Jerusalem. The Government of Israel officially resides in Jerusalem; ignoring the obvious physical location of the Israeli Knesset and the office of the Prime Minister in West Jerusalem does not bring the region closer to peace, it only placates those that want to destabilize the region. Israel is not the problem in the Middle East, it is part of the solution. Nothing about today\u2019s announcement will impact America\u2019s commitment to honor any solution which brings about peace resulting from direct talks between the Israelis and Palestinians.\u00a0Israel is America's closest friend in the Middle East and she is a solid partner in research, strategic defense, and freedom. We have a unique relationship and a special bond among nations.\u201d\r\nIn 1995, Congress passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 with broad bipartisan support in the Senate by a 93-5 vote and in the House by a 374\u201337 vote.\u00a0This law states that it is US policy that Jerusalem should remain an undivided city, that Jerusalem should be recognized as the capital of Israel, and that the US Embassy in Israel should be located in Jerusalem.\u00a0The Foreign Relations Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003, which also passed with bipartisan majorities in the House and Senate, urged the President to immediately begin relocating the Embassy to Jerusalem pursuant to the 1995 law.\u00a0Most recently, on June 5 of this year, the Senate passed by a vote of 90-0 a resolution reaffirming the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 and called upon the President to abide by its provisions.\r\nLankford visited Israel in August and March to meet with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other diplomats. On November 2, Lankford introduced a Senate resolution to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Balfour Declaration, the public statement issued by Great Britain on November 2, 1917, during World War I, announcing support for the establishment of a nation for Jewish people. The resolution passed the House on November 18 and awaits a vote in the Senate.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/about/books-im-reading/books-im-reading-december-2017", "Books I'm Reading: December 2017", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As an eternal learner, I am constantly reading. I invite you each month to follow along with what I'm currently reading or check back periodically for hand-picked selections of my favorites. Here's what I'm reading this month:\nOn My Desk\n The Fate of Rome\u00a0by Kyle Harper\n\tNudge\u00a0by Richard Thaler and Cass Sustein", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-senate-confirmation-of-kirstjen-nielsen-", "Inhofe Praises Senate Confirmation of Kirstjen Nielsen", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Praises Senate Confirmation of Kirstjen Nielsen \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 5, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) released the following statement today after the Senate confirmed the nomination of Kirstjen Nielsen to be Secretary of Homeland Security:\r\n\u201cI am pleased the Senate confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen to serve as the Secretary of Homeland Security today. Her extensive experience in public security and working in the administration makes her the right choice to lead DHS. I look forward to working with Ms. Nielsen on addressing some of the greatest threats to our homeland, including border security and disaster response.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-introduces-bill-to-strengthen-border-security-improve-immigration-system", "Senator Lankford Introduces Bill to Strengthen Border Security, Improve Immigration System", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Introduces Bill to Strengthen Border Security, Improve Immigration System \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCLICK HERE to watch the video\r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today joined other Senators to introduce the Security, Enforcement, and Compassion United in Reform Efforts, (SECURE) Act, a bill that aims to strengthen border security and improve interior immigration enforcement. The bill also contains provisions from several immigration proposals, including Senator Dick Durbin\u2019s (D-IL) bipartisan BRIDGE Act, which protects DACA recipients from deportation. The SECURE Act is cosponsored by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Tom Cotton (R-AR), John Cornyn (R-TX), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and David Perdue (R-GA).\r\nMoments after introducing the bill this afternoon, Lankford joined the other bill sponsors in a series of speeches on the Senate floor. CLICK HERE to watch Lankford\u2019s speech.\r\n\u201cAn essential part of national security is border security. Every nation has the right to know who comes into their country,\u201d said Lankford. \u201cFor decades, the United States has ignored obvious issues in our immigration policy, which has only made the problem worse. The President and many Members of Congress believe a DACA solution should be combined with a permanent fix to the many broken elements in our nation\u2019s border security and immigration system. The SECURE Act is a first step to bring everyone to the table to negotiate a common-sense solution to DACA and issues related to illegal immigration. It is my hope that in the months ahead, Republicans and Democrats will come together so that we can provide the certainty that families deserve and the border security our country desperately needs.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis legislation combines common-sense border security and interior enforcement reforms with Senators Graham\u2019s and Durbin\u2019s bipartisan solution on DACA,\u201d said Chairman Grassley. \u201cIt restores integrity to our immigration system by cracking down on illegal immigration and criminal immigrants, while recognizing the circumstances of those brought here through no fault of their own. This bill improves public safety and prosperity for Americans and immigrants alike and ensures tragedies like the deaths of Kate Steinle and Sarah Root never happen again. This is a bill that our colleagues from both sides of the aisle should be able to support. President Trump is ready and willing to sign it, so it\u2019s time for Congress to get it done.\u201d\r\nThe SECURE Act includes various border security provisions, such as additional human and technological resources on the border and fencing in certain areas. It also provides more judicial resources to reduce backlogs in immigration court and target fraud. The bill seeks to improve community safety and cooperation by eliminating so-called \u201csanctuary\u201d policies that inhibit enforcement and it provides expedited removal for individuals involved in certain criminal activities.\u00a0The SECURE Act also permanently reauthorizes the E-Verify program and encourages greater voluntary enrollment to strengthen our legal workforce and encourage legal immigration. It also limits family migration to spouses and minor children.\r\nOn September 25, Lankford and Tillis introduced the SUCCEED Act, a solution to address the legal uncertainty facing Dreamers, undocumented children who were brought to the United States as children.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-supports-confirmation-of-kirstjen-nielsen-as-dhs-secretary", "Senator Lankford Supports Confirmation of Kirstjen Nielsen as DHS Secretary", "2017-12-05", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.05.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Supports Confirmation of Kirstjen Nielsen as DHS Secretary \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement in support of the confirmation of Kirstjen Nielsen to be the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security by a vote of 62 to 37:\u00a0\r\n\u201cI\u2019m glad Kirstjen Nielsen has been confirmed as the next DHS Secretary. She has an impressive resume and extensive experience working at DHS that will serve us well as she leads the agency. Her background in cybersecurity is vital as we continue to confront and protect against those who wish to do our country harm through cyber-attacks. I am also confident that she will be a strong leader as the agency works to improve our nation\u2019s border security.\u201d\r\nLankford met with Ms. Nielsen on October 18 in his office to discuss her vision for the agency. Lankford serves on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Intelligence Committees.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/enforcing-and-reforming-our-immigration-system", "Enforcing and Reforming Our Immigration System", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In America, we are fortunate to be a land of opportunity and to be one that is shaped by immigrants from all over the world. Likewise, law and justice also shapes our nation. Many immigrants have entered the United States legally and have thrived. In recent years though, our nation has been home to millions of illegal immigrants, and the laws that are supposed to protect our borders have failed to do so.\n\u00a0\nKate Steinle is one American citizen who paid the ultimate price for that failure. She was tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant who had entered the country illegally not once, but six times. Her death was the result of failed border security and disastrous sanctuary city policies. In 2015, she was shot and killed by Jose Ines Garcia Zarate while on a walk in San Francisco. Last week, a jury found Zarate guilty of only one felony \u2013 possession of a firearm. He was acquitted of her murder. But regardless of the circumstances in the incident, Zarate had been deported five times \u2013 and was back in the United States, living in a sanctuary city. Had the law been enforced, Kate Steinle\u2019s death could have been prevented.\n\u00a0\nSecuring our borders must be a national priority. It is entirely unacceptable that anyone could enter our country illegally six different times and then be allowed to seek safe haven in a sanctuary city. During his time in the United States, he had possession of illegal drugs and had been arrested for those crimes. Even after being arrested for possession of marijuana, he was still released and a request from federal officials for his deportation was not followed. This year, the House and President Trump have called for stronger borders, with an additional $1.6 billion in federal funding going toward enhanced border security.\n\u00a0\nOne of the major flaws in our current immigration system has been the existence of so-called \u201csanctuary cities.\u201d Sanctuary cities are cities that refuse cooperation with the federal government and immigration officials in relation to immigration laws. San Francisco has been a notorious sanctuary city since 2013 and it is because of its refusal to hand over Zarate to federal immigration officials that Zarate was able to walk freely through the city, possess a gun and kill Steinle.\n\u00a0\nThe House has passed two critical pieces of legislation this year to prevent future deaths like Steinle\u2019s from happening again. The No Sanctuary Cities for Criminals Act and Kate\u2019s Law will strengthen federal immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities and increase penalties for deported felons who return to the United States. When have stronger borders and a good operating legal system, we can protect the safety of U.S. citizens from convicted felons who are in the nation illegally. Kate Steinle\u2019s death could have been prevented. The time to further reform our immigration system is now.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-enzi-introduce-resolution-recognizing-us-partnership-with-ethiopia", "Inhofe, Enzi Introduce Resolution Recognizing U.S. Partnership with Ethiopia", "2017-12-04", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe, Enzi Introduce Resolution Recognizing U.S. Partnership with Ethiopia\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 4, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) introduced a resolution today recognizing the important and vital partnership between the United States and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia:\r\n\u201cEthiopia is a strategic partner for the United States in East Africa,\u201d Inhofe said. \u201cWe have a long and respected history of working together to promote peace and stability throughout the region. As Ethiopia continues to improve its governance as a growing power in the region, it is appropriate for us to reaffirm our security commitment to Ethiopia with training and assistance to counter terrorism and violent extremism throughout Africa.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cOur vital strategic partnership with Ethiopia is grounded in a long history of cooperation,\u201d Enzi said. \u201cIt is important, as Ethiopia continues to play an essential role in the peace and stability of the region, we reaffirm our security commitments and will continue to work with our partner to promote the values of peace and democracy.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-releases-federal-fumbles-vol-3", "Senator Lankford Releases Federal Fumbles Vol. 3", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Releases Federal Fumbles Vol. 3 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2013 Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released his annual government waste and solutions report. This is the third volume of Lankford\u2019s report entitled,\u00a0Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the\u00a0ball. The report lists $473.6 billion in wasteful and inefficient federal spending, but also lists solutions to each of the examples of government waste.\u00a0The current United States federal debt is $20.49 trillion. The one-year deficit for Fiscal Year 2017 was $666 billion.\u00a0CLICK HERE\u00a0to access the report.\u00a0\r\n\u201cDuring 2017, we\u2019ve worked to roll back wasteful spending and a number of harmful and burdensome regulations from the two previous\u00a0Federal Fumbles\u00a0reports,\u201d said Lankford. \u201cThe outrageous federal deficit remains too high. Unfortunately, Washington, DC seems to be distracted and the deficit has started increasing again. Our $20 trillion national debt will continue to increase until we implement spending cuts, government reforms, and create a healthy economy. This\u00a0Federal Fumbles\u00a0report provides commonsense examples of ways to limit our spending and fix government inefficiency. Every American should have access to how their tax dollars are spent. Congress should pass my Taxpayers Right to Know Act to give each American the opportunity to see how their hard-earned tax dollars are spent.\u201d\r\nLankford released the report at a press conference in Washington, DC this morning.\u00a0CLICK HERE\u00a0to play video. CLICK HERE for a summary of the report.\u00a0\r\nExcerpts from Press Conference:\r\nOn the importance of addressing the debt and deficit:\r\nThis book is designed to be a reminder that we still have an issue with debt and deficit in America. For some reason,\u00a0the conversation has slowed on the issue of debt and deficit. It should not. This should be an ongoing part of our conversation. Starting in 2010 when our deficit was 1.4 trillion dollars, it was an epic deficit that caught the nation\u2019s attention because it had grown so incredibly large. Since 2011, that deficit has gone down every single year until 2016, starting in 2016 the deficit started increasing again and increased again from 2016 to 2017. We have got to pay attention to debt and deficit. It needs to be a part of our ongoing discussion. So we released out this resource again as a set of ideas to say, If we are going to get control of our spending, if we're going to manage our economy and our spending better, there are specific ways to do it.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nOn fixing duplication and inefficiency:\r\nWe put out something called the Taxpayers Right to Know because every year we talk about duplication and every year we talk again about duplication from the previous year. It just keeps going on and on. Six years ago, I put out the\u00a0Taxpayers\u00a0Right to\u00a0Know in the\u00a0House of\u00a0Representatives. We will continue to carry that here. It passed unanimously in the\u00a0House of\u00a0Representatives. It's being held up in the\u00a0Senate to be able to move. It's a very simple straightforward piece. You can't tell where there's duplication in government until you go to GAO and do a request for them to study a specific area. Eighteen months later,\u00a0they come back and give you the information on that particular slice where there\u2019s duplication. That should be something you can do and eighteen seconds rather than eighteen months, we should be able to see from every single agency what they do. Right now the new cabinet officials cannot tell you everything the agency does. There is no master list. You can't deal with duplication if you can't see the duplication. That's an area we have to fix structurally.\u00a0\r\nOn\u00a0Federal Fumbles\u00a0providing solutions to spending problems:\r\nWe are trying to give some specific examples, again it\u2019s not intended to be the big one. But if we are going to deal with deficit we have to be able to address it. We have to think about it and talk about it and find ways to solve it. There are things we need to spend money on. There's also things we don't need to spend money on and there's some things we need to stop doing or start doing if this is ever going to turn around.\u00a0\r\nOn tax reform:\r\nThere is a broad need for tax reform. I'm not opposed to tax reform, we just need to make sure when we do it, we do it right because we won't get this again for another 30 years or so. When it\u2019s done we need to build in basic protections for the just-in-case options and we also need to make realistic presentations with it. \u2026 There are already changes going through as there have been a lot of conversations with multiple members. The conversations have all been productive. No one is pushing back. No one is saying \u2018No we don't want to do this.\u2019 It's just how do we get it done, how do we work through the parliamentary process and what's the best way to do that.\u00a0\r\nExamples of Legislative Victories from 2015 & 2016\u00a0Federal Fumbles\u00a0Reports:\r\n1. EPA Power Grab: Final \u201cWaters of the United States\u201d Rule (2015, page 57) \u2013 In June 2017, the\u00a0EPA announced plans to repeal the Waters of the United States\u00a0(WOTUS) rule. Lankford has consistently pushed the EPA to work with states and Tribal governments, as it had done for decades, to decide who has regulatory authority over waterways.\r\n2. It\u2019s Midnight in America (2016, page 26) \u2013 Throughout 2017, Congress worked to repeal many of the burdensome regulations put in place toward the end of the Obama Administration. In total, congressional action reduced the regulatory burden by $3.7 billion and saved American businesses and taxpayers more than 4.2 million hours completing paperwork.\r\n3. Freeze on new regulations \u2013 A number of burdensome regulations were highlighted in the last two editions of\u00a0Federal Fumbles. This year, the\u00a0Trump Administration has reduced the regulatory burden on the economy by $22 million and managed to eliminate 16 old regulations.\r\n4. DOJ\u2019s Slush Fund (2016, page 42) \u2013 A 2016\u00a0Fumble\u00a0pointed out that settlements reached between defendants and the DOJ often went to groups that were \u201cfavored activist groups that would not otherwise receive federal money as the DOJ leadership would like.\u201d In 2017, the\u00a0DOJ implemented Lankford\u2019s reform that ends this litigation slush fund.\u00a0\r\n5. To Advertise or Not To Advertise? That Is The Question. (2015, page 61) \u2013 In the past, the FCC would not allow non-commercial education public channels to raise funds necessary for continuous operations. In 2017, the FCC announced it would relax that rule and allow these stations to dedicate a percentage of their annual airtime to fundraising.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nExamples of Waste listed in 2017\u00a0Federal Fumbles\u00a0Report:\u00a0\r\n1. Social Security for Chimpanzees (page 1) \u2013 Despite announcing in 2015 that NIH would cease funding all biomedical research conducted on chimpanzees, NIH provided $2.6 million in 2015-2016 to operate NCCC.\u00a0\r\n2. This is Weird, Right? (page 1) \u2013 A $30,000 NEA grant supports the production of\u00a0Doggie Hamlet.\u00a0The adaptation does not include any actual lines from\u00a0Hamlet, is conducted outdoors in a 30-by-50-foot field in New Hampshire, and is mostly humans yelling or running toward confused sheep and dogs.\r\n3. You\u2019re Fired\u2026Just Kidding!! (page 2) \u2013 A 2014 Treasury IG investigation discovered from 2010 to 2013, the IRS hired 824 people who were previously terminated due to \u201cprior conduct or performances issues. July 2017, the IG released a new report showed more previously terminated employees were rehired.\r\n4. Senate Waiting Games (page 4) \u2013 Many positions within the Administration remain unconfirmed. These delays mean federal agencies and departments lack the day-to-day leadership and management necessary to ensure federal funding is used wisely.\u00a0\r\n5. Welcome to Hotel Kabul (page 25) \u2013 OPIC loaned $85 million to construct a hotel and apartment in Kabul, Afghanistan.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-supports-senate-tax-reform-bill", "Senator Lankford Supports Senate Tax Reform Bill", "2017-12-02", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.02.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Supports Senate Tax Reform Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Tax Bill Lowers All Middle-Income Tax Brackets, Doubles Child Tax Credit & Boosts Economic Growth\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today voted in favor of the Senate version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which passed by a vote of 51 to 49. The House passed their version of the bill on November 16, 2017. The differences between the two bills will now be worked out in a conference committee between the House and Senate. Once the conferenced bill is approved by both chambers, it goes to the President\u2019s desk for his signature.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe American economy is stuck,\u201d said Lankford.\u00a0\u201cFor a decade our economy has been anemic, growing at half the normal rate of growth.\u00a0Slow economic growth means stagnant wages, fewer new jobs, less construction, and fewer opportunities for people just starting their career.\u00a0\r\n\u201cEight years ago, Democrats in Congress passed a massive government debt-funded stimulus bill to jump-start the economy, but years later, the economy remains stuck.\u00a0Today, Congress took a different path to economic growth, allowing people to save or spend their own money in their own way.\u00a0Tax policy should be primarily about funding the basic needs of our government with the least amount of intrusion possible. This tax reform bill provides much-needed relief to Oklahomans by lowering tax rates for the middle class, doubling the standard deduction and child tax credit, as well as repealing the mandate tax to buy government-approved healthcare.\u00a0The bill also helps small and large businesses by reducing the rates and encouraging businesses to buy new equipment and hire more workers.\r\nLankford continued, \u201cOne of the most difficult aspects for the American people has been to separate fact from fiction in this tax debate.\u00a0Partisan political spin is easy in a bill this complicated.\u00a0While people are free to say or post on a website anything they choose, if anyone wants to know the actual facts of the bill, feel free to read the details yourself at: finance.senate.gov/taxreform.\u00a0Some organizations believe the tax bill will cause deficits and some economists claim the tax bill will provide tremendous economic growth to pay for itself.\u00a0This bill tries to strike the middle ground by acknowledging our growing debt and our declining economy.\u00a0We cannot cut enough spending to balance our budget, we must have a growing economy as well.\u00a0But, as I have often stated, we must continue to find ways to cut spending and identify greater government efficiency, and ultimately follow through with it.\u201d\r\nNotable Benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\r\n \r\nLowers all middle-income tax brackets\r\nDoubles the standard deduction:\r\nFor an individual, the standard deduction goes from $6,350 to $12,000. For a married couple, it goes from $12,700 to $24,000\r\nFor a married couple, the first $24,000 is not taxable and most Americans will be able to file their income taxes on a single page\r\nDoubles the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 to help more families with children\r\nProtects family farms by doubling the exemption for estate taxes\r\nDoubles the deduction for school supplies for teachers, from $250 to $500\r\nProtects college students by maintaining the deduction for interest paid on student loans\r\nGives small businesses a much lower tax rate that is competitive with major corporations, by allowing the deduction of\u00a023% of qualified business income\r\nAllows companies of all sizes to write off certain capital expenses in the same year they have those expenses\r\nEconomic projections:\r\nIncreases GDP by 3.7% over the long term and 2.9% higher wages, according\u00a0to the Tax Foundation\r\nIncreases GDP between 3% and 5%, according to the\u00a0Council of Economic Advisers\r\nRaises an additional $1.26 trillion in federal revenues from economic growth, making the bill practically revenue neutral, according\u00a0to the Tax Foundation\r\nLowers the corporate business tax rate from 35 percent, one of the highest in the world, to a competitive 20 percent\r\nRepeals the Obamacare individual mandate that raised taxes on middle income families in Oklahoma, but it maintains all of the subsidies for lower income individuals\r\nMore than 60 percent of American households will get at least a $100 tax cut, according to a modest estimate from\u00a0the Joint Committee on Taxation\r\nStops the incentive for businesses to move overseas and encourages American companies to bring their international profits back to America, by moving to a territorial tax system\r\nKeeps graduate student tuition waivers as a tax exemption, unlike the plan passed by the House.\r\nThis bill does nothing to alter or change Medicaid or Medicare policy. Claims that automatic cuts will be made to these programs are unfounded.\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-senate-passage-of-historic-tax-cuts", "Inhofe Praises Senate Passage of Historic Tax Cuts", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Praises Senate Passage of Historic Tax Cuts\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 1, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business, voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the first comprehensive tax reform legislation in 30 years:\r\n\u201cThis is the biggest tax cut in history and it will cause dramatic economic growth for years to come. Oklahomans have been struggling for eight years under a sluggish economy, stagnant wages and non-existent job growth. Our tax cut supports families by doubling the child tax credit and the standard deduction, while maintaining provisions families rely on, like the adoption tax credit, the charitable giving deduction and the mortgage deduction. The typical American family will see a tax cut of approximately $2,200, plus unprecedented economic growth and job creation.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cWe\u2019ve made doing businesses in the United States competitive again, so companies are no longer encouraged to move American jobs overseas. Economists from around the country predict this bill will further increase our nation\u2019s GDP by a full percentage point\u2014which will lead to $2.9 trillion in revenue that will address the deficit. We\u2019re already seeing how President Trump is growing the economy by cutting regulations\u2014this tax cut will only do more to drive the engine of the American economy to new heights and benefit hardworking families.\r\n\u201cI look forward to working with President Trump and my colleagues as we continue to fight for what Oklahoma families want\u2014to keep more of their hard earned dollars.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-sullivan-call-for-increased-missile-defense-technology", "Inhofe, Sullivan Call for Increased Missile Defense Technology", "2017-12-01", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe, Sullivan Call for Increased Missile Defense Technology\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 1, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, sent a letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee today supporting the development of new technologies for missile defense.\r\n\u201c\u2026North Korean ballistic missiles will have the capability of striking the United States by the end of 2018 with a thermonuclear warhead. We greatly appreciate the robust $9.3 billion, which is $1.4 billion above the President\u2019s request, in funding for missile defense to counter the growing threat,\u201d the senators write.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nThe letter continues: \u201cWe support the overall supplemental request, and, in particular, the provision allocating funding for new missile defense technologies and urge the Appropriations Committee to designate $100 million for the rapid development and deployment of new kinetic Boost Phase missile defense technology. This is in line with the recently passed National Defense Authorization Act for 2018 which included a provision calling for the Department of Defense to develop such a Boost Phase Intercept system \u2018as soon as practicable.\u2019\u201d\r\nRead the full letter here.\u00a0\r\nThis letter follows Sen. Inhofe\u2019s call for increased investment in missile defense after North Korea\u2019s latest ballistic missile test on Tuesday.\r\nSen. Inhofe also spoke on the floor on Wednesday, highlighting the history of missile defense in America and outlining why it is especially critical that we invest in new technologies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-addresses-energy-and-climate-policy-summit", "Inhofe Addresses Energy and Climate Policy Summit", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Addresses Energy and Climate Policy Summit\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 30, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW), gave remarks to \u201cAt the Crossroads IV: Energy & Climate Policy Summit\u201d hosted by the Heritage Foundation and the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Senator Inhofe spoke about the regulatory success under President Trump and the revival of American energy.\r\n\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\u00a0\r\nClick here to watch Inhofe\u2019s remarks.\r\nKey Excerpts:\r\nOn Regulations:\r\nThe regulations, that\u2019s the big thing that people don\u2019t understand. When I read in the paper\u2026that the president hasn\u2019t done anything, that\u2019s just wrong\u2026if you just take the regulations that he has changed, I have a list\u2026this shows all of the current regulations, we\u2019re up to 66 regulations, that we have either taken out or are in the process\u2026\u00a0\u00a0\r\nGrowth in American Energy:\r\nI know you know about the Obama War on fossil fuels\u2026we depend on fossil fuels and nuclear for 80 percent of the power it takes to run this machine called America. How are you going to run the machine if you do away with it? \u2026\r\nThe International Energy Agency said that the United States will be the undisputed leader in oil and gas for decades to come. Continental Oil, that\u2019s another guy from Oklahoma\u2026has already started exporting oil to China.\r\nYou got to keep in mind, this is also a huge thing for national security. All the former Soviet Union satellites around Russia, they don\u2019t want to buy their oil from Russia. They want to buy it from the United States\u2026we are opening this up and have increased our exports\u2026\u00a0\u00a0\r\nOn Climate Change:\r\nThe bottom line is that we\u2019ve won\u2026if you look at the polling that took place\u2026 At that time [2002], the March Gallup poll showed that global warming was the number one issue in America. Now it is number 15. The people have caught on. They know that the science is not definite, hasn\u2019t been decided yet.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-speaks-about-missile-defense", "Inhofe Speaks About Missile Defense", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Speaks About Missile Defense\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\"We don\u2019t have the luxury of time\"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 30, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen.\u00a0Jim Inhofe\u00a0(R-Okla.), spoke on the Senate floor yesterday about the North Korea\u2019s missile launch earlier this week and the importance of funding United States missile defense.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nClick here to view remarks.\r\nKey Excerpts:\u00a0\r\n\u201cAdversaries, like North Korea, are developing ballistic missiles with increasing range and accuracy. It is important for us here in the Senate to communicate to the American people the credible, grave, and immediate threat that we face.\u00a0Today, the world is more dangerous than it has ever been before. \u2026\u2019\r\n\u201c\u2026I have actually been here on the Floor on this issue in 2001, 2009, 2012, and this will be the third time this year. Over the last 30 years, we have witnessed our missile defense programs go through dramatic investment changes from administration to administration depending on who is president. \u2026\r\n\u201c\u2026 Now, yesterday\u2014that was the big day\u2014yesterday it finally happened. Yesterday, North Korea proved that it could reliably range the entire continental United States with a test of its latest developed and newest version of their ICBM. \u2026\r\n\u201c\u2026 It is important to remember that all the power is being wielded by the erratic despot, Kim Jong Un. We don\u2019t have the luxury of time. He has stated that his goal is to attain a nuclear capable ICBM that can annihilate the United States. Each and every day he gets closer to his goal and yesterday he proved that it could be done. \u2026\u201d\r\nRead Sen. Inhofe\u2019s full remarks as prepared for delivery .\u00a0\r\nMr. President, for twenty years I have viewed the development and deployment of a layered ballistic missile defense shield as vital to our national security. The experience we had yesterday\u2014we witnessed yesterday\u2014is something we have been talking about for a long time that was going to happen. Sometimes our DIA, the Defense Intelligence Agency, said it was going to happen five years from now, then four years from now. But, the question is: \u2018when will North Korea have the capability of a weapon and delivery system to reach Washington D.C. or any of the United States?\u2019\r\nAdversaries, like North Korea, are developing ballistic missiles with increasing range and accuracy. It is important for us here in the Senate to communicate to the American people the credible, grave, and immediate threat that we face.\r\nToday, the world is more dangerous than it has ever been before. I have said so many times in the past that I look wistfully back at the days of the Cold War when things were predictable. We had two superpowers. We knew what they had, they knew what we had. It is not that way anymore. Every time we get someone coming into our defense committee to testify, they talk about the fact that North Korea is not predictable.\r\nI have actually been here on the Floor on this issue in 2001, 2009, 2012, and this will be the third time this year. Over the last 30 years, we have witnessed our missile defense programs go through dramatic investment changes from administration to administration depending on who is president.\r\nPresident Reagan\u2014we remember how everyone ridiculed him\u2014Star Wars, hitting a bullet with a bullet. They thought it was pretty funny at that time. Right now, everything he said was going to happen, is happening, and happened yesterday.\r\nIn 1993, the Clinton Administration cut $2.5 billion from the Bush missile defense budget request for fiscal year 1994. They terminated the Reagan-Bush Strategic Defense Initiative program, downgraded national missile defense to a research and development program only and cut five year missile defense funding by 54 percent from $39 billion to $18 billion.\r\nIn 1996, they cut funding and slowed development of the THAAD program\u2014we are so dependent upon right now\u2014to defend against an incoming missile in many parts of the world. They cut the Defense Authorization bill requiring accelerated development. In 1999, they delayed\u2014by at least two years\u2014the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) satellites designed to detect and track missile launches necessary to coordinate with any effective national missile defense system.\r\nThen, along came Bush. By the end of 2008, the Bush Administration had succeeded in fielding a missile defense system capable of defending all 50 States. Here\u2019s the problem we had. We had\u2014during that period of time\u201444 ground-based defense systems in the United States. The Obama Administration cut that back down, but the Bush Administration wanted a system that would take care of all 50 states. Here\u2019s the problem though: all of the ground-based systems were on the West Coast, in Alaska and California.\r\nAt that time, that is where they thought the threat was going to be. But, during the last years of the Bush Administration\u2014the second Bush Administration\u2014we realized that we needed to do something about the rest of the country, something about the East Coast and something about Western Europe. So, we made a deal with the Czech Republic and Poland to have a ground-based system in the Czech Republic and Poland along with the radar necessary to operate it.\r\nI remember\u2014I was there\u2014I had a conversation with V\u00e1clav Klaus in the Czech Republic. He said to me \u201cIf we go along with building this system, we are going to incur the wrath of Russia and it\u2019s going to be very difficult for us. Can you assure us, if we agree to do this, that you won\u2019t pull the rug out from under us?\u201d And I said \u201cCertainly. We wouldn\u2019t do that. This is something we are committed to do.\u201d\r\nThe problem was, the first thing that happened when the Obama Administration came in\u2014he pulled the rug out from under them. Here we find ourselves vulnerable to, maybe, having one shot at a defense system in the eastern part of the United States and in Western Europe. Then, in April, came the first of the Obama defense cuts which began disarming America and dismantling our layered missile-defense system. Additionally, due to President Obama\u2019s overall reduced budget requests for defense, there were not enough Aegis ships or missiles to meet the demand that was there.\r\nSince Kim Jong-Un took power in 2009, he\u2019s already conducted more than 80 ballistic missile tests. That\u2019s far more than his father and grandfather conducted.\r\nNorth Korea has conducted six nuclear tests of increasingly powerful weapons. The latest test was in September of this year.\u00a0 That bomb had an explosive yield estimated to be about 100 kilotons, which is almost seven times more powerful than the bomb dropped on Hiroshima and as much as 11 times more powerful than what North Korea tested in January of last year.\r\nAt the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Asia-Pacific Strategy in April of this year, a panel of expert witnesses agreed with me that North Korea currently represents the most imminent threat to our national security. On July 4 of this year, North Korea made a major breakthrough with their first successful ICBM launching. If launched on a standard trajectory, the missile could likely have travelled up to 5,000 miles. Now, that\u2019s enough to reach Alaska. On July 28 of this year, North Korea tested another ICBM. This missile demonstrated the potential ability to reach mainland U.S. targets with a nuclear armed ICBM.\r\nNow, yesterday\u2014that was the big day\u2014yesterday it finally happened. Yesterday, North Korea proved that it could reliably range the entire continental United States with a test of its latest developed and newest version of their ICBM.\u00a0\r\nIt is important to remember that all the power is being wielded by the erratic despot, Kim Jong Un. We don\u2019t have the luxury of time. He has stated that his goal is to attain a nuclear capable ICBM that can annihilate the United States. Each and every day he gets closer to his goal and yesterday he proved that it could be done.\r\nSecretary Mattis confirmed the technical advances displayed in yesterday\u2019s test. The missile had a 53-minute time of flight, and Mattis confirmed that it went \u201chigher than any previous shot they\u2019ve taken.\u201d\r\nDavid Wright, an analyst with the Union of Concerned Scientists, wrote that yesterday\u2019s test indicates that North Korea can now hold the United States well within missile range. Wright wrote, \u201cSuch a missile would have more than enough range to reach Washington, D.C., and, in fact, any part of the continental United States.\u201d\r\nSo, when you talk about the real threats that are out there, we now know\u2014even though people didn\u2019t believe it 20 years ago, 10 years ago, five years ago\u2014it finally happened yesterday. They have the range that would reach the continental United States and they have proven they have a missile that can do that.\r\nThe only argument they use is they say well, this may not have had a payload\u2014maybe they couldn\u2019t have done that with a payload, actually had that kind of a range. That doesn\u2019t me much comfort. I really think that, now, we are to the point where we have to recognize we are in the most threatened position we have been in as a nation and now it\u2019s a lot easier to believe that because we witnessed that yesterday.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankfords-respect-act-passes-senate", "Senator Lankfords RESPECT Act Passes Senate", "2017-11-30", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.30.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford\u2019s RESPECT Act Passes Senate \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Senator James Lankford (R-OK)\u2019s Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes\u00a0(RESPECT) Act was adopted by the Senate by unanimous consent. The bill\u00a0would repeal several outdated, offensive federal laws against Native Americans, including unenforced laws currently in place subjecting Native Americans to forced labor.\u00a0Specific to Oklahoma, the bill would repeal a 100-year old law that allowed for the forced removal of Native American children from their homes to attend boarding schools without the consent of the child\u2019s parents.\u00a0\r\n\u201cSenate passage of the RESPECT Act takes us one step closer to removing old, disgraceful laws that have not been enforced for generations,\u201d said Lankford. \u201cI\u2019m grateful to the Senate for passing this bill that addresses the important significance to repeal these outdated, offensive laws.\u201d\r\nLankford cosponsored the\u00a0RESPECT\u00a0Act during the 114th Congress, where it passed out of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee unanimously. Due to time constraints on the Senate Calendar, it was not voted on by the full Senate in 2016.\u00a0The bill was originally introduced by Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD).\u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/nssf-qa-us-rep-steve-d-russell-r-okla", "NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION Q&A: U.S. REP. STEVE D. RUSSELL (R-OKLA.)", "2017-11-29", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "U.S. Rep. Steve D. Russell brings a unique perspective on firearms to the House of Representatives. He\u2019s a career soldier, collector of military firearms and is the only one on Capitol Hill who is an active firearms manufacturer.\nRep. Russell\u2019s admiration for firearms is deeply-rooted in his calling to serve in the U.S. Army as an infantry soldier. He served tours in Kosovo, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq, where he commanded a task force that captured former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. He chronicled the mission in his memoir, \u201cWe Got Him.\u201d Following his military career, he formed successive veteran\u2019s advocacy groups and ran for and won an open seat in Oklahoma\u2019s state Senate in 2008. It was there, Russell, turned a career of carrying a rifle, into a new calling of ensuring the right to bear arms was respected.\nVictories at the state level included hunting with suppressors, open carry legislation, and clearing up language on \u201cshall issue\u201d questions with respect to mental health. But it wasn\u2019t until 2010 when Russell went from firearms enthusiast to manufacturer. He couldn\u2019t bring home rifles he saw during his combat tours in Iraq. So he made one.\n\u201cWith that in mind, I found an existing rifle and altered its appearance, made it look like an Iraqi rifle,\u201d Rep. Russell explained. \u201cSome of my veteran buddies asked, \u2018Where\u2019d you get that?\u2019 I said, \u201cAw, I just made these changes to this rifle. So they said, \u2018If I got one, would you do that to mine?\u2019 I said sure. After a half a dozen of those, I thought there might be something to this.\u201d\nThat was the birth of Two Rivers Arms, a company that\u2019s still producing firearms and even caught the eye of legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood as he was filming \u201cAmerican Sniper,\u201d the biopic on former Navy SEAL Chris Kyle.\n\u201cOur biggest claim to fame is our rifles were featured in Clint Eastwood\u2019s \u201cAmerican Sniper.\u201d We made the Tabuk sniper rifles for the film; one for the actor, one for the body double and we made four of the Iraqi AK\u2019s that the insurgents used as extras in the film. So that was pretty cool. We\u2019ve kind of carved out our little niche in the market.\u201d\nRep. Russell\u2019s call to service wasn\u2019t over, though. In 2014, Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) ran for his current Senate seat and left open a seat for Oklahoma\u2019s 5thCongressional District. He won a six-way primary, run-off, and five-way general election. In 2016, he was re-elected.\nRep. Russell\u2019s affinity for firearms predates his Congressional and military service, though. He admits a fascination with military small arms, a collection that he began when he was old enough to purchase his own and continues today. In fact, it\u2019s a passion he\u2019s passed along to his children, even to a recent outing with his daughter who was researching her preferred handgun as she pursues a career in federal law enforcement.\n\u201cI went out a few weeks ago with my youngest daughter. She is about to graduate with a criminal justice bachelor of arts, and a bachelor of science in forensics. She hopes to join the FBI. She wanted a SIG 220-series for her birthday. I told her she wanted something cheaper for her 21st birthday. She assured me she needed a good, reliable handgun. So, I went and found her one. So she shoots that and I stay with my Beretta. She does pretty good, but she needs to practice some more before she can outshoot me. It\u2019s always a lot of fun.\u201d\nRep. Russell keeps a tight lid on the number of firearms in his collection, but admits his likely doesn\u2019t look like others. His gun safe features firearms that are also used by the military. He\u2019s not sure that he\u2019s got any fine grade firearms designed strictly for sporting purposes.\n\u201cI only own one shotgun. It\u2019s a Mossberg 590A1 trench gun that mounts an M-9 bayonet. It\u2019s terrible for birds. It\u2019s great for clearing rooms. I have it as a home defense gun. I\u2019ve shot clays. It\u2019s different. I\u2019m used to sights. I can do it. But I\u2019m not an expert at it. I love target shooting. I\u2019m pretty good with a handgun. I\u2019m good with a rifle. I can do the 2-and-1 drills standing or I can do different firearms changes, shoot different things, pistol, rifle, whatever \u2013 I enjoy target shooting more than anything.\u201d\nRep. Russell\u2019s focus these days, though, is more than just knocking down targets. He\u2019s busy in Congress driving legislation to protect firearms dealers from a rash of brazen break-ins. NSSF works with ATF officials to match rewards to catch these criminals, but Rep. Russell wants to make sure those who are caught must spend time behind bars. It\u2019s\u00a0H.R. 3790, the Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act. Rep. that would impose a minimum sentence for a successful conviction of not less than three years for burglary and five years for robbery of a firearms retailer, ranges that rent firearms, shooting clubs and licensed collectors.\nThe Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has reported a 48 percent increase in the number of burglaries and a 175 percent in the number of robberies over the past five years. In 2016, about 7,758 firearms were stolen from Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) in burglaries and robberies.\n\u201cThere\u2019s kind of a gap in the law where they\u2019re treating robberies of these businesses kind of like any other robbery. And yet, they\u2019re stealing firearms. In many cases, they even cross state lines. So this is a serious offense. This bill would remedy that with stiffer penalties. I\u2019m not always one that believes that legislatively we should take away the parameters of our judges on sentencing. I think that\u2019s why we have a judiciary branch, quite frankly. But in this case, I don\u2019t think that somebody that does a smash-and-grab, driving a pick-up through a gun shop and then just grabbing as many firearms as they can ought to be treated the same as holding up a convenience store. It\u2019s not the same. I\u2019ve got a bill that will fix that.\u201d\nRep. Russell\u2019s unique perspective on firearms has made him an asset to his Congressional colleagues too. When calls for gun legislation arises, he\u2019s able to parse through the rhetoric and show fellow Congressmen and women that in many instances, laws exist but aren\u2019t being implemented. He explained how terror watch lists and prohibited persons lists work, restrictions on internet sales and how a dealers at gun shows follow the letter of the law.\n\u201cAnother one that people really\u2026 \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t be able to go into a gun show and buy it from a dealer \u2013 a gun \u2013 without any paperwork.\u201d News flash, you can\u2019t. You can\u2019t. If I were to trade firearms at a gun show as an FFL holder and did not process the 4473, and did not do a NICS check, I could lose my license and be liable to severe penalty for breaking the law.\u201d\nRep. Russell reminds Congressmen and senators that the laws to keep firearms from criminals exist, but need to be enforced. He explained that by going legislation to restrict implements and devices, the solution is lost. He uses the integrated fight on terror as an example. The \u201csee-something, say-something\u201d campaign allows citizens to be engaged in reporting suspicious behavior. Rep. Russell said public engagement and awareness are crucial to identifying criminals. That\u2019s the work, he added, that\nlicensed dealers perform daily. They are at the point of sale, living in the same communities where they do business and want all their neighbors to practice safe and responsible firearms practices.\n\u201cI think people often look at the firearms industry as the bad guys. They\u2019re not. They\u2019re very cooperative with law enforcement. I have a very close friend of mine who not only cooperated with the FBI, but helped bust up a major ring, simply because he had suspicion of a guy who was making multiple purchases out of his shop. The first day was fine. The second day. But then he wanted multiple of the same type. It just didn\u2019t add up to it. Kind of on a gut, he thought he\u2019d call the local ATF field rep. They cooperated with him, busted a major, major crime ring.\u201d\n\u201cEverything I produce has to have severe restrictions to be transferred,\u201d Rep. Russell said. \u201cOur laws are adequate. Where we\u2019re missing the boat is we\u2019re not identifying the threats.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-condemns-north-korea-missile-test-calls-for-increased-missile-defense", "Inhofe Condemns North Korea Missile Test, Calls for Increased Missile Defense", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Condemns North Korea Missile Test, Calls for Increased Missile Defense\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 28, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called for increased and targeted investment in missile defense capabilities after North Korea\u2019s latest ballistic missile test:\r\n\u201cNorth Korea has been clear\u2014they will not stop their aggressive behavior towards the United States and our allies until they have achieved a missile capable of reaching the United States with a nuclear warhead. While we must continue to pursue economic and diplomatic efforts with our strategic partners in the region, it is vital for the safety of American families to strengthen and grow our missile defense capabilities in the boost, mid-course, and terminal phases. We cannot afford to wait any longer.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-discusses-federal-fumbles-on-the-senate-floor-", "Senator Lankford Discusses Federal Fumbles on the Senate Floor", "2017-11-28", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.28.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Discusses Federal Fumbles on the Senate Floor  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Lankford: \u201cDeficit and growing debt affects every single American.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t CLICK HERE to view the video\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke on the Senate floor about the third volume of Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball. Lankford\u2019s annual government waste and solutions report list $473.6 billion in wasteful and inefficient federal spending, but also lists solutions to each of the examples of government waste. Lankford released the report on Monday during a press conference. CLICK HERE to access the report.\r\nThe current United States federal debt is $20.49 trillion. The one-year deficit for Fiscal Year 2017 was $666 billion.\r\nExcerpts:\r\nOn the need to address the federal deficit:\r\nI\u00a0want to be able to address this\u00a0body to talk about an issue that\u00a0we don't talk about enough, the\u00a0deficit.\u00a0It's an issue for whatever\u00a0reason we've stopped talking\u00a0about in Washington, DC.\u00a0We're talking about tax policy,\u00a0as we should.\u00a0We're talking about disaster\u00a0relief areas, which we should.\u00a0Talking about healthcare policies,\u00a0which we should.\u00a0A lot of other things.\u00a0We have stopped talking about\u00a0debt and deficit.\u00a0I think that's a mistake for us.\u00a0See, as the trend has moved,\u00a0since 2011, at a high point when\u00a0the deficit spending that year\u00a0was $1.3 trillion in\u00a0overspending in a single year.\u00a0Since that point, deficits have\u00a0gone down a little bit each year\u00a0until 2015.\u00a0In 2016, our deficit number,\u00a0that's a single year\u00a0overspending, started going\u00a0back up.\u00a0It went up in 2016.\u00a0It went up again in 2017.\u00a0[We are] turning the wrong direction.\u00a0As you will recall and as many\u00a0people in this body would\u00a0recall, deficits were a major\u00a0topic for us starting in 2010.\u00a0And each year, Congress was\u00a0trying to find ways to be able\u00a0to reduce the deficit.\u00a0That doesn't seem to be the\u00a0issue anymore.\u00a0\r\nOn the need to reform the budget process:\r\nThere is no problem in this\u00a0country that can't be solved,\u00a0and certainly, our deficit is an\u00a0issue that can't be solved.\u00a0It's going to have a\u00a0decision made by each of us that\u00a0this is actually important and\u00a0we're going to try to resolve\u00a0this and try to get us back\u00a0toward balance.\u00a0\u2026.\u00a0If we're going to actually deal\u00a0with some of the budget issues,\u00a0we're going to have to actually\u00a0deal with the budget process.\u00a0We're not going to get a better\u00a0product until we get a better\u00a0process.\u00a0Since 1974, the Budget Act has\u00a0only worked four times.\u00a0Four times.\u00a0And every year, the American\u00a0people say over and over again\u00a0what just happened? How come\u00a0we're back in this budget fight?\u00a0How come it's at the end of the\u00a0year? How come it's not\u00a0resolved?\u00a0Because we have a bad process,\u00a0that's why.\u00a0Our process is not\u00a0constitutional.\u00a0It's the product of the law that\u00a0was put in the Budget Act.\u00a0We need to be able to change\u00a0that.\u00a0I think there are some basic\u00a0ways to be able to resolve that.\u00a0I like to do budgeting and\u00a0appropriations every two years.\u00a0That would give us more time to\u00a0be able to do more oversight.\u00a0That would give us more time to\u00a0do floor debate on it to walk\u00a0through this.\u00a0There are multiple areas that\u00a0need to be resolved, like aligning our committees.\u00a0 There are things that need to be done if\u00a0we're actually going to get\u00a0budget work done.\u00a0\r\nOn Lankford\u2019s transparency bill, Taxpayers Right to Know Act:\r\nWe have got to work on\u00a0transparency.\u00a0I'm ashamed to say for six years\u00a0I have pushed on a very simple\u00a0bill called the Taxpayers Right\u00a0to Know [Act].\u00a0It has passed unanimously in the\u00a0House two different years.\u00a0It comes over to the Senate, and\u00a0it gets tied up.\u00a0The Taxpayers Right to Know [Act] is\u00a0very simple.\u00a0It asks every agency to list\u00a0everything they do.\u00a0What a shocking thing that would\u00a0be, to actually know everything\u00a0that every agency does.\u00a0To be able to see what they do,\u00a0what they spend on it, how many\u00a0employees they allocate to it,\u00a0and how many people they serve.\u00a0Every business in America can\u00a0give you a list of everything\u00a0that they do except for the\u00a0federal government.\u00a0We cannot.\u00a0We should.\u00a0It would give the opportunity\u00a0for agency heads to find out\u00a0before they start a program to\u00a0know if someone else already\u00a0does it in the federal\u00a0government.\u00a0I've talked to multiple agency\u00a0individuals now under two\u00a0different presidents that had\u00a0said they started a program, got\u00a0it developed, committed people\u00a0to it, and then a couple of\u00a0months or years later determined\u00a0somebody else is already doing\u00a0it.\u00a0Even our agency folks don't know\u00a0what the other agencies are\u00a0doing.\u00a0This should be a simple,\u00a0straightforward solution to be\u00a0able to help our agencies and to\u00a0be able to help all of us do\u00a0greater supervision over the\u00a0budget.\u00a0\r\nExamples of waste in the report:\r\nThe National Science Foundation\u00a0did a grant this past year to\u00a0study the effect and how things\u00a0are going for refugees in\u00a0Iceland.\u00a0Now, I'm sure the country of\u00a0Iceland would like to know how\u00a0it's going for their refugees\u00a0and maybe even the UN would like to know, but I'm a little\u00a0stunned that the National\u00a0Science Foundation used American\u00a0tax dollars to study refugees in\u00a0Iceland.\u00a0\r\nThe National Endowment for the\u00a0Arts did a grant this past year\u00a0to help pay for a local\u00a0community theater in New\u00a0Hampshire and their performance\u00a0of \"Doggie Hamlet.\"\u00a0\u201cDoggie Hamlet\u201d is an outdoor presentation\u00a0where a group of people are\u00a0yelling and singing around a\u00a0group of sheep and sheepdogs in\u00a0an outdoor performance.\u00a0Now, I have watched the\u00a0performance.\u00a0I look at the performance and\u00a0think that's fine if the folks\u00a0of New Hampshire want to do that\u00a0performance.\u00a0I'm not sure why the people of\u00a0Oklahoma are forced, through\u00a0their federal tax dollars, to pay\u00a0for the production of \"Doggie\u00a0Hamlet.\"\u00a0\r\nThe Department of Defense, last\u00a0year, moved some equipment into\u00a0Kuwait to be able to give to the\u00a0Iraqi army, a billion dollars\u2019 worth of equipment into Kuwait\u00a0to give to the Iraqi army\u2014Humvees, small arms, mortars.\u00a0All that's fine. We are\u00a0helping equip the Iraqi army to\u00a0allow them to be able to defend\u00a0themselves.\u00a0The problem becomes we lost\u00a0track of them somewhere between\u00a0Kuwait and Iraq.\u00a0And the DOD doesn't know what\u00a0happened to a billion dollars of\u00a0equipment after it was delivered\u00a0to Kuwait.\u00a0\r\nThe IRS has had multiple\u00a0issues that we tried to identify\u00a0in different segments of this.\u00a0One is several years ago, we\u00a0noticed that the IRS was\u00a0rehiring employees that they had\u00a0fired, employees that weren't\u00a0paying their income tax but were\u00a0working for the IRS or\u00a0employees that were using their\u00a0position to spy on other\u00a0Americans and pull up their tax\u00a0information just because of\u00a0their own interests.\u00a0Well, it's a fireable offense of\u00a0the IRS, and it should be, to\u00a0be able to violate some\u00a0Americans' privacy, but the\u00a0problem is the IRS has\u00a0started rehiring those same\u00a0people right back. I don't know of many companies\u00a0that fire somebody, then later\u00a0decide they will change their\u00a0mind and rehire them, but\u00a0apparently, the IRS has become\u00a0proficient at that.\u00a0We identified it several years\u00a0ago.\u00a0The IRS said they would stop\u00a0it.\u00a0We checked on that last year.\u00a0Guess what?\u00a0The IRS is still doing it,\u00a0rehiring employees they have\u00a0fired, some of them even with\u00a0their file stamped do not hire.\u00a0Hired them anyway.\u00a0We have got to be able to stop\u00a0that.\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/north-korea-belongs-list", "North Korea Belongs on the List", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In late 1987, a Korean Air flight traveling from Seoul, South Korea to Baghdad, Iraq, was bombed by North Korean agents killing all 115 people on board. This event, evidence of clear terrorist motives, prompted the Reagan Administration to designate North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism. Today, the United States still grapples with the often unpredictable and volatile nature of North Korea and the regime of its dictator, Kim Jong-un. And earlier this week, President Trump made the decision to re-list North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism, and promoted a new wave of tougher sanctions on the hermit state.\n\t\u00a0\n\tThe list of state sponsors of terrorism began in 1979 and is managed by the U.S. Department of State. The nations that are placed on the list are alleged to have \"repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism.\" Although the list has remained small over the years, it has been a symbolic mark of heightened pressure on our enemies and a measure of heavy, unilateral sanctions. North Korea joins Iran, Sudan and Syria on the current list.\u200e\n\t\u00a0\n\tAfter 20 years on the list, the Bush Administration made the decision to remove North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism in 2008, in hopes that it would prompt talks toward peace and denuclearization. But since then, it has not been evident that North Korea is making, or will be making any effort to reduce nuclear development, end its human rights violations and halt support of terrorism within its own borders and those of other nations.\n\t\u00a0\n\tIt is no secret that in recent months North Korea has been staging a number of nuclear missile tests to strike fear and talks of war across the globe. The United States has taken each test and rogue action by the Kim regime very seriously. Additionally, the untimely deaths of Kim Jong-nam, Kim Jong-un\u2019s brother, and Otto Warmbier, the American student detained in the nation recently, have left no question that the Kim regime is capable of initiating harm against anyone anywhere in the world. Along with heightened military presence in the Pacific and slew of sanctions endorsed by Congress, a designation on the state sponsors of terrorism list is a definitive assessment that North Korea is an enemy of the United States, and is a national security priority.\n\t\u00a0\n\tPresident Trump is right to designate North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism again, and I am encouraged by the approach Secretary Tillerson has taken to remain diplomatic, but fully engaged to exert pressure on the Kim regime. Other nations in the region, like Japan and Australia, have also been encouraged by the move to put North Korea on the list again. Until North Korea eliminates its nuclear arsenal, it will continue to receive tough sanctions from Congress, and will continue to remain on the state sponsors of terrorism list, where it belongs.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-russell-good-government-bill-signed-law", "Rep. Russell Good Government Bill Signed Into Law", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Last week, the Federal Agency Mail Management Act of 2017 (H.R. 194), introduced by Rep. Steve Russell (OK-5) earlier this Congress, was signed into law by President Trump. This bill corrects an error Congress made in recent years that put federal mail processing guidance under the authority of the National Archives and Records Administration.\nThe Federal Agency Mail Management Act of 2017 amends the Presidential and Federal Records Act Amendments of 2014 to require the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide guidance and assistance to federal agencies for effective mail processing. H.R. 194 requires the GSA to promote economy and efficiency in the selection and utilization of space, staff, equipment, and supplies for federal mail processing facilities. In this capacity the GSA may inspect the mail processing practices and programs of federal agencies for purposes of recommending improvements. The bill also authorizes the GSA to set goals for the establishment and maintenance of federal records management systems or techniques.\nIn designating the GSA as the sole authority on federal mail processing, H.R. 194 makes the government more efficient and more responsive to mail received by federal agencies. According to a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee report, the GSA has provided oversight on more than $1.15 billion in mail-related expenditures for federal agencies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=332", "Rep. Russell Good Government Bill Signed Into Law", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Last week, the Federal Agency Mail Management Act of 2017 (H.R. 194), introduced by Rep. Steve Russell (OK-5) earlier this Congress, was signed into law by President Trump. This bill corrects an error Congress made in recent years that put federal mail processing guidance under the authority of the National Archives and Records Administration.\r\rThe Federal Agency Mail Management Act of 2017 amends the Presidential and Federal Records Act Amendments of 2014 to require the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide guidance and assistance to federal agencies for effective mail processing. H.R. 194 requires the GSA to promote economy and efficiency in the selection and utilization of space, staff, equipment, and supplies for federal mail processing facilities. In this capacity the GSA may inspect the mail processing practices and programs of federal agencies for purposes of recommending improvements. The bill also authorizes the GSA to set goals for the establishment and maintenance of federal records management systems or techniques.\r\rIn designating the GSA as the sole authority on federal mail processing, H.R. 194 makes the government more efficient and more responsive to mail received by federal agencies. According to a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee report, the GSA has provided oversight on more than $1.15 billion in mail-related expenditures for federal agencies.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-releases-federal-government-waste-report", "Senator Lankford Releases Federal Government Waste Report", "2017-11-27", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.27.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Releases Federal Government Waste Report \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 During a press conference, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released his annual government waste and solutions report. This is the third volume of Lankford\u2019s book entitled, Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball. The report lists $473.6 billion in wasteful and inefficient federal spending and solutions to each of the examples of government waste. The current federal debt is $20.49 trillion. The one-year deficit for Fiscal Year 2017 was $666 billion.\r\n\u201cDuring 2017, we\u2019ve worked to roll back wasteful spending and a number of harmful and burdensome regulations from the two previous\u00a0Federal Fumbles\u00a0reports,\u201d said Lankford. \u201cThe outrageous federal deficit remains too high. Unfortunately, Washington, DC seems to be distracted and the deficit has started increasing again. Our $20 trillion national debt will continue to increase until we implement spending cuts, government reforms, and create a healthy economy. This\u00a0Federal Fumbles\u00a0report provides commonsense examples of ways to limit our spending and fix government inefficiency. Every American should have access to how their tax dollars are spent. Congress should pass my Taxpayers Right to Know Act to give each American the opportunity to see how their hard-earned tax dollars are spent.\u201d\r\nCLICK HERE to access the full report. CLICK HERE for a summary of the report.\u00a0CLICK HERE to watch Senator Lankford's press conference.\r\n###\u00a0\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/working-efficient-tax-system", "A Working Tax System", "2017-11-21", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "When President Ronald Reagan implemented a sweeping reform of our nation\u2019s tax system in 1986, it helped millions of Americans from different walks of life save money and kicked off an era of strong economic growth. A little more than three decades later, our tax code has become severely outdated. For the last several weeks, the House has been working through the legislative process to craft a bill aimed at fixing the current tax code and creating one that will support the individual, families and American businesses \u2013 something that is long overdue. Last week, the House was able to accomplish the first step in major tax reform through the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1), which will give Americans the opportunity to keep more of their hard-earned pay.\n\u00a0\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a new system that simplifies the current tax code and promotes substantial economic growth through corporate tax reform. It promotes individual prosperity and American ingenuity. To start, the individual will see a serious tax break. Before, individual filing was divided into seven brackets. Under the reformed system, it consolidates the number of brackets into four \u2013 12%, 25%, 35% and 39.6% - which helps a variety income levels. In addition to doubling the standard deduction and additional tax credits, with lowered tax rates, it is a system that will give Americans more opportunities to prepare for life events like retirement and home ownership.\n\u00a0\nFor example, a family of four with a combined income of $59,000 could see over $1,182 back in tax returns after rate reductions under the new system. Combined with the doubled standard deduction and enhanced Family and Child tax credits, the family\u2019s tax bill could be only $400 at the end of the year. Likewise, if that same family had a household income of $300,000, it could see a tax cut of $6,080, which could reduce its current tax bill from $64,680 to $58,600 a year.\n\u00a0\nThis is not only a system that helps increase income for families across America. This is a jobs creation bill. Many American companies have taken their business and manufacturing divisions overseas because of the heavy corporate tax rate in the U.S., and often opt for lower rates in other nations. In fact, the United States currently has the highest corporate tax rate in the industrialized world at 35%. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will reduce the corporate tax rate to 20%, which will make the United States more competitive on the global stage and incentivizes corporations to invest, innovate and grow.\n\u00a0\nWhile the new system supports major American corporations, it also restructures and lowers the tax rate for small businesses. It incentivizes startup businesses with a low 9% tax rate and caps the income tax rates on small business at 25%. This will bring business back to America, unleash thousands of job opportunities and promote economic growth in our nation.\n\u00a0\nAn effective tax code shouldn\u2019t take away large portions of your paycheck each year, and it shouldn\u2019t drive businesses away from our own shores. It should be fair to the American that is starting his first job or to the family that is looking to buy a new home. It should allow businesses to flourish and give them the benefit to expand and hire without taxing burdens. And most of all, it shouldn\u2019t be complicated. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act accomplishes these objectives and more. I look forward to the action the Senate will take on tax reform and to seeing major tax legislation become law before the end of the year.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-presidents-action-on-north-korea", "Inhofe Praises President's Action on North Korea", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Praises President's Action on North Korea\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, November 20, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), made the following statement after President Trump declared North Korea a state sponsor of terrorism:\r\n\u201cBy imposing the most substantial sanctions against the North Korean regime to date, the President has shown that his actions towards the regime speak far louder than the threats of Kim Jong Un\u2014the United States is committed to stopping North Korea\u2019s aggressive actions against America and our allies.\r\n\u201cI\u2019ve been clear\u2014North Korea is currently the most imminent threat facing the United States. The past eight years of \u2018strategic patience\u2019 have done nothing but enable a rogue regime to advance their nuclear and ballistic missile programs. As the President considers all economic, diplomatic and military options against North Korea, I will continue to fight for increased missile defense to protect American families and our allies around the world.\u201d\r\nInhofe worked to include several provisions to support missile defense to the FY18 NDAA, which is currently awaiting the president\u2019s signature. Some of the provisions include increasing funding to modernize the U.S. ground-based missile defense system and the procurement of 24 additional Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-to-release-federal-government-waste-report", "Senator Lankford to Release Federal Government Waste Report", "2017-11-20", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.20.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford to Release Federal Government Waste Report \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tOKLAHOMA CITY, OK \u2013 Senator James Lankford (R-OK) will release his annual federal government waste and solutions report during a press conference on Monday, November 27, 2017. This is the third volume of Lankford\u2019s report entitled \u201cFederal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball.\u201d The first report identified $105 billion in wasteful federal spending and about $800 billion in negative regulatory impact to the economy, and the second report listed $247 billion in wasteful spending and regulations. This year\u2019s report will identify new examples of waste, inefficiency, and duplication in government, along with solutions to resolve each fumble.\r\n\u201cEvery American should have access to how their tax dollars are spent,\u201d said Lankford. \u201cI hope every member of Congress, the Administration, and staff will utilize Federal Fumbles as they consider budget requests, hold hearings, and discuss reform legislation. In the first 11 months of the new Administration, we\u2019ve worked to roll back wasteful spending and a number of harmful and burdensome regulations from previous Federal Fumbles reports. There is a lot of work to still be done. Our $20 trillion national debt will continue to grow until we stop it with spending cuts, government reforms, and a growing economy.\u00a0Federal Fumbles volume three is my to-do list for 2018.\u201d\r\nWHAT: Senator Lankford Press Conference to Release Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball\u00a0\r\nWHEN: Monday, November 27, 11:00am ET (10:00am CT)\u00a0\r\nWHERE: Senate Radio-Television Gallery Studio, S-325, United States Capitol, Washington, DC\r\nVIDEO: The press conference\u00a0will be livestreamed\u00a0on Lankford\u2019s YouTube page HERE and Facebook page HERE\u00a0\r\nReporters who would like to cover the report release should contact DJ Jordan or Aly Beley via phone (202-224-5754) or DJ@Lankford.senate.gov or Aly_Beley@Lankford.senate.gov. \u00a0\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-inhofe-recognizes-the-museum-of-the-bible", "ICYMI: Inhofe Recognizes the Museum of the Bible", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ICYMI: Inhofe Recognizes the Museum of the Bible\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, November 17, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen.\u00a0Jim Inhofe\u00a0(R-Okla.), spoke on the Senate floor yesterday to recognize the opening of the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. The non-sectarian museum is free to the public and opens today.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\r\nKey Excerpts:\u00a0\r\n\u201c\u2026This week, after years of planning and construction, we now will be dedicating tomorrow, officially opening, the Museum of the Bible will finally open. It was led by Steve Green of Hobby Lobby\u2026. He\u2019s the Chairman of the Board of Directors of this long-awaited museum will allow visitors from not just the country\u2014but from all over the world to see what really it\u2019s all about, and how this plays the pivotal role in our country\u2019s history.\r\n\u201cThere is no better place than Washington, DC\u2014our nation\u2019s capital\u2014to remind us of the scope of the Bible\u2019s impact on our history and our narrative\u2026\r\n\u201cThe Bible\u2019s role in the founding of America is just one remarkable example of the how the Bible has profoundly shaped world history. It has influenced cultures in every corner of the globe and the Museum of the Bible, which is going to be opening tomorrow, pays tribute to its impact and intersection with other world religions.\r\n\u201cWhether considering the Bible through a secular or faith-based lens, it is impossible to deny its impact on individuals, countries, and, indeed, all of world history. The Museum of the Bible is the first educational experience that I have encountered that truly appreciates the full magnitude of the Bible\u2019s role throughout history. The six exhibits, curated by a panel of faith leaders that span religious and geographic divides, truly bring the Word of God to life in a way that positively educates, informs and encourages people of all faiths and beliefs to learn more about the Bible.\u201d\r\nRead Sen. Inhofe\u2019s full remarks as prepared for delivery below.\r\nMr. President, this week, after three years of planning and construction, we now will be dedicating tomorrow, officially opening, the Museum of the Bible will finally open. It was led by Steve Green of Hobby Lobby.\u00a0 That\u2019s Oklahoma. He\u2019s a friend of mine, his parents have been friends of mine. He\u2019s the Chairman of the Board of Directors of this long-awaited museum will allow visitors from not just the country\u2014but from all over the world to see what really it\u2019s all about, and how this plays the pivotal role in our country\u2019s history.\r\nThere is no better place than Washington, DC\u2014our nation\u2019s capital\u2014to remind us of the scope of the Bible\u2019s impact on our history and our narrative.\r\nIndeed, one of our Founding Fathers, Patrick Henry, was renowned for his readings of the Bible, saying near the end of his life\u2014and this is significant: \"This book is worth all the books that ever were printed, and it has been my misfortune that I never found time to read it with the proper attention \u2026until lately.\"\r\nHistorians are now re-looking at the history of this country and they are saying that we could not have won that war. You have to sometimes close your eyes and just envision the greatest army in the face of this earth coming down with thundering marches, going through Boston and then going up to Lexington and Concord. There is no way in the world that a handful of trappers and hunters could have won that thing.\r\nAnd yet they knew why, and Patrick Henry knew why that there is one thing\u00a0 they overlooked and that is the strength that comes from God, that we had and that they didn\u2019t have. He said:\r\n\u201cWe are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations; and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.\u201d\r\nAnd He did. And they fired that shot heard \u2018round the world.\r\nAnd I think that is really important today to think about, because people come this country today and they want to know what makes America work. You know, I have been privileged to sponsor the African dinner every February, and people come in from all over Africa, and they are always surprised when they come and find out, walking through the Capitol, what real significance that God and Bible have to the history of this country.\r\nAnd now, we are the home of the largest Christian community in the world, we cannot and should not deny the role that our Judeo-Christian values played in the formation of this country. Our first president, George Washington, was steadfast in his belief of God, His law and that liberty is God\u2019s gift.\r\nWashington\u2019s leadership was based on the conviction that Americans are entrusted by God to preserve basic freedoms established in the Constitution. In a letter, Washington wrote: \"We should be very cautious of violating the rights of conscience in others, ever considering that God alone is the judge of the hearts of men and to Him only in this case they are answerable.\"\r\nIt is clear our founding fathers recognized and enshrined the importance of religious liberty, one of our most precious and foundational religious freedoms, that allowed them to live their lives according to the teaching of the Bible.\r\nThe Bible\u2019s role in the founding of America is just one remarkable example of the how the Bible has profoundly shaped world history. It has influenced cultures in every corner of the globe and the Museum of the Bible, which is going to be opening tomorrow, pays tribute to its impact and intersection with other world religions.\r\nWhether considering the Bible through a secular or faith-based lens, it is impossible to deny its impact on individuals, countries, and, indeed, all of world history. The Museum of the Bible is the first educational experience that I have encountered that truly appreciates the full magnitude of the Bible\u2019s role throughout history.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\r\nThe six exhibits, curated by a panel of faith leaders that span religious and geographic divides, truly bring the Word of God to life in a way that positively educates, informs and encourages people of all faiths and beliefs to learn more about the Bible.\r\nGeneral Washington reminded us in his farewell address: \"Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.\"\r\nSteve Green\u2019s father, David, founded Hobby Lobby. You know, I remember this well because I was in the state legislature at the time this happened. And you know they started in their garage, making frames for pictures. And it turned out to be this giant, worldwide retailer\u2014the largest privately owned arts and crafts retailer in the history of America.\r\nAnd you remember Hobby Lobby. When Obamacare required that all employers provide free access to the pills that terminate pregnancies, David clearly recognized this as a violation of his faith. That\u2019s what America is all about. If you believe in something you do it and take your risks. And he was risking millions of dollars. But the morality was so significant from the teachings of the Bible that he went ahead and did it.\r\nHe took the challenge all the way to the United States Supreme Court and won on a split decision. He successfully argued the importance of maintaining the fundamental freedom of religion to apply his faith convictions to how he operates his private business.\r\nNow, David won his case, but his family understood that we need to do more. And so he started the Museum of the Bible. I actually was there last June where it was under construction. When you walk through and visualize what it will look like later on. I am so anxious to be there tonight, the night before the official opening to see now what it looks like.\r\nI\u2019m grateful that David\u2019s son, Steve, and his entire family are leading this effort to make the Bible and its impact more accessible to the whole world. I am especially honored that the museum will be opening on my birthday, tomorrow.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-inhofe-speaks-about-anwr-and-energy-independence", "ICYMI: Inhofe Speaks About ANWR and Energy Independence", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ICYMI Inhofe Speaks About ANWR and Energy Independence\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, November 17, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen.\u00a0Jim Inhofe\u00a0(R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, spoke on the Senate floor yesterday about legislation to open a small part the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for responsible energy development.\r\n\r\nKey Excerpts:\r\n\u201c\u2026 Yesterday, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee met to consider legislation to open up a very small part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for responsible energy development. This bill was successfully passed by the Committee and I look forward to helping it continue to move through Congress. \u2026\r\n\u201c\u2026 Authorizing the sale of leases in Alaska will also increase revenue to the United States. It is estimated that energy production in Alaska can lead to over $1 trillion in revenue. Responsibly managed, that will have a positive impact on reducing our national debt.\u00a0 Most significantly, opening ANWR is allowing Alaskans to do what they want to do. \u2026\r\n\u201c\u2026 Energy independence is vital to our national security. How many of these countries apart of the old Soviet Union have wanted their allegiance to us, but are forced to buy their gas from Russia and Iran\u2014and they don\u2019t want to do it. Now, we are taking them off the hook. \u2026\r\n\u201c\u2026 President Trump has been clear\u2014he intends to make the United States a net energy exporter, something we haven\u2019t been since 1953. We\u2019re going to do it. \u2026\u201d\r\nRead Sen. Inhofe\u2019s full remarks as prepared for delivery below.\r\nMr. President, I now turn to another topic of importance to American families\u2014our energy independence. While many have talked about the importance of the budget reconciliation process to set us up to pass the historic, much needed tax cuts for our individuals and small businesses, the process also allows the Senate to use reconciliation for something equally as valuable\u2014to allow energy exploration in Alaska.\r\nYesterday, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources committee met to consider legislation to open up a very small part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for responsible energy development. This bill was successfully passed by the Committee and I look forward to helping it continue to move through Congress.\r\nI\u2019ve long been an advocate for a long period of time for responsible development of untapped resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It is interesting, the people of Alaska\u2014they all want it to happen. They know all the benefits that will come to Alaska, the money that will be there. People talk about the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as if this is some great thing\u2014it is the size of South Carolina. It is a small thing. \r\nAuthorizing the sale of leases in Alaska will also increase revenue to the United States. It is estimated that energy production in Alaska can lead to over $1 trillion in revenue. Responsibly managed, that will have a positive impact on reducing our national debt.\u00a0 Most significantly, opening ANWR is allowing Alaskans to do what they want to do. \r\nWe are so good at\u2014in this body\u2014thinking we know more about what\u2019s good for Alaska, what\u2019s good for Oklahoma, what\u2019s good for Georgia, then they do in those states. One of the few things we do right around this place is the highway bills. With highway bills, we get the priorities of the states and they decide what it is they want to do in their states.\r\nFor too long, the federal government has been keeping Alaskans from acting in their own best interest.\r\nFinally, increasing energy production in Alaska is a key part of making the United States not only energy independent, but energy dominant.\r\nAnd we are on the verge of doing just that. Earlier this week the executive director of the International Energy Agency, Faith Birol said that the \u201cthe United States will become the undisputed global oil and gas leader for decades to come\u201d and that \u201cthe growth in production is unprecedented, exceeding all historical levels.\u201d\r\nANWR could be, and should be part of that story.\r\nEnergy independence is vital to our national security. How many of these countries apart of the old Soviet Union have wanted their allegiance to us, but are forced to buy their gas from Russia and Iran\u2014and they don\u2019t want to do it. Now, we are taking them off the hook. \r\nI had a great experience, not long ago, of being invited by the president of Lithuania to come and open their first terminal. \r\nLast month Harold Hamm, chairman and CEO of Continental Resources in Oklahoma, announced that they would begin exporting oil to China. Exporting to China. That\u2019s kind of a big deal. He\u2019s the one who talks about how we will be controlling enough energy to have that same impact on the rest of the world. \r\nPresident Trump has been clear\u2014he intends to make the United States a net energy exporter, something we haven\u2019t been since 1953. We\u2019re going to do it. \r\nOpening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge would be a big step towards this initiative and I applaud the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for helping the administration make this happen.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-leads-letter-in-support-of-iraqi-kurdistan", "Inhofe Leads Letter in Support of Iraqi Kurdistan", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Leads Letter in Support of Iraqi Kurdistan\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Strong support for our allies in both Erbil and Baghdad is essential if we are to arrest Iran's growing influence\"\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, November 17, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) sent a letter to President Donald Trump this week in support of the Kurdish Regional Government and their role protecting religious liberty in the region.\r\n\u201cWith ISIS now being driven from Iraq, we are concerned that Iran\u2019s influence is growing and has the potential to undermine the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and overall stability of the region,\u201d the senators write.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nThe letter continues: \u201cTolerance is integral to Kurdish culture - indeed, rights of persecuted minorities are expressly recognized and protected under KRG laws. Iran\u2019s growing influence, however, increasingly is threatening stability both within Iraq and on all sides of Iraq\u2019s borders. We are deeply concerned by reports that American-made military equipment has been deployed by Iranian-backed militias against the Kurds. We cannot afford to lose the peaceful region of Iraqi Kurdistan to Iranian-backed groups that are actively aligned against the United States.\u201d\r\nRead the full letter here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-applauds-attorney-general-sessions-decision-to-end-doj-regulation-by-guidance", "Senator Lankford Applauds Attorney General Sessions Decision to End DoJ Regulation By Guidance", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.17.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Applauds Attorney General Sessions\u2019 Decision to End DoJ Regulation By Guidance \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today applauded Attorney General Jeff Sessions\u2019 decision to prohibit the Department of Justice from issuing regulatory guidance documents that have the effect of adopting a new law or regulatory requirements. As chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, Lankford has long decried this federal agency practice.\u00a0\r\n\u201cRegulatory guidance documents were originally meant to clarify existing law, not create new law. But unfortunately, it has been abused by agencies to force law-like directives on colleges, local municipalities, farmers, companies, and other regulated entities,\u201d said Lankford. \u201cI\u2019m pleased that Attorney General Sessions is putting an end to this abuse at the Department of Justice. When agencies pursue regulatory changes through quick guidance instead of thorough regulations, the American people are left out of the process. This is a pervasive problem across all of government, as agencies sometimes legislate using guidance. Agency guidance should never be a substitute for regulation or law. I encourage the entire Trump administration to follow in Sessions\u2019 footsteps on this.\u201d\r\nThe Administrative Procedure Act (APA) allows agencies to issue guidance documents to interpret issues in an existing regulation or law. While the vast majority of guidance is used appropriately to provide regulated entities with timely information and quick updates, guidance also leaves open the possibility that agencies improperly issue guidance documents instead of regulations, in order to take advantage of the APA\u2019s exceptions and relaxed procedures.\r\nIn 2015 and 2016, Lankford challenged the President Obama administration on this practice and held several hearings on this matter. Lankford repeatedly challenged the Office of Management and Budget and Departments of Education and Labor on their inappropriate use of regulatory guidance. Academics and legal experts have agreed with Lankford\u2019s concern with the Obama administration.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-lankford-cornyn-and-coons-introduce-resolution-to-recognize-the-museum-of-the-bible", "Senators Lankford, Cornyn, and Coons Introduce Resolution to Recognize the Museum of the Bible", "2017-11-17", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.17.17\n\t\t\t Senators Lankford, Cornyn, and Coons Introduce Resolution to Recognize the Museum of the Bible \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Senators James Lankford (R-OK), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Chris Coons (D-DE) have introduced a bipartisan Senate resolution to recognize the grand opening of the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC. The museum will officially open today and is free to the public. The museum holds items such as the Gutenberg Bible. Steven Green, Oklahoman, and president of Hobby Lobby serves as Chairman of the Board of the Museum of the Bible.\u00a0\r\n\u201cThe museum takes you through six floors of exhibits that include artifacts, stories, art, history, and worldwide impacts of the Bible,\u201d said Lankford. \u201cThis collection is a great addition to our nation\u2019s Capitol. It is yet another reason for every American to visit Washington, DC to see some of the world\u2019s most breathtaking treasures.\u201d\r\nA PDF of the letter is\u00a0available here, and the full text of the resolution is below:\r\nRecognizing the opening of the nonsectarian Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., the only museum of its size and scope in the world devoted exclusively to the Bible.\r\nWhereas the Bible has played a prominent role in the culture of the United States and has been a significant influence throughout the history of our nation;\r\nWhereas, in 1956, Congress passed a Joint Resolution adopting \u2018\u2018In God We Trust\u2019\u2019 as the official motto of the United States;\r\nWhereas, in 1982, Congress passed the Joint Resolution entitled \u2018\u2018Joint Resolution authorizing and requesting the President to proclaim 1983 as the \u2018Year of the Bible\u2019 \u2019\u2019 (Public Law 97\u2013280), finding that the Bible \u2018\u2018has made a unique contribution in shaping the United States as a distinctive and blessed nation and people\u2019\u2019;\r\nWhereas, on November 17, 2017, the Museum of the Bible opened a 430,000-square foot nonprofit museum in Washington, D.C., 3 blocks from the Capitol, and will be free to all visitors;\r\nWhereas the Museum of the Bible is a nonsectarian institution that does not promote any faith or denomination;\r\nWhereas, in 2014, the architectural concept submission for the Museum of the Bible was approved by the Commission of Fine Arts, the local Washington, D.C., Advisory Neighborhood Commission, and the Historic Preservation Review Board, and the primary building of the Museum of the Bible was awarded historical status by the Historic Preservation Review Board;\r\nWhereas the Museum of the Bible will have 3 primary exhibit floors focused on the history, narrative, and impact of the Bible;\u00a0\r\nWhereas the entrance to the Museum of the Bible will feature 2 40-foot-tall bronze panels that contain the first lines of Genesis in Latin, as originally printed in the Gutenberg Bible, and art glass panels featuring a papyrus containing the 19th psalm; and\r\nWhereas the Museum of the Bible is an innovative, global, nonsectarian educational institution the purpose of which is to permit all people to engage with the Bible:\u00a0\r\nNow, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That Congress\u2014\r\n(1) recognizes the opening of the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., the first non3 sectarian museum of its kind in the capital of the United States focused exclusively on the history, narrative, and impact of the Bible; and\r\n(2) commends the leadership, staff, scholars, designers, construction workers, and volunteers who worked tirelessly to realize the goal of opening a museum, free to the public, with the nonsectarian purpose of \u2018\u2018inviting all people to engage with the Bible\u2019\u2019.\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mullin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=793", "Mullin Votes to Simplify Tax Code for Oklahoma Families & Small Businesses", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Markwayne Mullin", "M001190", "mullin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:\r\n\u201cAmericans deserve to keep more of their paycheck in their own pocket, instead of sending it to Washington, D.C. to be spent hastily by federal bureaucrats,\u201d said Mullin.\u00a0 \u201cThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act puts over $2,200 back in the pockets of Oklahoma\u2019s hardworking, middle-class families so they can decide for themselves where to spend more of their hard-earned dollars.\u00a0 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act also simplifies the process, so that filing taxes is as easy as filling out a form the size of a postcard.\u201d\r\n\u201cAs a former small business owner, I understand firsthand how burdensome the current tax code is on Main Street,\u201d said Mullin.\u00a0 \u201cThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act delivers relief to mom-and-pop shops in our communities so that they can hire more individuals, grow their business, and invest more in our local economy.\u201d \r\nH.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed the U.S. House of Representative by a vote of 227 - 205.\r\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act\u00a0keeps\u00a0the following deductions and tax credits:\r\n \r\n    Adoption Tax Credit\r\n    Earned Income Tax Credit\r\n    Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit\r\n    Expands the Child Tax Credit by establishing a Family Credit\r\n    Deduction for charitable contributions\r\n    Home Mortgage and Interest Deduction\r\n    State and Local Property Taxes (Up to $10,000)\r\n    401K and IRA Options\r\n \r\nThe Tax Cuts and Jobs Act\u00a0repeals\u00a0the following deductions and tax credits:\r\n \r\n    Alternative Minimum Tax\r\n    Death Tax\r\n    Special Interest Deductions that increase and complicate tax rates\r\n \r\n  \r\nRead H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, in its entirety at this link.\r\n See what the postcard to file your taxes looks like by clicking on this link.\u00a0\u00a0 Learn what you need to know and get answers to your questions in a summary of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act at this link. Want to see how the tax bill affects you? Click here.\u00a0 Are you a small business owner and want to see how the tax bill affects your business? Click here. Still want to know more? Head over to FairandSimple.GOP to learn more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-statement-passage-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act", "Cole Statement on the Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C.\u00a0\u2013 Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by a vote of 227-205,\u00a0with Cole\u2019s support.\n\u00a0\n\u201cAfter 31 years of a broken, complicated tax code, the American taxpayers and businesses will finally see much-needed relief,\" said Cole.\u00a0\"This is a new system that will incentivize the individual and promote economic growth. I was proud to put my support behind this bill.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cIn Oklahoma alone, this new system will help create more than 11,000 jobs and raises the median household income by $2,241. And with incentives like an increased child tax credit and a doubled standard deduction, it will allow for individual prosperity and give American families more opportunities to prepare for life decisions like retirement or home ownership.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cI am very pleased that this bill will also bring American companies back to our shores. By reducing the corporate tax rate, American businesses will flourish within our borders and create thousands of new, well-paying jobs across the country.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cI applaud Speaker Ryan, House Leadership, Chairman Brady and the House Ways & Means Committee for crafting a comprehensive, working tax reform bill that will benefit all Americans and grow our economy, and I look forward to\u00a0action in the Senate.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://lucas.house.gov/press-release/lucas-votes-lower-rates-and-simplify-tax-code", "Lucas Votes to Lower Rates and Simplify Tax Code", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Frank Lucas", "L000491", "lucas.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-3) today voted to pass H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, legislation that amends the Internal Revenue Code to lower taxes rates and adjust various tax credits and deductions for businesses and individuals. Upon passage of the bill, Congressman Lucas issued the following statement:\n\t\t\t\t\u201cSince World War II, the reform of our country\u2019s tax code has only occurred twice \u2013 1954 and 1986. Today, it is clear that we must take action to make American businesses and workers more competitive with the rest of the world, as well as to decrease the overwhelming tax burden on American families. This tax reform legislation doubles the standard deduction for individuals and joint filers to simplify filing and allow Americans to keep more of their hard-earned dollars. The bill also sets into motion the full repeal of the Estate Tax which will help protect family farms and other capital intensive businesses from onerous tax bills triggered by the death of a family member.\n\t\t\t\t\u201cI am optimistic that simplifying the tax code, broadening the tax base, and cutting rates will energize business growth and job creation here at home. Commonsense tax reform is long overdue and I am proud to join my colleagues to pass this bold plan that will launch our country into a new chapter of prosperity.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tH.R. 1 includes the following reforms to the tax code:\n\t\t\t\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Decreases number of tax brackets from seven to four\n\t\t\t\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Doubles the standard deduction to $12,000 for single filers and $24,000 for joint filers\n\t\t\t\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Expands Child Tax Credit to $1,600\n\t\t\t\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Doubles Death Tax exemption and repeals it entirely after seven years\n\t\t\t\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Small businesses will be taxed no higher than 25 percent\n\t\t\t\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Extends cash accounting for businesses like family farm corporations\n\t\t\t\t\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Allows full cost of new equipment to be written-off immediately\n\t\t\t\tAccording to the Tax Foundation, middle-income households in Oklahoma will see, on average, $2,241 more in after-tax income, and Oklahoma will add an estimated 11,138 new fulltime jobs as a result of the House-passed tax plan.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-russell-statement-passage-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act", "Rep. Russell Statement on Passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Rep. Steve Russell (OK-5) today voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1), the Republican bill for tax reform. In passing this pro-growth, pro-family legislation, House Republicans have taken an important step toward providing necessary tax relief for Americans for the first time since President Reagan\u2019s historic tax reform 31 years ago. According to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, this bill will cut taxes on typical households by $1,182, raise wages by upwards of $4,000, and create nearly one million full-time jobs. Our nation is ready for tax reform. Congress and the White House are pushing full steam ahead to make the tax code more simple and fair for all Americans.\nIncluded in H.R. 1 is a bill that Rep. Russell introduced last Congress and again in February of this year, the No Tax Subsidies for Stadiums Act (H.R. 811). Rep. Russell\u2019s tax reform bill would prohibit the use of tax-exempt municipal bonds for the construction of stadiums, closing a decades old loophole in the tax code that has cost Americans billions of dollars. Municipal bonds are intended to provide capital for infrastructure such as roads or bridges, yet for more than 30 years stadium financiers have exploited a tax code loophole to build for-profit stadiums on the backs of American taxpayers.\nRep. Russell commented on the passage of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, stating: \u201cThis legislation lives up to its name- cutting taxes for individuals, families, and businesses while delivering more jobs and higher wages for the American people. It simplifies our broken tax code, preserving the adoption tax credit for middle-income families and encouraging American businesses to bring offshore investments back home. This bill also eliminates wasteful spending by closing loopholes that have been exploited for years; my provision prohibiting the use of tax-exempt bonds for stadium funding is just one example.\u201d said Rep. Russell. \u201cThe Tax Cuts & Jobs Act is exactly what our country needs to get back on track. By doing nothing, we will continue to see our economy worsen and trillions added to the deficit. By taking our country in an entirely different direction through these tax cuts and reforms, we have a chance to restore American prosperity.\u201d\nRep. Russell looks forward to Senate Republicans advancing their companion bill so that the unified Republican government can deliver more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks for hardworking Americans by the end of the year. To follow the progress of tax reform, sign up to receive text message updates from the House Republican Conference by texting \u201cTAX REFORM\u201d to 50589. Message and data rates may apply.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=336", "Rep. Russell Statement on Passage of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Rep. Steve Russell (OK-5) today voted for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1), the Republican bill for tax reform. In passing this pro-growth, pro-family legislation, House Republicans have taken an important step toward providing necessary tax relief for Americans for the first time since President Reagan's historic tax reform 31 years ago. According to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, this bill will cut taxes on typical households by $1,182, raise wages by upwards of $4,000, and create nearly one million full-time jobs. Our nation is ready for tax reform. Congress and the White House are pushing full steam ahead to make the tax code more simple and fair for all Americans.\r\rIncluded in H.R. 1 is a bill that Rep. Russell introduced last Congress and again in February of this year, the No Tax Subsidies for Stadiums Act (H.R. 811). Rep. Russell's tax reform bill would prohibit the use of tax-exempt municipal bonds for the construction of stadiums, closing a decades old loophole in the tax code that has cost Americans billions of dollars. Municipal bonds are intended to provide capital for infrastructure such as roads or bridges, yet for more than 30 years stadium financiers have exploited a tax code loophole to build for-profit stadiums on the backs of American taxpayers.\r\rRep. Russell commented on the passage of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, stating: This legislation lives up to its name- cutting taxes for individuals, families, and businesses while delivering more jobs and higher wages for the American people. It simplifies our broken tax code, preserving the adoption tax credit for middle-income families and encouraging American businesses to bring offshore investments back home. This bill also eliminates wasteful spending by closing loopholes that have been exploited for years; my provision prohibiting the use of tax-exempt bonds for stadium funding is just one example. said Rep. Russell. The Tax Cuts & Jobs Act is exactly what our country needs to get back on track. By doing nothing, we will continue to see our economy worsen and trillions added to the deficit. By taking our country in an entirely different direction through these tax cuts and reforms, we have a chance to restore American prosperity.\r\rRep. Russell looks forward to Senate Republicans advancing their companion bill so that the unified Republican government can deliver more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks for hardworking Americans by the end of the year. To follow the progress of tax reform, sign up to receive text message updates from the House Republican Conference by texting TAX REFORM to 50589. Message and data rates may apply.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-advocates-for-lethal-aid-to-ukraine", "Inhofe Advocates for Lethal Aid to Ukraine", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Advocates for Lethal Aid to Ukraine\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 16, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen.\u00a0Jim Inhofe\u00a0(R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today sent a letter to President Trump encouraging increased U.S. government support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, specifically lethal assistance.\r\nThe letter reads: \u201cI have visited Ukraine twice this year to support the mission of Oklahoma\u2019s National Guard training Ukrainian forces. Both trips have brought into stark relief the gravity of the situation there. The military land-grab Russia has launched in Ukraine is unprecedented in modern European history.\u201d\r\nInhofe continues: \u201cSince then, Russia\u2019s continued aggression and repeated refusal to respect Ukraine\u2019s territorial integrity warrants a strong response from those of us who respect the rules-based international order. Our response should include lethal military hardware as part of a broader effort to help Ukrainians defend themselves and deter future aggression.\u201d\r\nRead the full letter here.\r\nEarlier today, Senator Inhofe questioned the Honorable John C. Rood and confirmed his support for aiding Ukraine during his nomination hearing today to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nClick here to watch.\r\nInhofe: \u201c\u2026We had a policy at that time under the previous administration that we were not going to send [Ukraine] defensive weapons\u2026I would just ask as a final question\u2014what do you think Putin is thinking? \u2026Are we moving in the right direction on that?\r\nRood: \u201c\u2026 I personally support the position of defensive military equipment to Ukraine. I think it is important that we stand with them as they face Russian aggression\u2026I think it is important to send a message to President Putin and others that we are prepared to support the Ukrainians in that regard\u2026\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\nRead more about Sen. Inhofe\u2019s recent visit to Ukraine here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-senate-passage-of-ndaa", "Inhofe Praises Senate Passage of NDAA", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Praises Senate Passage of NDAA\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 16, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen.\u00a0Jim Inhofe\u00a0(R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2018 (FY 18). The legislation passed by voice, sending the bill to the president for his signature. The NDAA passed the House by a vote of 356 to 70 on Tuesday, Nov. 14.\r\n\u201cI successfully fought to ensure that this year\u2019s NDAA reflects that we are in the most threatened position our country has ever seen. Congress is sending a bill to the President that takes an important step forward in protecting American families by increasing missile defense to counter North Korea missile threats, supports the Ukrainian military\u2019s efforts to curb Russian aggression in Eastern Europe, fully resourcing the fight against ISIS and Islamic extremism and increasing our end strength to address threats around the globe. \r\n\u00a0\"As Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, I also worked to ensure this year\u2019s NDAA begins to correct the severe readiness shortfalls that have starved our military by prioritizing acquisition reform, maintenance and modernization. Most importantly, this bill also includes many provisions that support the military presence throughout Oklahoma, including a pay increase for our troops, a prohibition on a Base Realignment and Closure round, authorizing funding for the Altus AFB Fire Station, AWACS, KC-46As and much needed military construction.\u201d\r\nOther Oklahoma provisions that Inhofe worked to include in the FY18 NDAA are: \r\n \r\nCivilian hiring authority to support the workforce at Tinker Air Force Base and the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant\r\nMaintaining organic depot capacity to support the depots across Oklahoma\r\nProvisions for reviewing national security implications for future energy projects that may encroach on military installations\r\nUpgrading the fleet of AWACS \u2013 based entirely at Tinker Air Force Base\r\nFully funding the B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber, which could be sustained at Tinker Air Force Base\r\nIncreased procurement of two additional KC-46 aircraft. Some of the aircraft will be housed at Altus Air Force Base, and Tinker Air Force Base will conduct all of the depot maintenance\r\nIncreases funding for Impact Aid to local educational agencies with military dependent children\r\nIncreases the duration of intergovernmental support agreements from five to 10 years to provide installation support services.\u00a0\r\n \r\nRead more detail about the specific provisions can be found here.\r\nSenator Inhofe spoke on the Senate floor in support of the NDAA earlier this afternoon. \r\nView his remarks here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/fcc-approves-senator-lankford-proposal-to-reform-tribal-lifeline-program", "FCC Approves Senator Lankford Proposal to Reform Tribal Lifeline Program", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.16.17\n\t\t\t FCC Approves Senator Lankford Proposal to Reform Tribal Lifeline Program \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Reform of Lifeline Program Eligibility Will Reduce Fraud and Waste\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC\u00a0\u2013 The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) today\u00a0took action to reform its Lifeline low-income subsidy program, a proposal that Senator James Lankford (R-OK) has urged for years and included in his\u00a0Federal Fumbles government waste report. The Lifeline program helps low-income Americans, including Native Americans, obtain telephone, wireless, and broadband services. Today, the FCC voted 3 to 2 to redefine who is eligible for the additional tribal subsidy through the Lifeline program.\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u201cI applaud FCC Chairman Ajit Pai for pursuing real reform of the Tribal Lifeline subsidized cell phone program,\u201d said Lankford. \u201cThis action will reduce fraud and waste in the program and make it more efficient for those who truly need it. The enhanced tribal support was originally intended to benefit American Indians living in underserved areas because they faced the greatest need. Unfortunately, the program became like many other federal programs, inefficient and fraudulently abused by those who do not qualify. There are American Indians in Oklahoma and across the nation who rely on this program to have access to telecommunications, however, it is right for the FCC to eliminate access for those who seek to defraud the federal government or abuse the program.\u201d\r\nFor years, the Lifeline program gave subscribers a $9.25 monthly discount on phone service and an extra $25 monthly discount for subscribers on tribal lands. Today\u2019s FCC action limits Tribal Lifeline support to facilities-based providers, effectively ending the free-standing pop-up tents that provide free cell phones to those who do not actually qualify. Today\u2019s FCC action also reduces program waste by refining the tribal eligibility to rural areas where the additional $25-a-month subsidy is needed to make service affordable.\r\nThis FCC Lifeline program began in 1985 to provide discounted telephone service to low-income families with little access to emergency landline telephone services. In 2005 the service was extended to encompass pre-paid cell phone plans in addition to landline service. FCC requirements for this program dictate that qualified individuals must meet income requirements at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or participate in specific federal assistance programs to qualify for the program. Lifeline is funded through the Universal Service Fund tax, which is on every American\u2019s phone bill. The Tribal Lifeline subsidy was originally intended to provide an additional subsidy to low-income tribal members who live on tribal land who do not have access to an emergency telephone.\r\nOne of the largest areas of waste is in Oklahoma due to FCC\u2019s broad parameters for tribal land boundaries. Historically, the FCC classified most of Oklahoma as tribal land, which means all but 451 of the state\u2019s 265,961 Lifeline recipients qualify for more than $400 each in tribal subsidies annually, though most of the recipients are not tribal members. As a result, Oklahoma receives the second-largest allocation of Lifeline funds, which total more than $128 million. Oklahoma accounts for more than half of the 417,000 tribal subsidy recipients in the nation.\r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-co-sponsors-legislation-to-strengthen-background-check-system-for-firearms-purchases", "Senator Lankford Co-sponsors Legislation to Strengthen Background Check System for Firearms Purchases", "2017-11-16", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.16.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Co-sponsors Legislation to Strengthen Background Check System for Firearms Purchases \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today joined Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Chris Murphy (D-CT), and others to introduce the bipartisanFix NICS Act, a bill to ensure federal and state authorities comply with existing law and accurately report relevant criminal history records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).The bill penalizes federal agencies who fail to properly report relevant records and incentivizes states to improve their overall reporting. The bill also directs more federal funding to the accurate reporting of domestic violence records. Text of theFix NICS Actis downloadablehere.\r\nIn some instances, we are not getting the appropriate information into our background check system, said Lankford. In order to reduce gun violence and protect lives, we should have an efficient background check system to ensure that firearms don't into the hands of people who shouldn't have them.\r\nFor years agencies and states haven't complied with the law, failing to upload these critical records without consequence,said Cornyn.Just one record that's not properly reported can lead to tragedy, as the country saw last week in Sutherland Springs, Texas. This bill aims to help fix what's become a nationwide, systemic problem so we can better prevent criminals and domestic abusers from obtaining firearms.\r\nThis deal will strengthen the background check system and save lives. Our bill marks an important milestone that shows real compromise can be made on the issue of guns. I'm grateful that Senator Cornyn was such a strong partner and straightforward negotiator,said Murphy.It's no secret that I believe much more needs to be done. But this bill will make sure that thousands of dangerous people are prevented from buying guns. It represents the strongest update to the background checks system in a decade, and provides the foundation for more compromise in the future.\r\nDetails of theFix NICS Act\r\n \r\nRequires federal agencies and states to produce NICS implementation plans focused on uploading all information to the background check system showing that a person is prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms under current lawincluding measures to verify the accuracy of records.\r\nHolds federal agencies accountable if they fail to upload relevant records to the background check system through public reporting and prohibiting bonus pay for political appointees. \r\nRewards states who comply with their NICS implementation plans through federal grant preferences and incentives, while increasing accountability through public reporting for those who do not comply with their plans.\r\nReauthorizes and improves important law enforcement programs to help state governments share relevant criminal record information with NICS.\r\nCreates a Domestic Abuse and Violence Prevention Initiative to ensure that states have adequate resources and incentives to share all relevant information with NICS showing that a felon or domestic abuser is excluded from purchasing firearms under current law.\r\nProvides important technical assistance to federal agencies and states who are working to comply with NICS record-sharing requirements.\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-inhofe-participates-in-epw-hearing-", "ICYMI: Inhofe Participates in EPW Hearing", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ICYMI: Inhofe Participates in EPW Hearing \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 15, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, participated today in a committee hearing entitled \u201cPromoting American Leadership in Reducing Air Emissions through Innovation.\u201d\r\n\r\n\r\nKey Excerpts\r\nInhofe on the Paris Climate Agreement: \u201cThey always end up talking here about the great Paris Agreement \u2026 If there\u2019s ever a joke, that\u2019s it. You know, they\u2019ve been trying for 21 years to get 192 countries, 196 countries, to agree on something that they\u2019ll all agree on and when I talked to those individuals\u2014and I\u2019ve been at some of these meetings\u2014they are there lining up to see who can get the most money out of this system. Now, this great Paris Agreement \u2026 what did we commit to in our country?\r\n\u201cPresident Obama said \u2018we will reduce C02 emissions by 27 percent by 2025\u2019. Now, we immediately\u2014I was chairman of the committee at that time\u2014we called his own EPA and said \u2018we want you to come in a testify and tell us how you\u2019re going to cut these emissions\u2019\u2026 They refused to do it. I\u2019ve never seen a time when someone in the jurisdiction of a committee refused to testify and the reason was that they couldn\u2019t do it \u2026 They\u2019ve tried for 21 years and this is the best they could come up with. \u2026\u201d\r\nInhofe on the economy: \u201cGood things are happening right now. I mean, look at the economy. \u2026\r\n\u201c \u2026 I have personal experience in this because I was a builder and developer for 20, 25 years\u2026 I ended up\u2026 making the sacrifices, building, expanding the tax base, making money, losing money \u2026 The chief opponent I had, or opposition I had all that time, was the federal government. ...\r\n\u201c \u2026 One of the great things this President has done is all of the CRAs, Congressional Review Acts, and I\u2019m proud that mine was the first one to have a signing ceremony. \u2026\u201d\r\nHe added about the CRAs and executive orders: \u201c\u2026 some 70 rules and regulations that have caused our economy to start turning around. \u2026\u201d\r\nHe also spoke about growing the GDP: \u201cThe second and third quarter of this administration\u2014of this year\u2014we\u2019ve increased the economy by three percent \u2026 We are talking about \u2018what can we do to increase the revenues that come into the United States,\u2019 and one of the best ways is to increase our GDP and that\u2019s exactly what we\u2019re doing. \u2026\u201d\r\nSen. Inhofe submitted this article for the record.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-senate-confirmation-of-mark-esper", "Inhofe Praises Senate Confirmation of Mark Esper", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Praises Senate Confirmation of Mark Esper\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 15, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) praised the Senate confirmation of Dr. Mark Esper as Secretary of the Army.\r\n\u201cThe Army, like each branch of our military, is facing an unprecedented readiness crisis that we haven\u2019t seen since the days of the hollow force. To modernize and rebuild our Army, we need to ensure that we have leaders like my friend, Mark Esper, who will recognize and address the readiness challenges and responsibly advance acquisition reform to ensure our Army has the best equipment available. I applaud his confirmation as Secretary of the Army, and look forward to working with him and other Secretaries of service branches to strengthen and rebuild our military.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\r\nLast week, Sen. Inhofe questioned Esper on Army readiness during his nomination hearing. Read more here.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-zimbabwe", "Inhofe Statement on Zimbabwe", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Statement on Zimbabwe\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 15, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) made the following statement on the situation in Zimbabwe:\r\n\u201cI\u2019m encouraged by the reports of a peaceful action by the Zimbabwean military to reject the brutal and restrictive dictatorship of President Mugabe, who singlehandedly cast Zimbabwe, once the bread basket of Africa, into chaos and disarray. While Zimbabwe still has a long road to true freedom and democracy, I am cautiously optimistic that the military\u2019s apparent efforts to restore differing viewpoints to the government will be an important step in that journey. The United States should work with our partners in the region to support constructive efforts to bring much needed change to Zimbabwe\u2019s political system that will allow the nation to once again see the stability and economic prosperity it was long known for and now so desperately needs.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-joins-colleagues-on-senate-floor-to-tout-benefits-of-tax-reform-", "Senator Lankford Joins Colleagues on Senate Floor to Tout Benefits of Tax Reform", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Joins Colleagues on Senate Floor to Tout Benefits of Tax Reform  \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n        \n\t\t\t\t Lankford: \u201c\u2026our tax code is full of loopholes, full of confusion, it's complicated.\u201d\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t CLICK HERE to view the video\r\nWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke on the Senate floor, along with his Senate colleagues, in support of efforts to reform the US federal tax code for the first time in 30-years. Lankford continues to advocate for tax reform that spurs economic growth, simplifies the overcomplicated tax code, and reduces the national debt.\r\nLankford also joined MSNBC Morning Joe today to discuss the Senate\u2019s tax reform proposal and the repeal of the Obamacare tax mandate.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nTranscript:\r\nMr. President,\u00a0our economy is stuck.\u00a0We've had between 1.4 percent and 1.9 percent\u00a0growth over the last ten years.\u00a0Compare that to the ten-year cycles\u00a0before that over and over again all the way back to the Great Depression. Every year in a\u00a0ten-year block, every group of\u00a0that was three percent or more growth.\u00a0We've had half the growth in our\u00a0economy in the last ten years then we\u2019ve had in any ten-year time period going all the way back to the Great Depression.\u00a0We\u2019ve got to be able to deal with that. I hear people over and over\u00a0again say the regulations are\u00a0choking out our business.\u00a0It's driving up the cost of\u00a0products for consumers.\u00a0But, our tax code is full of\u00a0loopholes, full of confusion,\u00a0it's complicated.\u00a0Deductions, when I go through to\u00a0fill out my individual taxes,\u00a0seem like there are deductions\u00a0for everybody else but me.\u00a0And people want to get that\u00a0fixed.\u00a0And quite frankly, no one likes\u00a0paying taxes and everyone wants\u00a0to make sure whatever taxes they\u00a0pay are spent efficiently and\u00a0are as low as possible.\u00a0I can't tell them that, right now, because\u00a0their spending is not on track and it\u2019s not\u00a0efficient.\u00a0And, I can also not tell them it\u2019s as low as possible. We need to fix that.\u00a0\r\nThe tax reform that we have in\u00a0discussion in the Senate right\u00a0now deals with some very basic\u00a0things, beginning with more\u00a0take-home pay for individuals.\u00a0You can either be paid more by\u00a0an employer or you can be taxed less by the\u00a0government.\u00a0Either one of those increases\u00a0the take-home pay.\u00a0This solves the tax-less by the\u00a0government so that individuals\u00a0can have more take-home pay\u2014around 100 bucks a month.\u00a0That\u2019s serious money for most\u00a0Oklahomans\u2026\u00a0The way that happens, it starts\u00a0with the standard deduction that\u00a0doubles.\u00a0It is $24,000.\u00a0To say flat you would make\u00a0between zero and $24,000 as a\u00a0family and you wouldn't have any\u00a0tax on the first $24,000 at all.\u00a0That's a great help.\u00a0So your tax doesn't even begin\u00a0until after $24,000 at all.\u00a0You'd be in that zero percent bracket.\u00a0We double the child tax credit\u00a0for families that are raising\u00a0kids, it is exceptionally\u00a0helpful to them to have a larger\u00a0tax credit.\u00a0\r\nThen we'd take out the\u00a0individual mandate of Obamacare.\u00a0We've already had folks that\u00a0have said, what does Obamacare\u00a0have to do with tax policy? Well, let me it will you very\u00a0simply.\u00a0The individual mandate is a tax.\u00a0That's what the Supreme Court\u00a0labeled it as.\u00a0That's what individuals\u00a0understand it to be.\u00a0If you don't buy the type of\u00a0insurance that Washington, DC,\u00a0approves, you may buy some\u00a0different insurance, but if it\u00a0is not the one that Washington,\u00a0DC, approves, you get an\u00a0additional tax penalty on your\u00a0tax.\u00a0Who pays for that?\u00a0In Oklahoma, 81 percent of the people\u00a0who paid the individual mandate\u00a0tax penalty make $50,000 or less\u00a0a year.\u00a0It is a tax directly at the\u00a0middle class.\u00a0I think that is unfair.\u00a0We want to remove that tax\u00a0penalty away from the middle class\u00a0and to say, they don't have that\u00a0penalty and they're allowed to\u00a0be able to buy insurance that\u00a0they can actually afford.\u00a0\r\nWhat does this mean for jobs?\u00a0Well, if small businesses have a\u00a0better tax code in their\u00a0pass-through, they are able to\u00a0hire additional people. That\u2019s more jobs.\u00a0Based on where our economy is currently growing, right now, the unemployment rate has\u00a0continued to drop over the last\u00a0several years.\u00a0At the spot they\u2019re at\u00a0right now, that means there is more competition.\u00a0There's more hiring, more people\u00a0have to compete for those jobs.\u00a0That means employers have to pay\u00a0a little bit more money to get\u00a0the people to be able to do it.\u00a0That raises wages for people all\u00a0around the country and have\u00a0additional people that are not\u00a0working now actually back to\u00a0working.\u00a0More people working are actually\u00a0paying taxes.\u00a0And it pays for itself.\u00a0Getting a growing economy going\u00a0is essential to us.\u00a0And the way that you do that is\u00a0you take care of the tax code\u00a0for small businesses and you\u00a0take care of the tax code for\u00a0corporate businesses.\u00a0I've had folks that have said to\u00a0me if you drop the corporate\u00a0rate from 35 percent to 20 percent, what does\u00a0that really do?\u00a0 Well, it allows the big companies as\u00a0well as the small companies to\u00a0hire more people, to engage in more investment, to build more\u00a0factories, to buy more machinery.\u00a0\r\nThat's what it allows them to be\u00a0able to do, to grow their\u00a0business.\u00a0But on an international stage,\u00a0right now, our tax code is 35 percent.\u00a0If our tax code is at 35 percent,\u00a0compare that to other countries\u00a0that are somewhere around 22,\u00a023, 24 percent, some of them less than\u00a0that. Let me make it this simple. If you're going online to buy a\u00a0shirt and you can see that shirt\u00a0for $20 on one website or $35 on\u00a0another website, where do you\u00a0buy the shirt?\u00a0Probably from the one that is\u00a0$20.\u00a0If you're starting a business or\u00a0founding a business and you go\u00a0in one spot where the tax rate\u00a0is 20 percent or another spot where\u00a0it's 35 percent, guess where they found\u00a0the business?\u00a0Where it's lower.\u00a0We're the higher right rate now.\u00a0If we don't fix that, businesses\u00a0are going to continue to move\u00a0overseas.\u00a0And we can make fun of them in\u00a0the news, we can yell at them\u00a0and tell them they're\u00a0un-American.\u00a0\r\nThey're going to continue to\u00a0move where they pay less,\u00a0exactly like every American does\u00a0with their online shopping.\u00a0That's fixable.\u00a0In the middle of all this, we've\u00a0got to deal with debt and\u00a0deficit.\u00a0We can't ignore that reality.\u00a0And one of the things that I'm\u00a0still going through in the\u00a0proposal that we're working\u00a0through right now are things\u00a0that are unrealistic in the\u00a0proposal.\u00a0Because at the end of the day,\u00a0we have to get the economy\u00a0growing again, but we've got to\u00a0deal with half a trillion\u00a0dollars in overspending from\u00a0this government right now.\u00a0We can do both.\u00a0We've got to be able to do both.\u00a0I am encouraging this body to\u00a0take seriously a proposal to be\u00a0able to deal with how we get our\u00a0economy going again.\u00a0Let's figure out how to get it\u00a0done and then let's actually\u00a0solve this for the American\u00a0people.\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-urges-trump-administration-to-prioritize-job-creation-over-trade-deficits-in-nafta-renegotiations", "Senator Lankford Urges Trump Administration to Prioritize Job Creation Over Trade Deficits in NAFTA Renegotiations", "2017-11-15", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.15.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Urges Trump Administration to Prioritize Job Creation Over Trade Deficits in NAFTA Renegotiations \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today led a letter to the Trump Administration with respect to US trade policy, including the ongoing renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Lankford was joined on the letter by Senate Budget Committee Chairman Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD). Specifically, the Senators urged the US Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, to refrain from the pursuit of a \u201csunset\u201d clause in new trade agreements, and also explained the lack of correlation between the US trade deficit and national employment figures.\u00a0Lankford also wrote about this topic in an August op-ed in the Washington Post entitled, The US trade deficit is a good thing.\r\nOf note, the Senators wrote, \u201cWe would like to highlight that, over the past decade, the year in which the US unemployment rate was at its highest is the same year that the US trade deficit was at its lowest. At the very least, there is a negligible correlation between the number of jobs in the U.S. economy and our nation\u2019s trade deficit.\u00a0At most, they appear at times to be inversely related. Thus, if the desired result of current trade agreement renegotiations is job growth, concern over a negative trade balance should not be part of those discussions.\u201d\r\nIn reaction to the letter, Oklahoma Cattlemen\u2019s Association Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey said, \u201cThe Oklahoma Cattlemen\u2019s Association appreciates Senator Lankford\u2019s strong commitment to free and fair trade. His highlighting reduction of excessive government red tape is spot on and should be the top priority of our trade agreements.\u201d\r\nOklahoma Farm Bureau President Rodd Moesel said, \u201cOklahoma farmers and ranchers depend on international agricultural markets to remain in business, as 95 percent of the world\u2019s consumers live outside of the United States. The North American Free Trade Agreement allowed Mexico to become a leading destination for Oklahoma\u2019s leading agriculture commodities \u2013 beef and wheat. The trade pact led to an increase of agricultural exports from $8.9 billion in 1993 to $38 billion in 2016, and allowed U.S. agriculture to maintain a positive trade balance with Mexico in 20 of the 23 years since NAFTA was created. Oklahoma Farm Bureau agrees with Sen. James Lankford: placing higher tariffs on imports will create additional trade barriers for Oklahoma farmers and ranchers and will harm our state\u2019s second leading industry. We believe the modernization of NAFTA must prioritize and defend the gains achieved in U.S. agricultural trade.\u201d\r\nOklahoma Grain and Feed Association\u00a0President and CEO Joe Neal Hampton\u00a0said, \u201cSenator Lankford\u2019s defense of free and fair trade should be applauded by Oklahomans and his colleagues in Congress alike. Oklahoma benefits greatly from open trade with countries around the world. The Oklahoma Agribusiness Retailers Association appreciates Lankford\u2019s commitment to opening up markets for Oklahoma agricultural exporters and ensuring our current trade agreements, like NAFTA, continue to benefit our state\u2019s workers, consumers, and businesses.\u201d\u00a0\r\nA PDF of the letter is available here, and the full text of the letter is below:\r\n\u00a0\r\nNovember 15, 2017\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Honorable Robert Lighthizer\r\nOffice of the United States Trade Representative\r\n600 17th Street NW,\u00a0Washington, DC\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Ambassador Lighthizer,\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 We appreciate your service to our nation as you work to improve the United States\u2019 trade relationships around the world.\u00a0 It is important now more than ever that the benefits of trade liberalization are championed by the world\u2019s most powerful and prosperous economy.\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 We commend the Trump Administration\u2019s enthusiasm to ensure that past trade agreements continue to promote U.S. interests.\u00a0 However, it should be clear that any need for a \u201csunset\u201d provision in trade agreements is unnecessary.\u00a0 Your very engagement in not only reviewing, but renegotiating, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) without any current sunset is evidence of every future U.S. administration\u2019s ability to review and renegotiate trade deals.\u00a0 As you know, any change in U.S. law needed to conform to any renegotiated deal cannot be implemented unilaterally, but must be approved by Congress.\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 With the beginning of the renewed NAFTA negotiations in August, it has appeared that U.S. trade negotiators, under your leadership, are prioritizing reducing imports relative to exports in an attempt to create jobs here at home.\u00a0 While we agree that creating jobs should be a priority, seeking to do so through enacting additional barriers to trade and taxes on imports should not be the focus of U.S. trade policy.\u00a0 This is especially true since tariffs burden lower-income families disproportionately. Instead, we should begin reducing excessive government red tape, which depresses workers\u2019 wages and constrains small business growth.\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0We would like to highlight that, over the past decade, the year in which the U.S. unemployment rate was at its highest is the same year that the U.S. trade deficit was at its lowest. At the very least, there is a negligible correlation between the number of jobs in the U.S. economy and our nation\u2019s trade deficit.\u00a0 At most, they appear at times to be inversely related.\u00a0 Thus, if the desired result of current trade agreement renegotiations is job growth, concern over a negative trade balance should not be part of those discussions.\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 However, there are real problems with the labor market that are not connected to U.S. trade policy that need to be addressed \u2013 namely, the inflexibility of our nation\u2019s labor market, which prevents us from reaping the full benefits of free and fair trade.\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Strong labor dynamism \u2013 the free movement of workers among different jobs, industries, and geographic locations \u2013 is a natural, healthy sign for industrialized, growing economies. However, U.S. labor dynamism has remained dangerously low for more than twenty years. This is a real problem, but it cannot be solved through trade policy alone.\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Instead, our nation should encourage flexibility within our labor supply such as reforming and simplifying the tax code; providing quality, affordable healthcare insurance options that do not overly burden the labor supply or demand; providing incentives to put people back to work; and reevaluating ineffective federal job training programs, to name just a few.\u00a0 These are the real solutions to the problems in our labor market.\r\n\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 There is much we can do to create a more dynamic and thriving workforce in this country that benefits American workers, businesses, and consumers. We hope that we can work together toward addressing real trade issues such as expanding markets for U.S. producers and businesses, eliminating foreign subsidies, and enforcing current trade laws.\u00a0 We look forward to working with you to this end in the coming months as NAFTA renegotiations continue.\u00a0 Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.\r\nSincerely,\r\nSenator James Lankford\r\nSenator Mike Enzi \r\nSenator John Thune\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mullin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=791", "Mullin Votes to Give Troops Biggest Pay Raise in 8 Years", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Markwayne Mullin", "M001190", "mullin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) voted today in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018, which authorizes a 2.4% pay raise for service members.\r\n\u201cProviding ample support for our men and women in uniform is a fundamental role of Congress,\u201d said Mullin.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m proud to support our troops both at home and abroad by supplying our military with the tools and resources they need to be successful. \u00a0For eight years under the Obama Administration, our military was forced to do more with less while facing increasingly complex and dangerous assignments in the field.\u00a0 Today, we set a higher standard for our military and its preparedness.\u00a0 The FY18 NDAA rebuilds our military\u2019s technology and strength so that when our service members go into harm\u2019s way, they are well-equipped to handle anything they encounter.\u201d\r\n\u201cIn addition, this legislation arms our troops with the biggest pay raise in eight years,\u201d said Mullin.\u00a0 \u201cThe men and women who serve our country deserve our endless gratitude for their sacrifice.\u00a0 Their unwavering commitment to our country warrants a raise.\u201d\r\nThe NDAA\u2019s 2.4% pay raise for our men and women in uniform is the biggest pay raise for our troops in eight years.\u00a0 Additionally, the legislation increases the overall topline funding, adds additional troops to our Armed Forces, and invests in new technology to help the United States confront conflicts around the globe.\u00a0 The bill also includes language that extends Congressman Mullin\u2019s DOD Workforce Flexibility Act through Fiscal Year 2021.\u00a0 The DOD Workforce Flexibility Act gives flexibility in the hiring process for installations with a civilian workforce, like the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant.\u00a0\r\nIn July, the House passed its version of the FY18 NDAA by a vote of 344 \u2013 81.\u00a0 The Conference Report to Accompany H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support by a vote of 356 \u2013 70.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-statement-passage-conference-report-ndaa-fiscal-year-2018", "Cole Statement on Passage of the Conference Report to NDAA for Fiscal Year 2018", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report for H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018. The bill authorizes $626.4 billion in base funding and includes $26.4 billion more than the President\u2019s initial budget request for our nation\u2019s military personnel, readiness, capability and operations. Furthermore, the bill authorizes an additional $65.7 billion in the Overseas Contingency Operations fund (OCO).\u00a0When factoring in $7.5 billion for mandatory defense spending, a total of $699.6 billion is authorized to be appropriated.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nEach year, the passage of NDAA ensures that the military is trained and equipped to defend the United States, which includes maintenance and improvement of defense resources. The legislation passed today invests in those resources for confronting growing threats abroad, increases troop levels and rebuilds parts of the Armed Forces that have faced eight years of constrained budgets and a high-operational temp. The NDAA provides for a 2.4 percent pay raise for service members. It also improves the health and retirement benefits for military personnel, retirees and their families and prohibits any reduction of inpatient care for military Medical Treatment facilities locations outside the U.S.\n\u00a0\nThis is the third year of foundational acquisition reform passed by the House, which is intended to field technology and improve our military\u2019s warfighting capabilities. Of particular importance are provisions which will alter how sustainment work is outsourced to commercial contractors.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cI support the unique and vital role in the maintenance, repair and overhaul of military equipment,\u201d said Cole. \u201cMilitary depots are the backbone of the organic industrial base and are our nation\u2019s insurance policy against the tides of economic uncertainty, changes in the defense industry, and wartime demands. This is particularly true when we see the consequences of years of under-funding and high operational tempo and how it has impacted our military equipment and capabilities. Therefore, I will continue to underscore the value of military core statutes and the longstanding balance of workload between military depots and the private sector.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cI am pleased that the House has renewed its commitment to a robust and capable military through passage of the National Defense Authorization Act. Just as our military service members answer the call to defend the United States, so too should Americans always prioritize the funding they need to be successful in whatever mission they are tasked.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cWhile this is a good start, Congress and the Administration will need to come to a spending agreement so that these programs can be fully funded. That is a goal we are working hard to achieve on the Appropriations Committee.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cWhether it\u2019s countering ISIS and other terrorist activities around the world, or significantly increasing resources to counter Russian aggression through conventional and unconventional warfare methods in Europe, there are very real fights that won\u2019t result in peace without American assistance and resolve.\u201d\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/fy18-ndaa-passes-house-11-russell-amendments", "FY18 NDAA Passes House With 11 Russell Amendments", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Today, Rep. Steve Russell (OK-5) was proud to vote for the Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 2810) as it passed the House by a margin of 356 to 70. The FY18 NDAA authorizes a $26 billion increase above the Trump Administration\u2019s requests to ensure that contingencies and operational repairs and requirements are met.\nRep. Russell proposed 11 amendments to the FY18 NDAA earlier this year, all of which were adopted. These amendments will impact a variety of important issues in our military. They will protect our military\u2019s readiness and training areas, facilitate military housing for our servicemen and women, reform how the military acquires equipment, and reform security clearance procedure for certain contractors.\nRep. Russell commented on the passage of the FY18 NDAA, stating: \u201cThis bill begins to reform, repair, and rebuild our military, reaffirming national security policy in a dangerous and complicated world. It provides a well-deserved pay raise for our troops and continues to push for our men and women in uniform to be fully trained, equipped, and supported. Most importantly, this legislation will help reverse the dangerous readiness crisis that threatens the safety of our soldiers.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-inhofe-questions-department-of-defense-nominees2", "ICYMI: Inhofe Questions Department of Defense Nominees", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ICYMI: Inhofe Questions Department of Defense Nominees\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 14, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), participated in a nomination hearing to consider three Department of Defense nominees this morning. The three nominees included Mr. Anthony M. Kurta to be Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel And Readiness, Mr. James E. McPherson to be General Counsel of the Department of the Army and Mr. Gregory E. Maggs to be a Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.\r\n\r\nClick to watch Sen. Inhofe\u2019s remarks.\r\nKey Excerpts\r\nInhofe: \u201c\u2026I\u2019m really concerned about readiness. I chair that committee\u2026We are now experiencing the same hollow force problems that we did in the 70s. What is your assessment right now in terms of the BCA cuts and what we\u2019re faced with today?\u201d\r\nKurta replied: \u201cWell, Senator, absolutely. We have to lift sequestration as currently structured. It is having a calamitous effect on our readiness, as you note. Not only do I think\u2014as the service chiefs and those in uniform have come over here and said\u2014that we have trouble meeting our wartime requirements, I think we are asking a lot of our current Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen\u2026 just meeting the day-to-day requirements...\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\r\nInhofe: \u201cI was encouraged to see you that you\u2019ve had a lot of experience in Africa during your career in the Navy\u2026would you, in your experience\u2014particularly since you were in Djibouti also\u2014address the personnel, the resource problem, in AFRICOM?\u201d\r\nKurta replied: \u201cWell, Senator, as you note, it\u2019s a large continent, a large expanse and the mission for the United States is only growing. If confirmed, I do pledge to work with the P&R to look at those personnel requirements and make sure we are meeting them.\u201d\r\nSen. Inhofe also questioned Mr. James E. McPherson about the importance of civilian personnel, like those at Tinker Air Force Base and McAlester Army Ammunition Plant to the military.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/icymi-inhofe-questions-witnesses-on-epw-bills", "ICYMI: Inhofe Questions Witnesses on EPW Bills", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "ICYMI: Inhofe Questions Witnesses on EPW Bills\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 14, 2017\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works questioned witnesses today in a subcommittee hearing covering four EPW bills that emphasize deregulation.\r\nSpecific bills considered were S. 203, the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports (RPM) Act of 2017 and S. 839, the Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act of 2017, which are co-sponsored by Sen. Inhofe. Other bills considered were S. 1934, the Alaska Remote Generator Reliability and Protection Act and S. 1857, a bill to establish a compliance deadline of May 15, 2023, for Step 2 emissions standards for new residential wood heaters, new residential hydronic heaters, and forced-air furnaces.\r\n\r\nClick to watch Sen. Inhofe\u2019s remarks.\r\nKey Excerpts\r\nInhofe: \u201cOklahoma... We\u2019re really a NASCAR state. Now, Love\u2019s Travel Stops is the largest family-owned truck stop in America\u2026 They are in Oklahoma\u2026They are the primary sponsor of the NASCAR number 34 car that is driven by Landon Cassill. We know the language the EPA has considered\u2026 it\u2019s made those involved in the racing industry nervous. Opponents of the RPM bill and the Obama EPA claim they aren\u2019t going to go after individuals or NASCAR and that there is nothing to worry about\u2026but, the EPA\u2019s language makes it possible to do so, don\u2019t you think?\r\nMr. Kersting replied: \u201cThe current EPA interpretation of the law renders any conversion activity illegal.\u201d\r\nKersting also stated: \u201c\u2026A point was raised about this matter of there being a loophole or purpose or that the matter of intent, somehow in this bill, would create a new enforcement standard. \u00a0I want to make very clear that the language of the RPM Act is actually drawn, it reflects language that is in this section of the Clean Air Act for other exemptions. The word purpose is in the law currently and, very importantly, the word intent is in the prohibition language currently\u2026There is no loophole. Illegality is illegality\u2026 EPA has the enforcement authority to go after it and they do so successfully.\r\nSen. Inhofe also questioned the Mr. Davis Henry about the brick industry regulations businesses in Oklahoma face in reference to S. 839, the Blocking Regulatory Interference from Closing Kilns Act of 2017.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-introduces-universal-charitable-giving-bill", "Senator Lankford Introduces Universal Charitable Giving Bill", "2017-11-14", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.14.17\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Introduces Universal Charitable Giving Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC \u2013Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced the Universal Charitable Giving Act,\u00a0which creates a universal charitable deduction in addition to the standard deduction for individuals and married couples that do not itemize. Currently, only taxpayers that itemize their deductions are able to withhold charitable donations. The Universal Charitable Giving Act incentivizes charitable giving for low-income to middle-income taxpayers. This will\u00a0encourage the continued growth in giving through charitable donations from a larger base of taxpayers, including lower-income and middle-income earners.\u00a0 \u00a0\r\n\u201cAs Congress continues to discuss plans to provide tax relief to millions of hardworking American families, we should also take the opportunity to make it easier for taxpayers to deduct donations from their taxes for donations they gave throughout the year,\u201d said Lankford. \u201cThe government should not be the ultimate solution to the social problems we face as a nation. Individual communities, families, citizens, and charitable and faith-based organizations in our society\u00a0should be supported\u00a0to meet the needs of those who need a helping hand. This bill will allow Americans to give to the thousands of charitable and faith-based organizations across the country that assist in times of need. All Americans should be offered the same incentive and tax benefit to give for what they believe in, not just the wealthy. I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to seriously consider this proposal as part of the tax debate.\u201d\r\nCongressman Mark Walker (NC-06) introduced the House companion bill on October 5, 2017.\u00a0\r\n\"With tax reform, we not only have the opportunity to simplify our tax code and bring needed relief to low and middle income families, but we also have the chance to encourage support for the charities doing amazing work in our communities,\u201d said Walker. \u201cThis legislation would expand incentives for charitable giving to people at every income-level, not just the most wealthy. I commend Senator Lankford for his efforts in helping us support the great work of faith-based and charitable organizations.\"\r\nUniversal Charitable Giving Bill:\r\n \r\nAbove-the-line deduction up to one-third of the standard deduction, approximately $2,100 for individuals and $4,200 for married couples\r\nAllows taxpayers to deduct charitable giving regardless of itemizing status\r\nIncentivizes charitable giving for low and middle-income taxpayers\r\nDoes not change tax provisions for individuals who itemize\r\nIn FY2017, roughly 71 percent of tax expenditures for charitable giving will be claimed by taxpayers who earn $2000,000 a year or more\u00a0\r\nDoubling the standard deduction will likely lower the number of itemizers and likely decrease charitable giving incentives for non-itemizers\r\n \r\n###\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t  \n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t \n\t\t\n\t\t\tPrint\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tEmail\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTweet\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t \n\t\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n    \n\t\n\t\n    \n    \n    \n    \t\n    \t\n\t    \t  \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tNext Article\n\t\t    \n\t\t    \n\t\t    \tPrevious Article", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/fundamental-commitment-our-veterans", "A Fundamental Commitment to Our Veterans", "2017-11-13", "2017", "2017-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "For nearly a century, our nation has dedicated the eleventh day of the eleventh month as the day to honor and appreciate our veterans. What began as \u201cArmistice Day,\u201d in 1919 to commemorate the soldiers that fought in World War I, has evolved to reflect the multiple battles and wars over the course of American history. But we should give gratitude to our veterans every day. As a nation, we are fortunate to have the world\u2019s strongest and most capable military forces. It is imperative that we remain committed to caring for our men and women in uniform years after their service. However, it is no secret that in recent years, many veterans have experienced hardships and challenges when trying to receive the benefits they have earned through their service and sacrifice.\n\u00a0\nFixing the issues that veterans face begins with Congress. It is a fundamental responsibility for Congress to address the problems that plague the Veterans Administration and to take swift legislative action. From keeping our Veterans Affairs hospitals accountable, to protecting whistleblowers, as well as ensuring the education and health benefits are afforded to those who need it, the House has passed over fifty pieces of legislation directed towards veterans this year alone. Some have become law. Others await action in the Senate.\n\u00a0\nIn this year\u2019s Veterans\u2019 Affairs Appropriations measure, the House Appropriations Committee worked to ensure that full funding was allotted to the Department of Veteran\u2019s Affairs (VA). We were able to fulfill that promise by funding the VA at the President\u2019s full request of $73.8 billion, which is a $5 billion increase from the previous fiscal year. That money will support medical care for seven million VA patients. It funds\u00a0services like mental health care, suicide prevention, traumatic brain injury treatment, homeless veteran programs and more. Certainly, supporting our veterans is a bipartisan, bicameral effort, which has been key to passing such comprehensive and successful legislation.\n\u00a0\nCongress is fortunate to have a supportive, working relationship with President Trump\u2019s Administration when it comes to improving the lives of our veterans. President Trump campaigned on the promise to rebuild our military and to put our veterans first. He has kept these promises. The President has recognized the challenges that the Department of Veterans\u2019 Affairs has faced and is committed to making critical reforms to the healthcare and administrative systems. And the President has already signed into law numerous pieces of legislation to expand opportunities for veterans that include programs like the post-9/11 GI Bill which provides educational assistance for veterans and their families. Previously, it was a benefit that could only be used for 15 years. Now, it can be used for life. I envision that under the Trump Administration, the federal government will be very successful in reforming the VA system and in improving the lives of our veterans and their families.\n\u00a0\nAmerica\u2019s military has grown over the past century, and has adapted to numerous changes as missions evolved. When we look at our military today, it is a strong and robust force that has been engaged in war for almost two decades. But what remains the same for each generation of soldiers is the oath that they voluntarily take \u2013 to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. For their selfless sacrifices and service, we are eternally grateful. And it is our solemn obligation to fulfill the commitments our country made in return for their service.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 864, "expanded_columns": [], "expandable_columns": [], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "units": {}, "query": {"sql": "select url, title, date, year, month, party, chamber, state, member_name, bioguide_id, domain, scraper, source, date_source, text, has_text, collected_at, updated_at from releases where \"party\" = :p0 and \"state\" = :p1 and \"year\" = :p2 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "Republican", "p1": "OK", "p2": "2017"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OK&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 864, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=OK&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OK&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 864, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OK&year=2017&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OK&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "OK", "label": "OK", "count": 864, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&year=2017", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OK&year=2017", "results": [{"value": "2017", "label": "2017", "count": 864, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OK", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2017-11-13,https~3A~2F~2Fcole~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fweekly-columns~2Ffundamental-commitment-our-veterans", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?party=Republican&state=OK&year=2017&_next=2017-11-13%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fcole~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fweekly-columns~2Ffundamental-commitment-our-veterans&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 893.4663599357009, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}