{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "is_view": false, "human_description_en": "where state = \"OK\" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending", "rows": [["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/looking-back-look-forward", "Looking Back to Look Forward", "2016-12-27", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "This past year was one of great change for America. After eight years of President Obama, the American people elected perhaps the most unorthodox candidate in our nation\u2019s history. The nominating process for both parties was unlike any we have ever seen. The Democrats nearly nominated a self proclaimed Socialist before settling on the establishment front runner, Hillary Clinton. And the Republicans nominated a candidate who had never sought or held elected office before. \u00a0And that candidate prevailed in the election by appealing to a constituency that Democrats had come to take for granted - the blue collar working class.\n\u00a0\nJust exactly how this came to be will be a subject of debate and speculation for years to come. \u00a0What is not debatable is the fact that Americans have become uneasy and uncomfortable with politics and politicians as usual.\n\u00a0\nIn the past several years, our nation has faced an enemy unlike any we\u2019ve had before. Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, we became painfully aware of the growing Islamic terror network. More recently, the Islamic terrorist group ISIS has expanded their sphere of influence by destabilizing the Middle East and launching brazen attacks throughout Europe. \u00a0As the United States and our allies have stepped up our traditional lines of defense, we have also had to take measures to defend ourselves from cyber terrorism. Unfortunately, radical Islamic terrorism will likely be a generational challenge for the United States and our allies, and will necessarily be a top priority for President Trump and his administration.\n\u00a0\nOn the domestic front, our new President will face numerous challenges as well. Eight years of President Obama\u2019s government by executive order have taken their toll on the American economy.\u00a0From Obama Care to the Labor Department\u2019s onerous overtime rules, the economy has been smothered by excessive regulations and needless rules. Ironically, many of these rules and regulations were put into place through President Obama\u2019s reliance on executive orders intended to subvert the will of Congress. \u00a0President Trump will be able to undo these overreaching measures using his own executive order authority. \u00a0I expect that we will see much of Obama\u2019s legacy undone within months of President Trump being sworn in.\n  2016 will certainly go down as one of the most unusual and consequential in our nation\u2019s history. \u00a0As we move forward in an unsteady and dangerous world, our new President will need our prayers, our optimism and our commitment to helping him achieve his objective to make America great again.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-releases-video-wishing-oklahomans-a-merry-christmas-", "Inhofe Releases Video Wishing Oklahomans a Merry Christmas", "2016-12-25", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Releases Video Wishing Oklahomans a Merry Christmas \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSunday, December 25, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\nTULSA \u00a0\u2013 U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), today released a video wishing Oklahomans everywhere a merry Christmas.\r\n\u201cI want to take a moment to think about what\u2019s really important, our lord and savior Jesus Christ. Christmas is a day that serves as a symbol and declaration of peace on earth and goodwill toward all,\u201d Inhofe says in the video. \u201cI also want to send our troops overseas, in harm\u2019s way and fighting for our freedoms, an especially warm Christmas greeting. I am thankful to you and your families for the sacrifices you are making. Merry Christmas to you all and merry Christmas Oklahoma.\u201d\r\n\u00a0Click Here to Watch the Video", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-statement-us-abstention-un-security-council-anti-israel-resolution", "Cole Statement on U.S. Abstention on UN Security Council Anti-Israel Resolution", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Norman, OK \u2013 Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the United States abstained from vetoing its vote in allowing the passage of the United Nations Security Council resolution to condemn Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank.\n\u00a0\n\"This action was a shameful abandonment of a long time ally that has been routinely berated and attacked by the hostile majority in the UN General Assembly,\"\u00a0said Cole. \"The action was made worse by Ambassador Powers\u2019 gratuitous insults to the current government of Israel.\"\n\u00a0\n\"One wonders if this action was a last calculated slap in the face to Israel by the outgoing Obama Administration. While claiming to support Israel, the Obama Administration has put Israeli security at risk with its flawed Iranian nuclear deal,\u201d continued Cole. \u00a0\"And it is the Obama Administration that has repeatedly clashed with the current government of Israel over diplomatic and security issues.\"\n\u00a0\n\"Thank goodness there will soon be a new president in the White House and a new administration in leadership that will work with, rather than against Israel. Given that reality, this abstention should be seen as an act of pique by the outgoing Obama Administration rather than a reflection of U.S. policy going forward.\"\u00a0\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-steve-russell-c-span-recaps-first-term-congress", "ICYMI  Steve Russell on C-SPAN - Recaps First Term in Congress", "2016-12-23", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Del City, OK \u2013 Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) spoke with C-SPAN\u2019s Bill Scanlan to talk about the importance of checks and balances, bipartisanship in Congress, and his biggest accomplishments in his first term in office. \nOn Checks and Balances in Government:\nCongressman Russell: \u201cOur republic has seen the pendulum swing to government and the some rare occasions, all the legislative branches being held by the same political party. We saw long stretches of a time in the 1930's and 1940's period. I think as we look at it, our republic is pretty resilient. We have a judiciary branch, I think we have to respect the judicial branch as an equal branch of government. A lot of time we are unhappy with decisions that are made for one reason or another, but it just plays into the checks and balance system. These appointments will be important that the will of the American people has a chance to influence those checks and balances.\u201d\u00a0\nOn Bipartisanship:\nCongressman Russell: \u201cI have a handwritten note from President Obama. I take great pride in that. We saw eye to eye on a couple of things, many things we did not. One thing I learned, you can always find common ground when people are in conflict. There is always something they agree to focus on. You try not to highlight the differences if you can.\u201d \nOn Accomplishments:\nCongressman Russell: \u201cWe have certainly become known for our targeting of waste, continuing\u00a0Oklahoma's delegation legacy from the great Dr. Tom Coburn, and we have taken that mantle and honored to do it and we have also turned that into true reform speaking of bipartisanship, working with Matt Cartwright, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, he and I worked as cosponsors of the MEGABYTE Act, which estimated will save $4 billion just in software licensure reform. Well even in this town, $4 billion is a real money that gets people's attention. So, you can always find overlapping ground.\u201d \nCLICK HERE for video.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-russell-releases-report-showing-139-billion-gov-t-waste", "Rep. Russell Releases Report Showing $139 Billion in Govt Waste", "2016-12-22", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "(CNSNews.com) \u2013 Rep. Steve Russell (R- Okla.) released the sixth installment of his ongoing Waste Watch series on Monday, showing 10 instances of government waste totaling around $139\u00a0billion in taxpayer money.\n\n\tSome of the spending items detailed in the report include a Pentagon Task Force that spent $150 million on lavish, rented villas in Afghanistan with flat-screen TVs in each room; $356 million on a computer system that does not work; $34 million spent by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to introduce Afghans to soybeans; and $47,530 on \u201celegant\u201d bicycle shelters for the National Institutes of Health.\n\nThe Waste Watch Christmas Edition states that in Fiscal Year 2015 the federal government made \u201capproximately $137 billion in improper payments,\u201d which were spread throughout various departments and programs. It also listed several other wasteful projects totaling about $2 billion, for the total of $139 billion.\u00a0\n\u201cOverall the error rate for 2015 was reported to be 4.39 percent,\u201d the report explains. \u201c[A] 4% error rate may seem relatively insignificant, given the amount of payments that are made by our federal government on an annual basis, [but] it adds up to billions of taxpayer dollars misspent and wasted every year.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\nAccording to the Government Accountability Office\u2019s (GAO) percentage breakdown of the root-causes of the improper payments for FY 2015, \u201c33 percent of the improper payments were made with insufficient documentation to determine the accuracy of payment.\n\u201cAn example of this is the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) paying for a foot surgery for an individual despite not having their medical history.\u201d\nRussell\u2019s Waste Watch also highlighted $150 million spent by the Pentagon\u2019s Task Force for Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO) which, according to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), \u201con rented \u2018villas\u2019 for their staff in Afghanistan.\u201d\n\u201cTFBSO spent 20 percent of their budget on these villas,\u201d the report notes, \u201cwhich were required to be furnished with queen-size beds, flat-screen TVs for each room, DVD players and mini-refrigerators. These villas featured upgraded furniture and western-style hotel accommodations.\u201d\nThe rationale behind the task force living off U.S. military bases \u201cwas to show private companies that they could set up operations in Afghanistan themselves without needing military support.\u201d However, the task force spent $57 million from 2010 to 2014 on security contractors who provided \u201ccombat-lifesaver-qualified personnel for all security movements\u201d and \u201c20 security teams to support operations in all areas of Afghanistan and secure movement of Task Force Staff, senior businessmen and guests.\u201d\nThe National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda spent $47,530 on bike shelters \u201cto keep bicycles from being parked on hand rails near the entrance of one of their buildings.\u201d\n\n\t\n\t(Image from Modern Design & Site Furnishings.)\n\t\u00a0\n\nThe report also notes that \u201cthe cost of these bicycle shelters is concerning because it is more than four times the cost of traditional bus stops, which are estimated to cost between $10,000 and $12,000. What\u2019s more, the bicycle shelters cost more than solar power bus shelters, which are about $14,500.\u201d\nModern Design and Site Furnishings, the company building the bicycle shelters, said in defense of the cost, \u201cBicycles are no longer just the exclusive transportation of the poor\u2014and design should react to this truth. This elegant bike shelter has an uncompromisingly dynamic shape combining a robust frame and delicate glass which are supported by sturdy stainless steel brackets.\u2019\u201d\u00a0 http://www.mdsfco.com/products#!bicycle-shelters/edge\nIn 2010, the USDA established the \u201cSoybeans for Agricultural Renewal in Afghanistan Initiative (SARAI)\u201d to \u201cimprove the local nutrition and economy for Afghans by making soy a dietary staple.\u201d\nAs part of this effort, \u201c[m]ore than 467 million seeds were delivered to 5,000 subsistence farmers, and a $1.5 million Afghan soy factory was constructed to process the crop. Food technologists were even hired to teach families how to cook with soybean products.\u201d\nHowever the American Soybean Association (ASA) \u201cspent tens of millions of dollars without conducting a single feasibility or value-chain study\u201d and \u201cprogram administrators later admitted that Afghans don\u2019t like the taste of soybean flour, and there\u2019s virtually no demand for soybean products,\u201d states the report.\n\u201cSARAI was also carried out despite scientific research revealing that Afghanistan\u2019s weather patterns are inappropriate for growing soybeans,\u201d reads the report.\n\u201cUnsurprisingly,\u201d says Waste Watch, \u201cthe first crop failed entirely and subsequent crops were too meager to fill the factory. Thousands of discouraged farmers left their fields, and the new factory has since been used to process 4,000 metric tons of imported American soybeans, costing an additional $2 million.\u201d\nThe USDA stopped funding the initiative after three years and spending $34.4 million.\nRep. Russell commented at the report\u2019s release, \u201cIt never ceases to amaze me the amount of waste the federal government produces.\u00a0 A lot of these instances could have been prevented with some common sense, and I hope that we can continue to change the culture.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/two-years-accomplishments", "Two Years of Accomplishments", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "When the 114th\u00a0Congress began its session in January of 2015, many Americans had concerns about the direction of our nation, and the job approval of their Congressional leaders was appropriately low. After so many years of onerous executive overreach, House Republicans faced many challenges in the fight to block President Obama\u2019s liberal agenda. There were many times that House Republicans have come close to making common sense conservative progress, only to be shot down by the president\u2019s veto pen. Fortunately, our vision to help America get back to the agenda of opportunity and independence finally has a real chance to come true. We have much to be proud of from the 114th\u00a0Congress, and I hope we can continue this trend through the leadership of the new Trump Administration.\nOne of the first pieces of crucial legislation passed through the House in the 114th\u00a0Congress was H.R. 2, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). This legislation permanently replaced the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate that threatened providers\u2019 reimbursement rates almost yearly since its inception. Instead of an arbitrary system of price controls which Congress waived yearly, the new payment reforms in MACRA should make meaningful changes so that providers are fairly reimbursed. While much more needs to be done to control the explosion of healthcare costs, it should not be done in a way that discourages our providers from caring for those most in need.\nCongress has a fundamental obligation to our military and supporting them should be a bipartisan endeavor. That\u2019s why one of our most successful pieces of legislation helped renew our commitment to our veterans. We passed the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act last year, as well as the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2015. Both of these bills help our veterans tremendously to ensure they have the resources they need for mental health care, and to give them the assistance they need in the next chapter of their lives. We\u2019ve also passed numerous Veterans Affairs reform bills to address the mismanagement and abuses at the Department of Veterans Affairs. I am confident that our promise to improve the lives of our nation\u2019s veterans will continue and expand into the coming four years.\nFor both years of the session, we overwhelmingly passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes funding for the Department of Defense and our overseas military programs. Included in these two bills were provisions to continue healthcare programs for our service members and their families, pay increases for service members, support for programs fighting ISIS in the Middle East, and much more. The NDAA has been passed consistently for the past 54 years, and we don\u2019t plan to stop. This is essential legislation for out nation\u2019s well-being. In fact, the calls to cut military funding in the 2011 Budget Control Act have been forestalled by finding savings elsewhere in the budget.\nLast year, we passed all twelve spending bills out of the Appropriations Committees in both chambers \u2013 something that hadn\u2019t been done since 2009. Subsequently, we passed an Omnibus bill, which funded the government for Fiscal Year 2016. Unfortunately, this year we were unable to pass any appropriations bills through the full Congress and had to instead rely upon a Continuing Resolution.\nThere were a few silver linings in passing the Continuing Resolution in the sense that it maintained the Visa Waiver Program reform, with strengthened security protocols and denied visa waiver status for anyone who has traveled to terrorist hot spots like Syria, Iran or Iraq. Further, the Continuing Resolution maintained the prevention of any Guantanamo detainees to American soil. And ultimately, we were did the more responsible action by continuing to keep our government\u2019s doors open, instead of shutting down the government over tedious provisions in our funding bills.\nIn 2015, the House produced sweeping reforms to our education and transportation systems. The Every Child Succeeds Act, or ESEA, was passed to repeal the shortfalls of No Child Left Behind, and reduced the federal government\u2019s role in our schools. Ultimately, this legislation put the states back in control of education policy, and gave parents greater latitude to direct the education of their own children.\nAdditionally, Congress passed the Fixing America\u2019s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, the first federal law since 2005 to provide long-term funding certainty for surface transportation infrastructure planning and investment.\u00a0 This includes but is not limited to federal highway projects.\u00a0 Oklahoma\u2019s surface transportation programs will be apportioned an estimated\u00a0 $3.36 billion between FY2016-FY2020.\nIn the last weeks of this congressional session, we achieved major milestones in looking to future innovation in the bio-medical field. We passed the 21st\u00a0Century Cures Act, a comprehensive bill to help our healthcare agencies adapt to changes and improvements in the industry. This bill will help the National Institutes of Health, which I\u2019ve had the opportunity to work with through the subcommittee I chair, by helping with research initiatives finding cures for some of the most devastating diseases. It will also improve the FDA drug approval process.\nWe were expeditious in passing S. 612, the Waters Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. This bill would authorize appropriations for numerous water infrastructure projects, natural resources projects, settlements and much more. Most importantly, it would finalize the Oklahoma Water Rights Settlement Act between the Chickasaws, Choctaws, the State of Oklahoma and the city of Oklahoma City. Among other projects, this bill is an excellent example of how future settlements could be resolved, and it created important changes for our nation\u2019s most contentious water issues.\nThe 114th\u00a0Congress was a session that answered the call for change from both sides of the aisle. And with a new era of leadership both in Congress and in the White House, we have a real opportunity to continue the call for change. I am hopeful and confident that the next Congressional session will be just as productive, if not more.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-leads-congressional-delegation-trip-to-turkey-kosovo-and-south-korea", "Senator Lankford Leads Congressional Delegation Trip to Turkey, Kosovo and South Korea", "2016-12-20", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.20.16\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Leads Congressional Delegation Trip to Turkey, Kosovo and South Korea \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tOKLAHOMA CITY, OK Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today returned to the United States after leading a congressional delegation trip to Turkey, Kosovo, and South Korea. Lankford traveled abroad from December 14 to December 20 and was joined by Congressmen Steve Russell (OK-05) and Markwayne Mullin (OK-02). The purpose of the trip was to visit deployed Oklahoma National Guard troops in Kosovo, and meet with foreign leaders and military personnel in Turkey and South Korea regarding regional security matters, including the fight against ISIS.\r\nAs instability around the world rises, it is as important as ever for America to project strength and advocate for freedom and democracy internationally, said Lankford. This trip fortified my belief that America is the greatest nation on earth  and that we have a responsibility to advocate for peace, religious freedom, and human rights around the world.\r\nIt was an honor to visit and thank the Oklahoma National Guard troops in Kosovo for serving to protect our freedom overseas. Kosovars are grateful for our presence there, as well as our defense of their new nation and freedoms. This trip really showed the good that America does across the world.\r\nAnkara, Turkey and Incirlik Air Base:\r\nIn Turkey, Lankford, Russell and Mullin met with American Ambassador John R. Bass and other Embassy officials to discuss Turkey's political landscape, handling of refugees, relations with Syria, and the fight against ISIS. Col. John Walker, along with Ms. Linda Specht from the US Consulate, hosted the Members for a series of briefings on air operations and personnel and base security. They visited the Office of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss Syria, Iraq, Israel, and United States-Turkish cooperation. They also met Assistant Justice Minister Bilal Ucar to advocate for the release of Andrew Brunson, a pastor arrested in October on unclear charges.\r\nCamp Bondsteel, Kosovo:\r\nAt the Camp Bondsteel Army Base in Kosovo, Lankford, Russell, and Mullin visited with Oklahoma's National Guard, the Bravo Company, 45th Brigade Special Troops Battalion of the Military Intelligence Company. They also received a securitybriefing from Brig. General Phillip Jolly, Deputy Commanding General for USAREUR, about Kosovo's stability and economic progress, NATO plans, and increasingly bold Russian activities in the region.\r\nSeoul, South Korea:\r\nLankford and Russell met with South Korean leaders to reinforce the strong alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea. They received updated information about the impeachment of the Korean President, Park Geun-hye. They met with US and Korean military leaders to discuss the North Korean threat and America's security relationship. Lankford and Russell visited with General Vincent Brooks, Commander of United States Forces Korea, Combined Forces Command, and General Leem of the South Korean Armed Forces and Deputy Commander of Combined Forces Command. They met with American Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert, and they met with Members of the South Korean National Assembly, the unicameral national legislature of South Korea. They also joined Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) for a visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and meetings with Embassy officials. Finally, they visited Osan Airbase to discuss the defense of the Korean Peninsula in case of an outbreak in hostilities.\r\nSenator Lankford serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Homeland Security Committee, and the Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs.\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/press-releases/139-billion-lavish-afghan-villas-elegant-bicycle-shelters-unfinished", "$139+ Billion on Lavish Afghan Villas, Elegant Bicycle Shelters, an Unfinished Slaughterhouse and More", "2016-12-19", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Del City, OK \u2013 Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5), a member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, has released the next installment of his ongoing Waste Watch series. The Christmas Edition for 2016 highlights 10 items of government waste, totaling almost $140 billion dollars in taxpayer funds. Some of the items include how the Department of Defense spent $1.5 million dollars on a slaughterhouse in Afghanistan while only completing 10 percent of the project; $150 million on lavish rented villas in Afghanistan with flat-screen TVs for each room and many other amenities; $47,530 on elegant bicycle shelters for the National Institutes of Health; and $137 billion on payments to the wrong people, in the wrong amount, for the wrong reasons.\nCongressman Russell said about his Waste Watch series, \u201cIt never ceases to amaze me the amount of waste the federal government produces.\u00a0 A lot of these instances could have been prevented with some common sense, and I hope that we can continue to change the culture.\u201d\nThrough his first term in Congress, Congressman Russell highlighted nearly a quarter trillion dollars in government waste with Waste Watch.\nWaste Watch No. 6: December 2016Waste Watch No. 5: September 2016\nWaste Watch No. 4: February 2016\nWaste Watch No. 3: October 2015\nWaste Watch No. 2: July 2015\nWaste Watch No. 1: April 2015\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-obama-signs-international-religious-freedom-bill-co-sponsored-by-senator-lankford", "President Obama Signs International Religious Freedom Bill Co-Sponsored by Senator Lankford", "2016-12-17", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.17.16\n\t\t\t President Obama Signs International Religious Freedom Bill Co-Sponsored by Senator Lankford \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  On Friday, President Obama signed the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, a bill co-sponsored by Senator James Lankford (R-OK). The law aims to strengthen the United States' effort to combat persecution of religious minorities around the world.\r\nReligious freedom is more than an American right; it is a human right, said Lankford. The Frank Wolf International Religious Freedom Act is needed to help prevent the persecution of religious minorities around the world, and I am pleased that the President has signed it into law. As a world leader for freedom and the protection of basic human rights, the United States should take every opportunity to advocate for people to think, believe, and act according to their religious belief, whether they belong to a minority or majority religion.\r\nThe House of Representatives passed this bill (HR 1150) on December 13 and the Senate on December 10. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) was the lead sponsor of the bill in the Senate and Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) sponsored the House version of the bill. The bill is named after former Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA), who was the co-chair of the Congressional Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a bipartisan commission that studies and advocates for international human rights. Mr. Wolf is now Chair of Religious Freedom at Baylor University, and he is also a Distinguished Senior Fellow of the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative, an international religious freedom advocacy group. In addition to addressing persecution, the bill's overall focus is to ensure that advancing and protecting religious freedom around the world is a fundamental part of the foreign policy objectives of the United States.\r\nThe Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act:\r\n Elevates the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom so he reports directly to the Secretary of State;\r\n Calls for the integration of international religious freedom into the foreign policy of the US;\r\n Provides for mandatory religious freedom training of foreign service officers, with curriculum being developed by the Ambassador-at-Large;\r\n Provides for coordination between the Ambassador and the National Security Council; and\r\n Provides for the designation of non-state actors as countries of particular concern.\r\nThe US Commission on International Religious Freedom's 2016 report claims that numerous countries, including China, Burma, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Sudan, among others, continue to imprison, torture and persecute religious minority communities, including Jews, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and Buddhists. The 2016 report said, The incarceration of prisoners of conscience  people whom governments hold for reasons including those related to religion  remains astonishingly widespread, occurring in country after country, and underscores the impact of the laws and policies that led to their imprisonment. According to the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative, five billion people around the world face religious persecution and one-third live in places where religious freedom is severely restricted.\r\nLankford serves as the co-chair of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, which works to protect the fundamental human right of religious freedom in America and around the world. In May 2015, a Lankford-sponsored Trade Promotion Authority religious freedom-related amendment (#1237) passed the Senate unanimously. It requires the Administration to take religious freedom into account whenever negotiating trade agreements.\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"], ["http://mullin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=453", "Mullin Supports Nomination of Ryan Zinke for Secretary of the Interior", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Markwayne Mullin", "M001190", "mullin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Mullin Supports Nomination of Ryan Zinke for Secretary of the Interior \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 16, 2016\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 regarding the nomination of Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT- At Large) to the Secretary of the Interior by President-elect Donald Trump:\r\n\u201cDuring his time in the House, Congressman Ryan Zinke served the people of Montana admirably,\u201d Mullin said.\u00a0 \u201cWith Congressman Zinke as Secretary of the Interior, I am certain that our public lands, natural resources, and those who seek to enjoy them, will benefit greatly.\u201d\u00a0 \r\n\u201cMuch like Oklahoma, Montana has a deep Native American culture and focus on tribal sovereignty.\u00a0 Congressman Zinke understands the importance of tribal land and the protections extended to those who live on it,\u201d Mullin added.\u00a0 \u201cHis successful track record of managing and conserving public land during his service on the House Committee on Natural Resources, his time in the Montana Senate, and his more than 20 years of experience as a Navy Seal make Congressman Zinke particularly qualified to continue his service to our nation as the next U.S. Secretary of the Interior.\u201d\u00a0\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/lankford-letter_-december-16", "Lankford Letter - December 16", "2016-12-16", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.16.16\n\t\t\t Lankford Letter - December 16 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCLICK HERE for the December 16, 2016 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    \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/press-releases/cole-supports-nomination-congressman-ryan-zinke-secretary-interior", "Cole Supports Nomination of Congressman Ryan Zinke for Secretary of the Interior", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after President-Elect Donald Trump nominated Congressman Ryan Zinke (MT-At Large) to serve as Secretary of the Interior. Congressman Zinke has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2015 and is currently a member of the House Committee on Natural Resources.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWhether on the battlefield as a Navy Seal, or as a Member of Congress on the House Floor, Congressman Zinke is a true patriot who serves his country with honor, distinction and effectiveness,\u201d said Cole. \u201cI am incredibly pleased with President-Elect Trump\u2019s choice to nominate my friend and colleague, who I am confident will serve in this position very well.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cCongressman Zinke is well-versed and knowledgeable about the issues concerning our nation\u2019s interior from his service in the Montana State Legislature and his role on the House Committee on Natural Resources. As a lifelong hunter and fisherman, he has great respect for our environment, and is a strong advocate for conserving public lands and keeping them productive.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cI am especially pleased that Ryan has publicly noted his commitment to, and understanding of, Native American issues,\u201d continued Cole. \u201cAs the Co-Chair of the Native American Caucus, I\u2019ve had the opportunity to work with him on a numerous Native American matters. He is a consistent defender of tribal sovereignty, and is committed to helping tribes achieve economic independence. Ryan truly is a leader that fully encompasses the scope of what this role will require, and I look forward to working with him in his new capacity.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-announces-nominations-us-service-academies", "Congressman Russell Announces Nominations for U.S. Service Academies", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Del City, O.K.\u00a0\u2013 Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) has announced the 2016 U.S. Service Academy candidates nominated from Oklahoma\u2019s Fifth Congressional District for the 2017-2018 academic year. The candidates are:\n\u00a0\nEdmond North High School\nBlake Herring \u2013 U.S. Military Academy (West Point), Air Force Academy\nAustin Martin \u2013 West Point\nCierra Anderson \u2013 West Point, Air Force Academy, Naval Academy\nJake Reynolds \u2013 Naval Academy\nCameron Hancock \u2013 West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy\nAnthony Macaluso\u00a0\u2013 Air Force Academy\nCallen Koiner \u2013 Air Force Academy\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\nEdmond Memorial High School\nJonah Weltzheimer - Air Force Academy, Naval Academy\nDeer Creek High School (Edmond)\nMs. Aksah Cherian \u2013 West Point\nJohn Marshall High School \u2013 Oklahoma City\nLenerd Leviston \u2013 Air Force Academy\nPutnam City North High School \u2013 Oklahoma City\nAaron Corona \u2013 Air Force Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, Naval Academy\nOklahoma School of Science and Math \u2013 OSSM (Oklahoma City)\nOpeyemi Odejimi \u2013 West Point\nDove Science Academy \u2013 Oklahoma City\nAna Maria Pasillas \u2013 West Point, Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, Air Force Academy\nBishop McGuinness Catholic High School \u2013 Oklahoma City\nAlexander Best \u2013 Naval Academy\nSofia Figueroa \u2013 Naval Academy\nHelen Homola \u2013 Air Force Academy\nCrossings Christian School \u2013 Oklahoma City\nKarson Kosanke \u2013 Naval Academy\nCasady High School \u2013 Oklahoma City\nSam Harrison \u2013 Naval Academy\nThe highly competitive process is weighed concerning SAT/ACT scores, class rank, athletic and extracurricular activities, as well as leadership potential. Each applicant also completes a personal interview with Congressman Russell\u2019s review board which consists of retired service members and Academy graduates:\n\u00a0\nGen. Bruce Litchfield (ret.), former Commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center at Tinker\nStaff Sergeant Rusty Dunagan (ret.), Army\nMr. Nels Petersen, 1980 Naval Academy graduate\nCapt. Michelle Axtman - 2009 Air Force Academy graduate\nEdward \"Ted\" Perry - 2005 West Point graduate\n\u00a0\nThose who are selected will become eligible for an appointment, and if then selected by an Academy will begin classes in the fall of 2017.\nStudents wishing to be considered for a Congressional nomination for the fall of 2018 may go to Congressman Russell\u2019s official House of Representatives Website (russell.house.gov) to learn the requirements and may apply until July 1 of the year of their 23rd birthday.\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/president-obama-signs-senator-lankford-dc-transparency-bill-into-law", "President Obama Signs Senator Lankford D.C. Transparency Bill Into Law", "2016-12-15", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.15.16\n\t\t\t President Obama Signs Senator Lankford D.C. Transparency Bill Into Law \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  On Wednesday, President Obama signed into law a bill that was written by Senator James Lankford  the District of Columbia Judicial Financial Transparency Act. This law increases judicial transparency for Washington, DC court judges by requiring they meet the same financial disclosure thresholds as federal judges, and it modernizes multiple court functions. Lankford introduced the Senate version of this bill in May of 2016.\r\nI am pleased that this judicial transparency bill has been signed into law. It promotes greater transparency for DC judges and it meets the DC courts' needs for modernization, said Lankford. I appreciate Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton for working to get our bill through the House so that we can ensure that the federally-funded local courts of DC are using taxpayer dollars efficiently while serving the residents of the District of the Columbia.\r\nThe law increases the dollar amount that must be reported for DC judges and it makes the reports available to the public. The law also makes other much-needed improvements to the courts, including: accepting payments by credit card, allowing magistrate judges to serve in the Probate Divisions, increasing the amount-in-controversy allowed for Small Claims cases, and delegating authority for senior judges to approve court-appointed attorney vouchers. Senator Lankford worked with the Washington, DC Courts to make improvements in these areas  some of which have been ignored since the 1970's. Lankford believes that because DC court judges are paid by the federal government, they should be held to the same standards of disclosure as all federal judges.\r\nSenator Lankford is chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Federal Management, which maintains jurisdiction over the federal workforce and the District of Columbia.\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"], ["http://mullin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=97", "Mullin Supports Nomination of Governor Rick Perry as Secretary of Energy", "2016-12-14", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Markwayne Mullin", "M001190", "mullin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) released the following statement upon learning of President-elect Donald Trump\u2019s nomination of Governor Rick Perry as the next Secretary of Energy:\r\r\u201cGovernor Rick Perry is an excellent choice as the incoming Secretary of Energy for our nation.\u00a0 As the governor of Texas, Governor Perry has experience building and running one of the country\u2019s largest states,\u201d Mullin said.\u00a0\r\r\u201cGovernor Perry has extensive experience building and sustaining Texas\u2019 economy by way of one their largest industries: the energy sector,\u201d Mullin added.\u00a0 \u201cIn developing energy resources and building infrastructure to support the energy industry, Governor Perry knows what it means to have successful energy policies that benefit the people of Texas and the entire country, while still protecting and conserving our nation\u2019s natural resources.\u201d\u00a0\r\r\u201cI am confident that as the Secretary of Energy, Governor Perry will make decisions that continue to put our nation and its citizens first.\u00a0 He will work to remove current barriers to energy production and will fight to make America energy independent while creating new jobs, lower fuel prices, and increased economic activity.\u00a0 Oklahoma would benefit tremendously with Governor Perry at the helm of the Department of Energy, and I fully support his nomination.\u201d\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-supports-nomination-rex-tillerson-secretary-state", "Cole Supports Nomination of Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after President-Elect Trump nominated Rex Tillerson to serve as Secretary of State for the next Administration. Tillerson is currently the CEO and Chairman of ExxonMobil Corporation.\n\u00a0\n\u201cRex Tillerson is an excellent choice to be the Secretary of State. He has already proven his diplomatic and management skills as the CEO of ExxonMobil, and I am extremely impressed with his strong leadership background,\u201d said Cole.\n\u00a0\n\u201cMr. Tillerson will bring a wide range of international contacts, and tremendous respect for and from dozens of important foreign leaders. His unique perspective is exactly what the State Department needs to strengthen relations between the United States and foreign nations. With his business background, he is by definition a realist and internationalist. President-Elect Trump has made a superb choice.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/new-years-resolution", "A New Year's Resolution", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In Article I, section 7, clause 1 of the United States Constitution, our Founding Fathers laid out the framework for the Congressional \u201cPower of the Purse.\u201d Congress has the fundamental responsibility for raising revenue and appropriating spending. It has done so for more than two centuries, but the job has become more complicated than need be in recent decades. Over the past several years, passing a budget and funding the government has grown more difficult, and has even resulted in government shutdowns. Just last week, Congress passed a continuing resolution at the 11th hour, just narrowly avoiding yet another government shutdown. Failure to pass appropriations bills and reliance upon continuing resolutions is an irresponsible way to govern and a dereliction of duty on the part of our elected officials.\n\u00a0\nWe are fortunate that we did not witness another government shutdown last week, but the struggle to appropriate funds for our government programs is still real. You see, we must, and should, pass new appropriations bills each year to reflect the changing circumstances in our government programs and agencies. The needs and priorities of our government agencies are constantly changing and the annual appropriations process is the only responsible way to address these changes.\n\u00a0\nAlong with appropriations legislation, we have authorization bills, which authorize the funding for government programs and agencies. For example, we just recently passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the next Fiscal Year 2017. It is one of the most critical, comprehensive bills that Congress considers every year, and it is must-pass legislation. That was one huge step forward.\n\u00a0\nHowever, all too often the one step forward is followed by two steps back. This year, in the House, we were successful in passing all twelve appropriations bills that fund the broad spectrum of our government out of the Appropriations Committee. But this is simply not enough. We need to get back into the regular order of things, and take all twelve of these bills to the House Floor, each year. When we fail to do that, we end up back to a continuing resolution, like the one passed last Friday.\n\u00a0\nContinuing resolutions cause a great deal of inconvenience to our federal agencies, our military and ultimately, to the American taxpayer. Although a shutdown is costlier, a continuing resolution simply puts the federal government on auto-pilot and ignores the changing circumstances and priorities of the nation.\n\u00a0\nIt is disappointing that Congress once again failed to do the job and had to settle for yet another continuing resolution. We should not wait until April 28 \u2013 the expiration date of the current continuing resolution. Congress needs to finish the job of funding the government for Fiscal Year 2017 immediately. No more kicking the can down the road \u2013 let this serve as our New Year's\u00a0resolution,\u00a0and get the job done.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-perry-for-energy-secretary-", "Inhofe Statement on Perry for Energy Secretary", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Statement on Perry for Energy Secretary \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 13, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON - U.S. Sen Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), today released a statement in support of President-elect Trump's announcement of his intention to nominate Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry to be Energy Secretary:\r\n\u201cRick Perry is an excellent choice to lead the Department of Energy,\u201d Inhofe said. \u00a0\u201cPerry understands the abundance of our domestic energy resources and what it takes to power our complex and growing economy. I am confident that under his leadership, the DOE will be right sized and focused intently on its twin goals of national security and energy independence. American economic dominance cannot be achieved without our continued responsible use of natural gas, oil, coal, and nuclear resources. I congratulate my good friend Rick Perry on his nomination and look forward to working with him.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-tillerson-for-secretary-of-state", "Inhofe Statement on Tillerson for Secretary of State", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Statement on Tillerson for Secretary of State\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, December 13, 2016\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.) today released a statement in support of President-elect Trump's announcement of his intention to nominate ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State:\u00a0\r\n\"I am pleased by President-elect Trump\u2019s announcement to nominate Rex Tillerson to be our Secretary of State,\" Inhofe said. \u00a0\"I have known Rex for years and think he will be great for this position. He is an accomplished leader who has proven himself on the world stage as ExxonMobil\u2019s CEO. His business acumen will provide a welcomed, fresh look at how the State Department conducts its business, and I am confident he will leverage our global leadership position to strengthen the United States and our allies around the world. I look forward to discussing my national security concerns with him and working closely with him in the coming years.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/-senator-lankford-highlights-oklahoma-charity-in-senate-opportunity-coalitions-second-report", "Senator Lankford Highlights Oklahoma Charity in Senate Opportunity Coalitions Second Report", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.16\n\t\t\t  Senator Lankford Highlights Oklahoma Charity in Senate Opportunity Coalition's Second Report \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined the Senate Opportunity Coalition (SOC) last week to release its second report reviewing their continued progress in identifying common obstacles faced by millions of Americans still living in poverty.\r\nFederal, state and local governments should begin to think more about the prevention of poverty, rather than just the management of poverty, said Lankford. To help achieve better outcomes for foster youth, and at-risk youth, the federal government should allow nonprofits like Peppers Ranch Foster Community to thrive and flourish. Onerous regulations can be the difference between a thriving charity or a struggling charity, which leads to reduced services for those who need it most. Civil society is the backbone for America's fight against povertythe federal government should do everything it can to allow them to serve the poor without the barrier of burdensome regulations.\r\nThe premise of the SOC is to help align the efforts of several Senators who have made fighting poverty a priority on their agenda. The original report was released on Sept. 21, 2016, and featured experiences and remarks from Senators Tim Scott (R-SC), Joni Ernst (R-IA), James Lankford (R-OK), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK). Since the launch, the coalition has expanded and now includes Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Dean Heller (R-NV).\r\nThe coalition's second publication is entitled Paving the Path to a Brighter Future II. The document includes additional stories and experiences of the Members' meetings with people from their home states that shows the depth and complexity of addressing the issue of poverty. The full document can be read here.\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/senate-judiciary-chairman-recommends-criminal-investigation-into-planned-parenthood", "Senate Judiciary Chairman Recommends Criminal Investigation Into Planned Parenthood", "2016-12-13", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.13.16\n\t\t\t Senate Judiciary Chairman Recommends Criminal Investigation Into Planned Parenthood \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 Applauds Referral to Department of Justice, FBI\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today applauded Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley's (R-IA) decision to refer the Planned Parenthood Federation of America to the FBI and the Department of Justice for investigation and possible prosecution. The Committee today released a detailed report about Planned Parenthood's harvesting of human tissue and its potential failed or lack of compliance with the law.\r\nI am pleased that Senate Judiciary Chairman Grassley has asked the Justice Department and the FBI to do a criminal investigation into the tissue harvesting operation of Planned Parenthood, said Lankford. The findings in this detailed report are staggering. Planned Parenthood has engaged in inhumane and barbaric procedures that are possibly illegal, and they must be held accountable. It is also past time for their taxpayer federal funding to be redirected to other entities that provide woman's health care without doing abortions. While our nation is divided on abortion, we shouldn't force the taxes of Americans who strongly oppose organ harvesting or abortion to continue to fund an organization that carries out these inhumane practices.\r\nIn July 2015, Lankford joined Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Rand Paul (R-KY) to introduce a bill to defund Planned Parenthood and redirect its taxpayer funding to other entities that provide women's health care services. Shortly after videos revealed Planned Parenthood's practice of harvesting human body parts from abortions, Lankford delivered a passionate speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate. In January 2016, Congress passed a law to defund Planned Parenthood, but President Obama vetoed the bill.\r\nThe Judiciary Committee ReportConcludes:   Despite the clear legislative history of the 1993 NIH Revitalization Act, the executive branch across multiple administrations has failed to enforce the law's safeguards.\r\nSince 2010, three companies - Advanced Bioscience Resources, Inc.; StemExpress, LLC; and Novogenix Laboratories, LLC (Novogenix has since gone out of business) - have paid affiliates of Planned Parenthood Federation of America to acquire aborted fetuses, and then sold the fetal tissue to their respective customers at substantially higher prices than their documented costs.\r\nThe Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) initially had a policy in place to ensure its affiliates were complying with the law, but the affiliates failed to follow its fetal tissue reimbursement policy.\r\nThe cost analyses provided by affiliates of Planned Parenthood Federation of America lack sufficient documentation and rely on unreasonably broad and vague claims of costs for the transportation, implantation, processing, preservation, quality control or storage of fetal tissue.\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/press-releases/russell-s-air-traffic-control-bill-signed-law", "Russells Air Traffic Control Bill Signed into Law", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Del City, OK \u2013 Congressman Steve Russell\u2019s (OK-5) bill, H.R. 5785 \u2013 a measure that eliminated the annuity cap for retired Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) who work as ATC instructors, was signed into law by President Barack Obama. U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and James Lankford (R-Okla) championed this bill through the Senate and\u00a0Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) co-sponsored the bill in the House. This annuity income cap disincentivized retired air traffic controllers from working full-time as instructors and thus created the need for several part-time instructors to fill the void. The enactment of this law will encourage instructors to work full-time, create more continuity in the classroom, reduce training costs, and help ensure the safety of our skies.\u00a0 \n\u00a0\n\u201cI would like to thank President Obama for signing this bill into law,\u201d Congressman Russell said. \u201cIt is paramount that we secure our skies with the expertise of well-trained air traffic controllers and their instructors. We should encourage exceptional controllers to work full-time as instructors, rather than financially penalize them for training the next generation. I am pleased that this will increase efficiency at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center training academy and simultaneously save millions of American taxpayer dollars while keeping our skies safe.\u201d\n\u201cI am pleased that as we wrap up this year, the President has signed a bill into law that ensures the next generation of air traffic controllers have a consistent training environment and experienced instructors,\u201d Inhofe said. \u201cHundreds of instructors are needed to make sure our nation\u2019s air traffic controllers are prepared to manage the complicated network of air traffic in the National Airspace System and this law has removed the government red tape impeding that effort. I appreciate the work of my Oklahoma colleagues for their work on this important bill.\u201d\n  \u201cI am thankful that the President has signed this bill into law, which will help support experienced air traffic control instructors to teach a new generation of air traffic control students,\u201d Senator Lankford said. \u201cThe passage of this common-sense legislation will mean the FAA will be able to continue hiring new air traffic controllers to address the staffing shortages that exist across the nation. This bill was vital for the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, and the training they provide for new controllers that will report to control towers and en route centers all across America.\u201d \u201cI\u2019m pleased the President has signed this important legislation during a time when our nation is facing a critical shortage of air traffic controllers,\u201d said Congressman Cole. \u201cRemoving obstructive government regulations in order to ensure our nation\u2019s best air traffic controllers can train the next generation makes sense. Our skies will be safer thanks to this important legislation.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-lankford-praise-senate-passage-of-veterans-healthcare-and-education-priorities", "Inhofe, Lankford Praise Senate Passage of Veterans Healthcare & Education Priorities", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe, Lankford Praise Senate Passage of Veterans Healthcare & Education Priorities\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 12, 2016\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.), senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and U.S. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) today praised the passage of S. 3021, a bill that advances key healthcare and education priorities for our veterans. The bill passed the Senate on Dec. 10 by unanimous consent.\r\n\u201cImproving health care and education benefits for our veterans has been one of my top priorities for my entire tenure in Congress,\u201d said Inhofe. \u201cI am glad the Senate passed the important legislation and I look forward to finishing this work in both chambers early next year. Building on recent changes in leadership and the third party investigation of the VA centers in Oklahoma, this legislation ensures that care will continue to improve in Oklahoma and across the country as VA\u2019s regional directors are permanently empowered to hire qualified third party entities to audit their health care facilities. \u00a0This will hold them accountable to providing care at the same level of excellence as private hospitals.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am also proud that this legislation fixes a frivolous law that prevented veterans from fully exercising their GI benefits at Career & Technical Education Centers,\u201d Inhofe continued. \u201cCareer & Technical Education Centers equip our veterans for the workforce and teach skills that translate into good paying jobs. We have a responsibility to those who have served and we must work to ensure they have access to opportunities that will ensure their success after they return home; this legislation does just that.\u201d \u00a0\r\n\u201cThis bill will ensure veterans have access to educational assistance and career training at accredited career technical training centers in Oklahoma and across the country,\u201d said Lankford. \u201cThis also fixes issues with veteran access to vocational rehabilitation services. I\u2019m pleased this bill was advanced by the Senate and I look forward to it passing in both chambers and becoming law next year. Veterans are a civic asset and this legislation will ensure veterans transition seamlessly to civilian industry.\u201d\r\nBackground\r\nOn June 29, U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) delivered remarks at a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee\u2019s legislative hearing in support of S. 3021.\r\nOn June 7, U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.) introduced\u00a0amendment #4479\u00a0to the FY 2017 NDAA that would support veterans\u2019 eligibility under the\u00a0Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010\u00a0for education\u00a0benefits when\u00a0attaining postsecondary career and technical education (CTE) programs. Amendment #4479 is the same text as S. 3021, which was introduced the previous day.\r\nOn Feb. 23, Sen. Inhofe announced on the Senate floor that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has committed in writing to\u00a0conduct investigations of Oklahoma\u2019s 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 Feb. 12, Sens. Inhofe & Lankford introduced S. 2554, the Veterans Affairs Accountability Act\u00a0which expanded authority at the Department of Veterans Affairs to allow directors of Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) chapters to remove or demote any VA employee within their network whose performance warrants such action and to authorize VISN directors to contract with an outside entity to conduct investigations of their VA medical facilities.\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\u00a0Dec. 23, 2015,\u00a0USA Today\u00a0article. Inhofe continues to work with the VA on care for these veterans to include addressing existing medical issues and any future medical issues.\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 facility\u2019s Chief of Staff\u00a0on Feb. 9, who was temporarily reassigned until the completion of VA\u2019s review of VISN 19\u2019s report.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-lankford-russell-cole-on-atc-bill-signed-into-law-", "Inhofe, Lankford, Russell, Cole on ATC Bill Signed Into Law", "2016-12-12", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe, Lankford, Russell, Cole on ATC Bill Signed Into Law \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMonday, December 12, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford, as well as U.S. Reps. Steve Russell and Tom Cole, today praised H.R. 5785, a measure that eliminated the annuity cap for retired Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) who work as ATC instructors, as it was signed into law by President Obama. This annuity income cap disincentivized retired air traffic controllers from working full-time as instructors and thus created the need for several part-time instructors to fill the void. The enactment of this law will encourage instructors to work full-time, create more continuity in the classroom, reduce training costs, and help ensure the safety of our skies.\u00a0\r\n\u201cI am pleased that as we wrap up this year, the President has signed a bill into law that ensures the next generation of air traffic controllers have a consistent training environment and experienced instructors,\u201d Inhofe said. \u201cHundreds of instructors are needed to make sure our nation\u2019s air traffic controllers are prepared to manage the complicated network of air traffic in the National Airspace System and this law has removed the government red tape impeding that effort. I appreciate the work of my Oklahoma colleagues for their work on this important bill.\u201d\r\n \u201cI am thankful that the President has signed this bill into law, which will help support experienced air traffic control instructors to teach a new generation of air traffic control students,\u201d Lankford said. \u201cThe passage of this common-sense legislation will mean the FAA will be able to continue hiring new air traffic controllers to address the staffing shortages that exist across the nation. This bill was vital for the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, and the training they provide for new controllers that will report to control towers and en route centers all across America.\u201d\u00a0\r\n\u201cI would like to thank President Obama for signing this bill into law,\u201d Russell said. \u201cIt is paramount that we secure our skies with the expertise of well-trained air traffic controllers and their instructors. We should encourage exceptional controllers to work full-time as instructors, rather than financially penalize them for training the next generation. I am pleased that this will increase efficiency at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center training academy and simultaneously save millions of American taxpayer dollars while keeping our skies safe.\u201d    \u201cI\u2019m pleased the President has signed this important legislation during a time when our nation is facing a critical shortage of air traffic controllers,\u201d Cole said. \u201cRemoving obstructive government regulations in order to ensure our nation\u2019s best air traffic controllers can train the next generation makes sense. Our skies will be safer thanks to this important legislation.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/cole-joint-op-ed-oklahoman-importance-higher-ed-research", "Cole Joint Op-Ed in The Oklahoman: The importance of higher ed research", "2016-12-11", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The Oklahoman - Congressman Tom Cole and Chancellor Glen D. Johnson\n\u00a0\nSupporting our higher education institutions and providing adequate resources for them is a priority that Americans can agree on. Higher education is the backbone for American ingenuity and innovation, and Oklahoma is home to many colleges and universities committed to quality education.\n\u00a0\nAlong with groundbreaking research and enhanced learning opportunities, we must recognize that it takes a dedicated team to establish solid programs. From the security officers who keep our campuses safe to the academic advisers who improve student success, each role is crucial to the vitality of our colleges and universities.\n\u00a0\nCritics continue to refer to \u201cadministrative bloat\u201d in higher education, yet in reality, state system campuses have invested significantly more in academics than in administration during the past nine years. Oklahoma public higher education institutions have increased investment in academic services from 75 to 78 percent of total budgeted revenue while decreasing administration costs from 6.6 to 5.7 percent.\n\u00a0\nRecent criticism has focused on the number of noninstructional staff in higher education, as though these positions contribute less to overall student success. In reality, these positions manage the very systems that support the academic enterprise.\n\u00a0\nThe expansion of in-state health care services provided by the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences resulted in a combined 67 percent increase in noninstructional staff during the past 15 years, including physicians, clinicians and researchers. In fact, approximately 74 percent of employee growth during that time period is directly tied to health care services and research, both of which are largely supported by nonappropriated dollars, including revenue from medical practice plans, health research grants and private donations.\n\u00a0\nGrowth in noninstructional staff also reflects specific requirements to meet federal and state regulations, such as provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title IX compliance, and other essential functions including financial aid, academic advising, campus safety and security, and student mental health services. In the wake of budget cuts to higher education exceeding $153 million earlier this year, higher education institutions have made every effort to protect these academic and student support services, which are critical to continue reaching our college degree and certificate completion goals through Complete College America.\n\u00a0\nThe value of Oklahoma's state system of higher education cannot be overstated. Our 25 public colleges and universities are projected to bring $666 million in sponsored and federal funding into our state in fiscal year 2017. Funding from out-of-state sources cycles into our economy and bolsters state revenues with dollars that could not be generated without our higher education system.\n\u00a0\nSimply put, no other entity in state government strengthens economic and workforce development as directly and comprehensively as public higher education.\n\u00a0\nCole, R-Moore, is Oklahoma's 4th District representative to the U.S. House. Johnson is chancellor of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-supports-water-infrastructure-bill", "Senator Lankford Supports Water Infrastructure Bill", "2016-12-10", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.10.16\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Supports Water Infrastructure Bill \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) made the following statement today in support of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (S. 612), which passed the Senate by a vote of 78 to 21:\r\nThe Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act is a solid infrastructure bill that provides much-needed innovation for numerous projects across the nation, and Oklahoma. It authorizes essential navigation, flood control, and restoration projects, many of them backlogged by the Army Corps of Engineers for years. Of particular interest to Oklahomans are provisions for the Port of Catoosa, federal authorization for the southeast Oklahoma water settlement, a property conveyance for the Grand River Dam Authority, and study of the Tulsa levees, which are in serious need of repair. This legislation allows for continued efforts to ensure life and property in the area are properly protected from flood damage. I am pleased that this bill directs the Army Corps of Engineers to complete, within one year, a previously mandated study to determine whether they hold non-essential properties on their inventory, so that we may turn over these non-essential properties to other entities and reduce the burden on the Corps' maintenance budget. I applaud Senator Inhofe for his tireless work on this bill, and I'm glad Congress has worked together to see this through.\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"], ["http://mullin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=419", "Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Markwayne Mullin", "M001190", "mullin.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 \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, DC,\r\n        December 9, 2016\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      My line-by-line assessment of the pros and cons contained inside of the Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017, often referred to as a Continuing Resolution (CR), can be found below.\r\nCR Pro-Con List 12.7.16.pdf\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.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-oklahoma-industry-leaders-praise-final-passage-of-wiin-oklahoma-priorities", "Inhofe, Oklahoma Industry Leaders Praise Final Passage of WIIN, Oklahoma Priorities", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe, Oklahoma Industry Leaders Praise Final Passage of WIIN, Oklahoma Priorities\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 9, 2016\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.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, praised the final passage of S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, which passed with a strong bipartisan vote of 78-21 and includes a number of provisions integral to Oklahoma.\r\n\u201cI am pleased that the WIIN Act has crossed the finish line with strong, bipartisan support,\u201d Inhofe said. \u201cThis bill \u2013 soon to be law \u2013 fulfills many important Oklahoma priorities. It helps Oklahoma rural electric cooperatives and the families they serve by returning the regulation of coal combustion residuals to states and stopping the Corps from charging fees to cross Corps land.\u00a0\u00a0 The WIIN bill addresses Army Corps projects in Oklahoma by letting the Port of Catoosa and the Port of Muskogee provide services and funds to keep their ports and locks operational, by preventing deauthorization of the project to deepen the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, and by directing the Corps to find solutions for the Tulsa and West Tulsa Levee System. The bill also addresses recreation at Corps lakes in Oklahoma, continuing a program to encourage recreation opportunities, and transferring easements at Grand Lake to the state. WIIN also addresses the Oklahoma, Chickasaw, and Choctaw water agreement and creates opportunities to increase water supplies at Corps reservoirs.\u00a0\u00a0 \r\n\u201cAnother integral aspect of this bill is the assistance it provides to disadvantaged and rural communities in Oklahoma by helping these communities comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act. I am proud of the bipartisan efforts that got this bill across the finish line and I look forward to seeing the benefits to Oklahoma in action.\u201d \r\n\u201cI commend the efforts of Sen. Inhofe for putting forth a bipartisan WRDA bill and keeping the commitment of passing a bill every two years,\u201d said Julie Cunningham, Interim Executive Director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board. \u201cIt is encouraging to see such a comprehensive package of water supply, navigation and other water infrastructure improvements that are vital to our nation\u2019s security and economic growth.\u00a0 I am especially appreciative of the inclusion of Oklahoma\u2019s Indian water rights settlement in this bill.\u00a0 Passage of this agreement is imperative to finalizing this historic, collaborative agreement which provides certainty in the management of Oklahoma\u2019s water resources while reasonably providing for all future water needs.\u201d\r\nOklahoma Provisions Included in WIIN:\r\nARMY CORPS OF ENGINEER PROVISIONS\r\nOklahoma, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Water Agreement\r\nOn Aug. 11, the state of Oklahoma, city of Oklahoma City, and the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations reached a settlement to end a water rights and tribal sovereignty dispute stemming back to the 19th century. The settlement acknowledges tribal sovereignty and meets the tribes\u2019 conservation guidelines for an area that spans over approximately 22 counties in south-central and southeastern Oklahoma while the state of Oklahoma would continue to manage the state\u2019s natural water supply. The deal also guarantees Oklahoma City's long-term access to Southeast Oklahoma as a drinking water source and sets lake limits at levels that meet tribes' recreational, cultural and water use claims. A provision in WIIN provides for the Congressional approval required for the settlement since it involves the Department of Interior and the Army Corps of Engineers.\r\n\u201cI\u2019m glad the Senate passed this legislation and appreciate Senator Inhofe\u2019s efforts to get this matter taken up so quickly. Having a sufficient, reliable supply of water is essential for life, economic development, manufacturing, recreational activities, and important industry sectors like energy and agriculture to name a few. Under the agreement, the state will continue to exercise its authority to manage and protect water resources in Oklahoma.\u00a0 This way, existing uses of water remain secure, and it provides certainty for future development.\u00a0 And the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations will have a voice in specific proceedings addressing water resources within their treaty territories,\u201d said Governor Mary Fallin\r\n\u201cOklahomans should be proud of the efforts of all parties involved in forging this historic water settlement. My office was privileged to work with the Governor, Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations and the City of Oklahoma City and their excellent legal teams to reach an agreement that is of profound benefit to all Oklahomans. I commend Senator Inhofe for his leadership and swift action in getting the agreement in front of Congress. This final step will provide certainty for the management and use of water resources in our state,\u201d said Oklahoma Attorney Gen. Scott Pruitt.\r\n\u00a0\u201cWe appreciate the quick action taken by Senator Inhofe to secure Senate approval of the historic water rights agreement between the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations, the State of Oklahoma and the City of Oklahoma City. His diligent effort on this issue underscores his commitment to serve all Oklahomans. We look forward to working with the House to finalize passage of this historic act this year,\" said Bill Anoatubby, governor, the Chickasaw Nation.\r\n\u201cWe have confidence the water agreement is a good compromise that protects our natural resources in Southeast Oklahoma while addressing the needs of people living in Oklahoma City,\u201d said Chief Gary Batton of the Choctaw Nation. \r\n\u201cOklahoma City\u2019s growth will be propelled by our ability to manage our water and land use. This agreement ensures we have access to water through a clearly defined and orderly process for decades ahead. We are pleased to be part of this agreement and the opportunities it creates for even greater collaboration in the future,\u201d said Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett.\r\nTulsa and West Tulsa Levee System\r\nWIIN authorizes the Corps to develop a plan for modifying the Tulsa and West Tulsa Levee System. The Corps must provide recommendations for modifying the original levee system to address deficiencies identified in the recent levee risk assessment. The bill also requires expedited budget consideration for any parts of the system that are classified as a Class I or Class II (i.e. very high risk) under the Levee Safety Action Classification tool developed by the Corps.\r\n\"Tulsa\u2019s levee system protects more than 10,000 citizens and some $2 billion dollars of infrastructure including two refineries. The Corps of Engineers has determined that our levees are no longer viable. With help from this WIIN resolution we can begin the process of rehabilitating this aging levee system. A levee failure could have catastrophic environmental and economic impacts for the region. I am grateful to Senator Inhofe and his staff for their help in addressing this critical issue,\u201d said Karen Keith, Tulsa County Commissioner, District 2.\r\nProviding Better Protection After a Flooding Disaster\r\nWIIN gives the Corps authority to increase the level of protection when rebuilding a levee after a disaster if the Corps determines it is in the public interest, including consideration of whether the same levee has had to be rebuilt multiple times and whether there is an opportunity to reduce risk of loss of life and property.\r\nMcClellen-Kerr (MKARNS)\r\nWIIN gives the Corps authority to establish partnerships with local entities to ensure safe, functional operation of projects along the waterway. These partnerships allow the Corps to accept and use funds, materials and services donated by non-federal interests to help address the backlog of maintenance at Corps projects. WIIN also makes sure the project to deepen the MKARNS to support increased commerce will not be deauthorized while it is waiting for funding from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund.\r\n\"WIIN will help non-federal public and private entities to assist the Army Corps of Engineers repair and maintain projects on a timely basis. This will help ensure the viability and sustainability of our Nation's Inland Waterway System of which the MKARNS is an integral part! Special thanks are due to our Oklahoma Senior Senator Jim Inhofe, Chairman of EPW, and his committee colleagues, for this invaluable legislation,\u201d said Bob Portiss, port director for the Tulsa Port of Catoosa.\r\nGrand River Dam Authority\r\nWIIN conveys the Army Corps of Engineers easements on Grand Lake to GRDA. Due to multiple authorities overseeing the shoreline of Grand Lake, confusion over the maintenance of easements has led to encroachments. This provision will provide certainty and efficiency for landowners and GRDA when it comes to these easements.\r\n\u201cI think I speak for all Grand Lake residents and businesses in offering our warmest appreciation to Senator Inhofe for resolving this issue. He and his staff have worked diligently over the past couple years to find a reasonable solution to what was becoming an unacceptable situation around the lake. Giving homeowners and businesses the ability to repair retaining walls, which are critical to maintaining the integrity of the Grand Lake shoreline, promotes future growth and economic development around the lake. At the same time, this transfer will ensure the easements are managed to promote the flood control mission of the Corps of Engineers,\u201d said Dan Sullivan, CEO of the Grand River Dam Authority.\r\nOklahoma Electric Coops\r\nElectric cooperatives in Oklahoma have been trying to renew easement agreements with the Corps for their lines that cross Corps property. Unlike prior easement agreements, the Corps is now charging upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars to renew these easements. In WIIN, easement fees will be waived for rural electric co-ops, allowing these non-profits to continue operating without costly fees, the need for new infrastructure, and without raising rates on their customers.\r\n\"Oklahoma's electric cooperatives are grateful for Senator Inhofe's leadership in the passage of the water resources bill. By providing relief from costly easement renewal fees on Corps property, WIIN ensures electric cooperatives can continue to provide safe, affordable and reliable electricity to member-owners,\u201d said Chris Myers, general manager, Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives.\r\nLeveraging Federal Assets to Increase Water Supply\r\nWIIN gives the Corps authority to review proposals made by non-Federal interests to increase water supplies at reservoirs by increasing storage capacity, modifying project management, or accessing water that has been released. Any changes must be carried out under existing authorities and funded by the non-Federal interests, using no federal dollars.\u00a0\u00a0\r\nSupport for Reducing Chlorides in the Red River\r\nSenator Inhofe has been a champion for reducing excessive chlorides in the Red River. WIIN contains several provisions to address this issue, including authorizing the Corps to facilitate transfer of desalination technologies from other countries with academic and institutional knowledge to reduce chlorides.\r\nWIIN also clarifies the WIFIA program established by Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2014 to make sure chloride control is eligible for low cost loans from this program and that funds already expended on reducing chlorides in the Red River count towards the calculation of project costs.\r\nWIIN also establishes a program to provide technical assistance for the development of innovative technologies to address water supply issues, including chloride control, and reauthorizes the Water Desalination Act of 1996.\r\nExpediting Permit Reviews\r\nWIIN expands the current authority for the Corps to accept funds from non-Federal interests to expedite permits for rail transportation projects.\r\nPromotion of Recreational Development Along Corps Projects\r\nWIIN transfers Corps property along the shore of Lake Eufaula to the Department of Interior to hold in trust for use by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to facilitate access to the lake for recreational purposes from land they already own. Furthermore, WIIN continues a demonstration program to promote and enhance recreational experiences on Oklahoma Corps of Engineers lakes. The development on and around lakes provides an important boost to the economy of surrounding communities by bringing visitors and jobs and provides taxpayers that have built these lakes with an additional benefit.\u00a0 WIIN also includes a provision that allows service providers to keep recreation fees they collect at Corps lakes, encouraging the development of more recreational facilities.\r\nEPA WATER ASSISTANCE PROVISIONS\r\nAssistance for Small and Disadvantaged Communities\r\nIn the U.S. we still have underserved communities that lack basic services. WIIN authorizes a grant program to assist small and disadvantaged communities in complying with the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. A priority is given to underserved communities. This section authorizes a total of $300 million over five years.\u00a0\r\nWater Supply Cost Savings\r\nSome community water systems are so small that hooking up to a centralized system is cost-prohibitive. WIIN establishes a drinking water technology clearinghouse to provide information on cost-effective, innovative, and alternative drinking water delivery systems, including systems that are supported by wells.\r\nSmall Treatment Works Technical Assistance\r\nWIIN reauthorizes technical assistance for small drinking water systems.\u00a0 WIIN also authorizes a similar program for drinking water systems on tribal lands.\r\nCOAL ASH PROVISION \r\nThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule on Dec. 19, 2014, to regulate the management and disposal of coal combustion residuals from utilities as a nonhazardous waste under Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).\u00a0 Because of the limited authority under RCRA Subtitle D, the requirements of the EPA rule apply directly to facilities and are enforceable only by citizen suits, not through state or federal permit programs.\u00a0 This legislation amends RCRA to authorize State permit programs, subject to EPA approval and oversight, to regulate coal combustion residual units based on the technical standards in EPA\u2019s rule or state-specific standards that are at least as protective as those in the EPA rule.\r\n\u201cPublic Service Company of Oklahoma and American Electric Power strongly support the water resources bill, and appreciate Senator Inhofe\u2019s strong leadership in its passage. In particular, we applaud the Senator\u2019s efforts on a provision in the WIIN bill that solves the major shortcomings of current federal regulation of coal combustion residuals (CCRs), by giving states the primary authority over CCRs through state permit programs,\u201d said Stuart Solomon, president and COO of the Public Service Company of Oklahoma.\r\n\"EEI thanks Senator Inhofe for his leadership in completing the water resources bill, which contains critically important provisions for the safe management of coal ash. As the EPA\u2019s coal ash regulation goes into effect and our industry begins to close coal ash basins, these legislative provisions will enable states to be more involved in the permitting process for the closure of basins. Permanently closing basins in a manner that puts safety first, protects the environment, and minimizes impacts to communities and customers is vitally important to our industry,\u201d said Tom Kuhn, president of the Edison Electric Institute.\r\n\u201cAmerica\u2019s electric co-ops are extremely grateful to Chairman Inhofe for championing the WIIN Act, which will bolster co-ops\u2019 efforts to provide affordable and reliable electricity to rural America. Because of his hard work, this bill promotes critical infrastructure projects pertaining to hydropower, flood control, water supply and emergency management. This bill is a win for America\u2019s rural electric consumers, and we appreciate the chairman\u2019s unwavering support for provisions that inject greatly needed certainty into the regulation of coal ash by giving states clear permitting authority and reducing litigation,\u201d said Jim Matheson, CEO of NRECA.\r\n\u201cOG&E greatly appreciates Senator Inhofe\u2019s leadership in including his coal ash provision in the \u2018Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act\u2019 conference report. His provision resolves a legislative stalemate to the satisfaction of both the electric industry and environmentalist community. The Inhofe provision brings legal certainty and predictability to the generation of electricity that will benefit Oklahoma electric customers, beneficial users of coal ash and the environment,\u201d said Paul Renfrow, vice president of public affairs for OG&E Energy Corp.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-senate-passage-of-cr", "Inhofe Statement on Senate Passage of CR", "2016-12-09", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Statement on Senate Passage of CR\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 9, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), today released a statement in response to the Senate passage of H.R. 2028, the Continuing Resolution (CR), which prevents a government shutdown, provides additional funding for U.S. troops overseas and funds the government through April 28, 2017. The CR passed the Senate by a vote of 63-36.\r\nThe CR passed the House of Representatives Dec. 8 by a vote of 326-96.\r\n\u201cUnfortunately, and only because of Senate Democrats Obstruction, passing the Continuing Resolution today was a necessary measure,\u201d Inhofe said. \u201cSenate Democrats prevented this Republican-led congress from passing the 12 appropriations bills through regular order, which is what we should be doing every year. In fact, Senate Democrats blocked defense related appropriations bills six separate times; essentially using our military as their negotiating tool in their attempt to increase federal funding for social program slush funds.\r\n\u201cThis CR, was a last resort but will keep the government open and will allow us to proceed into next year and the new administration smoothly. Passing the CR ensures essential funding for our troops overseas who have been chronically underfunded by the Obama Administration. Lastly, this CR includes language that will allow for a quick confirmation of Gen. Mattis as President-elect Trump\u2019s Secretary of Defense. It is my hope that next year we return to funding our government through regular order.\u201d\u00a0\r\nSen. Inhofe authored the following op-eds on the importance of funding the government through regular order:\r\nBack to Work: Supporting Veterans & Military Bases\r\nBack to Work: Supporting Transportation & Aviation\r\nBack to Work: Supporting Energy & Infrastructure\r\nBack to Work: Funding our Military\r\nBackground:\r\nDefense Spending\r\nThe CR includes a $1.6 billion increase in defense spending over current levels. Additionally, $5.8 billion in new funding is being provided to support troops serving in the fight against ISIL through the Overseas Contingency Operations account.\u00a0\r\nKC-46 \r\nOur nation\u2019s air refueling fleet is crucial to the future of our national security. The KC-46A will replace our aging KC-135 tanker aircraft. The KC-46 helps ensure the viability of our Air Force as a global force. Inhofe supported legislation that fully funds the KC-46 program for $121.7 million for fiscal year 2017 . Altus Air Force Base will be one of seven bases to receive the KC-46 starting Aug. 2017 and will receive $11.6 million to complete the KC-46 Simulator Facility Phase 2. Tinker Air Force Base, selected to provide all depot maintenance for the KC-46, will receive $17 million in military construction for a KC\u201346A Depot System Fuel Laboratory.\r\nGen. Mattis Confirmation\r\nThe legislation includes language that would allow for the expedited consideration of the waiver necessary to approve the nomination of Gen. Mike Mattis to be Secretary of Defense in the new Trump Administration. Mattis, who retired from the military three years ago, requires this waiver because current law requires military officials to be retired at least seven years prior to being appointed Secretary of Defense.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://mullin.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=418", "Mullin Applauds Passage of Water Bill", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "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 S. 612, Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN):\r\r\u201cWIIN delivers a major victory for Oklahoma and includes several priorities important to its citizens, and I am proud to support its passage,\u201d Mullin said.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d like to thank Senator Inhofe for the role he has played in the inclusion of Oklahoman priorities to WIIN.\u00a0 As the Chairman of the Energy and Public Works Committee, he has been instrumental in crafting these provisions for the benefit of Oklahomans.\u201d\r\rWithin the WIIN is the final water settlement agreed upon between the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes and Oklahoma City.\u00a0 The settlement will allow the state to maintain its permitting and administrative authority, and the Indian tribes will undergo evaluations of water allocation processes.\u00a0 Additionally, it will include lake level release restrictions to allow Oklahoma City to continue to utilize Sardis Lake for recreation, fishing, and wildlife habitats.\u00a0\r\r\u201cThe water rights dispute in south-central and southeastern Oklahoma has a long and complex history, and I am glad to see the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations, the State of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma City work together to agree upon this settlement,\u201d Mullin added.\u00a0 \u201cWater is one of our most precious resources, and I am pleased that parties with differing interests can come to an agreement for the good of Oklahoma, and its natural resources.\u201d\u00a0\r\rIt also includes a provision that allows the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to accept and use funds, equipment, and labor from private entities in the event of a failure or maintenance issue that the Corps does not have the resources to fix.\u00a0 The McClellan\u2013Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) and the ports in Oklahoma\u2019s Second District brings in millions of dollars each day to Oklahoma\u2019s economy.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\r\r\u201cThe McClellan-Kerr and its ports are essential to Oklahoma\u2019s revenue stream and we can\u2019t allow a lock or dam failure to impede it as a source of income for the state and hamper our economy,\u201d Mullin added.\u00a0 \u201cWIIN makes sure that the Corps would deliver the resources necessary to navigational systems in the event of emergencies.\u201d\r\rAnother win for Oklahoma is the Fountainhead land transfer from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Muscogee (Creek) Nation.\u00a0 Creek Nation will pay fair market value for the land and the Department of Interior will hold the land in trust for Creek Nation.\u00a0\u00a0\r\r\u201cWith the transfer of the Fountainhead land, Creek Nation can develop the resources on the land and utilize the land as they see fit.\u00a0 History has proven Native American tribes to be noble stewards of our nation\u2019s land, and with this transfer they will be able to create jobs and increase development for the benefit of their tribe,\u201d said Mullin.\u00a0\r\rS. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act passed the House by a vote of 360 \u2013 61.\u00a0 The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.\u00a0\r\r###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-supports-nomination-oklahoma-attorney-general-scott-pruitt-epa", "Cole Supports Nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt for EPA Administrator", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after President-Elect Donald Trump nominated Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to serve as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Pruitt has served as the Oklahoma Attorney General since 2010.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI am extremely pleased with President-Elect Trump\u2019s decision to appoint Attorney General Scott Pruitt to lead the EPA,\u201d said Cole. \u201cThis is what I predict to be one of Mr. Trump\u2019s best appointments.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cI\u2019ve been privileged to know Scott Pruitt since he was a young State Senator in Oklahoma back in 1996. During his time in the State Senate and as Attorney General, he has proven to be an energetic, hard-working visionary, and an exceptional public servant. He is a person of absolute integrity and a man with rock-solid conservative credentials and convictions.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cScott knows how to enforce regulations in a way that values economic opportunity, while simultaneously protecting the health and safety of the American people. I have no doubt he will strike the right balance between protecting our land, air and water while respecting the rights of property owners and entrepreneurs,\u201d concluded Cole.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-supports-passage-further-continuing-and-security-assistance", "Cole Supports Passage of the Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the passage of the short-term Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017 (Continuing Resolution), H.R. 2028, which passed by a vote of 326-96\u00a0. This legislation prevents a government shutdown and will continue funding federal programs and agencies until April 28, 2017.\n\u00a0\n\u201cFunding our federal government is perhaps the most basic responsibility of Congress. I\u2019m pleased that we met this responsibility, and prevented another government shutdown,\u201d said Cole. \u201cI\u2019d like to congratulate Chairman Hal Rogers and Ranking Member Nita Lowey for crafting an important appropriations measure and ensuring that critical programs and agencies have the resources they need to serve our citizens.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cI am also pleased that several adjustments were made to make sure important defense programs will continue to function without interruption, and that important healthcare initiatives in Oklahoma will continue support our Native American communities.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cWhile the government will be funded through April, this is certainly not an ideal way to run the government. \u00a0\u201cCongress could have, and should have, passed the necessary appropriations bills that would have funded the government through Fiscal Year 2017. Instead, we are essentially putting the government on auto-pilot without taking into consideration the changing needs and circumstances of each government agency.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cRather than finishing its work, Congress is kicking the can down the road. I encourage my colleagues to proceed expeditiously in consideration of appropriations measures for the rest of Fiscal Year 2017 and for Fiscal Year 2018. I hope we can do a better job returning to regular order in the New Year, and get things done,\u201d concluded Cole.\n\u00a0\nOf importance, the Continuing Resolution (H.R. 2028) will include:\n\u00a0\n \n\t\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Maintains key defense programs to continue, including the KC-46A Tanker\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 More than $9 billion for Overseas Contingency Funding (OCO) for overseas defense programs and military efforts against ISIS and terrorism\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $4.1 billion in emergency disaster relief for areas affected by severe weather and flood damage\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 $872 million for the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016, comprehensive legislation that will provide support for medical research, drug approval and innovation at the National Institutes of Health\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Continuation of Federal Aviation Administration air travel operations and air safety programs\n\t\n \u00a0\nTo read more about the Further Continuing and Security Assistance Appropriations Act, 2017, please click here.\n###\nContact: Teresa Davis (202) 225-6165", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-supports-passage-s-612-and-oklahoma-water-rights-settlement", "Cole Supports Passage of S. 612 and Oklahoma Water Rights Settlement", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the passage of S. 612, the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, which was passed by a vote of 360-61. This legislation would authorize appropriations for numerous water infrastructure projects, natural resources projects, settlements, and much more. Included as well is the Oklahoma Water Rights Settlement between the city of Oklahoma City, the state of Oklahoma, the Chickasaw Nation and the Choctaw Nation.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation that will improve the well-being for millions of Americans through valuable water projects,\u201d said Cole. \u201cIt will address the on-going water issues in Flint, Michigan, provide federal funds for numerous water infrastructure projects and consummate many water settlements for Native American tribes across the United States. For Oklahomans, it will finalize the water settlement between the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations and Oklahoma City.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThe Oklahoma Water Rights Settlement has been litigated for over five years, and upon passage of S. 612, the settlement is made final. The areas of contention are the Sardis Lake and Kiamichi watershed in south-central and southeastern Oklahoma. The conflict has grown over the water rights ownership and regulatory authority between the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations\u2019 territories, and the city of Oklahoma City. In 2011, the Chickasaw and Choctaw Nations filed a lawsuit against the city of Oklahoma City for withdrawing water from Sardis Lake.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis has been an on-going conflict that not only affects the parties involved, but everyone in these areas as well,\u201d said Cole. \u201cThis is important to many people. But we must realize that Tribal Sovereignty, the right to govern and the defining of those rights must be honored for the Chickasaws and the Choctaws. This settlement allows them to retain that distinction, protects the interests of the people living in those areas and provides security for Oklahoma City\u2019s water needs.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cI\u2019d like to give Senator Inhofe credit for recognizing the delicate nature of this conflict and bringing this measure to the comprehensive Water Infrastructure Improvements Act. And further, I\u2019d like to thank Chairman Bill Shuster and Chairman Rob Bishop for working with us to make sure this provision was included in the final version of the bill, and that it will receive federal approval by Congress,\u201d continued Cole.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI deeply appreciate everyone who represented the stakeholders in this process, and applaud them for coming to this important agreement in an expeditious and cooperative manner. It is unusual for Indian Water Settlements to finalize in a short amount of time, and at a lower cost. This settlement will relieve all parties of the legal burdens it has brought, and benefit everyone interested in this matter. Surely, this will serve as a model for water settlements in the future,\u201d concluded Cole.\n\u00a0\nOf importance, the Oklahoma Water Settlement will also:\n\u00a0\n \n\t\tProvide a limit on the amount of water Oklahoma City may export from Sardis Lake each year\n\t\n\t\n\t\tCreate a $10 million fund to support recreational use, fish and wildlife habitat and environmental protections at Sardis and Atoka Lake\n\t\n \u00a0\nFor more information on the water settlement, please click here.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-issues-statement-passing-john-glenn", "Congressman Russell Issues Statement on the Passing of John Glenn", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) issued the following statement after hearing about the passing of Senator John Glenn:\n\u00a0\n\u201cToday, we lost a pioneer, a distinguished statesman, and an honored World War II and Korean War veteran. Any one of these accomplishments would be worthy of praise, but John Glenn did it all. From flying 59 combat missions in the Pacific and 63 in Korea, to being the first American to orbit the Earth, to running for President and serving the people of Ohio as their Senator for 25 years, John Glenn was an inspiration to our country, and he will be missed. I pray for his family, loved ones, and all who knew him.\u201d\n  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-supports-passage-of-fy17-ndaa-includes-key-oklahoma-provisions", "Inhofe Supports Passage of FY\u201917 NDAA, Includes Key Oklahoma Provisions", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Supports Passage of FY\u201917 NDAA, Includes Key Oklahoma Provisions\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 8, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON \u2013\u00a0U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (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 2017 (FY 17). The legislation passed by a vote of 92 to 7, sending the bill to the president for his signature.\r\nThe NDAA passed the House by a vote of 375 to 34 on Friday, Dec. 2.\r\n\u201cFor the 55th consecutive year, Congress is sending a defense authorization bill to the president. This bill begins a turnaround for our national security and our military, halting eight years of personnel cuts and a dramatic decline in readiness\u201d\u00a0said Inhofe.\u00a0\u201cI voted to advance this legislation once again because it authorizes necessary funding for our national security, focuses on increasing combat readiness, authorizes additional resources for our troops overseas, institutes efficiency and cost-saving reforms\u00a0and supports our service members and their families.\u201d \r\n\u201cThis bill ensures our service members will receive pay and benefits, training, education, and ready equipment. It funds increased troop strength for every service over the President\u2019s Budget Request, raises service member pay 2.1 percent, protects and improves military health care for service members, their families and our veterans, protects our commissaries, funds acquisition and modernization of our equipment, and increases funding of the depot maintenance of our vehicles, ships and aircraft.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis bill authorizes a $9 billion increase in defense spending over the President\u2019s Budget Request including $5.8 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations budget and an additional $3.2 billion to address readiness issues in the base budget. While this funding is a step in the right direction, it does not come close to addressing the defense readiness shortfalls created over the past eight years. Finally, this bill prohibits another Base Realignment and Closure Round, and authorizes $77 million in military construction for Oklahoma. The NDAA keeps restrictions on closing the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, keeps restrictions on the release of the terrorists being detained there, and prohibits bringing them to the United States.\u00a0 \r\n\u201cOur nation is being confronted by global threats unlike anything I have seen in my lifetime. Accepting the downsizing of our military to levels not seen since before World War II is dangerous and is having grave repercussions around the globe. I look forward to working with President-elect Trump to rebuild our military. \r\nThe following are provisions Inhofe authored or supported, many of which support the military presence in Oklahoma:\r\nE-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)\r\nInhofe addressed the need to continue the full funding of the Air Force\u2019s block 40/45 upgrades to the technologically aging E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). AWACS have been in constant demand, supporting overseas contingency operations as well as supporting homeland defense for over the past two decades. The AWACS fleet, based entirely at Tinker Air Force Base, entered the service in the late 1970s and in order to remain ahead of the threat the internal systems need to be upgraded. Inhofe also ensured the restriction on retiring AWACS, Compass Call and J-STARS platforms was maintained through 2017.\r\n\u201cThe E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System, AWACS, is a part of the Air Force\u2019s mobile strike force that provides deep look surveillance, interception control and battle management.\u00a0It is a critical leg of this nation\u2019s defense and because of its capability is heavily deployed.\u00a0It is not only critical to the security of the Nation, but also to the economic health of Oklahoma City and Oklahoma by providing highly skilled jobs necessary for the maintenance of this highly complex weapon system at Tinker Air Force Base.\u00a0The E-3 is aging, coming into service in the 1970s, and is in need of updates on a number of critical systems.\u00a0One of these upgrades is the Block 40/45 modification that ensures the E-3\u2019s technological edge in battle field management.\u00a0This modification is installed at Tinker Air Force Base by Oklahoma professionals.\u00a0Sen. Inhofe was directly responsible for the full funding of this critical program in the appropriation process.\u201d\u2013 Randy Young, director of military aviation and aerospace for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber\r\nPaladin Integrated Management (PIM)\r\nThe PIM program is critical to the Army. Assembled in Elgin and operated on Fort Sill, PIM is the primary indirect fire weapons platform in the Army\u2019s Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT) and is necessary to the modernization of the Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer and the U.S. artillery force. The PIM program upgrades both the M109A6 Paladin Howitzer and its companion ammunition resupply vehicle, the M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicle (FAASV). PIM incorporates many new survivability enhancements to greatly increase the force protection levels of the crewmembers. It significantly improves force protection and survivability and reduces a logistics burden for the ABCT field artillery soldiers. Inhofe included language in the bill that voiced strong support for the PIM upgrade to the M109A6 Paladin and successfully supported legislation in the NDAA that authorizes full funding at $469.3 million to acquire 36 new PIMs.\r\n\u201cWe continue to be thankful for Sen. Inhofe\u2019s dedication and tenacity in his efforts to strengthen our military. The inclusion of the PIM program in the National Defense Authorization Act will not only make our soldier\u2019s safer in future combat missions, it will also greatly benefit Southwest Oklahoma.\u201d\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Bill Burgess, civilian assistant to the Secretary of the Army\r\nB-21 Long Range Strike Bomber\r\nThe Department of Defense\u00a0(DOD) continues to pursue the acquisition of the B-21 for operating in anti-access/area denial environments, a bomber that will be capable of carrying both precision-guided conventional and nuclear weapons. This aircraft, once fielded, could be sustained at Tinker Air Force Base, like it does for the B-1 and B-52. Inhofe supported fully funding the B-21 program at $1.36 billion. Inhofe supported an amendment in the SASC committee that would require the Air Force to disclose the value of the B-21 Long Range Strike Bomber Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD) contract award to congressional defense committee members.\r\n\u201cWe need\u00a0an Air Force that can respond when called upon with the capability to quickly defeat any foe in all domains and in any part of the globe.\u00a0The B-21 will be the key for that capability far into the future. We must have an Air Force whose capabilities strike fear and cause any adversary to always pause and have second thoughts.\u00a0This\u00a0element of deterrence is essential and must be sustained.\u201d\u00a0\u2013 Mark Tarpley, president of the Air Force Association Gerrity Chapter\r\nMC-12W Liberty\r\nInhofe worked to ensure full funding for the beddown, training and operations of the MC-12W aircraft flown by the 137th\u00a0Special Operations Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard, at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base. The MC-12W is a medium-to low-altitude, twin-engine turboprop aircraft that provides intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) support directly to military forces on the ground. The 137th will help fill the growing worldwide requirement for ISR.\r\n\u201cAs Air Force Special Operations Command's newest Air National Guard Special Operations Wing, the 137 SOW continues to build future capability to support our deployed ground troops operate anytime, anyplace with maximum effectiveness. It is imperative that we have the most modern and up to date training equipment and facilities for our airmen in this endeavor. The support we enjoy from Sen. Inhofe's leadership and the SASC ensures proper funding toward this goal and is a key element toward our wing's success. Our ability to properly fund, organize, train and equip the Air National Guard's premier manned Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance wing is greatly enhanced as a result of his support.\u201d\u00a0\u2013 Col. Devin Wooden, 137th Commander, Will Rogers Air National Guard Base.\r\nKC-46A Procurement and Basing\r\nOur nation\u2019s air refueling fleet is crucial to the future of our national security. The KC-46A will replace our aging KC-135 tanker aircraft. The KC-46 helps ensure the viability of our Air Force as a global force. Inhofe supported legislation that fully funds the KC-46 program for $121.7 million for FY17. Altus Air Force Base will be one of seven bases to receive the KC-46 starting August 2017 and will receive $11.6 million to complete the KC-46 Simulator Facility Phase 2. Tinker Air Force Base, selected to provide all depot maintenance for the KC-46, will receive $17 million in military construction for a KC\u201346A Depot System Fuel Laboratory.\r\n\u201cAs the Chairman of the Altus Military Affairs Committee, I am grateful for the tremendous support to Altus from Senator Jim Inhofe and his persistent work with the Senate Armed Services Committee, Oklahoma delegation and the United States Air Force throughout the development and delivery of the KC-46A.\u00a0Full funding of the KC-46A at such a critical phase of development is absolutely essential to program success.\u00a0Completion of the KC-46A simulator facility will significantly enhance and jump start aircrew training in advance of aircraft delivery in the summer of 2017.\u00a0 For over 70 years, Altus Air Force Base\u00a0 has played a critical role in providing for the common defense of our great nation.\u00a0Delivery of the KC-46A to Altus Air Force Base coupled with the KC-135 and C-17 training will capitalize a unique synergistic benefit to both meet and exceed global force requirements for the future of our national security.\u201d\u2013 Dr. Joe Leverett, chairman of the Altus Military Affairs Committee\r\nOther Military Construction Projects for Oklahoma\r\nTinker Air Force Base will receive $26 million for an AWACS Mission and Flight Simulator Training Facility. Ardmore will receive $22 million for a new National Guard Readiness Center.\r\nF-16 Mission Training Centers\r\nInhofe included language in the Senate NDAA report that encouraged the Air Force and Air National Guard to field additional F\u201316 block 40/50 Mission Training Centers (MTC) that remotely connect to virtual networks to perform enterprise-wide training and mission rehearsal across diverse geographical locations. Additional MTC locations would provide Air National Guard aircrews the necessary continuity of training between live and virtual scenarios required to attain and sustain full combat mission readiness while reducing operations tempo, flying hour, and travel costs. The President\u2019s Budget request only contained $15.2 million for F-16 aircraft support equipment and facilities.\u00a0Inhofe supported adding $24.8 million for the procurement of additional F-16 MTCs for the Air National Guard. One possible basing location for the MTC is at the Tulsa Air National Guard Base at Tulsa Airport. The City of Tulsa approved $9.4 million for a simulator building that would house the MTC.\r\n\u201cFielding additional F-16 MTCs in the National Guard is critical to full spectrum readiness of the total force.\u00a0 The MTCs allows employment of the entire F-16s weapons inventory in a real world threat environment with no training or range restrictions. Fielding the MTC in Tulsa will reduce overall training costs for DOD.\u201d \u2013 Col. Raymond H. Siegfried III, Commander, 138th Fighter Wing, Oklahoma Air National Guard\r\nDepot Maintenance\r\nIn response to a request by the Air Force to address funding shortages for readiness, Inhofe supported increased funding for all depots to increase readiness which includes maintenance of nine separate Air Force aircraft to include the KC-135, E-4B National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC), E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), B-52 and B-2 aircraft that are all sustained at Tinker Air Force Base.\r\n\u201cThe men and women at Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex repair and overhaul Air Force front line weapon systems including the B-52, E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System and the KC-135, which is the backbone of the aerial refueling fleet. Not only does increased funding have a positive impact on Tinker Air Force Base, it also helps secure the entire country by maintaining a superior level of service for these critical weapon systems.\u201d\u2013 Randy Young, director of military aviation and aerospace for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber\r\nWeapons Sustainment Strategy\r\nOne of DOD\u2019s most pressing concerns is the readiness of its weapon systems and the cost to sustain readiness. The Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 directed a GAO review of the growth in operating and support costs of major weapon systems, which found key information missing to manage life-cycle costs. Inhofe authored an amendment that was adopted and included in the Senate NDAA directing the Secretary of Defense to submit a report on the strategy for weapon system sustainment to the congressional defense committees in the House and Senate no later than Jan. 2, 2017. The strategy should cover the entire logistics lifecycle from production through battlefield use, retrograde and organic repair or modification, or disposal. The Sustainment Center at Tinker Air Force Base will play a critical role in the development and implementation of this strategy.\r\n\u201cTinker Air Force Base, home of the Air Force Sustainment Center, will play a major role of helping plan for the cost effective sustainment of the Air Force\u2019s aging weapon systems while at the same time financing new systems such as the KC-46A. We applaud Sen. Inhofe for being at the forefront of this issue which will allow not only Tinker, but all our nation\u2019s sustainment centers to better manage resources.\u201d\u2013 Roy Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber\r\nMissile Defense\r\nMissile defense is a vital strategic tool that is necessary to defend the United States and its allies. An avid supporter of missile defense since its true beginnings under President Ronald Reagan, Inhofe continued to push and support language to improve missile defense for the United States and Israel. Inhofe supported increasing funding for the Missile Defense agency by $115 million, which will provide for necessary modernization of the U.S. ground based missile defense system needed to enhance protection of the homeland against the growing long-range ballistic missile threats from Iran, North Korea and other countries. Israel, our long-time ally, faces imminent threat from Iran. Inhofe supported increasing funding for U.S.-Israeli missile defense programs to include funding for continued development of Arrow, Arrow 3 and David\u2019s Sling, as well as procurement of Tamir interceptors for Iron Dome.\r\n\u201cGiven current missile defense capabilities, there is reason to have concerns about the ability to defend the entire United States from 6 to 12 increasing North Korean KN-08 nuclear ballistic missiles between now and 2020, due to the use of a very conservative low risk shot doctrine of 4 or more interceptors per warhead to get as close to 100 percent confidence as possible against a nuclear weapon. This is an extremely serious national security problem and one that requires an urgent enhancement of our missile defense capabilities today in the Pacific, and increasing all of our missile defenses to protect our entire population whether they are in Hawaii, California, Washington D.C. or Alaska. We cannot tolerate unnecessary risk to our population from a nuclear attack when there are current, unused missile defense assets that can be acquired, turned on and put in place to help resolve the problem and reduce the risk until 2020.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Riki Ellison, chairman and founder of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance\r\nCounter-Narcotics Program for National Guard\r\nFor 22 years, the National Guard Counter Drug (NGCD) program has had a partnership with federal, state and local law enforcement to safeguard our communities from drugs and drug violence. Inhofe supported language that fully funds the FY17 program at $87 million.\r\n\u201cFully funding the National Guard Counter Drug (NGCD) program allows Oklahoma National Guard personnel to work with federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement agencies to reduce the influx of illicit narcotics to the State.\u00a0Oklahoma's NGCD personnel work at all levels of government to anticipate, deter, and defeat threats in order to enhance national security and protect our society and also help ensure the Oklahoma National Guard's ability to provide a drug free military force to support federal and state active duty missions.\u201d\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Col. Louis W. Wilham,\u00a0Assistant Adjutant General for the Oklahoma Army National Guard\r\nSea Cadets\r\nThe U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) makes significant contributions in the development of our nation\u2019s youth, the recruitment efforts of the Navy and the awareness of the Navy and its mission. Since its inception in 1958, the USNSCC has trained over 170,000 young Americans. Inhofe included language in this year\u2019s NDAA that fully funds the program at $1.72 million. This support will help grow the program to 410 units across all 50 states, to include cadets in Oklahoma.\r\n\u201cThe U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps has a rich heritage in developing the values of good citizenship and strong moral principles of our nation's youth. Through our training programs, cadets learn lessons that will serve them well throughout their adult lives, making them better Sailors and civilians. Full program funding guarantees the best possible naval training opportunities for more than 9,000 cadets nationwide. We are excited about what this means for our program, for our cadets, and for the future of our country. We thank Sen. Inhofe and his staff for their exceptional support of the Sea Cadet program.\u201d\u00a0\u2013\u00a0U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Executive Director, CAPT Henry J. Nyland, USN (Ret)\r\nCivil Air Patrol\r\nCivil Air Patrol is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit corporation serving as official auxiliary of the Air Force, and continues to play a role in Oklahoma. With operating locations in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Lawton, Norman and Muskogee, volunteers perform emergency and disaster relief ops, aerospace, counter-drug and homeland security and courier service missions. Inhofe supported legislation that provided an additional $2.8 million to fund the Civil Air Patrol operation at $28.5 million for FY17. This additional funding will provide for crucial aircraft and national communications upgrades.\r\n\u201cAs we mark our 75th\u00a0year of service to the United States, the importance of Civil Air Patrol\u2019s (CAP) missions has never been greater. In Oklahoma, our nearly 800 unpaid professionals provide support to state agencies following natural disasters, assist in searching for missing persons and survey low-level military training routes to ensure those routes remain hazard-free and safe for use by the U.S. Air Force. Additionally, we administer the finest youth program in America, developing the next generation of leaders through our cadet program. In 2015, the value of the volunteer hours we provided to the state of Oklahoma was nearly $2 million, a true bargain given today\u2019s economy.\u201d\u00a0\u2013 Col. Dale Newell, CAP Oklahoma Wing Commander\r\nCivilian Hiring\r\nOur military, and specifically our depots, are suffering from a shortage of civilian skilled workers. This workforce is the backbone of the sustainment and combat capability of our entire military \u2013 every service and every weapon system. This workforce maintains aging equipment, adopts new technologies,\u00a0and is consistently recognized by industry as the benchmark of success. Because of their abilities, the workload demands continue to grow along with the need for higher levels of technological skill sets. Our ability to recruit and hire this workforce is being impacted by an ineffective and inefficient hiring system. Inhofe authored language in the bill that allows for direct hiring of civilians for DOD and hiring flexibility for term and temporary civilian employees. This will help Tinker Air Force Base and the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant.\r\n\u201cTinker Air Force Base is home to the largest group of civilian Air Force personnel in the country and workers perform maintenance on a vast array of aircraft, engines, components and accessories. The ability to expedite the hiring process and directly hire qualified employees will allow the base to fulfill the growing sustainment needs of our nation\u2019s fleets. Late in 2015, Tinker embarked on a program to hire 1,000 employees in 100 days. Due to the current hiring system, they were not able to reach that goal. As the workload continues to increase at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, it is imperative that employees can be added in a timely fashion to ensure our nation\u2019s security.\u201d\u00a0\u2013 Roy Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber\r\nBase Realignment and Closure Prohibition\r\nInhofe supported language that makes clear that nothing in the FY\u201917 NDAA shall be construed to authorize a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round next year, which was included in the president\u2019s proposed budget. Inhofe believes that the United States has reduced force capability to an unacceptable level, and that it should not be brought down any further in the near term. The reported excess infrastructure of our military is based on a force structure too small to provide for the security of our nation at a time where global threats are greater than any on our lifetime. Inhofe also recognizes the announcement of a BRAC round will negatively impact every military community due to uncertainty of their future and cost the taxpayer billions in this tough economic climate for savings that will not be realized for another 20 years.\r\n\u201cI agree that no authorization of a future BRAC should occur until it is determined what our National Defense and National Security Strategy is to adequately defend our nation. That would include understanding everything that would be necessary to carry it out, such as troop strength, weapons, material and supplies.\u201d\u00a0\u2013 Michael Cooper, chairman of the Oklahoma Strategic Military Planning Commission and president of the Association on Defense Communities\r\nProtecting Commissary Benefit\r\nFor the second year in a row, in true bipartisan fashion, Inhofe and Mikulski co-sponsored an amendment to block the privatization of the DOD commissary system, which was adopted by a vote of 70-28. This language received wide support inside and outside of Congress with over 40 organizations publically endorsing the language. A study of the commissary system conducted by DOD disagreed with privatization and in turn identified performance measures to reduce reliance on appropriated funds while preserving this benefit for our service members and their families.\u00a0Language in the bill includes implementation flexible pricing in the defense commissaries, introduction of private label products, improvement in commissary store operations and conversion of the commissary system to a non-appropriated fund (NAF) entity.\u00a0 However, none of these changes can impact overall savings and benefits to our military members and their families.\r\n\u201cWe salute this bipartisan effort led by Sens. Inhofe and Mikulski slowed down the train on allowing the commissary benefit to freefall in the commercial marketplace.\u00a0Commissaries are a benefit and a lifeline for patrons that give so much back to the DOD and the Nation, both in dollars and compassion, far in excess of resources that they consume.\u00a0It\u2019s a benefit that millions of patrons rely on and provides the most to those who need it the most. This is not the first time senators have stepped forward to ensure responsible and orderly processes to reform the commissary benefit without wrecking a program that has been so carefully and thoughtfully built over the years. Passage of this amendment will allow a responsible and orderly assessment of the merits and pitfalls of outright privatization and the multitude of direct and indirect effects.\u201d\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Candace Wheeler, vice president of strategic marketing and communications for the Coalition to Save our Military Shopping Benefit\r\nOne year extension of payment of Special Survivor Indemnity Allowances under the Survivor Benefit Plan\r\nInhofe worked to include language that amends section 1450 of Title 10 of the U.S. Code to permanently extend the authority to pay the Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance (SSIA) at the monthly rate currently payable for F.Y. 17 when it was set to expire. The final bill extents payment for one year. SSIA is a program for surviving spouses who are the beneficiary of the Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity and their SBP annuity is partially or fully offset by the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). SSIA also applies to the surviving spouses of members who died on active duty whose SBP annuity is partially or fully offset by their DIC.\r\nImpact Aid\r\nInhofe was again successful in ensuring language that authorizes $25 million in supplemental Impact Aid to local educational agencies and schools with military dependent children as well as an additional $5 million in Impact Aid for schools with military dependent children with severe disabilities.\r\nA provision Inhofe also authored fixed language affecting Impact Aid that was included in the Every Student Succeeds Act\u00a0(ESSA) in Dec. 2015, that resulted in an error that inadvertently disqualified some districts from the program. His provision also delays a provision in ESSA related to the formula for qualification for the heavily impacted section of Impact Aid to provide additional time to collect data on the effects on participating school districts, and it and modifies language regarding the heavily impacted program to align with congressional intent to ensure annual payments to one district experiencing changing demographics were not beyond congressional intent. This was necessary to ensure other districts in the program didn\u2019t experience hundreds of millions of dollars in payment reductions due to unexpected payments to another district, which would have resulted in Oklahoma\u2019s Impact Aid being cut by $450,000.\r\n\u201cEducation is a local and state issue, not a federal issue, so many people do not understand how Impact Aid differs from other examples of federal overreach into education. Impact Aid simply replaces a portion of local and state property taxes which would otherwise be lost due to federal and tribal properties.\u00a0The program comes with few strings, and it directly serves the students intended.\u00a0It is limited, responsible, and tied to legitimate needs.\u00a0For these reasons, Impact Aid is the ideal model for responsible federal spending at the local level. I applaud Sen. Inhofe for his commitment to this program and to the local school districts impacted.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0\u2013 Tom Deighan, superintendent for Lawton Public Schools\r\nSTARBASE\r\nThe purpose of STARBASE is to improve the knowledge and skills of students in kindergarten through 12th grade in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects and to motivate them to explore STEM as they continue their education. STARBASE currently operates at 76 locations in 40 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, primarily on military installations. To date, nearly 750,000 students have participated in the program. STARBASE is a highly effective program run by our dedicated service members and strengthens the relationships between the military, communities and local school districts. While the President\u2019s Budget eliminated funding for the program, Inhofe co-sponsored language that will provide $25 million for STARBASE in FY\u201917. The Oklahoma Air National Guard runs the state\u2019s STARBASE program out of two locations, the Will Rogers Air National Guard Base and the Tulsa Air National Guard Base, with over 4,500 students participating every year.\r\n\u201cThe success of our military's ability to defend and secure our nation depends on the work of highly skilled scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and technology experts. Together, members of the Armed Services, DOD STARBASE, our educational system and local community alliances collaborate in response to this military need.\u00a0Through these partnerships, STARBASE plays a critical role in increasing the quantity and quality of STEM professionals dedicated to fortifying our national security and protecting our citizens.\u201d\u00a0\u2013 Col. Louis W. Wilham, Assistant Adjutant General for the Oklahoma Army National Guard\r\nMilitary Health Care Reform\r\nThe bill begins a multi-year modernization of the military health care system, turning it from a \u2018system-first\u2019 culture to a \u2018patient-first\u2019 culture. It includes organizational changes\u00a0at the Defense Health Agency through each of the services and down to the Military Treatment Facilities, and also modernizes TRICARE by establishing three options to better fiscally meet the needs of our servicemembers and veterans. Due to concerns about how the DOD would institute the proposed changes to the military health care system, Inhofe authored two amendments that were adopted that prevent any actions being taken to consolidate the defense and services medical departments or realign any infrastructure of and health care services provided by the military treatment facilities (MTF) until a comprehensive report is provided to Congress that details how these changes will impact health care being provided to our service members, their families and our veterans.\r\nMedically Necessary Food\r\nInhofe authored language that requires \u201cmedically necessary food\u201d to be covered under the TRICARE program. Specialized food is often medically necessary for the safe and effective management of many digestive and inherited metabolic disorders that impact digestion and absorption of nutrients. Although medically necessary food is essential for patients, it is often expensive and not uniformly reimbursed by health insurance, leaving many families with an insurmountable financial burden. Coverage under TRICARE will allow our military families the certainty and stability they need if they suffer from this issue.\r\nContinued support for diagnosis and treatment of TBI\r\nOver the past two decades, our service men and women have been injured in combat areas by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), other military explosive devices and by head impacts leading to mild and moderate concussions, which have led to both physical and mental brain injuries. These injuries are disabling, as they may induce short-term memory loss, severe headaches, depression, loss of cognitive function, loss of impulse control, anger and\u2014in extreme cases\u2014suicide. Inhofe continued to support funding and language for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).\r\n\u201cIn this time of great concern for the Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome and Traumatic Brain injury of our nation's great defenders, we have found promise and hope in Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment.\u00a0To support and continue this treatment, it is critical that we receive funding to enhance the opportunity for remission and healing.\u00a0Our efforts in Oklahoma have given us great promise and hope for the future.\u00a0We believe and our data indicates that the sooner we can treat these defenders after an injury the quicker their recovery.\u00a0We have encouragement from our Israeli friends in their use of Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment and believe we should be leading the entire military forces in the world in the treatment for rapid and complete recovery.\u00a0Thanks so much to Sen. Inhofe in his support for this effort.\u201d\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Major General (ret.) Rita Aragon USAF, Special Advisor for Oklahoma Military and Veterans Affairs\r\nImprovement of prosthetic care outcomes\r\nIn 2015, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) deployed advanced, proven lower limb prosthetic digital health technology to provide real-world data documenting activity in the community for veterans with lower limb prostheses. By documenting how patients with limb loss function with their prosthetic devices, this digital health technology offers new opportunities to prosthetic outcomes, increase activity and improve the quality of life for those who have lost limbs. Currently DOD has not provided this technology to servicemembers who have lost lower limbs or to veterans who receive prosthetic care from DOD. Inhofe authored an amendment that was included in the Senate NDAA report that encourages DOD to utilize technology that captures real-world activity data for amputees to improve prosthetic outcomes for servicemembers and veterans.\r\n\u201cFor decades, Sen. Inhofe has been at the forefront of ensuring the highest possible levels of care for injured military service personnel in need of prosthetic care. This provision in the NDAA will deploy mobile health technology to provide greater visibility into the effectiveness of advanced rehabilitative technologies, as well as also helping to improve transitions from military medicine to the VA through consistent collection of patient outcomes data.\u201d\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Doug McCormack, Chairman, Modus Health\r\nMicro-purchasing \r\nResearch institutes and universities must adhere to the threshold for the procurement of low cost supplies essential to research, or be subject to the competitive bidding process. Having a lower threshold adds more work hours and negatively impacts researcher productivity. Inhofe authored language that raises the micro-purchase threshold for universities, independent research institutes and non-profit research organizations to $10,000, the same level that was included in the underlying Senate NDAA bill for the DOD research programs.\r\n\u201cThe Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, and the Association of Independent Research Institutes, applaud Sen. Inhofe\u2019s efforts to address the administrative burden associated with micro-purchases, or the procurement of low-cost supplies essential for research. The bipartisan Inhofe-Markey amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act will allow scientists to spend more of their time and effort on innovative research and less on administrative tasks. We appreciate your efforts helping independent research institutes like the Oklahoma Medical Research Institute pursue discovery based research on some of the world\u2019s most challenging diseases.\u201d \u2013\u00a0Steve Prescott, M.D. President, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation\u00a0 \r\nCyber Security\r\nInhofe supported language in the bill that increases focus, support and funding of DOD cyber efforts to include authorities for offensive and defense operations, vulnerability assessments, development of new technologies, and growth and retention of our cyber force. Improving our cyber capabilities and understanding our vulnerabilities will enable the DOD to protect our nation against a growing cyber threat. The University of Tulsa (TU) continues to be a center of excellence in cyber security and research and will play a critical role in understanding and countering this threat to every American and our nation.\r\n\u201cThe University of Tulsa, a leader in cyber security research and training, is a committed partner in protecting our nation\u2019s cyber security infrastructure.\u00a0We commend Sen. Inhofe\u2019s unwavering commitment to identify funding that supports TU\u2019s research in this critical national security need.\u201d\u00a0\u2013 Dr. Steadman Upham, former president of the University of Tulsa\r\nIntegration of nanoscale techniques for improved battery technology\r\nFor the past five years, the University of Tulsa has been using nanotechnology to advance battery technology. At the request of Inhofe, the Senate NDAA report included a provision supporting the efforts of the DOD and the U.S. military\u2019s efforts to improve battery technology. The continued research and development of nanoscale techniques to improve battery technology as it relates to improving military capabilities on the battlefield is a distinct enabler and has numerous civilian possibilities.\r\n\u201cWe are grateful to Sen. Inhofe for advancing improved battery technology research. His leadership in this area will allow important nanotechnology battery research conducted at The University of Tulsa in support of our service men and women in the field to move forward.\u201d\u00a0\u2013 Dr. Steadman Upham, former president of the University of Tulsa\r\nDirected Energy Weapons\r\nCountless reports and studies have articulated the value of directed energy (DE), but DOD has yet to successfully field an operational directed energy weapon system despite heavy investment in the technology. The FY\u201917 NDAA includes language from Inhofe\u2019s\u00a0Directed Energy Weapon Systems Acquisition Act\u00a0introduced on April 12 2016, which would accelerate the development and transition of directed energy technology capabilities for our nation\u2019s military. The provision also authorizes the Secretary of Defense to use rapid acquisition authorizes for DE\u00a0 weapon systems development and fielding. Oklahoma universities have been working on electromagnetic wave systems, devices and applications as well as assessing the vulnerability of electronic systems to high intensity electromagnetic field, which all have direct relevance to directed energy weapons systems and this initiative.\r\n\u201cThis is a much needed initiative to advance Directed Energy technology. Universities, such as the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University have much expertise that can be utilized in moving this advanced technology forward.\u201d\u00a0\u2013 Stephen W.S. McKeever, secretary of science and technology for the State of Oklahoma\r\nNational Defense Stockpile\r\nInhofe supported measures to direct the Secretary of Defense to report to congressional committees in February of 2017 an assessment that designates which rare earth elements (REE) are critical to national security, analyzes the effect of unavailability of REE designated as critical, and defines reliable and secure sources for REE. The National Defense Stockpile locations across the United States are located across 13 states, including Oklahoma.\r\n\u201cAs a major source of recyclable strategic materials, the United States government can be a key partner in Umicore's efforts to close the materials loop and ensure resource availability. These legislative reforms should enable the National Defense Stockpile to partner with industry to increase the country\u2019s supply of critical materials.\u201d\u00a0\u2013 Jeff Koch, Senior commercial manager for recycling & refining at Umicore Optical Materials in Quapaw, Oklahoma.\u00a0\r\nAdvanced Weapons Technology\r\nRecognizing the risks of exposure to chemical and biological agents faced by deployed U.S. forces and the ability to expedite collection and characterize the agents in real time is critical. At the request of Inhofe, the Senate NDAA report included a provision encouraging the Secretary of the Air Force to accelerate the fabrication, prototyping and testing of capabilities to detect and classify chemical and biological agents that will provide needed battlefield intelligence and increase the protective posture of our forces. Oklahoma State University continues to be a leader in sensor and platform technology that can assist the Air Force in developing and fielding these new capabilities.\r\n\u201cOklahoma State University researchers have long-standing and deep expertise in developing sensors and devising innovative ways to deploy them. Whether mounted on aircraft, in free-standing devices, or worn by the user, these high end sensors turn Oklahoma State investments into tangible benefits for the nation. In particular, we welcome the opportunity to support and improve the well-being of our armed services.\"\u00a0\u2013 Kenneth Sewell, vice president for research at Oklahoma State University\r\nConformal phased array antennas and digital polarimetry radar development\r\nSubstantive improvements in antenna and radar technology are\u00a0 providing enhanced capabilities to aircraft and unmanned aerial systems. At the request of Inhofe, the Senate NDAA report included a provision encouraging the research and develop of super-adaptable conformal phased array antennas as well as research opportunities to create an all-digital polarimetric phased array radar for future use in small object sensing and tracking. The University of Oklahoma, a national leader in research and development of radars and antenna technologies, is perfectly situated to work with the Navy in development of new antennas and radars for the DOD.\r\n\u201cWe are deeply appreciative of Sen.r Inhofe's work to assist in advancing the University of Oklahoma's (OU) development of conformal phased array antenna research as well as to further OU\u2019s research and development of an all-digital phased array radar. Without the persistent efforts of the Senator, OU would not be where it is today in the field of radar and antenna research with the Department of Defense.\u201d\u00a0\u2013 Kelvin Droegemeier, vice president for research for the University of Oklahoma\r\nCommanders\u2019 Emergency Response Program (CERP)\r\nInhofe supported language in the bill that extents Commanders\u2019 Emergency Response Program (CERP) for three years. This program has proven to be a vital resource for combatant commanders around the world for conducting stability, development\u00a0and humanitarian assistance operations where Congress has specifically authorized its use.\r\n\u201cRegardless of the size, shape, or mission of U.S. forces, your continued support for CERP is essential as it provides an invaluable tool to commanders. CERP funds are routinely the only time-sensitive means to respond to unanticipated events and requirements, implement small-scale efforts that provide immediate and direct benefit to local populations to enhance protection of U.S. forces, and enable U.S. forces to make condolence payments for the loss of life or property damage.\u201d \u2013\u00a0General Lloyd Austin, former commander of U.S. Central Command\r\nLord\u2019s Resistance Army (LRA)\r\nJoseph Kony and his Lord\u2019s Resistance Army (LRA) continue to spread terror and lawlessness in Eastern Congo and Central Africa. In 2015, LRA forces were active in the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of Congo (Congo), South Sudan and in Sudanese-controlled areas of South Darfur and\u00a0the disputed Kafia Kingi enclave. The LRA abducted 612 people in 203 attacks in 2015, a slight reduction compared to 2014, though the number of abductions was higher than in both 2012 and 2013. The instability created by the LRA enables the spread of other extremist and terrorist organizations that are expanding operations throughout the African continent. Continued funding for the counter LRA mission and bringing to an end Joseph Kony\u2019s reign of terror in Eastern Congo and Central Africa is critical to restoring stability in the region. Inhofe continues to support funding to ensure their defeat and the ultimate capture and imprisonment of Joseph Kony.\r\n\u201cJoseph Kony's violence against thousands of families in central and East Africa has gone on for far too long and must be stopped. We are closer than ever before to making that a reality, thanks to the courageous efforts of central African communities and the unwavering commitment of policymakers like Sen. Inhofe. We commend the Senator and his colleagues in Congress for continuing to support efforts to protect families in central Africa from violence and end Kony's crimes once and for all.\u201d\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Lisa Dougan, President\u00a0 & CEO of Invisible Children\r\nAfrica Free Trade Initiative Act\r\nNDAA includes provisions of Inhofe\u2019s bipartisan Africa Free Trade Initiative Act, legislation he introduced on\u00a0May 19, 2015. The provisions included in the NDAA direct the United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to coordinate and collaborate together and with other federal agencies in providing assistance and deploying resources to nations developing free trade readiness. These provisions build on the success of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act\u2019s (AGOA) trade preferences program by helping to set the stage for a vibrant network of future trade agreements between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa countries, essential to creating and create long-term economic growth.\r\nRepatriation of American made rifles\r\nCurrently there are 80,000 U.S. made M1 Garand rifles in the Republic of Korea that they no longer required and intends to dispose. These rifles were received from the United States through sales and grants. The Army has the authority to coordinate repatriation for these rifles but no funds to do so. Inhofe authored an amendment that was adopted that will allow the Army to use a third party to recover these rifles and bring them back to the United States under the supervision and disposition by the Army, at no cost to the Army. The Army would take possession of as many of the rifles as require to meet military ceremonial needs and provide the remainder to the Citizen\u2019s Marksmanship Program (CMP). The non-profit Citizen\u2019s Marksmanship Program, known for their firearm safety courses, marksmanship competitions and scholarship program, have offset their costs through a congressionally approved program of selling surplus rifles for two decades.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-supports-ndaa-conference-report", "Senator Lankford Supports NDAA Conference Report", "2016-12-08", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.08.16\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Supports NDAA Conference Report \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) made the following statement today in support of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report (S. 2943), which passed the Senate by a vote of 92 to 7:\r\nI'm pleased that Congress has passed a responsible bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, which gives our military the funding and direction it needs to protect our national security. Providing for the defense ofour nation is one of Congress' most important responsibilities. With international instability and conflict on the rise, it is important to ensure that our men and women in uniform have what they need to keep us safe and protect our freedom. I'm pleased that this bill supports the Air Force's KC-46A Tanker program in Oklahoma, increases depot maintenance, supports facility modernization, andit prevents the closure of the Guantanamo Bay detention facility.\r\nThis bill does not include a provision, that existed in previous versions, that would require women to register for military Selective Service. In September, Lankford and Senator Jim Inhofe asked Congressional conferees of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees to remove this provision.\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/press-releases/cole-applauds-passage-hr-1219-arbuckle-project-maintenance-complex-and", "Cole Applauds Passage of H.R. 1219, the Arbuckle Project Maintenance Complex and District Conveyance Act of 2015", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tom Cole released the following statement after passage of his legislation, H.R. 1219, the Arbuckle Project Maintenance Complex and District Conveyance Act of 2015. \u00a0This bill was passed by a vote of 412-1\u00a0in the House. H.R. 1219 authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to convey all right, title and interest in the Maintenance Complex and District Office of the federal Arbuckle project to the Arbuckle Master Conservancy District in Murray County, Oklahoma.\n\u00a0\n\u201cI was proud to sponsor this legislation, which will put ownership back in the hands where it belongs,\u201d said Cole. \u201cThe Arbuckle Maintenance Complex provides numerous benefits to the surrounding areas including flood control, municipal water supply and many recreational water activities. The title of this complex will be given back to the county and serve as an Oklahoma stronghold.\u201d\n\u00a0\nIn 1962, Congress passed a law to authorize payment of reimbursable costs for construction, operation and maintenance of the Bureau of Reclamation\u2019s \u201cArbuckle Project\u201d in south-central Oklahoma. Once conveyed, the federal government will be relieved of all future liability and financial responsibility related to the Arbuckle Project Maintenance Complex.\n\u00a0\nFor more information on H.R. 1219, please click here.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-lankford-statement-in-support-of-scott-pruitt-for-epa-administrator", "Inhofe, Lankford Statement in Support of Scott Pruitt for EPA Administrator", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe, Lankford Statement in Support of Scott Pruitt for EPA Administrator\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 7, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) committee, and U.S. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), today released a statement in support of President-elect Trump's announcement of his intention to nominate Oklahoma Attorney General E. Scott Pruitt as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.\r\n\u201cScott Pruitt has been a leader and a partner on environmental issues for many years,\u201d Inhofe said. \u201cPruitt has fought back against unconstitutional and overzealous environmental regulations like Waters of the U.S. and the Clean Power Plan; he has proven that being a good steward of the environment does not mean burdening tax payers and businesses with red tape. In his appearances before the Environment and Public Works committee, Pruitt has demonstrated that he is an expert on environmental laws and a champion of states\u2019 roles in implementing those laws. Scott is thoughtful, experienced and a natural pick for this role. I am pleased with President-elect Trump\u2019s selection and I look forward to working with my fellow Oklahoman in his new capacity.\u201d\r\n\u201cI applaud President-elect Trump and his team for choosing Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection Agency,\u201d Lankford said. \u201cPruitt has served Oklahoma as a\u00a0tireless defender of justice and law, and I am confident that he will serve America well. I look forward to working with him to restore a balanced approach to regulations and governance that fosters economic growth, advances energy independence and ensures stewardship for the environment. Scott Pruitt knows the difference between a state responsibility and a federal responsibility. The American people deserve an EPA that rejects extreme activism and instead returns to its proper interpretation of environmental law.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-supports-bill-to-promote-drug-innovation-and-continue-to-address-opioid-crisis", "Senator Lankford Supports Bill to Promote Drug Innovation and Continue to Address Opioid Crisis", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Supports Bill to Promote Drug Innovation and Continue to Address Opioid Crisis \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today voted for Senate passage of the 21st Century Cures Act (H.R. 34), a bill that removes burdensome regulations on the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) to allow them to bring safe drugs and devices to the market more quickly, provide assistance to combat Oklahoma's growing opioid crisis, enhance electronic health records, and address the growing mental health emergency.\r\nMany Americans have experienced first-hand the effects of Alzheimer's, mental illness, cancer, or another debilitating illness. Potential cures are currently delayed behind miles of red tape. Today, Congress passed a landmark bill that allows innovation in healthcare and drug development that will encourage new medical discoveries. Our nation has tremendous research and health care capacity, but our innovators are trapped behind layers of bureaucracy. This bill lays the foundation to continue the momentum we have built in medical innovation and discovery for many years to come.\r\nAdditionally, the bill continues to support states with the means necessary as they address the rapid expansion of prescription opioid drug crisis that continues to devastate communities across the country, including Oklahoma.\r\nCurrently, it can take up to a decade for medical discoveries to be considered by the FDA, and the cost for a single drug to go through the regulatory process and to get to the patient's medicine cabinet averages over $1 billion.\r\nThe bill passed the Senate by a vote of 94-5. Last week, the House of Representatives passed the bill 392-26. The bill will now go to the president to be signed into law.\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-inhofe-statement-in-support-of-scott-pruitt-for-epa-administrator", "Senators Lankford, Inhofe Statement In Support of Scott Pruitt for EPA Administrator", "2016-12-07", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.07.16\n\t\t\t Senators Lankford, Inhofe Statement In Support of Scott Pruitt for EPA Administrator \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Senators James Lankford and Jim Inhofe today released a statement in support of President-elect Trump's announcement of his intention to nominate Oklahoma Attorney General E. Scott Pruitt as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency:\r\nI applaud President-elect Trump and his team for choosing Scott Pruitt to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, said Lankford. Pruitt has served Oklahoma as a tireless defender of justice and law, and I am confident that he will serve America well. I look forward to working with him to restore a balanced approach to regulations and governance that fosters economic growth, advances energy independence and ensures stewardship for the environment. Scott Pruitt knows the difference between a state responsibility and a federal responsibility. The American people deserve an EPA that rejects extreme activism and instead returns to its proper interpretation of environmental law.\r\nScott Pruitt has been a leader and a partner on environmental issues for many years, said Inhofe. Pruitt has fought back against unconstitutional and overzealous environmental regulations like Waters of the U.S. and the Clean Power Plan; he has proven that being a good steward of the environment does not mean burdening tax payers and businesses with red tape. In his appearances before the Environment and Public Works committee, Pruitt has demonstrated that he is an expert on environmental laws and a champion of states' roles in implementing those laws. Scott is thoughtful, experienced and a natural pick for this role. I am pleased with President-elect Trump's selection and I look forward to working with my fellow Oklahoman in his new capacity.\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/press-releases/cole-urges-house-leadership-reauthorize-indian-health-care-improvement", "Cole Urges House Leadership to Maintain the Indian Health Care Improvement Act", "2016-12-06", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after he sent a letter to Chairman Fred Upton, Chairman Kevin Brady and Speaker Paul Ryan, urging them to retain the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) in any contemplated Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) repeal. These provisions are the bedrock legal authorities for health care services for American Indians and Alaskan Natives.\n\u00a0\n\u201cEver since President-Elect Donald Trump was elected President, tens of millions of Americans have celebrated his promise to repeal and replace Obamacare,\u201d said Cole. \u201cWe now know that this is a priority. Having affordable and quality health care is critically important to American families, and Republicans have a plan that will do just that.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cThere are a few provisions within the Affordable Care Act that we all agree should remain, and lift them into our new plan. One such provision is the Indian Health Care Improvement Act,\u201d continued Cole. \u201cThis legislation was included in PPACA purely as \u201cvote bait\u201d to secure Democratic votes and has nothing to do with PPACA. It is vital and ensures that Native Americans have quality health care available to them and their families. There is no controversy here \u2013 it sets the national policy for many programs and services provided by the Indian Health Service. I urge my colleagues to maintain this important program throughout the repeal process, and understand the tremendous benefit it has for the Native American communities across the country.\u201d\n\u00a0\nTo view the letter as a PDF, please click here.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/new-leadership-new-era", "New Leadership for a New Era", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As President Obama\u2019s days in office come to a close, the specter of significant change is on the horizon. While President-Elect Donald Trump assembles his leadership team, Congress is busy preparing our own agenda to repeal, reform and replace some of the most onerous policies of the Obama Administration. With the right people, Congress and the new President can bring badly needed change to the political atmosphere in our nation and finally begin to get things done.\n\u00a0\nI\u2019ve been very impressed with the initial choices President-Elect Trump has\u00a0made for his cabinet. Some are friends I have known for a long time, others are leaders I have admired for their previous service in politics, industry, medicine and the military.\u00a0 But they are all very talented and highly qualified and are men and women of whom all Americans can have confidence in.\n\u00a0\nOne of our greatest concerns and highest priorities we have as a nation is the state of our national security and homeland defenses. In the past eight years, we have seen growing terror threats and a tentative, unsteady, foreign and military policy. The next Secretary of Defense will have many reforms and changes to make, and must be strong in leading our military. General James Mattis, who has recently been nominated to the position, will be that leader our nation needs to both strengthen as well as streamline the Department of Defense. His extensive record of service and fearless leadership will be crucial in combating our enemies wherever they may be. And I believe he is a\u00a0choice both Democrats and Republicans can and should get behind. Our military will continue to be the greatest force of strength in the world under General Mattis.\n\u00a0\nAs Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the Departments of Health and Human Services, Education, and Labor, I\u2019ve overseen the budget for many critical programs that effect millions of Americans.\u00a0 Sometimes, people are affected in a helpful fashion like the Alzheimer\u2019s research being conducted at the National Institutes of Health.\u00a0 And sometimes, unfortunately, in unhelpful and overly intrusive ways like the Obama Administration\u2019s overtime rule at the Department of Labor.\n\u00a0\nAt the Department of Health and Human Services, we are fortunate to have Congressman Tom Price, the Chairman of the House Budget Committee and former orthopedic surgeon, chosen as the candidate to lead this vast and complicated agency. I\u2019ve had the pleasure of serving in the House with Dr. Price for twelve years, including on the Budget Committee. He has extensive experience in the medical field, and has been a champion for overhauling the Affordable Care Act - a desperate wish for many Americans. He is uniquely qualified to oversee the repeal and replacement of Obamacare and to be the architect of truly patient centered, market driven and affordable health care.\n\u00a0\nPresident-elect Trump\u2019s nominee to head the Department of Education, Betsy DeVos, is an old friend whom I have known for close to twenty years through our work together in party politics.\u00a0 Betsy is one of our nation\u2019s most active and generous philanthropists, and she is also one of our nation\u2019s preeminent advocates for education reform through the use of school choice, charter schools, magnet schools, opportunity scholarships and her support for home schooling families.\u00a0 I know she will always put the interests of Americas schoolchildren and their parents above all else.\n\u00a0\nWhile the president-elect still has several more important nominations to make, I have also been very impressed with all of his other selections. I am exceptionally pleased that a few of my colleagues like Congressman Mike Pompeo and Senator Jeff Sessions have been tapped to serve as CIA Director and Attorney General, respectively. And other notable choices such as Governor Nikki Haley and Elaine Chao also give me reassurance that a Trump Administration is attracting the best and the brightest. President-Elect Trump was elected with a vision to \u201cMake America Great Again,\u201d and I am looking forward to working with his team to make that happen.\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-announces-new-dc-based-scheduler", "Congressman Russell Announces New DC Based Scheduler", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC \u2013 Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) announced the hiring of Hannah Dirks, a native of Woodward, OK, to be his new scheduler in his Washington, DC Office. \n\u201cI am excited to announce a fellow Oklahoman is joining our fine staff in Washington, DC to be our new scheduler,\u201d Congressman Russell said. \u201cI have no doubt that Hannah will hit the ground running and will get acclimated to Washington quickly.\u201d\nHannah Dirks graduated with a degree in History from NW Oklahoma State University in Alva, OK and just completed a Master\u2019s Degree in Media and Society at the University of Kent in England. She is replacing Savannah Jolly, an Air Force Reservist, who was tasked to do an active duty tour in the Air Force at Joint Base Andrews Headquarters.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-applauds-senate-passage-of-21st-century-cures-act", "Inhofe Applauds Senate Passage of 21st Century Cures Act", "2016-12-05", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Applauds Senate Passage of 21st Century Cures Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, December 7, 2016\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.), today voted for H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act, which provides $4.8 billion in new funding to the National Institute of Health (NIH), \u00a0increased funding for Alzheimer\u2019s and cancer research and provides $1 billion in grants to states to fight the opioid abuse epidemic. The funding is fully offset. This bill passed the Senate by a vote of 94-5.\r\n\u201cThe 21st Century Cures Act is an important piece of legislation that addresses the opioid epidemic devastating Oklahoma and the country as a whole, as well as advancing medical research for illnesses like Alzheimer\u2019s, cancer and rare pediatric diseases\u00a0\u201d Inhofe said. \u201cThis bipartisan bill will lead to lifesaving medical breakthroughs that will benefit all Oklahomans. The passage of this legislation creates new hope among doctors, researchers, and patients alike in its effort to spur advancements in biomedical research.\u201d\r\n\u00a0\u201cThis increase in funding to the NIH will provide a major shot in the arm for medical research across the United States. By bolstering support for initiatives ranging from Alzheimer\u2019s to cancer, promising projects that otherwise might have gone unexplored will now be undertaken. The payoffs will come in the form of heightened activity in this key sector of our nation\u2019s economy and, ultimately, in new treatments and better outcomes for patients suffering from devastating diseases.\u201d \u2013\u00a0Stephen Prescott, M.D. President, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation\r\n21st Century Cures Act passed the House last week by a vote of 392\u201326.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=763", "National Defense Authorization Act Includes Bridenstine Provisions", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Jim Bridenstine", "B001283", "bridenstine.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Today, Congressman Jim Bridenstine voted for the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conference report. The NDAA conference report reconciles differences in the House and Senate versions passed earlier this year.\u00a0 \u00a0NDAA is a bipartisan bill that authorizes funding for America\u2019s armed forces and sets Department of Defense policy.\u00a0 Congress has passed the National Defense Authorization Act 55 years in a row. \u00a0The NDAA conference report includes a number of critical provisions:\r\n \r\n    Pay raise for the troops above the President\u2019s request\r\n    Additional funding to stop the drawdown in Army soldiers and Marines\r\n    Expanded care at military hospitals\r\n    \r\n \r\nThe NDAA conference report rejects a number of controversial policy changes in the Senate NDAA including:\r\n \r\n    Requiring women to register with Selective Service\r\n    Cuts to housing allowance (including dual military families)\r\n    \r\n \r\nThe NDAA conference report includes several provisions from Rep. Bridenstine\u2019s\u00a0American Space Renaissance Act\u00a0(ASRA). \u00a0In April 2016, Congressman Bridenstine introduced ASRA, groundbreaking legislation to enact bold reforms across military, civil, and commercial space sectors.\u00a0 NDAA is the first step in Bridenstine\u2019s strategy to enact ASRA piece-by-piece using different legislative vehicles.\u00a0 The conference report includes ten ASRA provisions, including:\r\n \r\n    Section 1605 - Modifies the terms of the Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) to ensure DOD uses accurate cost estimates and fully considers commercial SATCOM technologies.\u00a0 The Pentagon uses AoAs to help select new weapons systems to replace old programs.\u00a0 DOD will start the SATCOM AoA shortly to help choose a successor system to the current Wideband Global SATCOM satellite constellation, which provides long-distance communications capabilities to our warfighter.\u00a0\r\n    Section 1606 \u2013 Redirects funding to jump start a pilot program to test next-generation SATCOM technologies.\u00a0 Private sector SATCOM companies are offering leap-ahead capacity for commercial customers.\u00a0 The Department of Defense should take advantage of this.\u00a0\r\n    Section 1613 - Establishes a pilot program for the Air Force to buy, test, and evaluate commercial weather data.\u00a0 Utilizing data provided by innovative private sector weather companies can lower costs to taxpayers, produce better weather products for the warfighter, and complicate the targeting solutions of our enemies by distributing space architectures.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-supports-passage-ndaa-fiscal-year-2017", "Cole Supports Passage of NDAA for Fiscal Year 2017", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 2943, the Conference Report for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2017 (FY 17) by a vote of 375 to 34. This bill authorizes funding and operations for the Department of Defense and our nation\u2019s Armed Services.\n\u00a0\n\u201cCongress has no greater responsibility than that of providing for our common defense through the annual National Defense Authorization Act,\u201d said Cole.\u00a0 \u201cI am pleased that Congress today, as it has for the past 54 years, passed a strong bi-partisan bill that will give our armed forces the tools necessary to keep our nation safe and secure.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cThere are a number of key provisions of which I am particularly pleased, including a well-deserved pay raise for our troops and procurement reforms that help save billions of dollars. Further, important benefits like the commissaries and health care will continue to be provided and the legislation keeps costs low for our service members and their families.\u201d\n\u00a0\nOther key provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 include:\n\u00a0\n \n\t\tHalting the drawdown and increasing the end strength of our military troops\n\t\n\t\n\t\tContinuing the authorization for the Air Force\u2019s KC-46A Tanker program and the Army\u2019s Paladin PIM which are key programs for Oklahoma\n\t\n\t\n\t\tProviding for a larger force, including increased depot maintenance, facilities sustainment and modernization\n\t\n\t\n\t\tContinuing the operation of Guantanamo Bay detention camp and prohibiting its closure\n\t\n \u201cProviding the necessary resources for our nation\u2019s military should always be among our highest\u00a0priorities. We can never falter on our promise to provide for those who defend us selflessly each day. I am proud to support its passage, and will continue to advocate for appropriations measures that are consistent with the authorized funding for FY 17. Now Congress needs to actually fund these reforms, programs and changes by passing a Defense Appropriations\u200e bill -- the sooner, the better,\u201d concluded Cole.\n\u00a0\nFor more information on NDAA for FY 17, please click here.\n###\nContact: Teresa Davis (202) 225-6165", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-gen-mattis-as-secretary-of-defense", "Inhofe Statement on Gen. Mattis as Secretary of Defense", "2016-12-02", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Statement on Gen. Mattis as Secretary of Defense\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, December 2, 2016\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.) today released a statement in support of President-elect Trump's announcement of his intention to nominate\u00a0retired Marine Gen. James N. Mattis as secretary of defense.\r\n\u201cOur country is being confronted with more threats than I have seen in my lifetime,\u201d Inhofe said. \u201cThis demands strong U.S. leadership and I believe that Jim Mattis can provide that leadership for the Department of Defense. I have great respect for retired General Mattis and the candor, honesty, expertise and leadership he has provided this nation. I support his nomination.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/about/books-im-reading/books-im-reading-december-2016", "Books I'm Reading: December 2016", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "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 Field of Fight\u00a0by Lt. General Michael T. Flynn and Michael Ledeen", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/more-russell-reforms-move-through-congress", "More Russell Reforms Move Through Congress", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington DC,\u00a0- Congressman Steve Russell\u2019s (OK-5)\u00a0H.R. 5384 The Federal Register Printing Savings Act of 2016, passed the House without objection Wednesday. Congressman Russell, author of\u00a0Waste Watch, wrote this legislation to save hundreds of thousands of dollars each year by prohibiting the mandatory printing and distribution of the Federal Register. The Federal Register is available online and is searchable in this format. Yet, the Federal Register is printed and distributed daily to Congressional offices and often goes directly into the trash. This legislation will end this practice and members of Congress and committee offices will no longer receive automatic printed copies of the Federal Register.\n\u201cHow many Americans did it take to pay the taxes to throw a half a million dollars in the trash every year? The answer to that is what drives me to make this kind of waste stop,\u201d Congressman Russell said.\u00a0 \u201cEvery wasteful practice, no matter how trivial, should be evaluated and eliminated. We got into these habits one poor decision at a time and we can get out of them one good decision at a time.\u201d\nCongressman Russell has highlighted roughly $90 billion in wasteful government spending in his five Waste Watch reports, and has also introduced legislation to save more than $21 billion, with over $4 billion worth of cost cutting measures being signed into law.Also on Wednesday, Congressman Russell\u2019s H.R. 6009 The Federal Agency Mail Management Act passed the House unanimously as well. This legislation amends the Presidential and Federal Records Act Amendments of 2014 to fix an error Congress made some years ago that put mail processing guidance under the National Archives authority. Now it has been rightly restored back to the General Service Administration (GSA). Both the National Archives and the GSA welcomed the legislation.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-firmly-stands-in-support-of-reauthorizing-the-iran-sanctions-act", "Inhofe Firmly Stands in Support of Reauthorizing the Iran Sanctions Act", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Firmly Stands in Support of Reauthorizing the Iran Sanctions Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, December 1, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\nWASHINGTON\u2013 U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today praised the passage H.R. 6297, the Iran Sanctions Extension Act. The bill renews current non-nuclear sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran for another ten years. The Legislation passed the Senate by a vote of \u00a099-0 and the House of Representatives by a vote of 419-1.\r\n\u201cIn failing to adhere to United Nations Security Council Resolutions, Iran has repeatedly demonstrated it cannot be trusted,\u201d Inhofe said. \u201cIran has not moderated its conduct since the implementation of the Iran Deal. Since agreeing to the Iran Deal in July 2015, Iran has harassed our Navy in international waters, illegally detained U.S. sailors, fired missiles within a mile of U.S. and coalition ships in the Strait of Hormuz, tested ballistic missiles, allowed Russian combat aircraft to operate from Iran, continued to support Hamas and Hezbollah, denounced Israel\u2019s right to exist, and continued to chant 'Death to America.' Passing the Iran Sanctions Extension Act is a clear signal to Iran that their actions will not be tolerated.\u201d\r\nThe Iran Sanctions Act, the authority to impose sanctions on Iran, expires on December 31, 2016. The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or Iran Deal, is an international agreement reached in Vienna on July 14, 2015, between Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and the United States) to limit the nuclear program of Iran. Inhofe voted against this agreement on Sept. 10, 2015.\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/events-senator-lankford-to-discuss-federal-fumbles-in-okc-tulsa", "EVENTS: Senator Lankford to Discuss Federal Fumbles in OKC, Tulsa", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.16\n\t\t\t EVENTS: Senator Lankford to Discuss Federal Fumbles in OKC, Tulsa \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tOn Friday, December 2, Senator James Lankford will participate in two events in Oklahoma to discuss his new government waste reportentitled, Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball. Both events are free and open to the public.\r\n\r\nCLICK HERE TO RSVP\r\nWHAT: Senator Lankford Speech at Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs\r\nWHEN: Friday, December 2, 7:30am-8:30amCT\r\nWHERE: Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, Advance Center for Free Enterprise, 415 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK\r\n\r\nWHAT: Senator Lankford Speech at Americans for Prosperity Monthly Policy Lunch\r\nWHEN: Friday, December 2, 11:30am-1:00pmCT\r\nWHERE: Americans for Prosperity Oklahoma Headquarters, 3307 S. Harvard Ave, Suite C, Tulsa, OK\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-applauds-senate-passage-of-iran-sanctions-act", "Senator Lankford Applauds Senate Passage of Iran Sanctions Act", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.16\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Applauds Senate Passage of Iran Sanctions Act \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford today praised Senate passage of the Iran Sanctions Act (HR 6297), which extends existing sanctions' authority on Iran until December 31, 2026. The sanctions aim to deny Iran the resources to support terrorism or develop weapons of mass destruction.\r\n\"I am encouraged that both the House and Senate have reasserted their authority as a co-equal branch of government and demonstrated overwhelming support of the Iran Sanctions Act.There are not many issues on which Congress is united, but it is clear that Republicans and Democrats alike are wary of Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapon and consistent support of terrorism around the world.By extending the President's authority to pressure Iran with crippling sanctions, Congress has ensured the next administration has the appropriate tools at their disposal to rein in the world's largest state sponsor of terrorismIran.\r\nOn July 14, Lankford and Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced the Judgment Fund Transparency and Terrorism Financing Prevention Act, a bill to provide transparency and accountability for questionable taxpayer-funded payments to foreign nations, like Iran. On June 29, Lankford secured a provision in the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations bill to require the Administration to provide more details on the $1.7 billion legal settlement payment to Iran in January. The legislation awaits a vote on the Senate floor later this year. On April 6, Lankford introduced a Senate resolution to ensure President Obama follows through on his commitment to reimpose sanctions if Iran violates the Nuclear Deal.\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.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-congress-should-repeal-renewable-fuel-standard-program", "Senator Lankford: Congress Should Repeal Renewable Fuel Standard Program", "2016-12-01", "2016", "2016-12", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "12.01.16\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford: Congress Should Repeal Renewable Fuel Standard 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 Hearing With EPA, GAO Examines Problems With RFS Program\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, under the chairmanship of Senator James Lankford (R-OK), today held a hearing to examine the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) management of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and discuss two Government Accountability Office reports about the program released earlier this week. The first report shows that the RFS program is unlikely to meet its targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding the US renewable fuels sector. The second report shows that low expected production volumes make it unlikely that advanced biofuels can meet the RFS program's increasing targets through 2022.\r\nWitnesses for today's hearing included: EPA Acting Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Janet McCabe and GAO Director of Natural Resources and Environment Frank Rusco.\r\nThe ethanol Renewable Fuel Standard mandates have been unrealistic from the start, and that is exactly what this week's GAO report affirmed, said Lankford. The EPA's inability to release ethanol fuel blend requirements has created significant uncertainty and great challenges for blenders and biofuel producers. The RFS program isn't meeting the greenhouse gas emission goals, it is unsustainable, and it yields few benefits, while it has inflicted substantial costs on consumers. The renewable fuel standard mandate simply doesn't work. Just like Congress has done with No Child Left Behind education mandates with the passage of Every Student Succeeds Act this year, it is time for Congress to repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard mandate.\r\nDuring his opening statement, Director Rusco said, The RFS is expected to fall short of its goals because of limited production of advanced biofuels and reliance on conventional corn-starch ethanol. the RFS is unlikely to achieve the targeted level of greenhouse gas emissions reductions.\r\nIn 2005, Congress established the RFS with the goals of reducing our nation's dependence on foreign oil and lowering greenhouse gas emissions by mandating that biofuels be blended with domestic transportation fuel in increasing volumes through the year 2022. However, the situation has changed dramatically since the RFS's enactment in 2005 and subsequent 2007 revision. Demand for oil is lower than originally predicted and the US also imports much less oil than initially forecasted.\r\nThe EPA is required to release the final volumes of biofuels to be blended into the gasoline supply by November 30 of the preceding year to allow industry participants and other stakeholders to comply and plan for the future. Between 2009 and 2015, the EPA was consistently six to 18 months late in meeting this deadline, causing uncertainty in the energy industry. The EPA did release its 2017 volumes on November 23rd, thus meeting the statutory deadline.\r\nCLICK HERE to view Lankford's opening statement. CLICK HERE to view the full hearing video and opening statements.\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/press-releases/inhofe-lankford-russell-cole-and-industry-leaders-praise-senate-passage", "Inhofe, Lankford, Russell, Cole and Industry Leaders Praise Senate Passage of H.R. 5785", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and James Lankford (R-Okla) and Congressmen Steve Russell (R-Okla.)\u00a0and Tom Cole (R-Okla.), today praised the passage of H.R. 5785, a bill which would ensure the\u00a0continued safety of our nation\u2019s airways by eliminating an unintended barrier to the hiring and retention of full-time Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Instructors. The bill removes a financial penalty for instructors willing to work full time in training our next generation of air traffic controllers. \u00a0\n\u201cToday\u2019s passage of the Air Traffic Controller Instructor Bill ensures the next generation of air traffic controllers is\u00a0prepared to manage the complicated network of air traffic in the National Airspace System,\u201d\u00a0Inhofe said.\u00a0\u201cThis legislation removes government red tape impeding efforts by the private sector to recruit and retain the highest quality full-time air traffic controller instructors to teach at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City and provide on the job training at airports across the country. I appreciate the support of my colleagues in passing this legislation that will provide future air traffic controllers a consistent training environment with experienced instructors.\u201d\n\u201cThe passage of Congressman Russell\u2019s bill will mean the FAA will be able to continue hiring new air traffic controllers to address the staffing shortages that exist across the nation,\u201d Lankford said. \u201cThis bill was vital for the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, and the training they provide for new controllers that will report to control towers and en route centers all across America. It is very important that we keep experienced air traffic control instructors to teach a new generation of air traffic control students.\u201d\n\u201cI am proud to see this bill head to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law,\u201d\u00a0Russell said.\u00a0\u201cWe will now help ensure that the best air traffic control instructors are incentivized to work full time, rather than penalized for investing in the next generation of controllers. This will lead to safer skies, not only in our country, but all over the world.\u201d\n\u201cThis bill is a much needed piece of legislation during a time when our nation is facing a shortage of air traffic controllers,\u201d\u00a0Cole said.\u00a0\u201cIt will remove the overreaching regulations which have kept experienced and retired air traffic controllers from training future employees. Air traffic controllers play a critical role in keeping America\u2019s skies safe and I am glad we were able to pass this important legislation when it was needed most.\u201d\n\u201cOn behalf of the hundreds of instructors in Oklahoma and across our nation, SAIC is grateful for the leadership of Senators Jim Inhofe and James Lankford as well as Congressmen Steve Russell and Tom Cole for proactively addressing this issue,\u201d\u00a0said SAIC Chief Executive Officer Tony Moraco.\u00a0\u201cWe applaud this strong, bipartisan action by the U.S. Congress.\u201d\nPassage of this legislation is an important step toward improving the FAA\u2019s training academy for air traffic controllers,\"\u00a0said Paul Rinaldi, President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.\u00a0\"Our National Airspace System is currently experiencing an air traffic control staffing crisis, so this legislation could not have come at a better time. NATCA thanks the Oklahoma delegation, particularly Senator Inhofe, for their leadership in advancing this important bill.\u00a0Experienced, recently retired controllers are vital to the FAA academy in order to train the new hires the system desperately needs.\u201d\nBackground\nOn\u00a0July 14, Sens. Inhofe and Lankford as well as Rep. Russell introduced ATC legislation in their respective chambers,\u00a0S.3217\u00a0and\u00a0H.R.\u00a05785.\nOn\u00a0April 19, Inhofe voted in favor of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2016\u00a0which included a provision to encourage the hiring and retention of high-quality air traffic controller instructors.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/inhofe-lankford-russell-cole-and-industry-leaders-praise-senate-passage", "INHOFE, LANKFORD, RUSSELL, COLE AND INDUSTRY LEADERS PRAISE SENATE PASSAGE OF H.R. 5785", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, DC\u00a0\u2013 U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and James Lankford (R-Okla) and Congressmen Steve Russell (R-Okla.)\u00a0and Tom Cole (R-Okla.), today praised the passage of H.R. 5785, a bill which would ensure the\u00a0continued safety of our nation\u2019s airways by eliminating an unintended barrier to the hiring and retention of full-time Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Instructors. The bill removes a financial penalty for instructors willing to work full time in training our next generation of air traffic controllers. \u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u201cToday\u2019s passage of the Air Traffic Controller Instructor Bill ensures the next generation of air traffic controllers is prepared to manage the complicated network of air traffic in the National Airspace System,\u201d Inhofe said. \u201cThis legislation removes government red tape impeding efforts by the private sector to recruit and retain the highest quality full-time air traffic controller instructors to teach at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City and provide on the job training at airports across the country. I appreciate the support of my colleagues in passing this legislation that will provide future air traffic controllers a consistent training environment with experienced instructors.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cThe passage of Congressman Russell\u2019s bill will mean the FAA will be able to continue hiring new air traffic controllers to address the staffing shortages that exist across the nation,\u201d Lankford said. \u201cThis bill was vital for the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, and the training they provide for new controllers that will report to control towers and en route centers all across America. It is very important that we keep experienced air traffic control instructors to teach a new generation of air traffic control students.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cI am proud to see this bill head to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law,\u201d Russell said. \u201cWe will now help ensure that the best air traffic control instructors are incentivized to work full time, rather than penalized for investing in the next generation of controllers. This will lead to safer skies, not only in our country, but all over the world.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cThis bill is a much needed piece of legislation during a time when our nation is facing a shortage of air traffic controllers,\u201d Cole said. \u201cIt will remove the overreaching regulations which have kept experienced and retired air traffic controllers from training future employees. Air traffic controllers play a critical role in keeping America\u2019s skies safe and I am glad we were able to pass this important legislation when it was needed most.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cOn behalf of the hundreds of instructors in Oklahoma and across our nation, SAIC is grateful for the leadership of Senators Jim Inhofe and James Lankford as well as Congressmen Steve Russell and Tom Cole for proactively addressing this issue,\u201d said SAIC Chief Executive Officer Tony Moraco. \u201cWe applaud this strong, bipartisan action by the U.S. Congress.\u201d\n\u00a0\nPassage of this legislation is an important step toward improving the FAA\u2019s training academy for air traffic controllers,\" said Paul Rinaldi, President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. \"Our National Airspace System is currently experiencing an air traffic control staffing crisis, so this legislation could not have come at a better time. NATCA thanks the Oklahoma delegation, particularly Senator Inhofe, for their leadership in advancing this important bill.\u00a0Experienced, recently retired controllers are vital to the FAA academy in order to train the new hires the system desperately needs.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-lankford-russell-cole-and-industry-leaders-praise-senate-passage-of-hr-5785", "Inhofe, Lankford, Russell, Cole and Industry Leaders Praise Senate Passage of H.R. 5785", "2016-11-30", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe, Lankford, Russell, Cole and Industry Leaders Praise Senate Passage of H.R. 5785\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 30, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and James Lankford (R-Okla) and Congressmen Steve Russell (R-Okla.)\u00a0and Tom Cole (R-Okla.), today praised the passage of H.R. 5785, a bill which would ensure the\u00a0continued safety of our nation\u2019s airways by eliminating an unintended barrier to the hiring and retention of full-time Air Traffic Controller (ATC) Instructors. The bill removes a financial penalty for instructors willing to work full time in training our next generation of air traffic controllers. \u00a0\r\n\u201cToday\u2019s passage of the Air Traffic Controller Instructor Bill ensures the next generation of air traffic controllers is prepared to manage the complicated network of air traffic in the National Airspace System,\u201d Inhofe said. \u201cThis legislation removes government red tape impeding efforts by the private sector to recruit and retain the highest quality full-time air traffic controller instructors to teach at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City and provide on the job training at airports across the country. I appreciate the support of my colleagues in passing this legislation that will provide future air traffic controllers a consistent training environment with experienced instructors.\u201d\r\n\u201cThe passage of Congressman Russell\u2019s bill will mean the FAA will be able to continue hiring new air traffic controllers to address the staffing shortages that exist across the nation,\u201d Lankford said. \u201cThis bill was vital for the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City, and the training they provide for new controllers that will report to control towers and en route centers all across America. It is very important that we keep experienced air traffic control instructors to teach a new generation of air traffic control students.\u201d\r\n\u201cI am proud to see this bill head to the President\u2019s desk to be signed into law,\u201d Russell said. \u201cWe will now help ensure that the best air traffic control instructors are incentivized to work full time, rather than penalized for investing in the next generation of controllers. This will lead to safer skies, not only in our country, but all over the world.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis bill is a much needed piece of legislation during a time when our nation is facing a shortage of air traffic controllers,\u201d Cole said. \u201cIt will remove the overreaching regulations which have kept experienced and retired air traffic controllers from training future employees. Air traffic controllers play a critical role in keeping America\u2019s skies safe and I am glad we were able to pass this important legislation when it was needed most.\u201d\r\n\u201cOn behalf of the hundreds of instructors in Oklahoma and across our nation, SAIC is grateful for the leadership of Senators Jim Inhofe and James Lankford as well as Congressmen Steve Russell and Tom Cole for proactively addressing this issue,\u201d said SAIC Chief Executive Officer Tony Moraco. \u201cWe applaud this strong, bipartisan action by the U.S. Congress.\u201d\r\nPassage of this legislation is an important step toward improving the FAA\u2019s training academy for air traffic controllers,\" said Paul Rinaldi, President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association. \"Our National Airspace System is currently experiencing an air traffic control staffing crisis, so this legislation could not have come at a better time. NATCA thanks the Oklahoma delegation, particularly Senator Inhofe, for their leadership in advancing this important bill.\u00a0Experienced, recently retired controllers are vital to the FAA academy in order to train the new hires the system desperately needs.\u201d\r\nBackground\r\nOn July 14, Sens. Inhofe and Lankford as well as Rep. Russell introduced ATC legislation in their respective chambers,\u00a0S.3217\u00a0and\u00a0H.R.\u00a05785.\r\nOn April 19, Inhofe voted in favor of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2016\u00a0which included a provision to encourage the hiring and retention of high-quality air traffic controller instructors.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-praises-nomination-betsy-devos-and-chairman-tom-price-cabinet", "Cole Praises Nomination of Betsy DeVos and Chairman Tom Price for Cabinet Positions", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after President-Elect Donald Trump nominated Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education and Congressman Tom Price (GA-06) as Secretary of Health and Human Services.\n\u00a0\n\u201cAs Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the budget for the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, I want to congratulate President-Elect Trump on selecting two excellent choices for his cabinet. These two outstanding leaders are well-versed in their fields, and will bring much needed change for our education and healthcare systems,\u201d said Cole.\n\u00a0\n\u201cHaving been friends with Betsy DeVos for years, I know she believes strongly in the rights of parents to direct the education and upbringing of their children with minimal interference from the government. Like me, she is an advocate of charter schools, vouchers, opportunity scholarships and homeschooling. Her steady leadership and depth of knowledge will be fundamental in improving our nation\u2019s education system,\u201d continued Cole.\n\u00a0\n\u201cMy colleague, Chairman Tom Price, is uniquely qualified to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. He has been a central part of our leadership in Congress, and will excel in leading our nation\u2019s healthcare reform. As an expert in medicine and health, I am confident in his ability to lead this agency, and to finally repeal and replace Obamacare.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cI know that these two candidates will be exceptional public servants, and I am looking forward to witnessing the great work that they will do to help improve the lives of all Americans,\u201d concluded Cole.\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-elaine-chao-for-secretary-of-transportation", "Inhofe Statement on Elaine Chao for Secretary of Transportation", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Statement on Elaine Chao for Secretary of Transportation\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 29, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\nWASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Sen Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today released a statement in support of President-elect Trump's announcement of his intention to nominate Elaine Chao to be secretary of transportation.\r\n\u201cBy selecting Elaine Chao as his choice for secretary of transportation, President-elect Trump confirms his interest in addressing our nation\u2019s infrastructure needs head on,\u201d Inhofe said. \u201cChao is a fantastic pick for this role; she is ambitious and her prior cabinet experience will no doubt help her accomplish the goals the President-elect has set.\u00a0I have known Elaine for many decades as a dedicated civil servant, a talented negotiator and have no doubt she will again prove to be a highly effective asset to the executive branch. I look forward to working with her on critical infrastructure issues again.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-votes-for-echo-act", "Inhofe Votes for ECHO Act", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Votes for ECHO Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 29, 2016\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.) today voted for S. 2873, the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Act, which requires the Department of Health to study models that use interactive videoconferencing to link specialist teams with primary care providers in rural and underserved areas. This bill passed the Senate 97-0.\r\n\u201cI am proud to have co-sponsored and voted for the ECHO Act,\u201d Inhofe said. \u201cUsing technology to improve access to specialized health care is critical to rural communities in Oklahoma. Equipping physicians in these areas with interactive videoconferencing technologies means geographic location doesn\u2019t determine whether or not a patient can receive the care they require. This legislation will help rural physicians as well by enabling them to learn more about diseases and conditions affecting patients in their area. I am proud my colleagues in the Senate have voted to pass this important measure.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-requested-gao-reports-prove-rfs-standard-is-unrealistic-and-ineffective", "Lankford-Requested GAO Reports Prove RFS Standard Is Unrealistic and Ineffective", "2016-11-29", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.29.16\n\t\t\t Lankford-Requested GAO Reports Prove RFS Standard Is Unrealistic and Ineffective \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 Subcommittee to Hold Thursday Hearing on Newly Released GAO Reports\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  The Government Accountability Office (GAO) today released two reports requested by Senator James Lankford (R-OK)a year ago on the long term feasibility of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program. The first report shows that the RFS program is unlikely to meet its targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding the US renewable fuels sector. The second report shows that low expected production volumes make it unlikely that advanced biofuels can meet increasing targets.\r\nOn Thursday, at 2:30pm ET, Lankford will chair a Senate Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management hearingto examine both of these reports.\r\nThe renewable fuel standard mandates are unrealistic and have caused higher fuel prices for consumers, said Lankford. The RFS mandate is unattainable, so it has led to arbitrary EPA regulations, uncertainty and great challenges for refiners and biofuel producers. The RFS is typical of many federal programs where expectations are not met, yet we continue down a path of federal mandates instead of simply recognizing that the directive will not work. We should repeal the RFS and allow ethanol producers to continue to provide their quality product to the market without the mandates, billions of dollars in taxpayer subsidies, and artificial RIN markets.\r\nThe report also shows that advanced biofuelsfuels that achieve the most greenhouse gas reductionsaren't being produced at the necessary levels, and they likely will not be by 2022. Also, less than 5 percent of the 3 billion gallon cellulosic advanced biofuel RFS target was produced in 2015, and additional investments for commercialization seem unlikely.\r\nHighlights From The Reports:\r\nProgram Unlikely to Meet Its Targets for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions:\r\nIt is unlikely that the goals of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS)reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand the nation's renewable fuels sectorwill be met as envisioned because there is limited production of advanced biofuels to be blended into domestic transportation fuels and limited potential for expanded production by 2022.\r\nAccording to experts GAO interviewed, the shortfall of advanced biofuels is the result of high production costs, and the investments in further research and development required to make these fuels more cost-competitive with petroleum-based fuels even in the longer run are unlikely in the current investment climate.\r\nIn the absence of advanced biofuels, most of the biofuel blended under the RFS to date has been conventional corn-starch ethanol, which achieves smaller greenhouse gas emission reductions compared with advanced biofuels. In addition, further reliance on ethanol to meet expanding RFS requirements is limited by incompatibility of ethanol blends above E10 with existing vehicle fleet and fueling infrastructure.\r\nLow Expected Production Volumes Make It Unlikely That Advanced Biofuels Can Meet Increasing Targets:\r\nBlending of conventional renewable fuelshas nearly reached the maximum called for under the RFS. Further growth in renewable fuels is to come from advanced biofuels However, production of advanced biofuels has not kept pace with statutory targets.\r\nGiven that current advanced biofuel production is far below Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) targets and those targets are increasing every year, it does not appear possible to meet statutory target volumes for advanced biofuels in the RFS under current market and regulatory conditions.\r\nCurrent production of cellulosic biofuels is far below the statutory volumes and, according to experts, there is limited potential for expanded production to meet future higher targets, in part because production costs are currently too high.\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/finish-job", "Finish the Job", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "As the 114th session of Congress begins to come to a close, many people \u2013 myself included - lament the time between now and the end of the year, also known as a \u201clame duck\u201d session. Some believe that nothing should done until the new Congress and new President are sworn into office. Others believe this Congress should finish their jobs by passing a series of appropriations bills that have complied with the Budget Control Act.\u00a0 Contrary to many of the assumptions that are made about a lame duck session, much of that work has already been done - Congress just needs to complete our responsibility. A lame duck should not be a time where nearly completed bills are simply left unfinished. It\u2019s a time to continue the hard, real work that we started in January of 2015.\n\u00a0\nPerhaps second only to homeland and national security, the most fundamental responsibility of the Congress is to make sure we pass a budget, stick to that budget throughout the appropriations process, and make sure we don\u2019t face yet another government shutdown.\n\u00a0\nA government shutdown is an irresponsible option that should be considered unthinkable, and we must prevent it from happening before December 9th. The easy way to avoid this is to simply pass what is known as a continuing resolution.\u00a0 Think of it as cruise control or auto pilot.\u00a0 Each federal agency will get exactly what they received in Fiscal Year 2016. And while that might seem like an acceptable outcome, I fundamentally disagree.\u00a0 I believe the American voters sent a very clear message on November 8th that the status quo will no longer be acceptable.\u00a0 Yet that is precisely what a continuing resolution will mean.\n\u00a0\nI believe the majority of voters believe we need to make our armed forces stronger, not to weaken them through sequester.\u00a0 Many of the people I have visited with in the Fourth\u00a0District of Oklahoma believe the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Labor \u2013 just to name a couple \u2013 need to have their wings clipped by reducing the amount we spend on those departments in 2017.\u00a0 A continuing resolution makes that extremely unlikely.\n\u00a0\nOne of the most critical pieces of legislation that will reach President Obama\u2019s desk in a few weeks is the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). For the past 54 years, Congress has consistently passed this fundamental legislation that authorizes funding for our Department of Defense. This year will be no different \u2013 this is a must-pass piece of legislation \u2013 we must always support our military and defense programs with the funding and training they need. Along with robust funding of over $545 billion for our defense programs and over $9 billion in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO), Americans need to be reassured that this will in fact happen.\n\u00a0\nI am the Chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee that oversees the Departments of Health and Human Services, Education, and Labor.\u00a0 This subcommittee spent hundreds of hours taking testimony and touring some of the agencies, like the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control.\u00a0 The bill we wrote increased funding for these outstanding research facilities, and puts greater investments in things like Alzheimer\u2019s research, fighting cancer and eradicating deadly viruses like Zika \u2013 just to name a few. \u00a0And this would have been done under the Budget Control Act while simultaneously cutting wasteful spending and reining in some of the more overzealous agencies like the EPA and the U.S. Department of Labor.\n\u00a0\nPresident Trump deserves to take office with a fully functioning government, strong borders, state of the art bio-research facilities, a strong and effective infrastructure, a military fighting force second to none, and without the looming threat of a government shutdown hanging over his head.\u00a0 I for one look forward to finishing the job I was elected to do and I am hopeful that the vast majority of my colleagues do as well.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-letter-federal-fumbles-2016", "Lankford Letter: Federal Fumbles 2016", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.28.16\n\t\t\t Lankford Letter: Federal Fumbles 2016 \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCLICK HERE for the November 28, 2016 Federal Fumbles 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    \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-releases-federal-fumbles-govt-waste-report", "Senator Lankford Releases Federal Fumbles Govt Waste Report", "2016-11-28", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.28.16\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Releases Federal Fumbles Gov't Waste Report \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Senator James Lankford today released his second annual government waste and solutions report called, Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball. The report represents $247 billion in wasteful and inefficient federal spending and regulations, but also includes solutions to each of the examples of government waste. CLICK HERE to access the report.\r\nThe American people have signaled a bold new direction for Washington with the election of President-elect Donald Trump, said Lankford. Although the federal debt wasn't a major focus during the presidential campaign, it remains a serious impending crisis that must be addressed. In Fiscal Year 2016 alone, we had a $587 billion deficit and our federal debt is now an outrageous $19.5 trillion. To lower the debt, we need to grow the economy, and we must root out inefficiencies, duplication, and wasteful spending wherever they exist. This Federal Fumbles' report provides specific examples of wasteful spending and unnecessary regulations that are not in the taxpayer's best interest.\r\nLankford released the report during a press conference in Washington, DC this morning. CLICK HERE to play video.\r\nSenator Lankford Excerpts from Press Conference:\r\nThis is the way the federal government has dropped the ball, and what we are trying to focus in on, is not trying to pick on one particular agency or entity, but to say we have got to be able to pay attention. We are really dealing with four different main areas as we walk through this; grants that need oversight, regulations and regulators that need oversight, agency bureaucracy and inefficiency, and then a lack of coordination between agencies.\r\nWe are not just trying to raise the problem; we are also trying to raise how you solve it. Whether it is an administration action, whether it is a piece of legislation, whether it is just coordination between the two, or some of those things that have already happened, but we haven't engaged in it enough to provide the oversight needed to actually get the coordination. Every single one of these identify here is the problem, here is the issue, and here is how to solve it.\r\nThis is not a comprehensive book; this is not trying to list everything in the federal government where there is an issue. We are trying to find some key areas that we can identify, and say here are some problems we have seen, and some things that we find as common ground solutions. This builds on last year's book.\r\nWe have got duplication issues. We have got problems that are around federal foreign aid, which has been an ongoing issue that we have made recommendations on. When we deal with foreign aid, we should simply deal with foreign aid that is to the benefit of the United States. We don't think that is an unreasonable request. Instead, at times, we deal with foreign aid, like studying fish bones in Tanzania.\r\nTo do his part to help reduce federal spending in Congress' own operational budget, Lankford has operated his Senatorial office budget far below the allotted amount for each Senator. Since he was elected to the US Senate in 2014, Lankford has given back $230,000 to the Treasury each year.\r\nFederal Debt Statistics:\r\n \r\nThe federal deficit for Fiscal Year 2016 was $587 billion, and overall debt is now $19.5 Trillion, according to the Treasury Department.\r\nThe total federal debt of $19,573,444,713,936.79 now equals about $165,575 per household in America.\r\nIn the eight years of Mr. Obama's presidency, the federal debt has grown by $9 trillion, nearly matching the total amount of debt accumulated by all of his predecessors.\r\nAccording to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the projected federal deficit is expected to be $594 billion in Fiscal Year 2017.\r\nAnnual deficits are projected to increase above $1 trillion within this decade due to America's aging population. Between 2010 and 2040, the number of Americans age 65 and older will double  from 41 million to 82 million people.\r\n \r\nFive Examples of Legislative Victories From 2015 Federal Fumbles Report:\r\n \r\nSubsidized Wind(page 11)  The Wind Production Tax Credit was originally created as a temporary subsidy to help get the wind energy industry off the ground. The industry is now very successful, yet it receives more than $6 billion in federal tax credits every year.Lankford helped secure a provisionin the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations funding bill, which was signed into law last December, to include a three-year phasedown of the wind energy tax credit.\r\n25,000+ Ineligible Families In Public Housing(page 71)  Last year, more than 25,000 families in America received federally-subsidized housing from HUD, despite not being qualified for the program. More than $100 million was spent on families, like one in New York with an annual income of $497,911, who earned far more than the allowable amount for federal assistance. Lankford secured a provision in theannual Senate Appropriations bill for HUD(S. 2844) that requires implementation of an IG report's recommendations to ensure only those who are entitled to federal housing assistance actually receive it.\r\nDisability is Only for the Disabled(page 119)  The Social Security Administration (SSA) has an enormous backlog in disability cases waiting for an Administrative Law Judge hearing.To expedite the backlog, the SSA created a new system to hear cases, but it was found to be costly and legally uncertain. Lankfordconfronted the SSA with the cost and risk of that schemeand after threats of a subpoena, the SSA reversed their plan and changed direction. This will save the taxpayer millions of dollars of litigation costs and will speed up the disability process.\r\nCaution: Read Before Eating(page 27)  A recent food-labeling FDA rule requires grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues to add more detailed information on each food item sold. While Americans should have information on the food they eat, existing labeling requirements are already very detailed, and this regulation would burden the agriculture industry with more than $1 billion in compliance costs in the first year alone. Lankford helped secure a provision in the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations funding bill, which was signed into law last December, to pause implementation of the rule.\r\nTaxpayers Right To Know More than 25 pieces of legislation that address an example of waste in Lankford's 2015 Federal Fumbles report have passed a Committee or one House of Congress, and could progress even further during the lame-duck session of Congress, which ends December 31, 2016. One bill is theTaxpayers Right-to-Know Act, which passed the House and has bipartisan support in the Senate. This bill will promote budget transparency, which will result in federal spending that is more accountable to the taxpayer, especially for questionable grants, which make up a significant amount of waste examples in Lankford's 2015 report.\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.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-james-lankford-statement-on-court-delay-of-federal-overtime-rule", "Senator James Lankford Statement on Court Delay of Federal Overtime Rule", "2016-11-22", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.22.16\n\t\t\t Senator James Lankford Statement on Court Delay of Federal Overtime Rule \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 Federal Judge Blocks Overtime Rule Days Before December 1 Implementation\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today made the following statement on a Texas Federal District Judge granting an emergency injunction against the Labor Department's federal overtime rule:\r\nI am pleased that a Federal District Judge has, yet again, pumped the brakes on another harmful regulation from the Obama administration. This federal overtime rule is devastating for small businesses, colleges and nonprofits all across America, but particularly in states with a low cost-of-living. The economic realities and regional cost-of-living differences that exist throughout the country were completely ignored by the Department of Labor on this proposal. I am hopeful that this rule can be brought back to the drawing board for a new rule-making process that works for the entire nation.\r\nOn September 29, Lankford introduced legislation to delay the rule from its current implementation date of December 1, 2016 to June 1, 2017. Lankford also co-sponsored legislation to change the timeline for implementation of the overtime rule.\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/time-be-grateful", "A Time to be Grateful", "2016-11-21", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The past few weeks have brought profound and monumental change to the United States. While America remains a deeply divided country from a political standpoint, we all have many blessings to reflect upon \u2013 individually and collectively.\u00a0 I know my family and I do.\u00a0 Thanksgiving is a treasured time to gather with family and friends and to celebrate this time-honored American tradition.\n\u00a0\nAlthough the story of Thanksgiving that most Americans allude to involves the first colonists and Native Americans, the designation of celebrating this day as a federal holiday came over a century later. This national holiday received its first federal recognition from George Washington in 1789, as a day for Americans to show gratitude for the era of a new nation. Other presidents such as John Adams and James Madison also participated in proclaiming a \u201cday of thanks.\u201d\n\u00a0\nThanksgiving did not become an official holiday until President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed it in 1863. President Lincoln was faced with a nation burdened by war, and designated Thanksgiving to be a day to pray for those suffering from war\u00a0and to \u201cheal the wounds of the nation.\u201d This Thanksgiving, we would be wise to emulate his admonishment and reflect on the blessings that we have as citizens of the United States of America.\n\u00a0\nThis Thanksgiving, I\u2019ll be reflecting on the hope for a unified America and a nation that is on its way to greater prosperity. In the coming months we will take steps to make health care more affordable and accessible to all Americans. Many onerous federal regulations on businesses will be eliminated, so that our economy can grow and more Americans can get back to work. And our tax system will be reformed in a way that will treat individuals and small businesses in a simpler and more equitable way. With many challenges facing our nation, I believe Congress is ready to roll up our shirt sleeves and get to work in January with a new President and a fresh outlook.\n\u00a0\nI realize there a number of our fellow citizens who are disappointed in the results of the election, and having been on the other side of victory myself a few times, I understand and can sympathize with their disappointment. \u00a0But I would urge everyone to take time this Thanksgiving season to reflect on the bountiful blessings we enjoy as Americans. We are a free and prosperous people with God given rights that are enshrined in our Constitution. We are blessed with abundant resources. And, despite our political disagreements, we remain one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.\u00a0 For this, we all have reason to give thanks.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-remembers-larry-derryberry", "Inhofe Remembers Larry Derryberry", "2016-11-20", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Remembers Larry Derryberry\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tSunday, November 20, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\u00a0\r\nWASHINGTON -\u00a0U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), today released a statement remembering former Oklahoma Attorney General, Larry Derryberry:\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n\"Larry Derryberry has been a close friend for many years and my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time,\" Inhofe said. \"When I was elected, Larry was in the leadership for Democrats but nonetheless\u00a0he and I became\u00a0fast friends and our\u00a0friendship has endured throughout the years. Larry's legacy and service to the state of Oklahoma\u00a0will\u00a0be remembered for many years to come.\"\u00a0\u00a0\r\n\u00a0\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-sen-sessions-for-attorney-general", "Inhofe Statement on Sen. Sessions for Attorney General", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Statement on Sen. Sessions for Attorney General\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, November 18, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON - U.S. Sen Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today released a statement in support of President-elect Trump's announcement of his intention to nominate Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) to be attorney general of the United States:\u00a0\r\n\"I am pleased that President-elect Trump has announced his intention to nominate my good friend and colleague Jeff Sessions as attorney general,\" Inhofe said. \u00a0\"Sen. Sessions and I have worked closely together in the Senate for the last 20 years on the Armed Services and Environment & Public Works Committees. He is well respected on both sides of the aisle, in his home state of Alabama, and across the country. Sen. Session's experience as well as his deep respect for the rule of law leave no doubt in my mind that he is an excellent pick for attorney general.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/november-18_-lankford-letter", "November 18 - Lankford Letter", "2016-11-18", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.18.16\n\t\t\t November 18 - Lankford Letter \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCLICK HERE for the November 18, 2016 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    \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/press-releases/congressman-russell-s-federal-register-printing-savings-act-passes-out", "Congressman Russells Federal Register Printing Savings Act Passes Out of OGR", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington DC, - Congressman Steve Russell\u2019s (OK-5) Federal Register Printing Savings Act of 2016, passed by unanimous consent out of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee.\n\u00a0\nIn his continuing effort to cut federal spending, Congressman Russell authored legislation to prohibit the mandatory printing and distribution of the Federal Register, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. The register is provided digitally and is also printed each day whether members want it or not. Under the Russell legislation, all members of Congress and committee offices will no longer receive automatic printed copies of the Federal Register. They can still request to receive a hard copy by exception, and a small number of hard copies of each Federal Register will still be printed and maintained for archival purposes. \n\u00a0\nAn annual subscription to the Federal Register costs $929, but members of Congress receive their copies for free, costing taxpayers more than a half a million dollars each year. Most of these printed copies end up in the trash because the register is online and can be searched as a database. Congressman Russell\u2019s measure will save hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars every year.\n\u00a0\n\u201cWhen I think of how many Americans it takes to earn the money to waste on this mandatory printed register, it gives me motivation to fight waste even more,\u201d Congressman Russell said. \u201cWe got into our national debt one wasteful practice at a time, and we will get out of it one sensible measure at a time. Every time we can save money, no matter how much, it begins to make our nation stronger.\u201d\n\u00a0\nIn 2016, Congressman Russell, author of Waste Watch, introduced measures that would save more than $21 billion, with more than $4 billion worth of cost cutting measures signed into law. \n  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-lankford-king-urge-president-elect-trump-to-quickly-nominate-director-of-national-intelligence", "Senators Lankford, King Urge President-elect Trump to Quickly Nominate Director of National Intelligence", "2016-11-17", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.17.16\n\t\t\t Senators Lankford, King Urge President-elect Trump to Quickly Nominate Director of National Intelligence \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Angus King (I-ME), members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, today sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump urging him to prioritize the nomination of the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and to select an experienced, collaborative individual who can advise on the nomination of other intelligence agency leaders.\r\nA successful DNI makes the intelligence community more efficient, more collaborative, limits redundancies, and advances seamless information sharing across our intelligence agencies, Senators King and Lankford wrote in their letter. As members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, we strongly encourage you to nominate an experienced DNI that can serve these functions and build an intelligence community leadership team that will put a high value on collaboration. Most importantly, if selected early, your DNI could advise on candidates for directors of the intelligence agencies he or she will work with most often.\r\nLankford is the only Senator on both the Intelligence Committee and Homeland Security Committee.\r\nA PDF of the letter is available here, and the full text is below:\r\nNovember 17, 2016\r\nThe Honorable Donald J. Trump\r\nThe President-elect\r\n1717 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\r\nWashington, DC 20006\r\n\r\nDear Mr. Trump:\r\n   Congratulations on your recent election. As you undertake the important work of preparing for the presidential transition and your future intelligence team, we are writing to ask that you prioritize the nomination of the next Director of National Intelligence (DNI).\r\n   In response to the 9/11 attacks, Congress created the position of the DNI to serve as the head of the intelligence community and establish an integrated framework to promote a more effective intelligence apparatus for our country. A successful DNI makes the intelligence community more efficient, more collaborative, limits redundancies, and advances seamless information sharing across our intelligence agencies.\r\n   As members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, we strongly encourage you to nominate an experienced DNI that can serve these functions and build an intelligence community leadership team that will put a high value on collaboration. Most importantly, if selected early, your DNI could advise on candidates for directors of the intelligence agencies he or she will work with most often.\r\n   Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to carefully considering all of your intelligence community nominees.\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-invites-oklahomans-to-request-tickets-for-2017-presidential-inauguration", "Senator Lankford Invites Oklahomans to Request Tickets for 2017 Presidential Inauguration", "2016-11-16", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.16.16\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Invites Oklahomans to Request Tickets for 2017 Presidential Inauguration \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON, DC  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released information for Oklahomans interested in attending the 58th Presidential Inauguration on Friday, January 20, 2017. President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States at the Inauguration. Each US Senate and Congressional Office will receive a small number of tickets for the ceremony.\r\nTickets available are for standing room only access to the West Lawn of the US Capitol.Oklahomans interested in attending the inauguration should submit a request on Lankford's website by Friday, December 16. All submissions will be entered into a lottery; winners will be notified in writing by Wednesday, December 21. Individuals who do not obtain tickets can still view the Inauguration on giant video screens for spectators along the length of the National Mall.\r\nCLICK HERE to submit a ticket request on Lankford's website.\r\nOn Inauguration day, Lankford will host an open house, similar to his weekly Java with James reception, for visitors from Oklahoma in his office in the Senate Hart Building, Room 316.\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-votes-for-gold-star-families-voices-act", "Inhofe Votes for Gold Star Families Voices Act", "2016-11-15", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Votes for Gold Star Families Voices Act\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 15, 2016\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.) today voted for\u00a0H.R. 4511, The Gold Star Families Voices Act, which authorizes the Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP) to collect audio and video recordings of biographical histories by immediate family members of service members who died as a result of their wartime service or became missing in action.\r\n\u201cI am proud to vote for the Gold Star Families Voice Act so that the legacies of our service members who made the ultimate sacrifice are remembered,\u201d Inhofe said. \u201cBy allowing our Gold Star families to provide accounts and histories of these heroes, we ensure their lives are memorialized for generations to come.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-to-release-second-federal-fumbles-govt-waste-report", "Senator Lankford to Release Second Federal Fumbles Govt Waste Report", "2016-11-14", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.14.16\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford to Release Second Federal Fumbles Gov't Waste Report \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 Encourages New Republican-Led Washington To Not Forget About Growing Federal Debt\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t WASHINGTON, DC  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today announced that he will release a second Federal Fumbles government waste and solutions report on November 28. Lankford's 2015 report, called Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball, identified $105 billion in wasteful federal spending, and about $800 billion in negative regulatory impact to the economy. This year's report will identify new examples of waste and duplication in government.\r\nThe American people have signaled a bold new direction for Washington with the election of President-elect Donald Trump, said Lankford. Although the federal debt wasn't a major focus during the presidential campaign, it remains a serious impending crisis that will hurt job growth, social safety net programs, and the ability for America to remain a world leader.\r\nThe federal debt is now approaching a staggering $20 trillion. Since I came to Washington in 2010, our Republican-controlled Congress has reduced our annual deficit, however, we haven't had a willing partner in the White House to make bold changes to stop the rising debt. Last year, our federal government spent $223 billion, or 6 percent of all discretionary spending, on debt interest payments alone. By the start of the next decade, we will spend more on debt interest than we do on our national defense.\r\nTo lower the debt, we need to grow the economy, and we must root out inefficiencies, duplication, and wasteful spending wherever they exist. This Federal Fumbles' report will provide specific examples of wasteful spending and unnecessary regulations that are not in the taxpayer's best interest, and show specific solutions for how the federal government can become more efficient. We had some small victories, over the last year, from my 2015 report  I am hopeful that we can continue to build upon those accomplishments next year.\r\nTo do his part to help reduce federal spending in Congress' own operational budget, Lankford has operated his Senatorial office budget far below the allotted amount for each Senator. Since he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2014, Lankford has given back $230,000 to the Treasury each year.\r\nTease Video:\r\n \r\nThe Office of Senator Lankford also released a short video today to tease the release of the 2016 Federal Fumbles report late November 28. CLICK HERE to view the video.\r\n \r\nFive Examples of Legislative Victories From 2015 Federal Fumbles Report:\r\n \r\nSubsidized Wind (page 11)  The Wind Production Tax Credit was originally created as a temporary subsidy to help get the wind energy industry off the ground. The industry is now very successful, yet it receives more than $6 billion in federal tax credits every year. Lankford helped secure a provision in the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations funding bill, which was signed into law last December, to include a three-year phasedown of the wind energy tax credit.\r\n25,000+ Ineligible Families In Public Housing (page 71)  Last year, more than 25,000 families in America received federally-subsidized housing from HUD, despite not being qualified for the program. More than $100 million was spent on families, like one in New York with an annual income of $497,911, who earned far more than the allowable amount for federal assistance. Lankford secured a provision in the annual Senate Appropriations bill for HUD (S. 2844) that requires implementation of an IG report's recommendations to ensure only those who are entitled to federal housing assistance actually receive it.\r\nDisability is Only for the Disabled (page 119)  The Social Security Administration (SSA) has an enormous backlog in disability cases waiting for an Administrative Law Judge hearing.To expedite the backlog, the SSA created a new system to hear cases, but it was found to be costly and legally uncertain. Lankford confronted the SSA with the cost and risk of that scheme and after threats of a subpoena, the SSA reversed their plan and changed direction. This will save the taxpayer millions of dollars of litigation costs and will speed up the disability process.\r\nCaution: Read Before Eating (page 27)  A recent food-labeling FDA rule requires grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues to add more detailed information on each food item sold. While Americans should have information on the food they eat, existing labeling requirements are already very detailed, and this regulation would burden the agriculture industry with more than $1 billion in compliance costs in the first year alone. Lankford helped secure a provision in the 2016 Consolidated Appropriations funding bill, which was signed into law last December, to pause implementation of the rule.\r\nTaxpayers Right To Know  More than 25 pieces of legislation that address an example of waste in Lankford's 2015 Federal Fumbles report have passed a Committee or one House of Congress, and could progress even further during the lame-duck session of Congress, which ends December 31, 2016. One bill is the Taxpayers Right-to-Know Act, which passed the House and has bipartisan support in the Senate. This bill will promote budget transparency, which will result in federal spending that is more accountable to the taxpayer, especially for questionable grants, which make up a significant amount of waste examples in Lankford's 2015 report.\r\n \r\nFederal Debt Statistics:\r\n \r\nThe federal deficit for Fiscal Year 2016 was $587 billion, and overall debt is now $19.5 Trillion, according to the Treasury Department.\r\nThe total federal debt of $19,573,444,713,936.79 now equals about $165,575 per household in America.\r\nIn the eight years of Mr. Obama's presidency, the federal debt has grown by $9 trillion, nearly matching the total amount of debt accumulated by all of his predecessors.\r\nAccording to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, the projected federal deficit is expected to be $594 billion in Fiscal Year 2017.\r\nAnnual deficits are projected to increase above $1 trillion within this decade due to America's aging population. Between 2010 and 2040, the number of Americans age 65 and older will double  from 41 million to 82 million people. \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"], ["http://lucas.house.gov/frankly-speaking/tinker-and-oklahoma%E2%80%99s-legacy-service", "Tinker and Oklahomas Legacy of Service", "2016-11-11", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Frank Lucas", "L000491", "lucas.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "\u201cAn Osage leader is never at the back of his band of warriors\u201d \u2013 Dr. James Crowder, historian at Tinker Air Force Base\n\t\t\t\tClarence Leonard Tinker was the first Native American to attain the rank of Major General. Growing up in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, he revered the heroism of Osage military veterans and idolized the legends of Osage bravery in warfare. As a Major General during the Second World War, Clarence Tinker was not expected to enter direct combat, let alone lead a unit headfirst into front lines. Yet Tinker\u2019s Osage upbringing instilled in him the importance of leading the fight himself. Sadly, Clarence was the first General to die in combat during WWII.\u00a0 He was shot down June 7, 1942 while flying a mission over the Pacific during the Battle of Midway.\u00a0\n\t\t\t\tTinker\u2019s values were rooted in his Oklahoma upbringing.\u00a0 He spoke the Osage language and always maintained a close relationship with his father throughout his entire life.\n\t\t\t\tToday, the Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City bears the namesake of Major General Clarence Tinker.\u00a0 It is home to the 72nd Air Base Wing, providing material, support, and logistics for our nation\u2019s armed forces.\u00a0 They have established themselves as an indispensable component of our country\u2019s defense apparatus. Which is why it\u2019s fitting the base is named after an Oklahoman who broke barriers, demonstrated tremendous leadership, and courageously laid down his life in combat.\n\t\t\t\tThose who serve at Tinker are representatives of the Oklahoma Way. They were some of the first responders at the Murrah building in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing. And when so many homes and businesses were destroyed in the wake of the tornado in May 1999, Tinker servicemen and women were immediately on the ground providing humanitarian aid and support.\n\t\t\t\tVeteran\u2019s Day is a moment to reflect on the legacy of those, like Maj. Gen. Tinker, who served our country. It\u2019s a day to reflect on their sacrifices, their selflessness and their sense of duty that prompted them to join our nation\u2019s armed services. Oklahoma is home to roughly 340,000 veterans and 20,000 active duty military personnel and I\u2019m proud of the way our state has built upon this tremendous legacy of service.\n\t\t\t\tOne of the great honors of my job is to meet with these men and women and their families to hear their stories. These are folks who have served in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and the War on Terror. Many of them recall with great detail their experience in uniform and how it shaped their lives forever. I am always humbled by the overwhelming sense of patriotism I hear from our veterans of past wars \u2013 many of them only teenagers when they first answered the call to serve their country.\n\t\t\t\tMaj. Gen. Clarence Tinker was a man who made everyone \u2013 his family, his community and his country \u2013 proud. Oklahoma is fortunate to have Tinker\u2019s story as a part of our state\u2019s history.\n\t\t\t\tSeventy years have passed since he was lost in combat but the memory and pride for Maj. Gen. Tinker\u2019s service has not faded.\u00a0 At their annual In-lon-shka celebration, the Osage honor military veterans, including Tinker, with a ceremonial song and dance performance. These are closely held traditions passed between many generations. The way the Osage community comes together to honor those who have served sets a remarkable example for the rest of us.\n\t\t\t\tSo on this day, I hope that we can take a moment to pay respects to all our veterans whose individual stories, small and large, paint a greater portrait about what it truly means to serve your country. If it weren\u2019t for them, we could not enjoy the freedom, prosperity and peace we have today.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/veterans-day", "Protecting Those Who Have Protected Us", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "One of our most sacred, if not the most sacred American holiday is Veteran\u2019s Day \u2013 the day we honor those who have served to protect our nation, and especially those who have paid the ultimate price to defend and preserve our freedoms. Veteran's Day began as \u201cArmistice Day\u201d in 1919. For decades it has drawn crowds to the many military memorials scattered across our nation. In a time of division and acrimony in our nation\u2019s political discourse, I believe that there is one unifying sentiment that will always endure \u2013 the determination to honor and support our the men and women who have fought to defend our country and protect our liberty.\n\tOur nation has experienced danger and threats throughout its history. Many wars have been fought, and sadly, many lives have been lost in the defense of freedom. In recent years Americans have witnessed a challenging security environment. At the same time, the federal government has fallen short in keeping its commitments to many of our twenty five million veterans. With growing threats around the world, reductions in our defense budget, and detrimental problems with our Veterans Affairs agency, Congress and the next administration face the task of repairing the broken parts of our military establishment and our veteran's services.\n\tI consider it a privilege and an honor to have two important military bases in my district. Fort Sill Army Post is home to the United States Army Field Artillery School, and Tinker Air Force Base is the most important maintenance and repair air depot in the world. Meeting with many leaders and members of these military installations has given me an in-depth perspective and insight on the issues and needs our military face. Providing substantial assistance to our men and women in uniform, both retired and currently serving, is the highest priority in my daily work.\n\tCongress has made substantial strides in ensuring that our veterans are well taken care of, and that any pressing concerns are swiftly fixed. We have introduced many pieces of legislation that will help ease the accessibility for veterans to obtain care, and have just recently passed full funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs for Fiscal Year 2017. Even more, House Leadership has introduced H.R. 5620, the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act of 2016, authored by Rep. Jeff Miller, Chairman of the House Veterans\u2019 Affairs Committee. This legislation both ensures employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs can be fired or demoted for misconduct or poor performance and also modernizes the disability appeals process to reduce the unacceptable backlog of claims. It awaits consideration on the House floor, but in the midst of partisan times in our politics, surely we can all agree that everyone can support putting our veterans first. Just as our soldiers never leave their colleagues behind, we in our government can never leave them behind either. It is our duty to protect those who protect us.\n\tThe men and women who have taken the oath to serve and protect our nation are the heroes of the American people. They\u2019re never forgotten, nor are they neglected. We can never thank our veterans enough for what they have done to keep the United States the greatest and freest country on this Earth. They deserve our full gratitude each and every day.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-ahead-of-veterans-day", "Inhofe Statement Ahead of Veterans Day", "2016-11-10", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Statement Ahead of Veterans Day\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThursday, November 10, 2016\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.), senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today in recognition of Veterans Day:\r\n\u201cThis Veterans Day we pause to honor the men and women who have faithfully served and protected the liberties and freedoms we hold dear as Americans. These patriots and their families have made great sacrifices for our freedoms, many having paid the ultimate price \u2013 a constant reminder that freedom isn\u2019t free. As a nation we must work continuously to ensure our national security, for which our veterans fought so hard to defend, remains as strong as ever and resilient to the increasing global threats to our life, liberty and freedom.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-announces-new-communications-director", "Inhofe Announces New Communications Director", "2016-11-09", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today announced that Daisy Letendre will serve as his Communications Director, starting\u00a0Thursday. Letendre has served in various press roles on the Senate (EPW) Environment and Public Works Committee, with her most recent title being press secretary for Chairman Inhofe. She replaces Donelle Harder, who has been serving as Communications Director for both the\u00a0personal office and for the EPW Committee and will be moving on for a new opportunity in Oklahoma City.\u00a0\r\n\u201cDaisy is a talented individual who has effectively and proactively communicated my top legislative priorities while I\u00a0have been\u00a0chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee,\u201d\u00a0Inhofe said.\u00a0\u201cMy top priority is to ensure Oklahomans are well informed of my efforts in the U.S. Senate, and I know Daisy will work hard to make this happen. She is a personable individual and gifted writer who will fill an important role on my team.\u201d\u00a0\r\nPrior to being press secretary on the EPW Committee, Letendre served as the new media director for the committee and as a communications associate for Generation Opportunity. Letendre graduated from Trinity College-Hartford with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and philosophy.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-2016-election-results", "Inhofe Statement on 2016 Election Results", "2016-11-09", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Statement on 2016 Election Results\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 9, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement on the 2016 elections:\u00a0\r\n\u201cCongratulations to President-elect Donald J. Trump who the American people voted to serve this great nation as our 45th president. A Republican-led Congress is ready to work with Trump and move our nation forward with a platform that promotes economic opportunity for all, values life at every stage, and is committed to bringing about peace and stability by strengthening our own national security. It was a privilege to serve on Trump's National Security Advisory Board. When I met with him in person, he was eager to listen to experts and weigh the facts presented to him, and I\u2019m confident he will continue to do this now as president. I look forward to working with his administration on critical issues such as improving our nation\u2019s infrastructure, ending a economically destructive era of federal overregulation, unlocking more of America\u2019s energy, and rebuilding our military.\"", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-statement-on-2016-presidential-election", "Senator Lankford Statement on 2016 Presidential Election", "2016-11-09", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "11.09.16\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Statement on 2016 Presidential Election \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tOKLAHOMA CITY, OK  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement on the results of last night's elections:\r\n\"I congratulate President-Elect Trump and Vice President-Elect Pence on a solid victory. The American people have spoken. It is clear that they are tired of top-down mandates from Washington, extreme executive overreach, excessive regulations and weak foreign policy. Now, with a Republican-controlled Congress and a Republican in the White House, it is time to address the real concerns of the American people. Our nation is divided, but we must unite to solve the multitude of issues we face in our country.\"\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-invites-oklahoma-students-to-apply-for-senate-page-program", "Inhofe Invites Oklahoma Students to Apply for Senate Page Program", "2016-11-08", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Invites Oklahoma Students to Apply for Senate Page Program\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, November 8, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) announced today that his office is accepting applications to the U.S. Senate Page Program from now until Dec. 10, 2016. Rising high school juniors or seniors will have an opportunity to apply to be part of the page program for the spring 2017 session, which starts on Jan. 30, 2017.\r\nThe\u00a0Senate Page Program\u00a0provides a unique opportunity for high school students who have a desire to learn and contribute to our nation\u2019s legislative process. Selected students work with some of the nation\u2019s most prominent leaders in a capacity which allows them to experience a variety of new ideas, perspectives, and issues.\r\nPage duties consist primarily of\u00a0delivering\u00a0correspondence and legislative material within the Congressional Complex. Other duties include taking messages for Members, calling them to the phone, preparing the Chamber for Senate sessions, and carrying bills and amendments to the desk.\r\n\u201cThe Page Program is a unique opportunity for Oklahoma\u2019s youth to come experience the day-to-day inner workings of Congress,\u201d\u00a0Inhofe said.\u00a0\u201cUnlike interns, pages spend a majority of their time on the Senate floor working with every Member, handling legislative material and helping to deliver correspondence. They are on the front lines of history in the making.\"\r\nTo apply for the Senate Page Program through Senator Inhofe\u2019s office, you must be an Oklahoma resident, a junior in high school who will be 16 or 17 years of age, but not yet 18 years old on or before the date of appointment, and have a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Oklahoma applicants need to complete the\u00a0online application.\u00a0For any questions or for further assistance, please contact Inhofe\u2019s office at (202) 224-4721.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/proud-heritage", "A Proud Heritage", "2016-11-07", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "The life and culture of our nation\u2019s Native American tribes are written in nearly every chapter of America\u2019s story. It is rich with the traditions, languages, changes, notable names, and much more. Although we honor those legacies and traditions this month, we remember the contributions that our Native American ancestors brought before us every day. \u00a0\n\u00a0\nIt is an honor and a privilege to be a member of the Chickasaw Nation, and a true blessing to have been surrounded by family members who were active in representing and preserving our heritage. My great, great grandfather served as the Chief Clerk of the Chickasaw Supreme Court, and my great-grandfather was the treasurer of the Chickasaw Nation. My great aunt Te Ata Thompson Fisher was a Native American storyteller and performer who had many opportunities to display her talents across the world, even for the President of the United States and the King and Queen of Great Britain. And I am most proud of my mother, Helen Cole, who has been the greatest influence in my life \u2013 she was the first Native American woman elected to the Oklahoma State Senate.\n\u00a0\nEach time I walk into my office, I am reminded of the greater role that Native Americans have played in creating the relationship that our federal government and tribes have today, as well as their\u00a0many contributions to our society. I am fortunate that I\u2019ve been given the honor to represent Native Americans, and to have met many members and leaders of various tribes across the United States. Although I belong to the Chickasaw Nation, many tribes have walked through my office doors, and I make it a priority that they are well represented in Congress.\n\u00a0\nIn 1990, then President George H.W. Bush designated the month of November as \"National American Indian Heritage Month.\" Numerous strides have been made since then in recognizing the many contributions Native Americans have made to our country, and the federal government and tribes have made significant strides towards building a stronger, more respectful relationship with each other.\n\u00a0\nIn more recent years, Congress has been able to ensure that Native Americans are protected on the federal level. From critical legislation like the Violence Against Women Act, which provides reforms for combating domestic violence, to reauthorizing the Special Diabetes Program, Congress recognizes that the needs our nation\u2019s Native Americans have are serious, and are not partisan in nature.\n\u00a0\nFor me, and for many people, Native American Indian Heritage Month is every day. It is my hope that each person in America will come to learn and respect the legacy and culture that our Native Ancestors contributed to our society. And we always will continue to respect them, recognize them, and celebrate the heritage and legacy that is forever a part of our American story.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bicameral-bipartisan-group-of-84-members-of-congress-urge-faa-to-implement-intent-of-third-class-medical-reform", "Bicameral, Bipartisan Group of 84 Members of Congress Urge FAA to Implement Intent of Third Class Medical Reform", "2016-11-02", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Bicameral, Bipartisan Group of 84 Members of Congress Urge FAA to Implement Intent of Third Class Medical Reform\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, November 2, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2013 A bipartisan, bicameral group of 84 Members of Congress sent letters on Wednesday to the Federal Aviation Administration\u2019s (FAA) Adm. Michael Huerta encouraging the agency to implement new regulations that follow Congress\u2019 intent of the third class medical reform language signed into law on\u00a0July\u00a015, 2016, as part of the\u00a0FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016.\u00a0\r\nU.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), authors of the Pilot\u2019s Bill of Rights 2, led the Senate letter with 26 signatures, which can be read by clicking here.\r\nU.S. Rep. Todd Rokita (R-Ind.) and U.S. Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) led the House letter with 58 signatures, which can be read by clicking here.\r\nIn both letters, the Members wrote:\u00a0\u201cWe encourage the FAA to ensure that these regulations follow the intent of the new law, which is to remove bureaucracy, red tape, cost, and delays from the cumbersome process that exists today while maintaining a safe general aviation pilot population.\u00a0 Moreover, this bipartisan compromise also relies on the education of general aviation pilots with respect to aeromedical awareness.\r\n\u201cAs you know, a 2014 safety enhancement, implemented by the FAA-Industry General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC) led the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association\u2019s Air Safety Institute to develop a medical education course that can be used by all pilots for free, regardless of certification level, to educate them on medical fitness and certain health conditions that could impact the safe operations of an aircraft.\u00a0 The intent of the authors was to use this course to fulfill the requirements included in the statute.\r\n\u201cWe also understand that the course recommendations were developed by medical subject matter experts in partnership with the FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine and that the Agency will again review the AOPA Air Safety Institute course before it can be administered, according to the statute, to the pilot population at large.\u201d\r\nBackground:\r\nSection 2307 of the\u00a0FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act\u00a0included compromise language from S.571, the Pilot\u2019s Bill of Rights 2 sponsored by Inhofe,\u00a0to address third class medical reform.\u00a0The compromise language\u00a0garnered the\u00a0support of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA).\r\nOn Feb. 26, 2015, Inhofe introduced the\u00a0Pilot\u2019s Bill of Rights 2, legislation that would\u00a0reform\u00a0the third class medical\u00a0certification\u00a0for recreational pilots and broaden the protections provided in the original Pilot\u2019s Bill of Rights authored by Inhofe and signed into law in 2012.\r\nOn Dec. 9, 2015, the Senate Commerce Committee reported S. 571 as amended to the Senate by a voice vote. On\u00a0Dec. 15, 2015, the Senate passed S.571 by unanimous consent and with 70 cosponsors.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["http://lucas.house.gov/frankly-speaking/president-obama%E2%80%99s-final-100-days-office", "President Obamas Final 100 Days in Office", "2016-11-01", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Frank Lucas", "L000491", "lucas.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Abraham Lincoln once commented, \u201cElections belong to the people. It\u2019s their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will have to sit on their blisters.\u201d\n\t\t\t\tWith two of the most unpopular candidates in recent memory, Lincoln\u2019s observation is fitting.\n\t\t\t\tIf you were to pick solely on personality or likeability, you might not vote for either candidate in this election. In town hall meetings, my constituents have expressed the notion that politics is all about shades of gray because there is never any difference. While that may sometimes hold true, I can say with confidence that this time around, there is indeed a difference.\n\t\t\t\tPresident Obama is entering his final 100 days in office. In his first two years we got Obamacare, a law that raised the costs of healthcare and delivered so much less. We also saw the passage of Dodd-Frank, a regulatory framework that has torn the financial services industry to shreds. And towards the end of the president\u2019s second term, we saw the beginnings of cap and trade, as federal agencies work with foreign entities to increase control over the production and consumption of our energy.\n\t\t\t\tBut this election is not just a referendum on these policies. The next president should also be judged by the individuals they entrust with power.\n\t\t\t\tToday there are roughly 4,000 political appointees selected by the president to carry out the administration\u2019s agenda. These individuals represent agencies ranging from the Department of Agriculture to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are the apparatus that executes many of the president\u2019s unilateral actions, such as EPA\u2019s unpopular Waters of the U.S. rule that has impacted the agriculture, energy and construction industries here in Oklahoma.\n\t\t\t\tPresidential appointees are not accountable to the American voters, and in many cases, not even your elected representatives. Apart from the Senate nomination process, Congress has relatively limited oversight or legislative control over these agencies and the individuals who run them.\n\t\t\t\tOften the only way to challenge their decisions is through the courts. This method is tenuous and subject to a lengthy appeals process that sometimes reaches the Supreme Court.\n\t\t\t\tAs it stands, the Supreme Court sits at eight justices after the recent death of Antonin Scalia. The next president will nominate the ninth justice \u2013 and potentially three or four more. Will they pick a constitutional conservative in the mold of the late Scalia, or will they select a liberal judicial activist like Obama nominee Elena Kagan? Issues such as the Second Amendment or immigration hinge on the court\u2019s composition.\n\t\t\t\tAt the end of the day, presidents are managers. They cannot possibly address every issue, so they delegate their work by hiring people. This election is about the individuals they will select to carry out their vision for America.\n\t\t\t\tIn 100 days, thousands of political appointees are potentially out of work. Voters will have the choice to either fire them all or continue with the status quo of the last administration.\n\t\t\t\tAfter all is said and done, the mudslinging of this election will be a distant memory but the policy decisions we must live under will not be. However tempting, there is simply too much at stake to turn our backs. If voters want real change, we can have it.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-releases-statement-rising-obamcare-costs", "Congressman Russell Releases Statement on Rising Obamcare Costs", "2016-11-01", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Steve Russell", "R000604", "russell.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Del City, OK \u2013 Congressman Steve Russell offered the following statement regarding the increasing healthcare costs in Oklahoma and across the country:\n\u201cAll across the country we are seeing reports of drastic healthcare premium rate increases. Oklahoma is projected to have the highest healthcare premium increase in the nation, as much as 96% for some plans, and with an average increase of 76% due to the federal exchange. This is totally unacceptable. Neither is it surprising. Republicans have been warning all Americans about this since before this dreadful law was enacted and vindicates why Obamacare needs to be repealed and replaced. The people of Oklahoma and all across the country have a right to their own choices for good affordable healthcare. Obamacare is not it.\"\n  \n\t###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/rule-can-put-you-out-business", "This Rule Can Put You Out of Business", "2016-10-31", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "In a little more than six weeks, a new labor rule governing overtime pay for salaried workers is\u00a0set to take effect.\u00a0 Like many of his economic policies, this is another example of the President\u2019s fundamental lack of understanding of the free market and the job killing aspects of overbearing federal regulations.\u00a0 While he may think this new rule will result in a higher take home pay for middle class workers, it is more likely to force many workers to \u201cpunch a clock\u201d and lose the flexibility that a salary provides.\n\u00a0\nContrary to what this administration seems to believe, businesses, especially small businesses, are not charities. Entrepreneurs know that keeping up morale among their employees is essential to their success. But they also know that making a profit is as well. No profits mean fewer jobs and lower pay.\n\u00a0\nCurrent overtime rules require any salaried employee making less than $23,660 annually, or approximately $11.38 cents per hour based on a 40 hour week, to be paid time and a half for every hour over 40 hours that they work in a week - approximately $17.07 per additional hour.\u00a0 The new overtime rule set to go into effect on December 1st will increase that salary threshold to $47,476, or approximately $22.82 per hour. Overtime pay for these employees will be $34.24 per hour.\n\u00a0\nFor many salaried American workers this may initially look like a good thing.\u00a0 It will undoubtedly put more take home pay in their pockets - but at what cost?\u00a0 One of the unintended consequences of this rule will be the additional cost to employers to keep meticulous records of exactly how much time their employees making less than $47,476 are working each week.\u00a0 That money comes out of the business owners' profit so there will be less money to pay their workers.\n\u00a0\nMore onerously however is the fact that these employees now will have to \u201cpunch a clock,\u201d and employers will be incentivized to make sure as few as possible of their salaried employees, many of whom are managers, work no more than 40 hours per week.\u00a0 Furthermore, the flexibility that many salaried employees enjoy will be curtailed.\u00a0 For example, many salaried workers have the flexibility to take time off to attend to personal priorities like doctors' appointments, children sports and school activities, even being stuck in traffic on their way into work - without being docked any of their pay. Under President Obama\u2019s new overtime rules if you are not at work and on the clock, you are not getting paid.\u00a0 This could actually result in workers making less income as employers strive to maintain a payroll level that allows them to stay in business.\n\u00a0\nAs the Chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, which funds the Department of Labor annually, I have included language in the 2017 appropriations bill which would prevent the overtime rule from going into effect for Fiscal Year 2017.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nI am a strong supporter of small business in America, and I am also a strong advocate for improving the lives and livelihood of middle class families.\u00a0 Unfortunately, these new overtime rules do damage to both of these groups.\u00a0 Congress would be wise to pump the brakes on this proposal and to advance proven, free-market economic policies which help small businesses thrive, and their workers prosper.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-responds-fbis-second-investigation-secretary-clinton", "Cole Responds to FBI's Second Investigation on Secretary Clinton", "2016-10-28", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Norman, OK \u2013 Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the FBI announced that it will reopen its investigation into Secretary Hilary Clinton\u2019s use of an email server. Previously, the FBI had stated that it would not take any action against Secretary Clinton after its first investigation.\n\u00a0\n\u201cSecretary Clinton is not above the law, and this should have been the case months ago after the FBI\u2019s initial investigation,\u201d said Cole. \u201cI\u2019m glad that the FBI has realized that their work is not done, and that Secretary Clinton\u2019s use of her email server was irresponsible, untrustworthy and quite possibly illegal. FBI Director James Comey described her actions as \u2018careless\u2019 at the end of the initial investigation\u00a0\u2013 but that sort of carelessness puts our nation at risk. I hope that the FBI conducts a thorough investigation, and that Secretary Clinton will be held to the same standard as anyone else who engage in these activities.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-statement-on-reopening-of-fbi-investigation-into-hillary-clinton", "Senator Lankford Statement on Reopening of FBI Investigation Into Hillary Clinton", "2016-10-28", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.28.16\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford Statement on Reopening of FBI Investigation Into Hillary Clinton \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tOKLAHOMA CITY, OK  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement on the FBI reopening its investigation into former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's email arrangement:\r\nHillary Clinton has claimed for months that the FBI found no reason to prosecute her for her careless handling of classified information, but today reminds us again that the FBI can only examine what the Clinton's have not already destroyed or hidden. As more evidence is discovered, it is obvious to the American people, and now to the FBI Director, that this investigation is far from settled. No one in the American government uses a private server at their home to conduct classified work or to store sensitive government information. All of the recent Wikileaks emails remind us that unsecure servers are vulnerable to theft and exploitation by United States enemies. Americans who have served our nation are rightly frustrated that Hillary Clinton put her political future above our national security. Today, I renew my call for the suspension of Hillary Clinton's and her staff's security clearances, just like any other person under this type of investigation.\r\nIn July, Lankford and a group of Senators requested that the Department of State suspend the security clearances of Secretary Clinton, Huma Abedin, Cheryl Mills, Jake Sullivan, and other former State Department employees for security violations.\r\nLankford serves on the Senate Intelligence Committee.\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-remembers-aviation-legend-bob-hoover-", "Inhofe Remembers Aviation Legend Bob Hoover", "2016-10-26", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe Remembers Aviation Legend Bob Hoover \n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, October 26, 2016\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.) today released a statement remembering legendary pilot Robert A. \u201cBob\u201d Hoover\r\n\u201cI am saddened by the passing of Bob Hoover and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. Bob was one of the best pilots in history and has been a stalwart in the aviation community for decades. Not only did Bob honorably serve our nation as a U.S. Air Force test pilot during World War II, but he worked tirelessly on behalf of pilots everywhere. After the FAA famously revoked his medical certificate without cause Bob became the driving force and inspiration behind my longstanding efforts to pass legislation that addressed the FAA\u2019s bureaucratic red tape. I continued this work with the two Pilot\u2019s Bill of Rights bills that made due process reforms to the FAA\u2019s enforcement process and redesigned the FAA\u2019s entire medical certification process for general aviation pilots. These accomplishments would not have been possible without Bob and I thank him for being a champion for pilots everywhere and for his contribution to the aviation community. They will surely never be forgotten.\u201d \u00a0\r\nIn 1999, Sen. Inhofe introduced S. 722, which gave FAA certificate holders the ability to immediately appeal emergency revocations to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). This legislation was made law as a part of the FAA Reauthorization passed in 2000 and was initiated after FAA arbitrarily revoked Bob Hoover\u2019s medical certificate.\r\nIn 2011, Sen. Inhofe \u00a0introduced S. 1335, the Pilot\u2019s Bill of Rights. This bill makes FAA enforcement proceedings and NTSB reviews fair for pilots by providing them with the information they need to appropriately defend themselves. It was signed into law on August 3, 2012.\r\nIn 2015, Sen. Inhofe introduced S. 571, the Pilot\u2019s Bill of Rights 2. Among other things, this bill reformed the medical certification process for general aviation pilots and made the skies safer by reforming the previous process that incentivized pilots to hide emerging medical conditions from the FAA. The medical certification reforms were signed into law in July 2016.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-responds-revelations-rising-obamacare-premiums", "Cole Responds to Revelations of Rising Obamacare Premiums", "2016-10-25", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement on the current state of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Recently, the Obama Administration revealed that premiums for enrollees will rise 76 percent for Oklahomans next year.\n\u00a0\n\u201cThe Obama Administration has confirmed what we knew would become a reality: Obamacare is simply unaffordable and just does not work,\u201d said Cole. \u201cFrom the beginning, the system has been flawed in both quality and quantity. Premiums and deductibles are outrageous, people can\u2019t access their doctors and insurance companies are frantically drawing back their participation. These are all real problems that are proof that one-size-fits-all healthcare simply does not work.\u201d\n\u00a0\n\u201cSince its initial passage, Republicans have predicted that Obamacare would fail, and it\u2019s beginning to unfold right in front of us,\u201d continued Cole. \u201cI\u2019m glad to support the blueprint that Republicans in Congress have set forward to replace this deeply flawed healthcare system. The Better Way Agenda will provide a healthcare system that embraces free markets, consumer choice and minimal regulations and mandates and puts back quality and consumer choice in American healthcare.\u201d\n\u00a0\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/cole-statement-pentagon-demand-bonus-repayment", "Cole Statement on Pentagon Demand for Bonus Repayment", "2016-10-25", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the Pentagon demanded the California National Guard members repay decades-old reenlistment bonuses. Additionally, it has been reported that while this controversy is currently only impacting California National Guardsmen, It could potentially apply to Guardsmen throughout the country.\n\u201cI am extremely dismayed that the Pentagon has asked the California National Guard to \u2018repay\u2019 their bonuses,\u201d said Cole. \u201cThis is downright wrong. Our men and women in uniform, especially those who have seen combat, are responsible for protecting our national security and that of our allies. Demanding repayment of the bonuses awarded to them for reenlisting severely undermines and disrespects the sacrifice and honor that they gave in order to defend our nation and our freedoms.\"\n\"Our service members protect all of us in many ways and they do not deserve these kind of surprises from our government,\u201d continued Cole. \u201cCongress needs to act in whatever way is necessary to stop this absurd policy and to make sure that service in the National Guard is respected and rewarded in a way commensurate with their selfless service to our nation. The good news is, the House has a provision in the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act which would protect our men and women in uniform from mindless policies such as this one.\u00a0 It should be acted upon immediately\"\n###\nContact: Teresa Davis (202) 225-6165", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-james-lankford-obamacare-is-not-working-for-all-americans", "Senator James Lankford: Obamacare is not working for all Americans", "2016-10-25", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.25.16\n\t\t\t Senator James Lankford: Obamacare is not working for all Americans \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tOKLAHOMA CITY, OK  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement after the Obama administration announced that premiums for Obamacare will increase by an average of 25 percent next year.\r\nThe Obama administration's confirmation of 25 percent premium hike is yet another in a long line of broken promises from the unaffordable Affordable Care Act. The news for Oklahomans is actually much worse, as 2017 premiums will now rise by 76 percent and Blue Cross Blue Shield is now the only health insurer offering plans on the federal exchange in 2017. Clearly, Obamacare is not working for all Americans. This is not just a partisan criticism; even Bill Clinton called Obamacare the craziest thing in the world' and Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton said that Obamacare is no longer affordable to increasing numbers of people.'\r\nCongress put a bill to repeal Obamacare on the President's desk this year but he vetoed it. Now, more than ever before, we need a President in the White House that is willing to work with Congress to realistically address skyrocketing health care costs and dwindling options. What we need is a legislative replacement that lowers the cost of providing quality care, increases competition, expands health saving accounts, and allows each state to manage health care for their citizens, like my Health Care Compact legislation.\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/its-time-save-social-security", "It's Time to Save Social Security", "2016-10-24", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Since it was established in 1935, the Social Security program has become one of the most popular, and relied upon, government programs. A typical retired American will derive more than fifty percent of their income from Social Security.\u00a0And approximately twenty five percent of American retirees rely on Social Security for nearly ninety percent of their income. Unfortunately, according to the latest\u00a0Social Security Trustees\u2019 Report, unless significant reforms are made to the system, the Social Security Trust Fund will be broke by 2033 and America's senior citizens will face an immediate twenty three percent cut to their benefits.\n\u00a0\nUnfortunately, Congress has been unable or unwilling to make the reforms that are necessary to ensure that the Social Security Trust Fund remains solvent.\u00a0The sad reality is that whenever any policy to reform Social Security is proposed, certain politicians and special interest groups take the opportunity to engage in scare tactics aimed at the very people who rely upon Social Security for their livelihoods.\u00a0Consequently, some have called Social security the \"third rail\" of politics - touch it and you will die.\u00a0 This has to change.\n\u00a0\nThe reality of the challenge facing Social Security is that without reforms, the program will go broke.\u00a0The options for saving the program are numerous, and straight forward. One option would be to reduce Social Security benefits for the top twenty five percent of earners.\u00a0Wealthier retirees typically have greater savings and other sources of income to fund their retirement.\u00a0 Another option is to raise the retirement age from 66 to 68, 69 or even 70.\u00a0 The average life expectancy in the United States continues to rise so an argument can be made that the eligibility age for Social Security should increase as well.\u00a0Some have proposed to raise the income level subjected to the Social Security tax.\u00a0Currently that figure is $113,700.\u00a0 Increasing that number to $215,000 would reduce the Social Security shortfall by nearly a third. Eliminating the cap altogether would reduce it by two thirds. These are just a few examples of what could be done to save Social Security.\u00a0They aren't complicated, nor are they draconian.\u00a0We just need our elected officials to have the backbone to at least start telling the truth about the challenges facing this very popular social program and to begin an honest dialogue with the American people.\u00a0And any politician or special interest group who attempts to exploit this debate by frightening senior citizens should be denounced for their shameful tactics.\n\u00a0\nKnowing that this discussion will be difficult, my colleague Congressman John Delaney of Maryland and I have introduced a bi-partisan piece of legislation to help solve the many problems of Social Security. If passed, this bill would create a national, bi-partisan commission composed of 13 members from both the Executive and Legislative branches. Appointed by leaders in both parties, any recommendation by the commission must reach a 9 out of 13 vote threshold. And those recommendations must be voted on by Congress.\u00a0\n\u00a0\nConventional wisdom suggests that all of these potential reforms are extremely unpopular and any elected officials who have the audacity to even bring them up are exposing themselves to extreme voter backlash.\u00a0However, a recent study conducted by the organization \"Voice of the People\" found that the American people are smarter and more courageous than the cynics understand.\u00a0Americans know that Social Security is on an unsustainable path.\u00a0 They know what common sense reforms need to take place.\u00a0And they know that duplicitous politicians and special interest groups will not hesitate to frighten the elderly with misinformation and outright lies if it means more votes or more contributions.\u00a0It's time for our elected leaders to demonstrate the same courage and common sense, and finally address this critical issue.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-lankford-and-mullin-statements-on-oklahoman-killed-in-afghanistan", "Inhofe, Lankford and Mullin Statements on Oklahoman Killed in Afghanistan", "2016-10-21", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe, Lankford and Mullin Statements on Oklahoman Killed in Afghanistan\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tFriday, October 21, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON\u00a0\u2014 U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC); Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) released the following statements today regarding news that Michael G. Sauro of McAlester, Okla. was killed Wednesday from hostile fire at an Afghan military ammunition supply point outside of Kabul, Afghanistan:\r\n\u201cMy prayers and thoughts go out to the family and friends of Michael Sauro who was killed in Afghanistan serving our nation,\u201d\u00a0Inhofe said.\u00a0\"Michael is one of our civilian warriors and heroes who serve alongside our uniformed members, performing critical tasks to ensure mission success. It is times like this that we must remember our nation remains at war, and the service and sacrifice of our active duty, Guard, Reserve,\u00a0and civilians is what helps to keep America safe. Michael\u2019s\u00a0bravery and\u00a0commitment to his nation, through repeatedly\u00a0volunteering to\u00a0serve\u00a0and provide his military expertise\u00a0in combat zones\u00a0overseas, will never be forgotten.\u201d\r\n\r\n\u201cI'm saddened by the death of Michael Sauro in Afghanistan this week,\u201d Lankford said. \u201cAmerica is grateful for his sacrificial service to protect our freedoms. Mr. Sauro honorably served our nation as an Army civilian at the McAlester Ammunition Plant like so many Oklahomans and people from across the nation come to McAlester to do. Our nation understands that freedom is not free and that it is protected by our law-enforcement, our intelligence community, and our civilian, reserves and active-duty military who work every day to keep us safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.\u201d\r\n\u201cThis is a tragic loss for MCAAP and the people of McAlester,\" Mullin said. \"Mr. Sauro dedicated his life to working with the Armed Services to ensure the warfighter was equipped with the best we had to offer. \u00a0My prayers are with his family and friends, and I grieve with them for the loss of this American hero.\u201d\u00a0\r\nSauro began his federal civilian service in December of 1999 and was currently working in the Defense Ammunition Center at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant in McAlester, Okla.\u00a0\u00a0Sauro was on his third deployment, having previously served in 2009 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and again in Oct. 2012 to Jan. 2013 during Operation Enduring Freedom. \u00a0\u00a0His family resides in Pennsylvania.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-and-congressman-diaz-balart-challenge-obamas-latest-cuba-directive", "Senator Lankford and Congressman Diaz-Balart Challenge Obamas Latest Cuba Directive", "2016-10-21", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.21.16\n\t\t\t Senator Lankford and Congressman Diaz-Balart Challenge Obama's Latest Cuba Directive \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 Human Rights Conditions Worsen Since President's Cuban Policy Shift\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) today sent a letter toPresident Obama, stating their profound concern regarding the recent Presidential Policy Directive with the communist Castro regime in Cuba. On October 14, the President issued the directive to ease the economic embargo between America and Cuba. The directive is an overreach of Executive authority regarding congressionally-enacted sanctions with Cuba, and it contradicts America's commitment to human rights.\r\nThroughout the last two years, Lankford has been critical of the President's growing diplomatic relationship with Cuba. Earlier this year, Lankford challenged the President to reevaluate his decision to open diplomatic and trade relations with Cuba because of their poor human rights records. In 2015, Lankford also criticized the Obama administration for making a major policy shift without the input of the American people.\r\nA PDF of the letter is available here, and the full text is below:\r\n\r\nOctober 21 2016\r\n\r\nPresident Barack Obama\r\nPresident of the United States of America\r\nThe White House,1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW\r\nWashington, DC 20500\r\n\r\nDear Mr. President:\r\n   We write to express our profound concern regarding your recent Presidential Policy Directive which further seeks to weaken the congressionally-enacted sanctions against the communist Castro regime. These changes, which your Administration alleges are intended to help create more economic opportunity, circumvent current law yet again and sidestep Congress and the American people.\r\n   Since you laid out your vision for reestablishing diplomatic relations with Cuba in December 2014, human rights conditions in the country have worsened. As former Treasury official and executive director of Cuba Democracy Advocates, Mauricio Claver-Carone, noted in front of the House Committee on Agriculture in September, political arrests in Cuba have intensified, Internet connectivity has dropped, and religious freedom violations have increased tenfold since the policy change was announced.[1] The on-island Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation, documented 8,616 political arrests in 2015, and 8,505 political arrests through September of this year.[2] According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), 2,000 churches were declared illegal and 100 were designated for demolition last year.[3] In just the first half of 2016, CSW documented 1,606 separate violations of religious freedom in Cuba.[4] Additionally, several of the prisoners released by Cuba as part of the announcement of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations were rearrested with even longer prison sentences, according to your State Department's own human rights report.[5] It is also deeply disturbing that many pro-democracy women activists, such as the Ladies in White, are routinely imprisoned.[6]\r\n    Furthermore, the Castro regime has shown no inclination to end its rogue, anti-American activities. It was caught be smuggling 240 tons of military weapons to North Korea in 2013, which a U.N. panel of experts determined was the largest violation of sanctions against that country to date.[7] The Castro regime in August and September 2016 deepened ties with Iran,[8] and has allowed Russian spy ships to dock from its territory.[9] Russia also announced earlier this month that it is considering opening a military base in Cuba.[10] The Director of National Intelligence, General James R. Clapper, testified in February 2016 before the Senate Armed Services committee that the Castro dictatorship remained an espionage threat on par with Iran, behind only China and Russia.[11]\r\n     As the American people rightly have many questions regarding your continued circumvention of the congressionally-enacted embargo on Cuba, we respectfully request you provide an answer in writing to the following questions no later than October 31, 2016:\r\n1) Section 204(a) of Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity (LIBERTAD) Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-114) states that the embargo on Cuba may be lifted only pursuant to certification that a genuine transition government in Cuba is in power. As there is no democratically-elected government in power in Cuba, please explain how your policy of weakening sanctions adheres to both the letter and the spirit of this law.\r\n2) Were any of the changes to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR) announced on October 14, 2016 requested by any member of the Castro dictatorship? Did any other entity approach you or any U.S. government official directly or indirectly in support of these changes prior to them being announced?\r\n3) In authorizing all transactions incident to the processing and payment of credit and debit cards while Americans are traveling to Cuba, how will your Administration ensure compliance with section 103 of the LIBERTAD Act, which prohibits credit and financing to any person involving confiscated property which is claimed by a U.S. national? What procedures and safeguards are in place at the Department of the Treasury, and other federal agencies, to ensure that U.S. law is followed and that confiscated properties are not trafficked as defined in the Act?\r\n4) How many total outstanding claims are there against the Castro regime for confiscation of property from U.S. claimants? Are you communicating to U.S. businesses the litigation risk involved in trafficking expropriated property in Cuba?\r\n5) What steps is your administration taking to ensure that trademarks belonging to U.S. companies are not adversely affected, or possibly further exploited or expropriated, by your policy of allowing imports of rum and tobacco products?\r\n6) Is your Administration in full compliance with section 201(b) of the LIBERTAD Act, which requires U.S. diplomatic personnel to communicate the reasons for the economic embargo on Cuba and encourage foreign officials to cooperate more effectively with the embargo? If so, please explain what steps your Administration is taking to execute this law.\r\n    You have made it clear that you oppose current U.S. law in regard to sanctions against the Castro regime. However, absent further action by Congress, it is imperative that your administration act in a way that is consistent with the laws passed by the American people's representatives in Congress and signed into law by a previous president. We encourage you and your administration, in the waning days of your presidency, to provide at least as much transparency and engagement with the U.S. Congress as you apparently have cultivated with the Castro dictatorship.\r\n\r\nSincerely,\r\nJames Lankford,United States Senator                                    \r\nMario Diaz-Balart,United States Congressman\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/new-cold-war", "A New Cold War", "2016-10-17", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Our nation has been fortunate in the past to have strong leaders who have recognized the threat posed by an aggressive Russia.\u00a0 Virtually every president since Harry Truman has known that maintaining a strong national defense\u00a0and a healthy skepticism of the former Soviet Union was our highest national security priority. But since this Administration has taken office, Russia has taken full advantage of the weak foreign policy of President Obama. While President Obama lauded the \u201creset\u201d of our relations with Russia in 2009, it has become painfully clear that this policy has not only been a resounding failure, but that Russia has taken advantage of the Obama Administration\u2019s na\u00efvet\u00e9.\n\u00a0\nIn 2009, the United States and Russia came to a ten-year agreement, negotiated by Secretary of State Clinton, which reduced nuclear arms and weaponry.\u00a0 The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) was intended to replace an arms-control treaty that expired at the end of 2009.\u00a0 The new treaty went into effect in early 2011 and is due to be fully implemented in 2018 and remain in place for ten years.\n\u00a0\nThe agreement essentially requires both nations to limit their deployed nuclear arms.\u00a0 Specifically, each country is limited to 1,550 strategic deployed warheads, and 700 deployed heavy bombers and missiles. Although at the time the treaty was heralded as an improvement between our relations with Russia, many Members of Congress questioned the significant flaws the Treaty contained, specifically with regards to verification protocols, a lack of limits on tactical nuclear weapons, and rail-mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles.\n\u00a0\nThe United States has complied with the provisions of the treaty, by reducing its deployed weapons. However, Russia has continued to increase their number of deployed warheads since the treaty was agreed upon. In addition to this, Russia has been taking advantage of the treaty by utilizing its ability to modernize its weapons stockpile. It\u2019s taking old stockpiled weapons that are considered under the provisions of the treaty and swapping in new ones that are much more dangerous.\n\u00a0\nUnfortunately for the United States, the concerns raised before ratification of New START are playing out. Just a week ago, Vladimir Putin declared that Russia will continue with its nuclear arms program.\u00a0 While the United States has abided by the agreement, Russia has been building its deployed weapons supply.\u00a0 According to the State Department, Russia has been exceeding the number of allowed nuclear warheads stated in the treaty and now has hundreds more than the United States. Without leaders who will confront these aggressive actions, in violation of the New START Treaty, it is difficult to see how the United States will confront Russian aggression across the globe.\n\u00a0\nFor the first time since Jimmy Carter was President, the outgoing administration is leaving his successor in a weaker position regarding Russia than the one he inherited. The next administration will need to demonstrate assertive leadership with Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin. A heavily armed, aggressive and unchecked Russia is not just a threat to America and our allies, it\u2019s a threat to world peace.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/october-14_-lankford-letter", "October 14 - Lankford Letter", "2016-10-14", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.14.16\n\t\t\t October 14 - Lankford Letter \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tCLICK HERE for the October 14, 2016 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    \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-lankford-question-top-pentagon-officials-about-obama-administrations-17-billion-cash-payment-to-iran", "Inhofe, Lankford Question Top Pentagon Officials About Obama Administrations $1.7 Billion Cash Payment to Iran", "2016-10-12", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe, Lankford Question Top Pentagon Officials About Obama Administration\u2019s $1.7 Billion Cash Payment to Iran\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tWednesday, October 12, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2014 U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and James Lankford (R-Okla.) today sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Joseph Dunford regarding their recent testimony before a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing about the Obama administration\u2019s $1.7 billion cash payment to Iran, and the fact that top military officials were not notified before the payment was made.\r\nFollowing reports that Iran has funneled this money into its military budget, the senators also note that the payment may further embolden Iran, resulting in our troops and allies confronting more lethal and better-equipped adversaries. Iran is still listed by the State Department as a state sponsor of terrorism.\r\n\u201cWhile we understand that other agencies and departments would be in the lead for such a transaction, we are deeply concerned that President Obama and the rest of the administration did not think it was necessary to even notify the Secretary of Defense or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that the United States was about to provide the world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terrorism with $1.7 billion in cash,\u201d the letter reads.\u00a0\u201cIt seems clear that the Obama administration\u2019s injection of substantial, liquid financial resources into Iran\u2019s military budget also has significant and obvious implications for America\u2019s national security interests and required military posture in the Middle East.\u201d\r\nFifteen other Senators joined the letter, including Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Mark Kirk (R-IL), David Perdue (R-GA), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Michael Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), David Vitter (R-LA), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).\r\nA PDF of the letter is available here, and the full text is below:\r\nOctober 11, 2016\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe Honorable Ashton B. Carter\r\nSecretary of Defense \r\n1000 Defense Pentagon\r\nWashington, DC 20301\r\n\u00a0\r\nGeneral Joseph F. Dunford, Jr.\r\nChairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff\r\n9999 Joint Staff Pentagon, Room 2D920\r\nWashington, DC 20319\r\n\u00a0\r\nDear Secretary Carter and General Dunford:\r\n\u00a0\r\nThank you for your testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, September 22, 2016.\u00a0 We appreciate your willingness to share your views on the significant challenges our nation faces around the globe, and we are writing to follow up on the discussion regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran.\u00a0 As you know, earlier this year, the administration provided $1.7 billion in cash to Iran.\u00a0 As was raised in the hearing, there are reports that Iran has funneled this money into its military budget.\r\n\u00a0\r\nThe plain purpose of transferring the payment in cash to Tehran was to circumvent the effects of U.S. and international financial sanctions.\u00a0 Iran is almost certainly using this windfall to skirt the arms embargo and illicitly purchase weapons for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the terrorist organization Hezbollah, and/or the murderous Assad regime in Syria.\u00a0 We are deeply concerned that this large infusion of U.S. taxpayer-funded cash into the coffers of the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism is going to further embolden Iran and result in our troops and our allies confronting more lethal and better equipped adversaries and potential adversaries.\r\n\u00a0\r\nGeneral Dunford, in your testimony you referred to this possibility as \u201ctroubling.\u201d\u00a0 You also testified that Iran will be \u201cmore effective\u201d in spreading malign influence with the additional funds and said that, \u201c\u2026I would prefer that we not provide additional resources to Iran.\u201d\u00a0 In addition, you referred to the decision as \u201cpolitical,\u201d and noted that regarding the payment being a ransom, you have \u201conly read open source reporting on that.\u201d\u00a0 When discussing the nature and potential consequences of the payment, Secretary Carter, you informed us that the Pentagon had not been consulted in the decision-making process, testifying that, \u201cI don\u2019t know all the details of it, and the Chairman and I were not involved in that.\u00a0 It is a decision that was taken by the law enforcement and the diplomatic community, and I would have to refer you there.\u201d \r\n\u00a0\r\nWhile we understand that other agencies and departments would be in the lead for such a transaction, we are deeply concerned that President Obama and the rest of the administration did not think it was necessary to even notify the Secretary of Defense or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that the United States was about to provide the world\u2019s leading state sponsor of terrorism with $1.7 billion in cash.\u00a0 It seems clear that the Obama administration\u2019s injection of substantial, liquid financial resources into Iran\u2019s military budget also has significant and obvious implications for America\u2019s national security interests and required military posture in the Middle East. \r\n\u00a0\r\nThese additional funds for Iran\u2019s military budget are troubling especially in light of the increasingly belligerent behavior of Tehran since the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action went into effect.\u00a0 In addition to supporting Hezbollah and Assad, since last January, Iran has illegally detained ten American sailors, repeatedly tested ballistic missiles, incessantly harassed U.S. naval vessels, and unjustly imprisoned American citizens.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn light of these facts, we respectfully ask that you submit written answers to the questions below: \r\n\u00a0\r\n1. Is it the Department of Defense\u2019s assessment that the $1.7 billion in cash the administration provided to Iran has been primarily devoted to Iran\u2019s military budget?\r\n\u00a0\r\n2. How does the Department of Defense assess that Iran will spend these additional military resources?\r\n\u00a0\r\n3. What are the tactical, operational, or strategic implications for the United States of these additional resources, and how does the Department of Defense plan to respond?\r\n\u00a0\r\n4. Have any of the United States\u2019 Middle East regional partners expressed concern to you regarding Iran\u2019s increasing belligerence, as well as Tehran\u2019s growing military investment?\r\n\u00a0\r\n5. Do you see a correlation between the increased financial resources now available to Iran and the increase in its belligerent activities? \r\n\u00a0\r\n6. When decisions of this nature are made in the future, do you think it would be helpful for other entities of the executive branch, including the White House and National Security Council, to consult the Defense Department beforehand?\r\n\u00a0\r\nThank you both for your distinguished service to our country.\u00a0\u00a0 We appreciate your assistance regarding this important matter, and we would appreciate a response by October 29.\u00a0 \r\n\u00a0\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-lankford-and-inhofe-press-top-pentagon-officials-about-obama-administrations-17-billion-cash-payment-to-iran", "Senators Lankford and Inhofe Press Top Pentagon Officials About Obama Administrations $1.7 Billion Cash Payment to Iran", "2016-10-12", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Lankford", "L000575", "www.lankford.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "10.12.16\n\t\t\t Senators Lankford and Inhofe Press Top Pentagon Officials About Obama Administration's $1.7 Billion Cash Payment to Iran \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 Top Military Officials Were Not Notified Before the Cash Payment Was Made\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) today sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Joseph Dunford regarding their recent testimony before a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing about the Obama administration's $1.7 billion cash payment to Iran, and the fact that top military officials were not notified before the payment was made.\r\nFollowing reports that Iran has funneled this money into its military budget, the senators also note that the payment may further embolden Iran, resulting in our troops and allies confronting more lethal and better-equipped adversaries. Iran is still listed by the State Department as a state sponsor of terrorism.\r\nWhile we understand that other agencies and departments would be in the lead for such a transaction, we are deeply concerned that President Obama and the rest of the administration did not think it was necessary to even notify the Secretary of Defense or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that the United States was about to provide the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism with $1.7 billion in cash, the letter reads.It seems clear that the Obama administration's injection of substantial, liquid financial resources into Iran's military budget also has significant and obvious implications for America's national security interests and required military posture in the Middle East.\r\nFifteen other Senators joined the letter, including Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Mark Kirk (R-IL), David Perdue (R-GA), Pat Roberts (R-KS), Michael Rounds (R-SD), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), David Vitter (R-LA), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).\r\nA PDF of the letter is available here, and the full text is below:\r\nOctober 11, 2016\r\n\r\nThe Honorable Ashton B. Carter,Secretary of Defense\r\n1000 Defense Pentagon,Washington, DC 20301\r\n\r\nGeneral Joseph F. Dunford, Jr.,Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff\r\n9999 Joint Staff Pentagon, Room 2D920,Washington, DC 20319\r\n\r\nDear Secretary Carter and General Dunford:\r\n   Thank you for your testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday, September 22, 2016. We appreciate your willingness to share your views on the significant challenges our nation faces around the globe, and we are writing to follow up on the discussion regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran. As you know, earlier this year, the administration provided $1.7 billion in cash to Iran. As was raised in the hearing, there are reports that Iran has funneled this money into its military budget.\r\n   The plain purpose of transferring the payment in cash to Tehran was to circumvent the effects of U.S. and international financial sanctions. Iran is almost certainly using this windfall to skirt the arms embargo and illicitly purchase weapons for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the terrorist organization Hezbollah, and/or the murderous Assad regime in Syria. We are deeply concerned that this large infusion of U.S. taxpayer-funded cash into the coffers of the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism is going to further embolden Iran and result in our troops and our allies confronting more lethal and better equipped adversaries and potential adversaries.\r\n    General Dunford, in your testimony you referred to this possibility as troubling. You also testified that Iran will be more effective in spreading malign influence with the additional funds and said that, I would prefer that we not provide additional resources to Iran. In addition, you referred to the decision as political, and noted that regarding the payment being a ransom, you have only read open source reporting on that. When discussing the nature and potential consequences of the payment, Secretary Carter, you informed us that the Pentagon had not been consulted in the decision-making process, testifying that, I don't know all the details of it, and the Chairman and I were not involved in that. It is a decision that was taken by the law enforcement and the diplomatic community, and I would have to refer you there.\r\n   While we understand that other agencies and departments would be in the lead for such a transaction, we are deeply concerned that President Obama and the rest of the administration did not think it was necessary to even notify the Secretary of Defense or the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that the United States was about to provide the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism with $1.7 billion in cash. It seems clear that the Obama administration's injection of substantial, liquid financial resources into Iran's military budget also has significant and obvious implications for America's national security interests and required military posture in the Middle East.\r\n    These additional funds for Iran's military budget are troubling especially in light of the increasingly belligerent behavior of Tehran since the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action went into effect. In addition to supporting Hezbollah and Assad, since last January, Iran has illegally detained ten American sailors, repeatedly tested ballistic missiles, incessantly harassed U.S. naval vessels, and unjustly imprisoned American citizens\r\n   In light of these facts, we respectfully ask that you submit written answers to the questions below:\r\n1. Is it the Department of Defense's assessment that the $1.7 billion in cash the administration provided to Iran has been primarily devoted to Iran's military budget?\r\n2. How does the Department of Defense assess that Iran will spend these additional military resources?\r\n3. What are the tactical, operational, or strategic implications for the United States of these additional resources, and how does the Department of Defense plan to respond?\r\n4. Have any of the United States' Middle East regional partners expressed concern to you regarding Iran's increasing belligerence, as well as Tehran's growing military investment?\r\n5. Do you see a correlation between the increased financial resources now available to Iran and the increase in its belligerent activities?\r\n6. When decisions of this nature are made in the future, do you think it would be helpful for other entities of the executive branch, including the White House and National Security Council, to consult the Defense Department beforehand?\r\n    Thank you both for your distinguished service to our country. We appreciate your assistance regarding this important matter, and we would appreciate a response by October 29.\r\nSincerely,\r\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-menendez-congratulate-taiwan-on-double-ten-day", "Inhofe, Menendez Congratulate Taiwan on Double Ten Day", "2016-10-11", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "OK", "James Inhofe", "I000024", "www.inhofe.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Inhofe, Menendez Congratulate Taiwan on Double Ten Day\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tTuesday, October 11, 2016\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tWASHINGTON \u2014 In a letter to President Tsai Ing-wen, Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), co-chairs of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, congratulated the people of Taiwan on \"Double Ten Day,\" the national day of celebration.\r\nThe letter follows:\r\nOctober 10, 2016\r\nHer Excellency Tsai Ing-wen\r\nPresident of the Republic of China (Taiwan)\r\nNo. 122, Sec. 1, Chongqing South Road, Zhongzeng District\r\nTaipei City 10048, Taiwan (ROC)\r\nDear Madam President:\r\n\u00a0\r\nAs the Co-Chairs of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, we send our warmest greetings to you and the people of Taiwan as you celebrate the National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan). As longstanding friends of Taiwan, we join you in celebrating the history and importance of this day.\r\n\u00a0\r\nAs you know, our two peoples are bound by shared interests and values\u2014namely, our commitments to democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and free enterprise.\u00a0 We appreciate that freedom, security, and the exchanges of ideas, goods, and services are keys not only to a prosperous United States and a prosperous Taiwan, but also to a prosperous Asia-Pacific region and a prosperous world.\u00a0 We are also pleased to note that bilateral trade between the United States and Taiwan continues to grow, and that Taiwan was our 9th-largest trading partner last year.\u00a0 Increased trade and tourism brought about by Taiwan\u2019s participation in the Visa Waiver Program has markedly improved mutual understanding.\u00a0 The 148 U.S.-Taiwan Sister Cities, three of which are located in New Jersey and two in Oklahoma, provide rich opportunities to cultivate personal relationships at the individual level.\u00a0 Finally, this past April marked the 37th anniversary of the enactment of Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), a pivotal event in our shared history and emblematic of our strong bilateral relations.\r\n\u00a0\r\nIn the coming year, we look forward to working with you to build on this legacy to increase our economic ties, to improve our collective security, and to strengthen the abiding friendship and partnership between our people, who share a commitment to robust democratic values.\u00a0 Taiwan is, and always will be, one of our most important partners in Asia.\u00a0 Again, our congratulations and best wishes to you and to the people of Taiwan, as you celebrate this significant day.\r\n\u00a0\r\nSincerely,", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"], ["https://cole.house.gov/media-center/weekly-columns/unlikely-alliance", "An Unlikely Alliance", "2016-10-10", "2016", "2016-10", "Republican", "House", "OK", "Tom Cole", "C001053", "cole.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "When the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, was passed in the spring of 2010 it was done so with no Republican votes.\u00a0 Since then, the Republican controlled House of Representatives has voted more than sixty times to repeal the law.\u00a0 Republican animosity towards this destruction of our health care system is well established.\u00a0 But recently another high profile political leader added his voice to the chorus of well deserved criticism of the disastrous consequences of Obamacare.\n\t\u00a0\n\t\u201cPeople gained access to health insurance but wind up with their premiums doubled and their coverage cut in half...The people getting killed in this deal are the small businesspeople and individuals who make just a little too much to get in on these subsidies...It\u2019s the craziest thing in the world.\u201d\u00a0 The sentiments expressed in these statements aren\u2019t a surprise - they are shared by a majority of Americans.\u00a0 However, the fact that these sentiments were expressed by former President Bill Clinton, arguably the most revered figure in the Democratic Party, speaks volumes about the real impact Obamacare is having on the American middle class.\n\t\u00a0\n\tThe American people have known since it\u2019s inception that Obamacare is a disaster.\u00a0 It has done lasting damage to individual health care options and to the market for health insurance. And in the waning days of his presidency, President Obama himself is even recognizing that the flaws the program has might give way to its demise. Even Congressional Democrats have been developing buyer\u2019s remorse for blindly supporting the law in the first place. Dissent of Obamacare has suddenly become a bipartisan issue as evidenced by Bill Clinton\u2019s unexpected candor.\n\t\u00a0\n\tI could say that I\u2019m shocked that one of the country\u2019s leading Democratic leaders has pulled the curtain back on the truth of Obamacare.\u00a0 But the reality is that like most Americans, Bill Clinton has come to the conclusion that Obamacare just does not work. I give President Clinton credit for this one and I fully agree with him \u2013 the law simply \u201cdoesn\u2019t make sense.\u201d\n\t\u00a0\n\tThe fundamental flaw of Obamacare is the rapidly rising premiums, which pay for increasingly inferior healthcare. In some states like\u00a0Minnesota, premiums are increasing by almost 70 percent. Yet despite these massive premium increases, the top four insurance companies in the country are losing hundreds of millions of dollars on their Obamacare plans. Throughout the country, several insurers have made the decision to simply exit the market. The impact of insurance companies leaving markets results in the opposite of Obamacare\u2019s promises \u2013 it leaves little competition and no room for a marketplace of choices. In fact,\u00a0a third of the U.S. will be left out with no health insurance choices in 2017. Many states across the U.S. will only have one choice in the Obamacare marketplace next year \u2013 and\u00a0Oklahoma is one of them.\u00a0\n\t\u00a0\n\tThe utter disaster that is Obamacare and the litany of problems it has created will be one of the biggest challenges this Administration will leave to their successor.\u00a0 Unfortunately, fixing the problems created by Obamacare will be far more complex than simply repealing the law.\u00a0 Obamacare isn\u2019t just a disaster in it\u2019s own right, it did serious damage to the health care industry that could take years to reverse.\u00a0 The next President would be well advised to learn from the mistakes of this failed experiment and recognize that free markets, consumer choice, and minimal regulations and mandates are the fundamental principles for successful reform.\u00a0 Had President Obama heeded these principles, health care reform could have been his legacy rather than the disaster it has turned out to be.", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "truncated": false, "filtered_table_rows_count": 521, "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 \"state\" = :p0 and \"year\" = :p1 order by date desc limit 101", "params": {"p0": "OK", "p1": "2016"}}, "facet_results": {"party": {"name": "party", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=OK&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "Republican", "label": "Republican", "count": 521, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=OK&year=2016&party=Republican", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "chamber": {"name": "chamber", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=OK&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "House", "label": "House", "count": 521, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=OK&year=2016&chamber=House", "selected": false}], "truncated": false}, "state": {"name": "state", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=OK&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "OK", "label": "OK", "count": 521, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?year=2016", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}, "year": {"name": "year", "type": "column", "hideable": false, "toggle_url": "/press/releases.json?state=OK&year=2016", "results": [{"value": "2016", "label": "2016", "count": 521, "toggle_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=OK", "selected": true}], "truncated": false}}, "suggested_facets": [], "next": "2016-10-10,https~3A~2F~2Fcole~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fweekly-columns~2Funlikely-alliance", "next_url": "http://dpwillis-congress-press-search.hf.space/press/releases.json?state=OK&year=2016&_next=2016-10-10%2Chttps~3A~2F~2Fcole~2Ehouse~2Egov~2Fmedia-center~2Fweekly-columns~2Funlikely-alliance&_sort_desc=date", "private": false, "allow_execute_sql": true, "query_ms": 149.24795413389802, "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"}