Press releases
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788 rows where party = "Republican", state = "OK" and year = 2015 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| http://cole.house.gov/real-achievements | Real Achievements | 2015-12-28 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Despite the commonly held opinion that this has been an unproductive Congress, I believe that this year lawmakers have proved that the federal government can function under regular order and responsibly get the work of the American people done. It is especially encouraging that, even in the era of divided government, there are a number of legislative achievements that can make all Americans rest assured that the work of the people, through their elected representatives, is indeed getting done. Since this spring, lawmakers have been working on legislation to responsibly fund the government, and this year marked the first time since 2006 that all 12 spending bills were passed through the Appropriations Committee in both chambers. In the House of Representatives, six of those funding bills passed by bipartisan majority votes on the floor. However, it wasnt until after a long negotiation between leaders in both chambers of Congress and in communication with the president that worry of another government shutdown was finally laid to rest. Guided by funding levels previously agreed to in the Bipartisan Budget Act and spending recommendations from the groundwork laid in the Appropriations subcommittees, the resulting omnibus legislation passed before Christmas represented an acceptable, albeit imperfect, compromise. Passed by a strong majority in Congress and signed by the president, it not only keeps the government open but it provides financial peace and much needed stability for a full fiscal year. It is important to note that more than 60 percent of the spending in the so-called omnibus bill went to fund the military and support our veterans. During the same week that Congress passed vital legislation to fund the government, lawmakers also supported and the president signed into law a bill that permanently extends more than 20 temporary tax provisions. In addition to helping out individuals and job creators and boosting economic growth, the law also encourages comprehensive tax reform, reduces potential fraud and ab… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/joint-op-ed-tulsa-world-lifting-ban-crude-oil-exports-starts-new-chapter-oklahoma | Joint Op-Ed in Tulsa World: Lifting ban on crude oil exports starts new chapter for Oklahoma | 2015-12-27 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Tulsa World - By U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe & James Lankford and Congressmen Frank Lucas, Tom Cole, Markwayne Mullin & Steve Russell Revenue in Oklahoma is down by 12 percent. We face a $900.8 million shortfall going into 2016. Our state Secretary of Finance has said we are facing the biggest fiscal challenge since the 2008 recession, and our state education agencies have been told to prepare for large, across-the-board budget cuts midway through the school year substantially due to unreasonably restricting our own access to the international market. On top of all of this, a report from Oklahoma State University shows our state could lose more than 20,000 jobs through 2016 as a result of our unstable energy market. One immediate way we can fix the problem is by ending the 40-year-old relic that has been dictating our national energy policy. Most people might not know that it has been illegal for the U.S. to sell crude oil around the world. This outdated law has hurt our state and its families and businesses that are already struggling to get by. This is why we have been fighting for a change. We have been fighting to give jobs back to Oklahomas oil patch workers, to keep gasoline prices low, and to make sure the United States and our allies are not held hostage by countries that use energy as a political weapon. We won this fight to lift the ban on exporting U.S. crude oil in the year-end funding bill. Lifting the ban means creating 1 million jobs across nearly all 50 states. It means more revenue for Oklahoma. It means six new downstream jobs for every 10 new energy jobs, from manufacturing to information technology. Lifting the ban on crude oil exports means maintaining the low prices we see at the gasoline pumps and disposable money families can put in savings or back into our economy. It means freedom from dangerous cartels across the Middle East that threaten our security and our way of life. Lifting the ban on crude oil exports is about our kids future. It is a new opportunity for the entrepreneur dow… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/joint-op-ed-in-tulsa-world-lifting-ban-on-crude-oil-exports-starts-new-chapter-for-oklahoma | Joint Op-Ed in Tulsa World: Lifting ban on crude oil exports starts new chapter for Oklahoma | 2015-12-27 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 12.27.15 Joint Op-Ed in Tulsa World: Lifting ban on crude oil exports starts new chapter for Oklahoma Revenue in Oklahoma is down by 12 percent. We face a $900.8 million shortfall going into 2016. Our state Secretary of Finance has said we are facing the biggest fiscal challenge since the 2008 recession, and our state education agencies have been told to prepare for large, across-the-board budget cuts midway through the school year. On top of all of this, a report from Oklahoma State University shows our state could lose more than 20,000 jobs through 2016 as a result of our unstable energy market. One immediate way we can fix the problem is by ending the 40-year-old relic that has been dictating our national energy policy. Most people might not know that it has been illegal for the U.S. to sell crude oil around the world. This outdated law has hurt our state and its families and businesses that are already struggling to get by. This is why we have been fighting for a change. We have been fighting to give jobs back to Oklahoma's oil patch workers, to keep gasoline prices low, and to make sure the United States and our allies are not held hostage by countries that use energy as a political weapon. We won this fight to lift the ban on exporting U.S. crude oil in the year-end funding bill. Lifting the ban means creating 1 million jobs across nearly all 50 states. It means more revenue for Oklahoma. It means six new downstream jobs for every 10 new energy jobs, from manufacturing to information technology. Lifting the ban on crude oil exports means maintaining the low prices we see at the gasoline pumps and disposable money families can put in savings or back into our economy. It means freedom from dangerous cartels across the Middle East that threaten our security and our way of life. Lifting the ban on crude oil exports is about our kids' future. It is a new opportunity for the entrepreneur down the street, motivation for the student thinking about an apprenticeship in our energy economy and sec… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-inhofe-responds-to-problems-at-okc-veterans-affairs-center | Inhofe Responds to Problems at OKC Veterans Affairs Center | 2015-12-23 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Inhofe Responds to Problems at OKC Veterans Affairs Center Wednesday, December 23, 2015 TULSA, Oklahoma U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) released the following statement on the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center and the problems at the facility that were brought to light in a USA Today article published in print today: "Taking care of Oklahoma's veterans has been a leading priority throughout my time in office. The stories of problems at our Oklahoma City VA Center is unacceptable, and I have already been in touch personally with the facility,the VA director who oversees all Oklahoma VA operations, and the VA headquarters regarding the specific cases recently brought to light by the press. This year alone, my office has worked hundreds of cases for Oklahoma's veterans that are facing inadequate care or blocked access to their earned benefits. This past fall I personally brought the VA's chief of staff to Oklahoma to see first hand the progress that needs to be made toward improving health care for our veterans. Following his visit, I also initiated a full review by the VA's office of inspector general of Oklahoma's VA facilities. This is an epidemic not only at the Oklahoma City VA Center, but across the state. I will keep working so that Oklahoma sees significant change in the care provided to those who bravely and honorably served our nation." On Oct. 30, Inhofe authored an op-ed published in the Tulsa World highlighting issues he is working to resolve at the Muskogee VA medical center. Following the publishing of the op-ed, the VA also sent two teams to investigate operations at Muskogee, one that looked at quality of careandthe other that looked at management of the facility, with findings that are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Their visits resulted in the immediate shut down of intermediate surgeries at the Muskogee facility due to issues that were discovered. The op-ed can be read by clicking here. ### Press Contact … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-james-lankford-statement-on-oklahoma-veterans-affairs-problems | Senator Lankford Statement on Oklahoma Veterans Affairs Problems | 2015-12-23 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 12.23.15 Senator Lankford Statement on Oklahoma Veterans Affairs Problems OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued the following statement on the Oklahoma Veterans Affairs Medical Center problems detailed in this week's USA Today newspaper: "Our veterans have sacrificed to keep us safe and protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. I remain continually frustrated by the issues happening at both the Department of Veterans Affairs and in our Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, the front line where we need to honor the promises to treat service-related medical needs of our veterans. In the last 2 weeks, I've visited VA Centers in Muskogee and Oklahoma City and it is clear that the progress being made is too slow. Earlier this year, Congress passed legislation to give veterans more choice so they can conveniently receive the care they need. Whether it's care within the VA system or the ability to receive care in the private sector, change needs to happen faster. "I am working with the regional Veterans Integrated Service Network-19 leadership to get a Director in place at the Oklahoma City and Muskogee Veterans facilities, and I will closely monitor the VA's progress of these problems. Our veterans deserve better, and I will fight to ensure they receive the care they have earned." The Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015 (HR 3236) was passed by Congress and signed into law in July 2015. The bill makes it easier for veterans who can't get prompt appointments with VA doctors to obtain outside care. Also, the Omnibus spending bill (HR 2029), passed by Congress on Friday, includes increased funding for VA staff to address the long backlog of veteran medical cases. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/responsibly-funding-government | Responsibly Funding the Government | 2015-12-22 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Since this spring, lawmakers have been hard at work sharing ideas and crafting legislation to responsibly fund the government. In the House of Representatives, the process of fulfilling this critical function of government started with hearings and discussions in the 12 subcommittees of the Appropriations Committee. And this yearfor the first time since 2009all 12 funding bills were written, considered and passed out of full committee and six passed the entire House. However, lacking passage of the same bills in the Senate and the presidents signature to make those bills law, the issue of government funding for the fiscal year remained unresolved until last week. After a long negotiation that was guided by funding levels previously agreed to in the Bipartisan Budget Act and spending recommendations from the groundwork laid in the subcommittees, the omnibus legislation unveiled and passed by a strong majority in both chambers of Congress last week represents an acceptable compromise that keeps the government open. While I could offer a long list of the things I wish had been a part of the omnibus, there is also a lot in it to be proud of and claimed as conservative victories. With mounting crises overseas and national security concerns here at home, I am pleased that the funding bill provides for a strong defense and robust military well equipped to confront threats wherever they arise. Specifically in response to the escalating threat posed by ISIL, it is appropriate that the omnibus also includes changes recommended by the House to strengthen the Visa Waiver Program in order to prevent acts of terrorism by visitors to the United States. As many know firsthand, the call of duty to defend our country demands sacrifice both during and after service in the military. In addition to funding sufficient resources for those serving to ensure our safety, the omnibus reassures current and future veterans that the government will keep the promise of quality and accessible earned benefits and improve the process for doing s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lucas.house.gov/frankly-speaking/funding-america%E2%80%99s-priorities-and-holding-white-house-accountable | Funding Americas Priorities and Holding the White House Accountable | 2015-12-22 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Frank Lucas | L000491 | lucas.house.gov | legacy | As 2015 comes to an end, Congress is tasked with funding the federal government through the end of next September, or the remainder of the fiscal year. Last week the House and Senate passed a spending agreement that combined the 12 appropriations bills to fund various aspects of our government, ranging everywhere from defense to agriculture. In addition to this funding, the spending package also includes a number of policies to boost economic growth and encourage job creation in the private sector. Many of these provisions are aimed at supporting the future and success of families and businesses in rural America. One of the most important provisions helps secure our countrys energy future by lifting the 40 year-old ban on exporting crude oil. Recently, oil producers have been forced to scale back due to a number of factors. This has hurt many who work in the industry and has even impacted our state budget. Abolishing the outdated crude oil export ban will incentivize energy producers to continue to invest and hire more employees. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates this policy would generate $1.4 billion in profits to the federal government through oil and gas leases. And in Oklahoma, the Energy Equipment and Infrastructure Alliance predicts that roughly 11,000 jobs would be created by 2018 as a result of this policy. Lifting the ban also reduces our allies reliance on importing oil from more volatile nations such as Russia, Iran or Venezuela. The United States must continue to lead the way in global energy production. This is in stark contrast to President Obamas recent decision to block construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, a project which would create thousands of jobs and contribute to economic growth. In the wake of recent terror attacks both domestic and abroad, it is crucial that we provide funding to our national security. The spending agreement passed last week fully funds our national defense and ensures our troops are paid and receive the equipment they need to get the job done. It also… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/steve-russell-nominates-fifth-district-students-us-service-academies | Steve Russell Nominates Fifth District Students to U.S. Service Academies | 2015-12-21 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Steve Russell | R000604 | russell.house.gov | legacy | Del City, O.K. - Each year, members of Congress are given the opportunity to nominate a certain number of students from their district to the Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, and Naval Academies. The students nominated become eligible for an appointment, and if selected will begin classes next fall. Congressman Steve Russell (OK-05) spoke about the 2015 nominations from Oklahomas Fifth District to one or more of the United States Service Academies saying, I could not be more pleased with the candidates. The review board did a magnificent job assisting me with who should be nominated for our military academies. The board took their job seriously, and the result is a great class of nominees. Those of whom made it through the process reflect the best of Oklahoma and I am sure they will make their families, friends, communities and district as a whole proud with the successes they have in store for them. The process for receiving a nomination is highly competitive. Nominations are made based on a composite of academic factors including class rank and SAT/ACT scores. They are also evaluated based on leadership potential as well as athletic and other extracurricular activities. Each applicant underwent a personal interview with Congressman Russells review board comprised of retired service members and Academy graduates. Russells board included the former commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center at Tinker, Lt. Gen. Bruce Litchfield (Ret.); 1980 Naval Academy graduate and Oklahoma City realtor Nels Petersen; Captain Solange Eddy, a 2010 Air Force Academy graduate stationed at Tinker; Retired Army Staff Sergeant Rusty Dunagan; and 2005 Military Academy graduate and Oklahoma City banker, Edward Ted Perry. The list below includes the names, hometowns, and high schools for each nominee as well as the academy to which they are nominated. Nominations will now be considered by the academies selection committees for potential acceptance for admission. Many of these students received nominatio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/oklahoma-delegation-tulsa-air-national-guard-best-choice-for-f-35a | Oklahoma Delegation: Tulsa Air National Guard Best Choice For F-35a | 2015-12-21 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Oklahoma Delegation: Tulsa Air National Guard Best Choice For F-35a Monday, December 21, 2015 WASHINGTON Members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation today sent a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Debra Lee James urging her to consider the 138th Fighter Wing (138th FW) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the next home for the F-35A. The Air Force is looking for two National Guard candidate wings as future bases for the F-35A. While these aircraft would not begin to arrive until 2022 or 2023, a decision is expected to be made sometime over the next year. Criteria that will be considered in the final candidate basing decision will include training environment, facilities, personnel and overall cost to beddown and operate the F-35As. The 138th FW, located on the north end of the Tulsa International Airport, has an experienced cadre of pilots and maintainers, airspace and training ranges, and facilities ready to operate and sustain the F-35A mission. The Air Force need look no further than the 138th FW if it is looking for the most professional and proven combat ready Airmen with unmatched community support, said Sen. Jim Inhofe. The support for our military, their families and their mission is unconditional in Oklahoma. There is no greater sound than the sound of freedom. Tulsas 138th Fighter Wing National Guard, and the state of Oklahoma, is well-positioned to beddown the F-35, said Sen. James Lankford. As the second-largest National Guard fighter wing in America, Tulsa is ideal for operating this caliber of fighter jet. Our training capabilities, infrastructure and community support makes Tulsa the ideal strategic location for this key national security asset. Tulsa has the infrastructure and track record to make the 138th Fighter Wing the natural choice for the future home of the F-35A, said Rep. Frank Lucas. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Oklahoma delegation to support the Air Force in their basing decision. Without question, the 138th Fighter Wing in T… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/blog-why-i-voted-for-the-omnibus-spending-bill | BLOG: Why I Voted For The Omnibus Spending & Tax Relief Bill | 2015-12-21 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.15 BLOG: Why I Voted For The Omnibus Spending & Tax Relief Bill Last week, Congress passed a spending bill that funds the federal government for the Fiscal Year, which endsSeptember 30, 2016. The total cost of the omnibus bill was $1.1 trillion. For context, theentireannual federal budget is almost $4 trillion. The Omnibus was a collection of 13 bills, all compiled into one giant bill. The House of Representatives had the luxury of voting separately on several of the appropriations bills, But in the Senate, most of the bills were filibustered by the Democrats so they could not even come to the floor for debate. Last week, the House also had the luxury of voting separately for the tax reform bill (which passed with almost unanimous Republican support because of the positive tax changes), along with the omnibus bill, which split the Republican conference. In the Senate, both bills were combined; so a Senator could not support the tax bill, without also supporting the Omnibus bill. You can read the full bill by CLICKING HERE. I authored a Federal Fumbles' waste report a few weeks ago that identified $105 billion in federal government waste because I want to provide solutions to the federal debt, not just complaints. I'm pleased that some of the issues raised in my Federal Fumbles report were addressed in this omnibus spending and tax relief bill, but we still have a long way to go. In fact, our nation's federal debt is now a ridiculous $19 Trillion. This hurts our families and the potential growth of our economy. To solve our debt problem, we must reduce spending and grow the economy. You cannot cut enough to solve our debt crisis. If we cut our budget until we had a $50 billion surplus each year, we would have to maintain that $50 billion surplus for 460 years in a row to pay off our debt. That is not realistic. The Obama White House wants to raise taxes and increase spending, but I believe we should increase economic growth (jobs) and reduce spending.Our most recent GDP growth rate was a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/oklahoma-delegation-tulsa-air-national-guard-best-choice-for-f-35a | Oklahoma Delegation: Tulsa Air National Guard Best Choice For F-35A | 2015-12-21 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.15 Oklahoma Delegation: Tulsa Air National Guard Best Choice For F-35A OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation today sent a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Debra Lee James urging her to consider the 138th Fighter Wing (138th FW) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the next home for the F-35A. The Air Force is looking for two National Guard candidate wings as future bases for the F-35A. While these aircrafts would not begin to arrive until 2022 or 2023, a decision is expected sometime over the next year. Criteria that will be considered in the final candidate basing decision will include training environment, facilities, personnel and overall cost to beddown and operate the F-35As. The 138th FW, located on the northend of the Tulsa International Airport, has an experienced cadre of pilots and maintainers, airspace and training ranges, and facilities ready to operate and sustain the F-35A mission. Tulsa's 138th Fighter Wing National Guard, and the state of Oklahoma, is well-positioned to beddown the F-35, said Senator James Lankford. As the second-largest National Guard fighter wing in America, Tulsa is ideal for operating this caliber of fighter jet. Our training capabilities, infrastructure and community support makes Tulsa the ideal strategic location for this key national security asset. The Air Force need look no further than the 138th FW if it is looking for the most professional and proven combat ready Airmen with unmatched community support, said Senator Jim Inhofe. The support for our military, their families and their mission is unconditional in Oklahoma. There is no greater sound than the sound of freedom. The Airmen of the 138th Fighter Wing have always answered the call with distinction and professionalism,said Rep. Jim Bridenstine.The city of Tulsa and its employers have always supported them.Tulsa is the right place for the F-35. Tulsa has the infrastructure and track record to make the 138th Fighter Wing the natural choice for the future home of the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/senator-lankford-jonathan-small-in-the-oklahoman-plan-commitment-needed-to-tackle-nations-debt | Senator Lankford, Jonathan Small in The Oklahoman: Plan, commitment needed to tackle nation's debt | 2015-12-20 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.15 Senator Lankford, Jonathan Small in The Oklahoman: Plan, commitment needed to tackle nation's debt Question: How do you burn down your house? Answer: Get distracted and forget about the pan on the stove top. Our nation is focused on very real concerns with terrorism, education, immigration, energy, our economy and much more. But in the middle of the chaos, if we forget about our national debt, the most vulnerable among us will suffer the most. The federal government overspends (deficit) around $450 billion annually, putting our nation $19 trillion in total debt. To put it in plain terms, under the current budget plan, if we finally move from deficit spending to an annual budget surplus of $50 billion a year, it will take us 460 years of consecutive budget surpluses to pay off our debt. That is only twice as long as our country is old. A recent a report released by Sen. Lankford identifies federal waste, duplication, and regulations well outside the purview of the federal government many of which slow down the economy and drive up costs to consumers. The report, Federal Fumbles: 100 Ways the Federal Government Has Dropped the Ball, represents $105 billion in federal spending and about $800 billion in regulatory impact to the nation's economy. These Federal Fumbles aren't an exhaustive list, but provide a starting point toward a balanced federal budget. From 2011 to 2014, the Department of Defense Task Force for Business and Stability Operations spent $43 million to build a compressed natural gas station in Afghanistan after failing to ensure there was even a demand for such a facility. The station is no longer being used. The report also includes the $375,000 spent this fiscal year by the National Science Foundation to study the dating habits of senior adults. How does that study meet the basic grant requirements for national security or economicdevelopment? Last year, the federal budget included a budget gimmick that both spent and saved the same $8 billion. It may have looked fine in… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-statement-passage-fy16-omnibus-funding-bill | Cole Statement on Passage of FY16 Omnibus Funding Bill | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS), released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2016. This omnibus legislation fully funds the government through the end of the fiscal year at levels previously agreed to in the Bipartisan Budget Act. The legislation is a compilation of all 12 regular Appropriations bills for discretionary spending and includes several provisions recommended by Coles subcommittee. Of note, the LHHS portion of the bill provides substantial increases for research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); the $2 billion NIH increase reflects some funding intended for Alzheimers disease research and the $300 million CDC increase focuses on disease prevention and bio-defense research. The omnibus provides a $570 million increase for the Head Start education program that benefits low-income children and their families. There is also language included that reins in the excessive overreach of the Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board, bans taxpayer bailout of Obamacares risk corridor program and strengthens and maintains previous pro-life protections like the Hyde Amendment. In addition to LHHS provisions, the omnibus includes several valuable policy measures. It encourages domestic energy production through repeal of the longstanding ban on crude oil exports, it equips our military with sufficient resources to confront threats at home and abroad and it keeps the promise to Americas veterans of quality and accessible earned benefits. Finally, it includes the recently proposed changes to the Visa Waiver Program, passed by the House, to prevent acts of terrorism by visitors to the United States. Divided government requires compromise, and this bill reflects that reality, said Cole. Neither side got everything it wanted, but th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=619 | Congressman Jim Bridenstine Votes Against Trillion Dollar "Omnibus" | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Jim Bridenstine | B001283 | bridenstine.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Jim Bridenstine voted against a trillion dollar "Omnibus" spending bill. By filibustering annual appropriations bills, Harry Reid and Senate Democrats forced another crisis with a government shutdown looming. The Omnibus was negotiated behind closed doors by small number of Members of Congress and the White House. Members were given less than 60 hours to digest over 2,000 pages and had to take an up or down vote with no amendments permitted. Congressman Bridenstine said: "I cannot support a bill which funds Planned Parenthood, Obamacare, illegal executive amnesty, onerous EPA and Department of Labor regulations, and the Syrian refugee resettlement program, among other inappropriate government programs. The Omnibus also increases funding for the IRS and quadruples the number of low-wage guest worker visas. -- 30 -- | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-highlights-major-wins-ok-fy-2016-omnibus | Congressman Russell Highlights Major Wins for OK in FY 2016 Omnibus | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Steve Russell | R000604 | russell.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, the House of Representatives passed the FY 2016 Omnibus, by a bipartisan vote of 316-113, to fully fund the federal government through the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2016. Congressman Russell (OK-5) spoke about his vote in favor for the Omnibus saying, For perhaps the first time since 2009, we finally have been able to push back on the presidents harmful policies on national security and our economy. While the spending measure had several things lacking, it had many major wins. Namely, lifting the 40-year ban on oil exports will be a boon for the American economy. In Oklahoma alone, we can expect 11,000 new jobs in the energy sector by 2018. This strengthens our economy and reduces our trade deficit. Fixing the Visa Waiver Program will go a long way to secure our country against terrorists coming to our shores. On top of that, this bill offers the highest level of funding to secure our borders in the history of the country and adds 1,000 new agents. We have given our military certainty by fully funding our troops overseas as well as extending their benefits at home for them and their families. Small businesses will now have certainty on credits for new equipment. We have also severely reigned in overreaching agencies such as the EPA. Lifting these burdens will lead to economic growth for the country. While no comprehensive all-in-one bill will be perfect, the FY 2016 Omnibus has major wins that set the conditions to fight back even more next year. Some of the provisions in FY 2016 Omnibus include: Abolishes the 40-year ban on U.S. oil and gas exports, which will protect tens of thousands of jobs vital to our nation and Oklahoma; Strengthens U.S. borders and gives additional support to U.S. Customs combatting illegal immigration and human trafficking; Bolsters our military to combat the growing threat of ISIS and maintain appropriate readiness; Restricts the Visa Waiver Program, which is our greatest vulnerability for terrorists potentially entering the country; Su… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-supports-measure-lifting-ban-on-oil-exports | Inhofe Supports Measure Lifting Ban On Oil Exports | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Inhofe Supports Measure Lifting Ban On Oil Exports Friday, December 18, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.) today voted in favor of H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act, which lifts the ban on oil exports, makes permanent key tax provisions and provides 2016 funding for the Department of Defense and other agencies. It is about time Congress acted to lift the ban on oil exports, Inhofe said. Over the past forty years, Oklahomas oil producers have been at a disadvantage because they havent been able to trade oil like the rest of the world. This has contributed to the thousands of job losses Oklahoma has recently endured and todays passage of a bill to lift the ban will help stem that tide while decreasing the price of gasoline at the pump. Todays bill also provides essential tax relief to families and businesses and provides our troops with the resources they need. It is unfortunate Democrats blocked the Senates consideration of regular appropriations bills throughout the year and forced us into an end-of-the-year, take-it-or-leave-it deal without any deliberative process. It is my hope that the Senate will return to regular order next year, pass each appropriations bill independently and stop the practice of year end omnibus bills. H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act: Lifts the Ban on Oil Exports H.R. 2029 lifts the 40-year old ban on oil exports. This outdated policy has put Oklahoma energy producers at a strategic disadvantage compared to international producers. Lifting the ban will help stem the tide of job losses the industry has experienced over the last year. It will also bolster our national security by providing our allies with an opportunity to purchase oil from us instead of from Russia or Iran. Inhofe is a sponsor of S. 1312, legislation to lift the oil export ban that is incorporated into H.R. 2029. Provides Enduring Tax Relief to Oklahomas Families and Small Businesses: Permanently extends the res… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-federal-correctional-officers | Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill To Protect Federal Correctional Officers | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill To Protect Federal Correctional Officers Friday, December 18, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) praised last nights Senate passage of the Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act (S. 238), a bill to ensure that federal correctional officers will be safer at work. Inhofe cosponsored this legislation introduced by Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.). Every day correctional officers are confronted with the very real possibility that they could become the next victim of the violent offenders they supervise, yet they are left defenseless by misguided policies, Inhofe said. Providing correctional officers with pepper spray is the least we can do to help ensure their safety, and it has been proven that assaults are reduced when officers are provided the protection. The tragedy that took Eric Williams life did not have to occur, and I am proud that the Senate has passed S. 238 with the hope that it doesnt happen again. I am extremely pleased that the Senate has acted to protect our federal correctional officers by passing bipartisan legislation guaranteeing them the use of non-lethal pepper spray, Toomey said. It is shocking that Bureau of Prison policy previously allowed guards to be placed on duty completely unarmed or without any defensive geara policy that led to the death of Officer Eric Williams in Wayne County, Pa. This victory was made possible by the tireless efforts of Eric Williams parents, Don and Jean Williams, who turned their family tragedy into a national effort to protect other officers. The Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act ensures that federal correctional officers in high- and medium- security prisons are given non-lethal pepper spray for self-defense. The bill also instructs the Government Accountability Office to evaluate issuing pepper spray to guards in minimum or low-security penal facilities. Prior to Sens. Inhofe and Toomeys efforts, federal correctional officers were sometimes placed on duty comp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-statement-on-consolidated-appropriations-act-of-2016 | Senator Lankford Statement on Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 | 2015-12-18 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.15 Senator Lankford Statement on Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued the following statement after voting for the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (also known as the omnibus and tax reform bill): The omnibus and tax reform combined bill is a stark visual of the broken Senate process. Legislation in a democracy is often a boisterous compromise, but this bill was a complete backroom negotiation.It is full of great policy provisions mixed with half-baked ideas and muddy process.While I voted for the important policies in the bill, I do not support the broken process, or many other aspects that led to the final product. This tax reform and omnibus bill includes numerous priorities for Oklahomans and all Americans, such as long-term reforms for the small business tax code, it defunds the Obamacare Independent Payment Advisory Board, and it finally lifts the absurd ban on oil exports. This bill also includes victories such as increased support to eliminate the VA disability backlog, a repeal of the country of origin' labeling for beef and pork products, and increased funding for medical research for diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer's.The bill includes several program integrity measures for the Social Security Disability Insurance program that I have advocated for several years.Just as important to many Oklahomans, this bill prohibits the President from giving away the management of the internet to a foreign body, and he is prohibited from moving terrorist detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to the United States. Because of this bill, our military receives a surge in funding for re-supply, training and a pay increase.The bill also includes language to strengthen cyber security from international cyber attackers and slows the flow of drugs into the United States. Thankfully, this bill finally begins to phase out the wind production tax credit, after receiving 23 years of subsidy. While many solid policy provisions are included that I… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-statement-passage-tax-extenders | Cole Statement on Passage of Tax Extenders | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015. The legislation makes permanent for individuals and job creators more than 20 temporary tax provisions. In addition, the bill encourages comprehensive tax reform, boosts economic growth, reduces potential fraud and abuse within tax credit programs and includes measures to keep the IRS accountable. I am pleased that the House represented the best interests of American taxpayers, families and businesses by permanently extending relief that has already existed in our tax code for years, said Cole. This is a responsible, sensible bill that not only gives greater certainty to businesses in their planning and expanding, but American taxpayers are also spared from a burdensome and immediate tax increase. I believe that this important compromise empowers American job creators, benefits the entire workforce and ultimately sets the nations economy up to thrive. ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lucas.house.gov/press-release/lucas-votes-provide-tax-certainty-and-relief-families-and-small-business | Lucas Votes to Provide Tax Certainty and Relief to Families and Small Business | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Frank Lucas | L000491 | lucas.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) today voted to pass the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act. The legislation, which passed by a bipartisan vote of 318-109, provides both permanent and multi-year extensions for several tax credits that millions of Americans rely upon. As the end of the year approaches, families and businesses are thinking about filing their tax returns for 2015. In order to adequately prepare, taxpayers must have a stable and predictable tax code that remains consistent from year to year. This tax extender package provides greater long term certainty to promote a stronger economy and help ensure Americans can keep more of their hard-earned dollars, said Congressman Lucas. The permanent extension of Section 179, which deals with expensing certain equipment, helps several agriculture and construction businesses throughout rural Oklahoma to plan for the future. Enabling these businesses to make smarter decisions energizes our economy and spurs job creation and investment here at home. The PATH Act implements a number of oversight measures to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that the House has previously passed. These reforms include the immediate termination of any IRS employee who takes politically motivated action against a taxpayer and strictly prohibits IRS employees from using personal e-mail accounts to conduct their official business. The PATH Act also contains temporary relief from some of the taxes associated with Obamacare. There is a two year delay (2018 and 2019) to the Obamacare excise tax on higher cost health care plans, also known as the Cadillac Tax. Additionally, the bill provides a one year delay to the Health Insurance Tax (HIT), which has been attributed to rising health insurance premiums for small businesses. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-menendez-praise-announcement-of-taiwan-arms-package | Inhofe, Menendez Praise Announcement Of Taiwan Arms Package | 2015-12-17 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Inhofe, Menendez Praise Announcement Of Taiwan Arms Package Thursday, December 17, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), co-chairs of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, yesterday praised the presidents announcement of a planned arms package to Taiwan. Totaling $1.83 billion, this is the first major sale of U.S. weapons to Taiwan in four years. I strongly support this sale to Taiwan and look forward to doing more in the coming years, Inhofe said. Taiwan is a great friend and ally. We share common values and beliefs, as well as commitments to democracy, free trade and security. Moving forward, I encourage the administration to consider the resumption of a regular and routine process for the provision of security assistance to Taiwan, in order to maintain Taiwans self-defense capabilities. I have long-supported efforts to help Taiwan our close friend and ally -- modernize its military to meet its self-defense needs, Senator Menendez said. Im pleased that the Administration is moving forward with this much-needed sale, and I will continue to advocate for more meaningful and material assistance. A strong, vibrant and democratic Taiwan is in the United States national interests. This package is an important step toward fulfilling the United States commitment to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). It includes items such as two Perry-class frigates, Javelin anti-tank missiles, TOW 2B anti-tank missiles, AAV-7 Amphibious Assault Vehicles, follow-on work for Taiwan's Syun-An C4ISR systems, Link 11/Link 16 for Taiwan's naval ships, F-16 MIDS/NTAMS/Fuzes, Phalanx Close-In Weapons Systems and Stinger surface-to-air missiles.Section 3(b) of the TRA stipulates that both the president and Congress shall determine the nature and quantity of defense articles and services based solely upon their judgement of the needs of Taiwan. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-lankford-announce-judicial-nominees-for-the-us-district-court-for-the-western-district-of-oklahoma | Inhofe, Lankford Announce Judicial Nominees for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Inhofe, Lankford Announce Judicial Nominees for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford (R-Okla.)today announced the nomination of Judge Suzanne Mitchell and Scott Palk for federal judgeship positions for the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. Im pleased that the White House has nominated Judge Suzanne Mitchell and Scott Palk to the U.S. Federal Court for the Western District, and I congratulate both nominees, Inhofe said. This nomination process for these seats has been unnecessarily long, and so I am pleased it has come to a conclusion with two very capable nominees.I fully support their nominations because they have distinguished service in the public sector, valuable private sector experience, and the temperament to serve the state, the interest of justice, and the parties who appear in their courts. Both Judge Mitchell and Scott Palk are impressive nominees for the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma,Lankford said. We look forward to their nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee and confirmation by the full Senate. Though I have had many disagreements with the White House, we agree that Judge Mitchell and Scott Palk are fair-minded and will uphold the strict rule of law. I am confident they will serve our state and nation well. Judge Suzanne Mitchell has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma since 2013. Prior to her appointment as a Magistrate Judge, she served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Appellate Division of the United States Attorneys Office for the Western District of Oklahoma from 2010 to 2013. From 1999 to 2010, she served as a senior law clerk to the Honorable Robert H. Henry of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, for whom she also clerked from 1996 to 1997. In bet… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-lankford-inhofe-announce-judicial-nominees-for-the-us-district-court-for-the-western-district-of-oklahoma | Senators Lankford, Inhofe Announce Judicial Nominees for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma | 2015-12-16 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 12.16.15 Senators Lankford, Inhofe Announce Judicial Nominees for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma WASHINGTON, DC Senators James Lankford and Jim Inhofe today announced the nomination of Judge Suzanne Mitchell and Scott Palk for federal judgeship positions for the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. I'm pleased that the White House has nominated Judge Suzanne Mitchell and Scott Palk to the U.S. Federal Court for the Western District, and I congratulate both nominees, said Inhofe. This nomination process for these seats has been unnecessarily long, and so I am pleased it has come to a conclusion with two very capable nominees.I fully support their nominations because they have distinguished service in the public sector, valuable private sector experience, and the temperament to serve the state, the interest of justice, and the parties who appear in their courts. Both Judge Mitchell and Scott Palk are impressive nominees for the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, said Lankford. We look forward to their nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee and confirmation by the full Senate. Though I have had many disagreements with the White House, we agree that Judge Mitchell and Scott Palk are fair-minded and will uphold the strict rule of law. I am confident they will serve our state and nation well. Judge Suzanne Mitchell has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma since 2013.Prior to her appointment as a Magistrate Judge, she served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Appellate Division of the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Oklahoma from 2010 to 2013. From 1999 to 2010, she served as a senior law clerk to the Honorable Robert H. Henry of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, for whom she also clerked from 1996 to 1997.In between her clerkships, Judge Mitchell worked … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-applauds-senate-passage-of-pbor-2 | Inhofe Applauds Senate Passage of PBOR 2 | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Inhofe Applauds Senate Passage of PBOR 2 Tuesday, December 15, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), member of the Senate General Aviation Caucus and certified flight instructor with more than 11,000 flight hours, today hailed the Senates unanimous passage of the Pilots Bill of Rights 2 (S. 571). His billhas 70cosponsors, including U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.). This is a big victory for general aviation pilots all across the country,said Inhofe.The Pilots Bill of Rights 2 addresses many of the concerns these pilots have brought to my attention first hand at events likeAirventure each year held in Oshkosh, Wisconsinsince the first Pilots Bill of Rights was signed into law in 2012. Currently, the FAAs medical certification process is bureaucratic, burdensome and discourages pilots from disclosing and treating medical conditions that could impact their ability to fly.This legislation reforms the medical certification process for general aviation pilots in a way that will increase pilots knowledge of risk while demanding treatment of identified conditions. This bill also increases due process protections for pilots, ensuring the FAA treats them in a fair and equitable manner. I appreciate Senator Manchin, Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson for working with me on this legislation, and I am pleased the Senate has passed this important bill. General Aviation is losing 6,000 pilots per year because of antiquated regulations and unnecessary bureaucratic barriers, said Manchin. This industry contributes $219 billion to the U.S. economy each year and supports 1.1 million jobs. I am proud to have helped lead this effort with Senator Inhofe to finish what we started in 2012. We are very pleased to see the Pilots Bill of Rights 2 moving forward, said Mark Baker, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. These reforms will improve safety, foster the private pilot - private physician relationship, and give general aviation pilots much-needed relief from… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-mullin-press-va-to-expedite-mccurtain-county-clinic | Inhofe, Mullin Press VA To Expedite McCurtain County Clinic | 2015-12-15 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Inhofe, Mullin Press VA To Expedite McCurtain County Clinic Tuesday, December 15, 2015 MUSKOGEE, Okla. U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.)and Rep. Markwayne Mullin are asking the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expedite efforts to establish a veterans medical clinic in McCurtain County. On Dec. 11, 2015, Inhofe and Mullin sent a letter to the director of the VA Rocky Mountain Network, the Departments service network in charge of Oklahoma, asking him to ensure the VAs contracting office expedites its work on the southeast Oklahoma clinic so the project can finally be sent out for bid. Now is the time to move forward, not delay, Inhofe and Mullin wrote. Veterans in southeast Oklahoma have waited far too long for a VA clinic that, according to the Department, would greatly improve access to care in this area, serve more veterans, and improve patient satisfaction. Both Inhofe and Mullin have been following the clinics progress very closely and as soon as word was received that the Muskogee VA had sent the completed requirements package to the contracting office, the two legislators moved to press VA leadership to expedite the contracting work. Although we can never repay our veterans for all they have done for this country, we can at least provide them the care and support promised to them, Inhofe said. I have been working closely with Ralph Gigliotti, the director of the VA Rocky Mountain Network, on VA issues and trust that he will ensure this work is expedited to improve care for our veterans in Southeast Oklahoma." Veterans in Southeast Oklahoma must continue to drive long distances to receive the health care they were promised in exchange for their service to our country, Mullin said. I look forward to the quick work by the VA contracting department so that this project can be sent out to bid and finally become a reality. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/imperfect-tool | An Imperfect Tool | 2015-12-14 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Without question, there are occurrences of violence that have made many Americans feel on edge and question their safety and security. Certainly, the attacks in Paris shocked the world by reminding us of the heinous crimes and violence of which terrorists are capable. And a few weeks later, Americans were rudely awakened by the tragic, ISIL-inspired shooting in San Bernardino, California that claimed 14 innocent lives. The growing fear of terrorism has been reinforced by rising reports of mass shootings nationwide. Especially after San Bernardino, its clear that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are searching for solutions to keep Americans safe and prevent similar attacks from taking place. One suggestion pushed by Democrats is the Denying Firearms and Explosives for Dangerous Terrorists Act, which would deny the sale of firearms to individuals listed on the FBIs terrorist watch list. While at first description this sounds promising and well intentioned, its important to understand what this watch list is and how its compiled before heavily relying upon it to protect the lives and liberties of individual Americans. The Terrorist Screening Databaseor terrorist watch listis one of the more mysterious lists maintained by the government. Overseen by the FBIs Terrorist Screening Center, it is intended to keep record of known terrorists, suspected terrorists or sympathizers and sponsors of terrorist activities. However, the database itself has been questioned for its accuracy and criticized for erroneous inclusion of innocent Americans. In fact, even the left-leaning American Civil Liberties Union has called the watch list a massive, virtually standardless government watchlisting scheme that ensnares innocent people and encourages racial and religious profiling. Some of the common errors in the list have been names of children, misspelled names and similar or identical names. Even lawmakers, including the late Senator Ted Kennedy, have mistakenly been placed on the listwhich automatically leads to inclusion on the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/statnews-how-top-republican-became-champion-nih | STAT: How a Top Republican Became a Champion for the NIH | 2015-12-11 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | STAT News - David Nather A year ago, when Tom Cole was announced as the new chairman of the powerful House panel that funds medical research programs, he was no expert on medical science. The Oklahoma Republican was well known in Congress for his political savvy and his ties to the GOP leadership. An affable, laid-back lawmaker with a pragmatic streak, Cole was an ally of John Boehner, then the House speaker, and a skilled operative. He had run the GOP organization in charge of reelecting House Republicans, and was the chief of staff at the Republican National Committee in 2000. But no one would have named Cole as a particularly influential lawmaker on health care. Now, however, as the head of the House Appropriations subcommittee on labor, health, and human services, Cole is one of the most important Republican advocates of medical research. Hes also one of the key reasons that the National Institutes of Health is probably about to get a big boost in funding for the first time in 12 years. That proposed increase is part of a huge spending bill to keep the federal government running after its funding runs out on Friday. The bill is tied up right now with fights over other issues, so Congress is set to pass a short-term extension to keep the government open into next week. But if those fights can be resolved, NIH is almost certain to end up with more money anywhere from $1 billion to $2 billion more than last year. Over the past year, Cole gave himself a crash course in medical research and public health. He visited the NIH campus in Bethesda, Md., in January and spent hours talking to Director Francis Collins and the leaders of some of the individual institutes. He flew to Atlanta in February to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He also talked with medical research experts from his home state and with lobbyists from some of the most vocal disease advocacy groups, including the Alzheimers Association, which helped convince him to include a $300 million increase for Alzheimers research in his b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/newsok-house-votes-take-feds-out-red-river-border-decision | The Oklahoman: House votes to take feds out of Red River border decision | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | The Oklahoman - Chris Casteel Ignoring a veto threat, House Republicans pushed through a bill Wednesday that would require a private survey to determine the Oklahoma-Texas border and mandate the sale of about 30,000 acres of public land along the Red River. The bill, authored by several House members from Texas, was approved by a vote of 253-177, with all five members from Oklahoma in support. The legislation may not get a Senate vote, given the White House opposition. Rep. Mac Thornberry, a Texas Republican, said the U.S. Bureau of Land Management was attempting to claim land along the Red River that was in private hands in Texas. The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 1923 decision, laid out a process for how the Oklahoma-Texas border would be determined as the river shifted. The river runs along about 116 miles of the border, lawmakers said. Both states and the federal government have abided by the high court's decision for decades but the Bureau of Land Management was now redefining the boundary most relevant to Texas landowners, Thornberry said. He called it a "federal land grab" that would deprive property rights to private landowners who have been utilizing and paying taxes on the land. Farm organizations in Texas and Oklahoma support the bill, as does a national cattle ranchers group. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., argued against the bill, calling it a "land grab by the state of Texas" that could deprive the Kiowa, Comanche and Apache tribes of revenue from oil and gas production along the border. If Texas wants to challenge the federal government's land survey of the border, it should do so in court, McGovern said. Before passing the bill, the House approved an amendment by Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, that would give the three Oklahoma tribes far more involvement in the sale of any public land associated with the bill. The White House issued a veto threat on Tuesday, saying the legislation would "divest the Secretary of the Interior of responsibility as surveyor of record for the United States, and transfer lands out of … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/implementing-gao-and-oig-recommendations-could-save-billions-in-govt-waste | Implementing GAO and OIG Recommendations Could Save Billions in Gov't Waste | 2015-12-10 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 12.10.15 Implementing GAO and OIG Recommendations Could Save Billions in Gov't Waste Hearing Highlights Success of Auditing Offices and Great Potential for Further Savings for Taxpayer 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 government efficiency and cost-saving recommendations from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the federal agency Offices of Inspectors General (OIGs), the primary auditing offices of the federal government. Specifically, the hearing highlighted the billions of dollars that have been saved by implementing these recommendations, and the billions more that could be saved from recommendations that have not been implemented by agencies. With a massive $19 trillion federal debt and a half-a-trillion dollar deficit, the federal government must identify and eliminate inefficiencies, duplication and wasteful spending wherever they exist, said Lankford. The Government Accountability Office and Offices of Inspectors General do great work studying and finding opportunities for savings, and some of them have been highlighted in my own waste report Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball. GAO saved taxpayers $74 billion last year; and has saved half-a-trillion dollars since 2003. However, approximately 20 percent of the GAO recommendations, and billions more in savings, are still unaddressed. We cannot ignore obvious solutions to our deficit. Multiple Members of Congress, including Senators Jeff Flake and Dan Coats and Rep. Steve Russell, have highlighted areas of government waste, but these GAO and OIG reports have also made a strong case for specific areas of duplication and needed reforms. Congress and the Executive Branch should do more to implement OIG and GAO recommendations to help address Wa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-passage-of-the-every-student-succeeds-act | Inhofe Praises Passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Inhofe Praises Passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act Wednesday, December 9, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) todaypraised the bipartisan passage of S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act, the legislative update to the No Child Left Behind law, which expired in 2007. This measure passed by a vote of 85-12. The Every Student Succeeds Act is long overdue and the largest step weve taken toward giving the power over our childrens education back to the states in 25 years said Inhofe. The Obama Administration has become a national school board in recent years, pushing liberal policies like Common Core. This bill ends that practice and ends Common Core, allowing Oklahoma to sets standards and accountabilities for Oklahomans. It leaves federal bureaucrats out of the picture. I am also pleased that an amendment I sponsored with Sen. Booker is incorporated into the final version of the bill. This amendment will help improve the future of some of the most vulnerable in our education system, homeless and foster youth, by reporting on graduation rates on state and district report cards. Education is not one size fits all and this legislation refocuses education standards back to local communities and their leaders, teachers and parents who know our children the best. Background: S. 1177 Every Student Succeeds Act reforms the outdated No Child Left Behind by: Ending the Common Core mandate. Ending the Secretary of Education's ability to require states to obtain waivers from the federal government to continue receiving funding without more burdensome federal requirements. Empowering states to establish accountability systems instead of the federal government. The accountability systems will be state-designed and meet minimum federal parameters, but the federal government is prohibited from determining or approving state standards. This reform will allow states to determine the best way to hold their teachers and school districts accountable to delivering results. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-supports-bill-to-repeal-no-child-left-behind-expand-state-role-in-education | Senator Lankford Supports Bill to Repeal No Child Left Behind, Expand State Role in Education | 2015-12-09 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 12.09.15 Senator Lankford Supports Bill to Repeal No Child Left Behind, Expand State Role in Education WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today supported the Every Student Succeeds Act (S. 1177), which replaces No Child Left Behind and returns education decisions for students back to parents, teachers, local school boards, and state officials. The bill eliminates the heavy-handed, Washington-based approach of No Child Left Behind, which forced more than 42 states, including Oklahoma, to operate under waivers from the Department of Education. After years of bureaucratic top-down federal education policy, Congress has finally agreed on a plan that is more student-focused, not Washington-focused, said Lankford. Because of this legislation, Oklahomans will no longer have to beg for yearly waivers from the federal government to decide upon our own state educational standards, and we will not have to worry about students losing instructional time to prepare for a federal test. This bill isn't perfect, but it puts the choice of education back in the hands of the people that know bestparents, teachers, school boards and state leaders. Parents are the primary educators of their children and we should continue to find ways to prioritize our families and our schools. Lankford released a video discussing his support for the ESSA. The bill passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support of 85-12. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/governing-way-regular-order | Governing by Way of Regular Order | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | With just a few short weeks left in the year, I am pleased to report that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in both chambers of Congress are working together to find common ground on issues that matter to the American people. In fact, last week alone brought with it legislative victories that proved the federal government can function under regular order--even when it is divided. First, the U.S House of Representatives passed legislation to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and also fix glaring nationwide problems in the education system that have prevented many students from making the grade. Negotiated by conferees in the House and Senate, the ESEA Conference Report specifically repeals the significant shortfalls of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), which greatly increased the federal governments role in K-12 education across the country after it became law. While well-intentioned at the time of its passage, NCLB has instead led to a decline in learning and academic readiness since it was signed into law in 2002. In place of the excessive federal intervention ushered in by NCLB, the ESEA Conference Report allows states and local education leaders to develop criteria and maintain responsibility for measuring the success of students and schools, addressing failures and filling learning gaps. It prohibits a federal mandate requiring states to follow Common Core standards and protects private and home schools from needless federal involvement. The legislation also makes information available to parents about school performance and charter and magnet school programs, so they can have a more active role in selecting the best education for their children. Second, both chambers passed and sent legislation to the presidents desk that invests in our nations roads, bridges and rails. At its core, the legislation shows commitment to a safe, efficient and well-maintained infrastructure. The long-term measure offers greater certainty to projects at the state and local level, helps move people and p… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-supports-changes-visa-waiver-program | Cole Supports Changes to Visa Waiver Program | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015. The legislation relates to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which currently has 38 participating countries and uses background information shared by those countries with the United States for screening individuals seeking entry and short-term travel to America. The bill passed today by a vote of 407-19 andreforms VWP by making participating countries also share counterterrorism and relevant intelligenceincluding biometric informationabout potential visitors to the United States. If deemed necessary, it gives the United States the ability to suspend country participation in VWP and deny VWP status to those who have recently traveled to high-risk countries, like Iraq and Syria. Without question, the American people deserve the utmost diligence in preventing acts of terrorism by visitors to the United States, said Cole. Clearly, there are real adjustments that must be made to the Visa Waiver Program to ensure we adequately screen potentially threatening individuals and discontinue partnerships with countries not gathering or sharing critical intelligence. I am pleased that the House strengthened the requirements for partners and qualifications for participants in the Visa Waiver Program and showed that the safety of our own citizens remains the highest priority. ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://russell.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/russell-locks-horns-president-over-gun-control | Russell locks horns with president over gun control | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Steve Russell | R000604 | russell.house.gov | legacy | FBI stats show violent crimes down last two years OKLAHOMA CITY The terrorist shootings in San Bernardino, Calif., prompted U.S. Rep. Steve Russell to deliver a strong pro-gun message 48 hours before President Barack Obama demanded tougher gun control laws. During a Friday evening interview, Russell told Red Dirt Report, Now is not the time to talk about disarming our citizens or the terrorists win. Russell contends terrorist acts are occurred at soft targets where victims are not allowed to defend themselves with guns. Were not having these episodes in Dallas or Oklahoma, he said. We have a God-given right to keep and bear arms just like having a free press or religious liberty. ISIS is for disarming America. Even when these incidents do happen in places like Oklahoma City such as the woman who was beheaded, the owner of the business used his shotgun to shoot the assailant. It could have been much worse. On Sunday, the president called for stricter gun control laws and eliminating the sale of assault rifles to the general public. Obama said it is too easy for people who want to harm Americans to buy these types of guns. Congress should act to make sure no one on a no-fly list is able to buy a gun. What could possibly be the argument for allowing a terrorist suspect to buy a semiautomatic weapon? This is a matter of national security, the president said. Obama said it should be more difficult to buy powerful assault weapons like those used in the San Bernardino attacks that killed 14 people. After the presidents speech, Russell issued a comment on Facebook. While I applaud the president for finally calling out a dangerous ideology that has spread through Islam as a cult of death, I am saddened that he called on Congress to take away the right of our citizens to defend themselves; has asked for authorization on the use of force he already has; and is tightening visa waivers only after Congress has pressured him to do so, he said. Russell understands the pressure mass killings create for elected officials and the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-says-securing-vwp-secures-nation | Congressman Russell says, Securing the VWP Secures the Nation. | 2015-12-08 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Steve Russell | R000604 | russell.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Today, the House passed H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015, by a vote of 407-19. Presently, 38 countries citizens can travel to the U.S. through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and thus can gain access to the U.S. more easily than citizens from non-VWP countries. As is law now, all applicants to the VWP are approved or denied after a background check, but the current process heavily relies upon the screening process of the host country, some of whom do not share all of their counter terrorism data with the United States. The Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015 enhances U.S. security by enforcing new laws that would make VWP countries strengthen their own security screening and counter terrorism information sharing with the U.S. H.R. 158 would also enact more stringent screening of anyone who has traveled to terrorist hotspots in the Middle East before allowing them entry into the United States. Countries that fail to screen travelers against ITERPOL databases, or share counter terrorism information would lose their VWP status. Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) spoke about his vote in favor of H.R. 158 saying: I was very happy to see the discussion move toward the real threat that terrorists are exploiting by focusing on the bigger problem of obtaining legal visas. It has been through the deliberative process of Congress that we have seen this shift, and it is bringing good results. It is easier and faster for our enemies to travel from the Middle East, or even Europe, legally into the country than it would be for them to wait out a multi-year refugee process. This bill, while not perfect, addresses many of the concerns we have about security when screening travelers from all over the world. At the same time, we can ensure that people visiting the U.S. for tourism or business are still able to do so. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/kgou-rep-tom-cole-war-authorization-end-year-legislation | KGOU: Rep. Tom Cole On War Authorization, End Of Year Legislation | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | KGOU - Jacob Mccleland The U.S. Congress if wrapping up the year with several key bills. Last week, the House passed a rewrite of the No Child Left Behind law, and the Senate sent a highway bill to President Obamas desk. On todays show well talk with Republican Congressman Tom Cole. The veteran lawmaker from Oklahoma spoke with KGOUs Jacob McCleland on November 24 in his Norman office. Some excerpts: McCleland: Youve noted in the past for a while now that you want Congress to debate authorizing war against ISIS. Do you think a war authorization debate is more crucial now than ever? Cole: I absolutely do. Ive never doubted, frankly, that weve allowed the administration to exercise war-making authority without appropriate Congressional oversight. The Constitution is pretty clear about who has the ability to declare war. Its not the President of the United States. Hes operating under the assumption that the authorizations given to George W. Bush in 2001 and 2002 cover this situation. I dont think they do. Nobody in that time frame had any idea wed be at war in Syrian. ISIL didnt even exist. If the authorizations are indeed that broad, then the President could take you to war any time, any place he chooses to without Congressional authority. I also think theres a lot of Congressional dodging going on here - that is, people want to be free to criticize the President without putting themselves on the line. I think you ought to be able to listen to the debate, cast your vote and come home and explain it. Thats what you get paid to do. Ive been frankly disappointed that we havent had more members willing to do that. McCleland: Now that the details of the Trans Pacific Partnership are out, its a 6,000 page document. Have you had a chance to go through it? Cole: I have not had a chance to read it. I have gotten some supporting material from the U.S. special representative for trade who negotiated it. Theres still a couple of reports that are due from various agencies. So I dont expect Congress will get to this until next y… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-remembers-pearl-harbor | Congressman Russell Remembers Pearl Harbor | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Steve Russell | R000604 | russell.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) offered this statement, in remembrance of the attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941: Seventy-four years ago, President Roosevelt declared this day would be a day that will live in infamy. As we remember the more than 2000 brave souls who lost their lives, and all those who valiantly fought and survived the Japanese onslaught, we must also take up their determination as we fight the war on terror. The attack on Pearl Harbor came out of the blue, and it took us by surprise, but today's foe is right before us. The "Greatest Generation" responded to the call, united as a country against a vicious and brutal enemy and fought until victorious no matter how long it would take. We should learn from their example and stand united as a country until we defeat the radical Islamic, jihadi, death-cult ideology that seeks to destroy our way of life. Remember Pearl Harbor. Remember 9/11. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/senator-lankford-in-bartlesville-examiner-enterprise-social-security-a-promise-that-isnt-being-kept | Senator Lankford in Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Social Security: A Promise that Isnt Being Kept | 2015-12-07 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 12.07.15 Senator Lankford in Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Social Security: A Promise that Isn't Being Kept When I took the oath of office in January to be the next U.S. senator for Oklahoma, I made a commitment to represent our great state and our values in Washington, D.C. While Oklahomans do not agree on many issues, most Oklahomans are very protective and very skeptical of Social Security. We know years ago the federal government made a promise to America's seniors. We also know that, for decades, individuals have paid taxes into the trust fund to support their own retirement and to provide an emergency backup in case of disability. Now it is time to keep that commitment. The Social Security Disability Trust Fund has been in trouble for years, but Congress has not passed a reform to protect the most vulnerable in our nation. The Disability Fund is designed for individuals who cannot work anywhere in our economy. But, instead of protecting the vulnerable, the truly disabled have been pushed to the back of the line by clever attorneys and endless appeals, which have overloaded the system and driven the program to the edge of insolvency. Three years ago, my office started writing a solution to protect the Disability Trust Fund and reform the program. For years, we have interviewed people, researched ideas and held Congressional hearings. We released a set of solutions that would protect the disabled, stabilize the program, stop the rapidly growing fraud and get more of the disability money to the disabled, instead of to the bureaucracy. When Congress finally had a moment to protect and reform the disability program a few weeks ago, it chose to simply transfer funds from retirement Social Security and put in place small patches on the disability program to carry it seven more years. I voted against this legislative patch and spoke out for our point of view. We can do better than this, and we must. Seven years from now, the problem will be worse. This is the same issue we face in retirement Soci… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://russell.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-steve-russell-talks-gun-laws-isis-communication-women-combat | Congressman Steve Russell talks gun laws, ISIS communication & women in combat | 2015-12-06 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Steve Russell | R000604 | russell.house.gov | legacy | OKLAHOMA Republican Congressman Steve Russell takes a break from meet and greets to join the Flashpoint panel. Russell talks about keeping our rights during mass shootings likes San Bernardino. He alsomentions thatpoliticians are just as concerned about gun laws as the everyday citizen, so they discuss background checks and other variables in purchasing firearms. The FBI says the San Bernardino shooters were radicalized. Russell talks about his disagreements with allowing ISIS to have open communication on the internet and other ways to take down the terrorist state. The panel discusses the issue of women in combat, as well as allowing Syrian refugees in America. Mike Turpensays Congressman Steve Russell is very "statesman-like." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/news9-oklahoma-lawmakers-weigh-gun-safety-bill | News9: Oklahoma Lawmakers Weigh In On Gun Safety Bill | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | News9 - Alex Cameron One day after a mass shooting took the lives of 14 people in San Bernardino, CA, a gun-control measure intended to help keep suspected terrorists from getting access to guns is defeated in Washington, D.C. The measure, offered by Sen. Diane Feinstein, (D) California, Thursday afternoon as an amendment to a health care bill, is an exact duplicate of a House bill that was referenced by President Obama in his reaction to this latest shooting. "We have a no-fly list where people can't get on planes," Obama said in an interview Wednesday afternoon, "but those same people who we don't allow to fly could go into a store right now in the United States and buy a firearm, and there's nothing that we can do to stop them -- that's a law that needs to be changed." Some in Congress have been trying to change that law now for several years, but claim the powerful gun lobby has stood in the way. The legislation has been around since 2007, but was re-introduced in February of this year, with both Democrat and Republican sponsors, as H.R. 1076, The Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015. The measure would give the U.S. Attorney General the discretion to deny the transfer or sale of a firearm to someone who is on the FBI's Terrorist Watch List. Such a law, it appears, would not have helped prevent Wednesday's mass shooting, since it doesn't seem the shooters were on any watch list. But Obama and the bill's supporters feel, as the nation looks at ways to reduce gun violence, in general, this is a reasonable step Congress could take. Two weeks ago, News 9 reached out to all seven members of Oklahoma's Congressional delegation, requesting they give their respective position on the legislation. Congressmen Russell and Cole, and Senator Lankford were the only ones to respond to the request. Rep. Russell, (R) 5th District, says the measure could jeopardize the rights of law-abiding citizens "That's a problem, because now, on suspicion, it would hand the government broad power to prohibit … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/newsok-congress-approves-massive-highway-bill-more-34b-oklahoma | The Oklahoman: Congress approves massive highway bill, with more than $3.4B for Oklahoma | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | The Oklahoman - Chris Casteel Congress gave strong bipartisan approval Thursday to a $305 billion highway bill that Oklahoma lawmakers praised for providing certainty to state officials planning critical road and bridge projects. The bill, which President Barack Obama is expected to sign soon, will set the nation's surface transportation policy for the next five years and provide a boost in funding for highways and mass transit. Oklahoma will receive an estimated $3.4 billion over the five years for roads and bridges and another $240 million for transit. In the House, the bill was approved 359-65. Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Tulsa, was the only one of the five Oklahomans to oppose the bill. The Senate approved the bill 83-16. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa, helped write the bill and voted for it. Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City, opposed the legislation. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, said, The importance of investing in the roads, bridges and rails utilized by all Americans cannot be overstated. At its core, the legislation shows commitment to a safe, efficient and well-maintained infrastructure, and this long-term measure offers greater certainty to projects at the state and local level, helps move people and products and keeps our economy strong and vibrant. Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-Westville, one of the House negotiators on the legislation, said Oklahoma will receive nearly $300 million more under the bill than it would have under the current allocation formula. The bill includes a provision written by Mullin to prevent the removal of church and civic group signs that are too large under federal regulations. State highway departments have more pressing things to do than be forced by the federal government to enforce the size of church and civic group signs, Mullin said. I have been working hard to fix this problem, which was first brought to my attention by constituents and Oklahoma state legislators, and I am thrilled that we are almost across the finish line. Mullin praised a provision sought by Oklahoma officials to al… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/newsok-most-oklahoma-house-members-support-education-bill | NewsOK: Most Oklahoma House members support education bill | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | NewsOK - Chris Casteel Four of the five U.S. House members from Oklahoma voted for the education bill meant to replace the much-criticized No Child Left Behind Act. The Every Student Succeeds Act passed the House on Wednesday night by a vote of 359-64. Reps. Tom Cole, R-Moore; Frank Lucas, R-Cheyenne; Markwayne Mullin, R-Westville; and Steve Russell, R-Choctaw voted for it. Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Tulsa, voted against. The bill is expected to be approved by the Senate and signed by the president this month. Cole said, "While well-intentioned at the time of its passage, No Child Left Behind has clearly led to a decline in learning and academic readiness. "I am encouraged by the action taken to correct flaws that have led to gaps in student achievement. By limiting the federal governments excessive role in education, returning greater control to states, keeping local educational leaders involved in the system and helping parents choose the best place for their children to learn, I believe we can ensure every student in America is set up to succeed." Bridenstine voted for the original House bill because he thought it moved federal education policy in the right direction. But he said the final version written by House and Senate negotiators "missed the opportunity to return control of our childrens education to where it belongs: states, local school districts, and ultimately, parents. He said the bill maintains federal testing and still requires states to intervene in schools underperforming by federal metrics. The White House praised the bill, saying it: - Ensures accountability "by guaranteeing that when students fall behind, states redirect resources into what works to help them and their schools improve, with a particular focus on the very lowest-performing schools, high schools with high dropout rates, and schools with achievement gaps." - Reduces "the often onerous burden of testing on students and teachers, making sure that tests dont crowd out teaching and learning, without sacrificing clear, annual informati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-supports-conference-report-highway-bill | Cole Supports Conference Report for Highway Bill | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report for the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The legislation provides authorization for five years of funding to maintain and improve the nations infrastructure, streamlines surface transportation programs, encourages innovation within the system and ensures the highest level of safety and efficiency for roads, bridges and rails. The importance of investing in the roads, bridges and rails utilized by all Americans cannot be overstated, said Cole. While this transportation bill isnt perfect and I am particularly concerned about its funding mechanisms that seem unrelated to the transportation system, I still believe that is a worthwhile compromise that reflects the best interests of the American people. At its core, the legislation shows commitment to a safe, efficient and well-maintained infrastructure, and this long-term measure offers greater certainty to projects at the state and local level, helps move people and products and keeps our economy strong and vibrant. I am glad that two Oklahomans were actively involved in the crafting of this bill. Certainly, this compromise would not be possible without the indispensable leadership of Senator Jim Inhofe, both as chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and vice-chair of the Conference Committee that negotiated the legislation. In the House, I am pleased that Congressman Markwayne Mullin could also weigh in as a conferee and help mold the legislation, concluded Cole. ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-votes-replace-no-child-left-behind | Cole Votes to Replace No Child Left Behind | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Every Student Succeeds Act or ESEA Conference Report. The bill addresses and repeals the shortfalls of No Child Left Behind, which was signed into law in 2002 and greatly increased the federal governments role in K-12 education across the country. The legislation passed this week seeks to scale back the federal governments role in K-12 education by limiting the authority of the Secretary of Education, eliminating the federal accountability system and other unsuccessful programs, reducing unnecessary testing and prohibiting a federal mandate requiring states to follow Common Core. Instead, the bill allows states and local education leaders to develop criteria and maintain responsibility for measuring the success of students and schools, addressing failures and filling learning gaps. The legislation makes information available to parents about school performance and charter and magnet school programs, so they can have a more active role in selecting the best education for their children. It also protects private and home schools from needless federal intervention. I am very proud of this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that fixes glaring nationwide problems in our education system that have prevented many students from making the grade, said Cole. Without question, education is one of the most important building blocks for success, and access to quality learning directly impacts development and potential. While well-intentioned at the time of its passage, No Child Left Behind has clearly led to a decline in learning and academic readiness. I am encouraged by the action taken to correct flaws that have led to gaps in student achievement. By limiting the federal governments excessive role in education, returning greater control to states, keeping local educational leaders i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=614 | Congressman Jim Bridenstine Votes to Enhance American Energy Security | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Jim Bridenstine | B001283 | bridenstine.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Bridenstine voted for H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act. The bill passed 249 to 174. Secure, reliable, and affordable energy is crucial to our economy and national security, said Bridenstine. I am pleased the House of Representatives passed legislation to expand markets for American energy while eliminating several barriers to production. Bridenstine continued, H.R. 8 includes a significant provision drawn directly from the Cruz-Bridenstine American Energy Renaissance Act, a comprehensive energy bill I introduced in both the 113th and 114th Congresses. The Gosar/Bridenstine amendment to H.R. 8 which included this provision was unanimously approved, limiting frivolous and costly environmental lawsuits that block energy development. In addition, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act: Lifts the ban on exporting crude oil Expedites the process for exporting natural gas Simplifies permitting for new pipelines Limits duplicative studies that delay energy projects Establishes a Strategic Transformer Reserve to increase the United States ability to protect the electric grid The biggest obstacle to the American energy renaissance is Washington, DC. This legislation will cut regulatory red tape and allow energy development to expand. I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this legislation and send it to the President. -- 30 -- | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-hails-senate-passage-of-obamacare-repeal-planned-parenthood-defunding | Inhofe Hails Senate Passage of Obamacare Repeal, Planned Parenthood Defunding | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Inhofe Hails Senate Passage of Obamacare Repeal, Planned Parenthood Defunding Thursday, December 3, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) todayvoted in favor of H.R. 3762, Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act. This bill would repeal key components of Obamacare and defund Planned Parenthood for one year. This measure passed by a vote of 52-47. The passage of a bill to repeal Obamacare is a key victory for this Congress, said Inhofe. Since its disastrous roll-out, I have listened to heartbreaking accounts of how Obamacare has negatively impacted middle-class Oklahoma families. President Obama made many promises about how Obamacare would lower healthcare costs and improve the economy, yet five years later premiums and deductibles have only increased, workers hours have been cut, and the religious liberty of many has been threatened. Because of Obamacare, Oklahomans will see their healthcare premiums rise 35.7 percent next year, which is the largest increase in the nation. Repealing Obamacare is the first step to replacing this disastrous law with a new one that allows real health insurance markets to develop without the heavy hand of Washington getting in the way. I am also proud that this bill protects innocent lives by defunding Planned Parenthood. Protecting the life of the unborn is among our most important responsibilities. With severe allegations that Planned Parenthood profited from harvested fetal tissue, it is appropriate to defund the organization and redirect the money to community health centers, where women have even greater access to healthcare than what is provided by Planned Parenthood. I applaud my colleagues for taking this step. Background: H.R. 3762, as modified by the Senate, repeals key components of Obamacare, including: The Individual Mandate The Employer Mandate The Medical Device Tax The Cadillac Tax The Medicaid Expansion Over $1 trillion in Obamacare taxes Obamacare Subsidies H.R. 3762 also defunds Plan… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-statement-on-fast-act | Senator Lankford Statement on FAST Act | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 12.03.15 Senator Lankford Statement on FAST Act WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement after voting against the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act conference report. The bill passed by a vote of 83-16. The FAST Act transportation bill maintains many of the highway reforms from previous years and builds on those programs by beginning the transition to more state control of highway construction.The new block grant structure for the Surface Transportation Program is a positive step for local decision-making and efficiency.The highway bill, for the first time in over a decade, extends the program for five years, allowing advanced contracting and planning for major projects. Oklahoma will benefit from the included reforms of the migratory bird requirements, which will allow year-round bridge construction.The FAST Act also gets the federal government out of the business of deciding what signs rural Oklahomans can put up on the edge of town, like churches, service organizations or the FFA.One of the Federal Fumbles waste examples, that our team recently noted, was the Amtrak subsidy for passenger food; the FAST Act finally requires accountability in that program. Finally, significant reforms in the permitting process for national infrastructure projects was passed to streamline the extensive and unpredictable permitting process.Oklahoma should be proud of the good transportation policy negotiated by Senator Inhofe in the FAST Act. When the good transportation policy was connected to the finance portion of the bill, unfortunately, the bill did not meet basic budget standards.Most of the bill's cost were not offset with realistic pay-fors.The Strategic Petroleum Oil Reserve was tapped to pay a portion of the cost, but the bill assumed oil would sell for nearly $95 a barrel, when the actual current value is closer to $42 a barrel.The bill moves billions of dollars from the Federal Reserve surplus, which typically goes toward debt reduction, but … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-votes-to-repeal-obamacare-provide-more-health-care-options | Senator Lankford Votes to Repeal Obamacare, Provide More Health Care Options | 2015-12-03 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 12.03.15 Senator Lankford Votes to Repeal Obamacare, Provide More Health Care Options WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today voted in support of the Restoring Americans' Health Care Freedom Reconciliation Act (HR 3762), which repeals Obamacare and limits federal funding for organizations that perform abortions, like Planned Parenthood. The bill passed by a vote of 52-47. Five years ago, President Obama made big promises to the American people, said Lankford. He promised Americans that they could keep their health care plan, and he promised lower health care costs; he promised lower premiums, and lower co-pays. Since the passage of Obamacare, these broken promises continue to frustrate families. In Oklahoma, many residents have lost their doctor and health plan, and their rates will increase by as much as 35 percent next year. Obamacare costs Oklahomans and all Americans more and denies patients the quality care they deserve. We should reject the Washington, DC mandates and return the authority for health care management to the states. We can do better. During debate, Lankford offered a Health Care Compact amendment (#2877), which would give states the option to join a pilot program that gives them the freedom to regulate health care within their borders. Lankford spoke about this amendment, Planned Parenthood and Obamacare during a floor speech yesterday. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=605 | Congressman Jim Bridenstine Opposes Federal Control of Education | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | Jim Bridenstine | B001283 | bridenstine.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Jim Bridenstine voted against the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which would replace No Child Left Behind. The bill passed 359 to 64.Bridenstine said, ESSA expands the role of the federal government by creating a program for pre-school managed by the Department of Health and Human Services and expanding after school programs. No Child Left Behind was a seriously flawed law that greatly increased federal control of education. I was disappointed that the Every Student Succeeds Act missed the opportunity to return control of our childrens education to where it belongs: states, local school districts, and ultimately, parents. ESSA also maintains several troublesome aspects of current law: Maintains the federal testing burden Requires states to intervene in schools underperforming by federal metrics Allows federal education spending to continue to grow Forces states to develop standards that conform with federal guidelines I voted for the House version of this bill because that legislation, while not perfect, moved education policy in the right direction by allowing funding to follow students to the school of their parents choice (portability), allowing parents to opt their students out of federally mandated testing, and shortening the timeframe in which Congress must next examine education policy. ESSA strips these crucial provisions, the Congressman explained.I believe that the best education for our children is not one dictated by politicians and bureaucrats in Washington, DC. We should return control of education to those who know the needs of students the best. Therefore, I opposed ESSA. -- 30 -- | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/govt-watch-groups-applaud-sen-lankfords-federal-fumbles-report | Gov't Watch Groups Applaud Sen. Lankfords Federal Fumbles Report | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 12.02.15 Gov't Watch Groups Applaud Sen. Lankford's Federal Fumbles Report WASHINGTON, DC Nonpartisan government watch and taxpayer protection groups are speaking out in favor of Senator James Lankford's new federal waste and solutions report, Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball, which was released on Monday. Here is what they're saying: Citizens Against Government Waste Praises Sen. Lankford's Federal Fumbles Report The report not only provides details about each extravagant expenditure, it also reveals how to recover the ball with specific proposals to eliminate the waste. CAGW President Tom Schatz said, Sen. Lankford should be applauded for taking the handoff from Sen. Coburn and moving the ball down the field so that taxpayers can finally score a few touchdowns in the ongoing fight against wasteful spending. Taxpayers Protection Alliance: Senator Lankford Continues Tradition of Exposing Government Waste The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is encouraged to see Sen. Lankford stake out his own claim to be the voice for speaking out against government waste. Sen. Lankford's report is a great way to start a new chapter in the fight against government waste in Congress. And, the next time a member of Congress or bureaucrat says that there is no waste to cut, show them Sen. Lankford's report. Committee For A Responsible Federal Budget: Lankford Publishes Federal Fumbles Lankford examines federal programs, agencies, and regulations to come up with 100 "fumbles" that he thinks could be corrected in order to enhance efficiency and cut government waste while streamlining the essential services that government can and does provide. Not only does Lankford provide descriptions of each misstep, he also proposes a solution for each of them. Included in the report are examples of not only waste, fraud, and abuse, but also of budget gimmickry and tax non-compliance. National Taxpayers Union: Lankford Report: Waste and Over-Regulation Costing Taxpayers Freshman Senator James La… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-senator-lankford-affirms-state-role-in-health-care-calls-for-obamacare-repeal-defunding-planned-parenthood | VIDEO: Senator Lankford Affirms State Role in Health Care, Calls For Obamacare Repeal, Defunding Planned Parenthood | 2015-12-02 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 12.02.15 VIDEO: Senator Lankford Affirms State Role in Health Care, Calls For Obamacare Repeal, Defunding Planned Parenthood Lankford: In Oklahoma, the health care rates next year go up on average 35% CLICK HERE to view the video WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate today in support of the Restoring Americans' Health Care Freedom Reconciliation Act, which will repeal Obamacare and defund Planned Parenthood. Lankford also spoke in support of his own Health Care Compact amendment (#2877). The amendment would give Americans more health care choices by allowing states, like Oklahoma, to join a compact pilot program that gives them freedom to regulate health care within their state. Below is the full transcript from the speech: Mr. President, I've been able to sit in and listen to the debate today. Bringing forward a bill that would do two simple things. It would remove funding from the single largest provider of abortions in the country, an organization that has recently sold the body parts of children for the highest bidder. And we would deal with one of the main issues that I face every single day in my state, as people who struggle under the effects and the harmful effects every day of the Affordable Care Act, which has proven to be neither affordable nor caring to many people in my state. Let me say some of the things I've heard recently. That this is all about going after women's health. As a very proud husband of a very beautiful lady and a proud dad of two beautiful daughters, and as a son of a breast cancer survivor, this has nothing to do with going after women's health, nor demonizing women, nor the war on women, nor all the other accusations that I've recently heard. This is not about protecting a, what I heard called a lifesaving health care organization, where 325,000 children died in it last year. This is about a simple thing: Childre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-oklahoma-provisions-in-fast-act | Inhofe Praises Oklahoma Provisions in FAST Act | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Inhofe Praises Oklahoma Provisions in FAST Act Tuesday, December 1, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today announced provisions benefiting Oklahoma in the bicameral, bipartisan agreement for the surface transportation reauthorization conference report. The conference bill introduced today by Inhofe and U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) will receive a vote in the House in coming days followed by the Senate. The current authorization for the highway program expires Friday, Dec. 4 at midnight. With a fully-funded long-term reauthorization bill, Oklahoma will receive more than $3.6 billion in new transportation funding, making this the largest single infrastructure investment in Oklahomas history, said Inhofe. The long-term certainty provided by this five-year bill will end the costly practice of short-term extensions, which have cost Oklahomans more than $122 million since the last long-term bill I authored expired in 2009. These short-term extensions have long frustrated state and local governments, business owners and contractors who I have worked with to restore and modernize Oklahomas aging interstate and more than 1,300 bridges in need of serious repair or replacement. Passing a long-term highway bill has been my top priority as chairman of the Senate EPW committee, and Ive been pleased to work alongside my colleagues to make this historic piece of legislation a reality. This bill will provide the long overdue investments needed to put America back on the map as a place to do business. The Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act will benefit Oklahoma in many ways and has received support from leaders across the state. The FAST Act is a five-year bill dedicated to improving the nations surface transportation infrastructure, benefiting our roads, bridges, transit systems, and rail network. The bill reforms and strengthens transportation programs, while refocusing them on nationa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-senator-lankford-talks-govt-waste-federal-fumbles-on-the-senate-floor | VIDEO: Senator Lankford Talks Govt Waste, Federal Fumbles on the Senate Floor | 2015-12-01 | 2015 | 2015-12 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 12.01.15 VIDEO: Senator Lankford Talks Gov't Waste, Federal Fumbles on the Senate Floor CLICK HERE to view the video WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate tonight about America's massive federal debt and government waste. Lankford also discussed his recently released government waste and solutions report, Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball. The report highlights examples of wasteful or duplicative spending, along with burdensome regulations but also offers policy solutions to each of the problems. Below is the full transcript from the speech: When you're home, the television is on, phone starts to ring, your dog is at the back door barking, kids need help doing homework, occasionally you can forget dinner is on the stove. But if you forget about it too long, your house patches on fire, and that's going to be a problem. You can get distracted with a lot of things and suddenly miss out on something that's really important. Our nation is dealing with a lot of issues right now -- terrorism, immigration, dealing with banking issues and our economy, education, transportation, and I do have a concern that we have forgotten, this year, we still have $450 billion in deficit and $19 trillion total in debt hanging over our heads. Now, if we were in any state in America and we were faced with that, the legislative branch would work and would make hard decisions and would balance their budget. Every single state at the end of their legislative session comes to a balanced budget. But we don't. We just overspend. It's happened now so many times consecutively, its built up to $19 trillion in debt. Now, I don't have an easy way to articulate $19 trillion in debt, but let me give you a picture of that. We just passed earlier this year a ten-year budget plan that over the next ten years would get rid of our $450 billion in deficit and would slowly work that down within ten years back to balance. Good! So let's do a hypothetical. Let… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/compassion-caution-and-resolve | Compassion with Caution and Resolve | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | In response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, thousands of refugees have fled the violence, terrorism and oppression directed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ISIS). Without question, this flood of refugees into Europe and their potential resettlement into the United States calls for compassion, but our handling of the crisis also demands that we exercise serious caution. Certainly, I believe that most Syrian and Iraqi refugees are seeking to escape ISILs extreme jihadism and senseless violence. However, I remain concerned about the safety of American citizens if these refugees are accepted in large numbers under the current screening and surveillance system. As we learned after ISILs attacks in Paris, the organization will clearly use whatever means necessary to spread its influenceeven having its fighters pose as refugees. Unfortunately, I fully expect ISIL will continue to use the refugee crisis to send out terrorists, infiltrate western nations and pick up recruits to spread more violence around the world. When opening Americas doors to refugees, we need to ensure that ISIL loyalists dont come along with those legitimately fleeing war and persecution. Before resettling any individuals in search of safe haven, we must prioritize the security of American citizens. And those responsible for the safety of the American people must be willing to say they are confident that refugees pose no threat to our countys citizens. Recently, in response to the increasing influence of ISIL and the terrorist organizations suspected exploitation of refugees, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act. While this legislation halts admission of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States, its important to understand that the SAFE Act wouldnt prevent these individuals from eventually seeking refuge in our country. Instead, it simply requires that improvements be made to the vetting process before taking refugees in, which includes greater scru… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/jackie-kouri-alzheimers-disease-everyones-challenge | Tulsa World: Alzheimer's disease is everyone's challenge | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Tulsa World - Jackie Kouri Everyone with a brain is at risk of developing Alzheimers disease. Its that simple, and that dire. Some 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimers with a crushing 500,000 new cases added every year. Taking even more than precious memories and identities, Alzheimers is taking lives, killing more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined, a guaranteed death sentence every single time. Alzheimers is the sixth leading cause of death and is unmatched in the scale of its devastating human and economic impact, yet is the only disease in the top 10 causes of death with no way to prevent, cure or even slow it. While death rates of all other major diseases have significantly decreased over recent years, deaths from Alzheimers have skyrocketed by 71 percent. Women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimers in alarming ways. Women in their 60s are twice as likely to develop Alzheimers in their lifetime as they are to develop breast cancer. Nearly two-thirds of those with Alzheimers 3.2 million Americans are women. And almost two-thirds of all Alzheimers and other dementia caregivers nearly 10 million Americans are women. The economic toll of Alzheimers is staggering. Already the most expensive disease in America, Alzheimers costs are set to soar exponentially like no other disease. In 2015 it costs our nation $226 billion to care for people with Alzheimers, a cost of nearly $17.5 million per hour to American taxpayers. An onerous two-thirds of that cost is borne by Medicare and Medicaid, with nearly one in every five Medicare dollars spent on Alzheimers. By 2050 with the aging of 76 million baby boomers, it will grow to one in every three Medicare dollars with the nations total cost skyrocketing to $1.1 trillion. Americas bankruptcy is in the making from this single disease. November is Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month, and the Alzheimers Association is committed 24/7 to being the brains behind saving yours. A treatment delaying Alzheimers onset by just five years means … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/advisory-senator-lankford-to-release-government-waste-report-today | ADVISORY: Senator Lankford to Release Government Waste Report TODAY | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 11.30.15 ADVISORY: Senator Lankford to Release Government Waste Report TODAY WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) will release his federal government waste and solutions report at a press conference today, November 30 at the U.S. Capitol. The report, entitled, Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball, will highlight examples of wasteful or duplicative spending, along with burdensome regulations, but will also offer a policy solution to each of the problems. The Office of Senator Lankford released two short videos on social media this month to preview the release of the football themed-report. CLICK HERE and HERE to view the videos. CLICK HERE for an embargoed copy of the report. The report will be embargoed until 12:00pm ET (11:00am CT). WHAT: Senator Lankford Press Conference to Release Federal Fumbles Gov't Waste Report WHEN: Monday, November 30, 12:00pm ET (11:00am CT) WHERE: Senate Radio-Television Gallery Studio, S-325, U.S. Capitol VIDEO: The press conference will be LIVE on C-SPAN and livestreamed on the Senator's YouTube page HERE. For more information, or to request a copy of the report, contact D.J. Jordan or Aly Beley via phone (202-224-5754) or email atDJ@lankford.senate.gov and Aly_Beley@lankford.senate.gov. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-releases-waste-report-federal-fumbles-100-ways-the-government-dropped-the-ball | Lankford Releases Waste Report: Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball | 2015-11-30 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 11.30.15 Lankford Releases Waste Report: Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball WASHINGTON, DC During a press conference today, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released a federal government waste and solutions report. The report highlights examples of wasteful or duplicative spending, along with burdensome regulations but also offers policy solutions to each of the problems. Lankford's report, entitled, Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball, will serve as guide for his office to work with federal agencies and departments to turn the waste highlighted in the report to solutions over the next year. CLICK HERE for high-resolution photos from the press conference. CLICK HERE to view the full video of the press conference from YouTube. CLICK HERE to clip the video from C-SPAN. Excerpts: On the need for the Federal Fumbles waste report: The concern is that we are going to lose our focus on debt and spending. There are a lot of national issues that we're facing right now. All of them are very important to us. The debt issue still remains one of those primary issues that has to be resolved and it can be resolved. There's this belief, that it (debt) is so large it's difficult to take on, and it's not fixable. It is fixable. So, what I want to have is some way we can lay a plan in place and we can start to identify some of these issues. On our current pace, let's say we are actually to put into place the budget we have and actually fulfill it. That means in ten years from now we'd be back to balance. We would go from, about $450 billion in deficit spending this year to balanced budget in ten yearsIf we had a $50 billion surplus in the eleventh year, if we did that, we would have to continue to do it every year for the next 460 years to pay off our debtNow, let's just say we balanced it next year. If we balanced it next year then it's only a measly 380 years that we have to have a $50 billion surplus. I think we're losing track of how difficult this is really going to be… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/senator-washington-times-the-freedom-to-bow-our-heads-and-pray-in-public | Senator Lankford in The Washington Times: The freedom to bow our heads and pray in public | 2015-11-29 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 11.29.15 Senator Lankford in The Washington Times: The freedom to bow our heads and pray in public Telling grieving families that our thoughts and prayers are with them in times of tragedy or hearing people say God bless the United States of America at the end of a speech are common. They are part of our American tradition. Culturally, it is acceptable to talk about prayer, and even ask God for his blessings in public settings, but what if it goes a step further? What if we actually pray in public closing our eyes and bowing our heads where others can see? Is that still free in America? The recognition of faith has been integral in the formation of America. From our nation's earliest documents like the Mayflower Compact and Declaration of Independence, to the first act of Congress in 1774, calling on a pastor to open its sessions with prayer, to annual observances like the National Day of Prayer, America prays. In 2001, we saw Members of Congress gather on the steps of the Capitol following the horrific events of 9/11, singing God Bless America. Individuals from all across the country came together at prayer vigils following tragic shootings in Newtown, Connecticut and Charleston, South Carolina. The hashtag #PrayForParis has united people from around the world following this month's terrorist attacks in Paris, France. As President Clinton said in his 1999 National Day of Prayer Proclamation, Americans have united in prayer for those who died or were harmed, for the comfort and peace of their families, for the wisdom to heal our society, and for the strength to overcome such tragedies. Prayer in times of tragedy is not only accepted, it has become expected. If we can pray publicly in times of tragedy, can we also pray in good times as well? When is it OK to show a public expression of faith? Since 2008, a high school football coach in Bremerton, Washington, prayed on the field at the conclusion of the game, thanking God for his team and for keeping the players safe. Initially, the coach walked… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/cole-op-ed-tulsa-world-helping-worlds-refugees-and-keeping-america-safe | Cole Op-Ed in Tulsa World: Helping the world's refugees and keeping America safe | 2015-11-28 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Tulsa World - Congressman Tom Cole If you have followed the news even remotely over the past two years or so, coverage of the Middle East has documented an escalating conflict due to the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in the region. The terrorist organizations senseless acts of violence, terrorism and oppression have uprooted many individuals and families and even reduced communities to rubble. Whatever the plight of these Syrian and Iraqi refugees that has caused them to flee, the mass exit from their homes and countries is a very real crisis that must be handled carefully by America and our allies in the days ahead. While I dont doubt that many refugees are genuinely trying to escape the volatile situation in the Middle East and seeking safe haven for their families, I remain skeptical about accepting them in large numbers into the United States under the current screening and surveillance system. Unfortunately, in wake of the recent Paris attacks, it is evident that ISIS seeks to spread its influence through heinous and senseless acts of terror far beyond the area it occupies. Considering that one of the Paris attackers posed as a refugee from Syria when he entered Europe, we know that ISIS will continue to use the refugee tragedy and any other means necessary to smuggle terrorists into other countries, infiltrate western society and pick up recruits to spread more violence around the world. Without question, we must be certain that isnt allowed to happen in the United States when opening our doors to refugees. Our first obligation and duty is to keep American citizens safe and prevent terrorists from wreaking havoc in the United States. Therefore, we must adequately anticipate, prevent and answer threats to our national security. Especially having seen what is capable of happening in Paris and Beirut by this evil enemy and after ISISs downing of a Russian airliner, I believe that U.S. security officials have an obligation to verify that any individuals resettled on American soil pose no risk… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/joint-op-ed-hill-taking-care-native-children | Joint Op-Ed in The Hill: Taking care of Native children | 2015-11-25 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | The Hill - Reps. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) In recent years and especially in the past months, there has been sensationalized news coverage about the controversial adoptions of Native American children into non-tribal families or their placement into foster care. Given the unfortunate coverage and several heartbreaking cases, its important to think back on how we got here and remember the centuries of injustice that Native families have faced. For much of the nations history, the United States has had a difficult and challenging relationship with Indian Country. Indeed, there have been dark chapters that both sides would prefer to forget and never wish to repeat. One of those longest chapters involved the forcible and heartbreaking separation of Native American children from their families and their tribal heritage. Prior to the passage of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in 1978, it had become apparent that Native American children were systematically being taken from their homes and either put up for adoption or placed in foster care. The rate at which Native American children were taken was especially alarming to tribal nations that depend on their youth to preserve a truly unique heritage. Further, the disproportionate rate of these separations raised suspicions that they were based less in decisions about the well-being of children and perhaps more about separating youth from their tribal culture. In a repeat of the forced boarding school era, tribal nations were once again being told that to save their children, they had to be removed from their communities and cultures. When Congress passed ICWA, it was meant to solve a very real identity problem for Native American children, help loving families stay together and also prevent unnecessary holes in tribal communities. But most importantly, it soughtand still aimsto ensure children live in the environment where they are best cared for and most loved. Certainly, tribal nations care deeply for their youth and the continuation of a spe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://russell.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-steve-russell-offers-refreshing-counter-keep-them-out | Rep. Steve Russell offers refreshing counter to 'keep them out' | 2015-11-24 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Steve Russell | R000604 | russell.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Rep. Steve Russell offers no apology to those in his party who are disappointed in his take on the Syrian refugee crisis. Unlike so many Republicans, Russell doesn't want the United States to begin turning these refugees away as a result of the recent terror attacks in Paris. I've angered people on both sides on this issue. I don't care, Russell, R-Choctaw, said last week in an interview with The Oklahoman. I've been defending this republic since I was 18. There are times you have to have the moral courage to stand on our liberties. During the interview, Russell offered a refreshing contrast to the rhetoric and fear-mongering that has emanated from members of both major political parties, but especially from Republicans. Some Oklahoma state legislators have called for taking steps to ensure no Syrian refugees wind up in this state. These reactions followed the disclosure that a Syrian passport was found near one of the perpetrators of the ISIS-led attacks in Paris. The Obama administration has committed to accepting 10,000 Syrian refugees in the next year. Republicans want President Barack Obama to pull the plug on that plan for now. On Thursday, Russell spoke forcefully on the House floor against a Republican bill requiring more screening before Syrian and Iraqi refugees can be admitted. The next day, he initially voted against the bill, but then switched and voted in favor, helping give Republicans a veto-proof majority. That move was part of some horse trading in which House leadership got the vote it wanted in exchange for Russell being among those members at the table as this issue is hashed out further. The House bill, he noted, doesn't represent the end of the road on this issue but only one step. A former Army Ranger, Russell said he has lived among Sunni Arab Muslims and has watched them die fighting ISIS. I've watched them be eliminated. They're intelligent. They're educated. They don't want this, he told us. And if we cannot be an America that promotes people having freedom and determination, we'… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/advisory-senator-lankford-to-release-government-waste-report-monday | ADVISORY: Senator Lankford to Release Gov't Waste Report Monday | 2015-11-24 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 11.24.15 ADVISORY: Senator Lankford to Release Gov't Waste Report Monday WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) will release his federal government waste and solutions report at a press conference next Monday, November 30 at the U.S. Capitol. The report, entitled, Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball, will highlight examples of wasteful or duplicative spending, along with burdensome regulations, but will also offer a policy solution to each of the problems. The Office of Senator Lankford released two short videos on social media this month to preview the release of the football themed-report. CLICK HERE and HERE to view the videos. WHAT: Senator Lankford Press Conference to Release Federal Fumbles Gov't Waste Report WHEN: Monday, November 30, 12:00pm ET (11:00am CT) WHERE: Senate Radio-Television Gallery Studio, S-325, U.S. Capitol VIDEO: The press conference will be livestreamed on the Senator's YouTube page HERE. For more information, or to request a copy of the report, contact D.J. Jordan atDJ@lankford.senate.gov. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/american-tradition | An American Tradition | 2015-11-23 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | In the United States of America, we have a longstanding tradition of coming together each year on Thanksgiving to recognize and reflect upon our many blessings. While some years produce a great deal of trials and hardship, its important to remember that there is never a shortage of things for which to be grateful. Like most, I cant help but remember the first feast where the Pilgrims celebrated a bountiful harvest with Native Americans after rocky beginnings and heartbreaking losses. The resilience of the Pilgrims in dire circumstances and their providential partnership with Native Americans still reminds us of Gods perfect provision. Im also struck by a story more than two centuries after that first Thanksgiving at Plymouth. Even though President George Washington issued a proclamation for Americans to observe a day of thanks in 1789, it was President Abraham Lincoln who reaffirmed the need for a day of collective gratitude to be celebrated on the same day each year across every state. While most states independently designated days for citizens to give thanks for their good fruits and fortune, it was President Lincoln who acted on making Thanksgiving an annual coordinated effort nationwide. This action came in response to a letter he received from Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor who had long advocated for the holiday to permanently become "an American custom and institution." Its interesting to observe that Thanksgivingto this day one of our most unifying American traditionswas made permanent when our nation was plagued by great uncertainty, uneasiness and what were feared irreconcilable differences. In fact, Lincolns Thanksgiving proclamation came just a month and a half before delivering his famous Gettysburg address halfway through the Civil War. This year, Thanksgiving comes in the midst of growing unrest and acts of terror around the world and subsequent feelings of uneasiness in our own country. As you spend time with family, friends and loved ones, I hope youll take a moment to call to mind and tha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/fortune-syrian-refugees-bill-paul-ryan-carves-out-winning-path-republicans | Fortune: With Syrian Refugees Bill, Paul Ryan Carves Out Winning Path for Republicans | 2015-11-20 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Fortune - Steven T. Dennis Paul Ryans on a roll. The new House speaker set Democrats back on their heels this week with a proposal to hit the pause button on the U.S. acceptance of Syrian refugees, even as he forcefully put down anti-Muslim sentiment on his partys right flank. The vote total on the Syrian refugee bill was notable 289 in favor effectively a veto-proof majority unless President Barack Obama can persuade more Democrats to hold the line. Two Republicans expected to back the bill did not vote. And it would be enough to override the president unless every missing Democrat showed up and voted yes. That amounts to a rare bipartisan rebuke of President Barack Obama, who had spoken forcefully against Republican fear of Syrian widows and orphans. Only two Republicans opposed Ryans gambit, in a show of unity that had become increasingly rare under John Boehners reign. The Democratic defections came despite a full court press from White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, who assured lawmakers that refugees already go through a thorough and extensive background check process to ensure American security. The measure faces an uphill road in the Senate. Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said it will not pass. The White House has recovered from setbacks before notably when Obamas own party abandoned him earlier this year on fast-track trade authority, which ultimately became law. But as a governing move, Ryans push for a third way on Syria refugees may give his party a blueprint for a more successful governing style, provided Ryans flock continues to back him. The restless House Freedom Caucus lined up behind the bill and, for once, the storyline will be about Democratic disarray instead of Republican infighting. Thats what a new speaker can bring. Paul has done a great job in a week or so that hes here. Hes brought the conference together, said Rep. Scott Garrett, R-N.J., a member of the Freedom Caucus. Ryan also stood up to the forces of intolerance in his own … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-supports-safe-act | Cole Supports SAFE Act | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after he supported H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015, which passed the House by a vote of 289-137. In response to the increasing influence of ISIL/ISIS and the terrorist groups suspected exploitation of refugees fleeing the escalating conflict in the Middle East, this legislation halts admission of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States until the vetting process is strengthened. The bill recommends improvements to background checks and requires that the FBI Director, Secretary of Homeland Security and Director of National Intelligence independently verify that any individual resettled in the United States does not threaten the safety of American citizens. Our first obligation and duty is to keep American citizens safe and prevent terrorists from wreaking havoc in the United States, said Cole. Given the recent attacks in Paris and considering that one of the attackers posed as a refugee from Syria when he entered Europe, it is clear that ISIL will use the refugee tragedy and any other means necessary to smuggle terrorists into other countries in order to commit crimes against humanity. Without question, we must be certain that isnt allowed to happen in the United States when accepting refugees. While I dont doubt that many refugees are genuinely fleeing the Middle East for safe haven from ISILs violence, our security officials also have an obligation to verify that any individuals resettled on American soil pose no risk to the safety of our own citizens. Until the system is adequately improved and strengthened, it is safer for all concerned to delay refugees from entering the country. ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/radcliffe-institute-sliver-full-moon-not-full-moon-yet | Radcliffe Institute: A Sliver of a Full Moon, but Not the Full Moon Yet | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Radcliffe Institute For Advanced Study Hardvard University - Pat Harrison Mary Kathryn Nagle wrote the play Sliver of a Full Moonwhich will be read today at the Radcliffe Institutebecause Native leaders asked her to. Nagle, an attorney and citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, was approached by tribal leaders in early 2013 who asked her to interview Native women survivors and share their stories. They were trying to explain to peopleincluding Congressional lawmakerswhy tribal governments needed their jurisdiction restored on Indian lands. A 1978 Supreme Court ruling, in Oliphant v. Suquamish Indian Tribe, had stripped tribes of criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians on tribal land. One result of this ruling was that when non-Indian men sexually assaulted Native women on Indian land, tribes did not have the authority to prosecute the assailant, and these incidents were occurring more and more frequently. Nagle began to contact Native women who had survived these attacks and had testified before Congress in the effort to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which included provisions pertaining to the restoration of tribal jurisdiction to protect Native women. In February 2013 Nagle was setting up interviews with the women survivors. Then all of a sudden, she says, VAWA passed the House. She was surprised. I interviewed Congressman Tom Cole, and I asked him, How did this come to be? Hes a Republican from Oklahoma, but hes also a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. Essentially, he told me he got a group of Republican Congressmen together and said, Look, I know that the party leaders say you should vote against tribal jurisdiction, but heres why I think you should vote for it. So the House ended up accepting the bill. Passage of the bill in the House required 218 votes in favor, and it passed by a vote of 286 to 138.While the play was no longer needed to convince Congress to pass the bill, it was still important for other reasons. The play has become a vehicle to educate people about the legal issues … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://lucas.house.gov/frankly-speaking/refugee-issue-calls-serious-and-deliberate-action | Refugee Issue Calls for Serious and Deliberate Action | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Frank Lucas | L000491 | lucas.house.gov | legacy | The terrorist attacks in Paris have shaken France and its allies. We grieve for the lives lost and pray for the recovery and healing of those injured or otherwise impacted. This tragedy is a grave reminder that we cannot waiver in the face of Islamic extremism. It comes as no surprise that ISIS was behind the coordinated attacks that took the lives of at least 129 individuals and injured more than 350 others. And we cannot blind ourselves to the fact that this is far from an isolated or rare instance. Just the day before, a suicide attack in Beirut took 43 lives and in the previous month a terrorist bombing killed over a hundred people who gathered for a peace rally in Turkey. Unfortunately, President Obamas foreign policy strategy leading up to this point has been indecisive and ineffective. Contrary to what the president has told us, ISIS is far from contained. What may have started as a regional conflict has begun to spill into the western world. In Iraq and Syria, ISIS continues to murder thousands of innocent Christians and Muslims alike and with these latest attacks has explicitly set its sights on western democracies. They recently released a video claiming Washington, D.C. as their next target. We are beginning to witness the consequences of the terrorist organizations unfettered growth in Syria and Iraq. Their widespread and indiscriminate violence has destabilized vast portions of the Middle East and has triggered a mass exodus of refugees. While our country has a strong record of providing asylum to those fleeing war and oppression, the recent influx of refugees from Syria presents a unique challenge, as ISIS looks to exploit our compassion to inflict more damage. The White House has remained tone deaf on this issue. In light of the recent events, President Obama still stands by his call to bring at least 10,000 Syrian refugees into the United States over the coming year. Of course, Americans are left wondering why the president has a plan to resettle Syrian refugees but has laid out no vision or strat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=593 | Congressman Jim Bridenstine Supports SAFE Act | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Jim Bridenstine | B001283 | bridenstine.house.gov | legacy | Today, I voted for H.R. 4038, the American SAFE Act. While this is a good first step, it does not go far enough. Senior FBI and Homeland Security officials have testified to Congress that its impossible to fully screen prospective refugees for terrorist affiliation, especially those coming from disintegrated states and failed governments. Further, the American SAFE Act limits such "enhanced" screenings solely to Iraqi and Syrian refugees. This provisionignores the fact that ISIS has affiliatesacross the Middle East, North Africa, andSouthwest Asia and plans to smuggle terrorists in through our broken southern border. Just yesterday, Honduras arrested five Syrians using stolen Greek passports. We should suspend refugee admissions until Congress has sufficient assurances to restart the program. Along with over 60 of my colleagues, I signed a letter to Speaker Ryan demandingthat the impending trilliondollar omnibus spending bill include a provision which suspends refugee program funding.I am also drafting an omnibus rider to defund the Office of Refugee Resettlement, an agency which is unaccountable toCongress andhelps resettle illegal aliens. We are under no obligation to importpossibleterrorists to replay the Paris attacks in America. Consistent with U.S. security interests, the best way to help refugees fleeing ISIS is to (1) rapidly defeat ISIS and (2) resettle the maximum number of refugees in the safest areas closest to Syria and Iraq. For the cost of resettling one refugee in the United States, we can resettle 12 refugees in other countries. The United States should help the most people using our limited refugee resettlement resources. We should pause refugee admissions into the United States and redirect resources toward resettling refugees in third-party countries closer to their homes. -- 30 -- | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://russell.house.gov/media-center/editorials/top-10-reasons-bipartisan-bicameral-proposal-replace-no-child-left-behind | Top 10 Reasons the Bipartisan, Bicameral Proposal to Replace No Child Left Behind Benefits Oklahoman Students | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Steve Russell | R000604 | russell.house.gov | legacy | 1. Places new and unprecedented restrictions on the authority of the Secretary of Education. The agreement ends the Secretarys ability to impose requirements on states and schools through executive fiat and ends the era of conditional waivers. 2.Prohibits the Secretary of Education from forcing or coercing states into adopting Common Core. No agent of the federal government including the Secretary can interfere with the right of states to develop or change its own set of standards. 3.Ends the era of federally-mandated high-stakes testing. The agreement empowers parents by continuing annual assessments in reading and math, but it also eliminates the federally-mandated high-stakes strings attached to these assessments. 4.Eliminates the federally-mandated one-size-fits-all accountability system. The agreement repeals the overly punitive federal accountability system known as Adequate Yearly Progress or AYP and restores to state and local leaders the responsibility for holding schools accountable. 5.Repeals 49 ineffective and duplicative federal programs. The agreement helps clean up a confusing maze of K-12 education programs and requires the Secretary to reduce the size of the federal bureaucracy accordingly. 6.Provides states and schools new funding flexibility. The agreement establishes a block grant with existing federal dollars that states and school districts can use to fund priorities set at the local level. 7.Holds the line on no new pre-k programs. Instead of creating a new pre-k program, the agreement relocates to the Department of Health and Human Services an existing program using existing resources to promote better coordination and alignment across state and federal pre-k initiatives. 8.Prohibits the use of federal education dollars to fund abortions. This is the first time federal education law will include a clear prohibition on the use of education dollars to fund abortion services. 9.Offers parents more school choice. The agreement supports the replication of highquality… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-details-plan-defeat-isis-and-addresses-syrian | Congressman Russell Details Plan to Defeat ISIS and Addresses Syrian Refugee Policy | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Steve Russell | R000604 | russell.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) spoke on the House floor to call on the President to lead the worlds fight against ISIS and for America to take a thoughtful, deliberative approach rather than a knee-jerk reaction of fear towards the Syrian refugees. Excerpts as prepared: What the President can do to fight ISIS: Whatever the Presidents political advantage, whatever the supposed cost saving, whatever the heartfelt conviction of why some believed abandonment was the optimum course of action, it has instead created a political nightmare, and has bled more treasure and lives than any estimates our continued presence might have caused. Moreover, it has sickened the hearts of world humanity to see civilization taking such punishment from savages when a quiver of options have been available to shoot at the heart of the problem. America has the capacity, the intelligence and the goodwill to rally the nations. But it cannot be a unitary effort. It must be collective. It cannot be a defensive effort. It must be offensive to blunt further attack. As President Hollande of France was saying, Enough is enough, President Obama proceeded to tell America and the world what the attacks on Paris were notand what our actions would not be. Mr. Speaker, this Congress and the American people need rather to hear what the attack was and what our actions will be to make them stop. The President, distracted by his ideological efforts on climate, has failed to see that the world is on fire. But the people of our great Republic have not failed to see it. They are calling on us to stand with France and say, Enough is enough. What should be our immediate actions? How about some of this: Cripple Raqqa. It is clear it is the symbolic center of ISIS power. The Presidents cabinet says, We are worried about collateral damage and civilian casualties. News flash! The most humane thing we can do to end the suffering of hundreds of thousands of people is to cripple what ISIS draws its strength from. Destroy their infrastructure. … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-says-liberty-must-not-lose-out-terror | Congressman Russell says, Liberty must not lose out to terror. | 2015-11-19 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Steve Russell | R000604 | russell.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Today, the House voted on H.R. 4038 The American SAFE Act that would require that Syrian and Iraqi refugees being admitted into the United States to be unanimously cleared by the directors of DHS, FBI, and the NSA. Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) spoke about his vote on H.R. 4038: Todays vote was an especially hard one for me to take. It is difficult not to help all in need, especially running from a humanitarian crisis like we see in Syria and Iraq. We must continue to find a way to save those who run from savagery and barbarity. This bill should only be used as a vehicle for discussion with both chambers so that we may protect our country, but more importantly, find a way to protect the liberties that make us who we are as a people. This bill will hopefully start that discussion. Let us continue to pray for all who have been harmed by ISIS. H.R. 4038 The American SAFE Act passed by a vote of 289 to 137. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/press-release/members-call-president-halt-acceptance-refugees | Members Call on President to Halt Acceptance of Refugees | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after he was one of 110 House members who sent a letter today urging President Barack Obama to halt admission of refugees from Syria and Iraq to the United States until the vetting and monitoring process is improved and strengthened in order to keep Americans safe from potential terrorist threats. This letter comes in response to the series of terrorist attacks waged by ISIL/ISIS in Paris over the weekend and after media reports that one of the terrorist attackers posed as a refugee from Syria when he entered Europe. In the midst of these developments, President Obama plans to admit thousands of Syrian refugees into the United States. While I dont doubt that many refugees are genuinely fleeing the volatile situation in the Middle East and seeking safe haven for their families, I remain leery of accepting them into the United States under the current screening and surveillance system, said Cole. Unfortunately, in wake of the Paris attacks, it is clear that ISIL seeks to spread its influence through heinous and senseless acts of terror far beyond the area it occupies. In that evil effort, it is increasingly obvious that these terrorists will use whatever means necessary to do soeven posing as refugees to terrorize the rest of the world. First and foremost, we must protect the lives of Americans by adequately anticipating, preventing and answering threats to our national security. Given recent events and reports of ISILs rapidly spreading presence, it is unacceptable for President Obama to risk the safety of our nations citizens by accepting refugees under the current system. Not only must we improve and strengthen the process, but it is imperative that the United States have strong resolve in containing and ultimately defeating the enemies at the source of the conflict. That calls for a clear strategy from the Administration, concluded Cole. Full version of the letter to President Obama is available here. Excerpts from the letter are … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=591 | LAWMAKERS CALL FOR TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF ALL RESETTLEMENT SERVICES | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Jim Bridenstine | B001283 | bridenstine.house.gov | legacy | Representatives Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Lamar Smith (R-Texas), and Brian Babin (R-Texas) are calling for a temporary suspension of Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) resettlement funding for all refugees, as well as individuals not in a legitimate lawful status. The lawmakers approach includes but also extends beyond refugee services for Syrian, Iraqi and other refugees and reflects the need to examine the resettlement of potential special interest aliens who are crossing our Southern border. The lawmakers are currently crafting language to address the issue for inclusion in an omnibus spending bill. The Members argue that congressional action to protect American citizens from Islamic State terrorists must acknowledge vulnerabilities in our overseas vetting process as well as our domestic security vulnerabilities. Islamic State terrorists can just as easily pose as illegal aliens crossing our southern border as they can refugees fleeing a war torn country overseas. The Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety was recently asked whether Islamic State terrorists had infiltrated the Southern border. He responded, Individuals that come across the Texas/Mexican border from countries with a known terrorism presence and the answer to that is yes.1In April, a Judicial Watch report cited a Mexican Army officer and police inspector who asserted that ISIS was operating training bases in close proximity of the U.S. Southern border.2Another report from August 2014 advised that social media traffic indicated ISIS was planning to infiltrate the Southern border in order to carry out a terrorist attack.3 ORR has failed to submit annual reports in a timely manner as required by section 413(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, despite being directly involved in the resettlement of thousands of illegal aliens who have crossed our Southern border over the past few years. Further, ORRs budget has grown exponentially from approximately $750 million in FY2012 funding to over $1.5 billion c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/oklahoma-congressmen-ask-va-appoint-full-time-okc-va-director | Oklahoma Congressmen Ask VA to Appoint Full Time OKC VA Director | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Steve Russell | R000604 | russell.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5), along with Congressmen Tom Cole (OK-4), Markwayne Mullin (OK-2), and Jim Bridenstine (OK-1), sent a letter to VA Secretary Robert McDonald requesting that Dr. Gerald K. Darnell be made the full time Director of the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center. For the past year, Dr. Darnell has held the position of Acting Director, but has been given limited authority in that capacity. The Oklahoma City VA serves more than 300,000 veterans, over 70,000 of whom are disabled. Congressman Russell stated, We owe our veterans the best that we can possibly give them. While Dr. Darnell has done an admirable job as Acting Director, I believe that he cannot devote all he can to the worthy veterans he cares for without the full administrative powers he would have as a full time Director. This is an easy fix, and one that would benefit so many veterans who gave so much for this country. It is time to give something back. You can read the signed letter here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-senate-commerce-committee-markup-of-pbor2 | Inhofe Praises Senate Commerce Committee Markup Of PBOR2 | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Inhofe Praises Senate Commerce Committee Markup Of PBOR2 Wednesday, November 18, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) thanked the Senate Commerce Committee for concluding a markup of the Pilots Bill of Rights 2 (PBOR2) today and praised the adoption of an amendment authored by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) to further improve and address the legislation's third class medical certification provision.While markup had concluded on the legislation, the committee did not have aquorumat the end of its business meeting in order to vote on final passage. Iwelcome Sen. Joe Manchins amendment to the Pilots Bill of Rights 2 that was adopted in the Senate Commerce Committee during markup of my legislation,said Inhofe.This amendment has my full support as it further improves the third class medical provision.Currently, FAAs medical certification process is bureaucratic, burdensome and discourages pilots from disclosing and treating medical conditions that could impact their ability to fly.With this amendment, the billprovides a new medical certification process for qualified and trained pilots that encourages a robust dialogue between pilots and their personal physician. It requires pilots to complete a medical education course every two years and be treated by their physician for any medical diagnosis that could impact their ability to fly. In short, this bill reforms the medical certification process for general aviation pilots in a way that will increase pilots knowledge of risk while demanding robust treatment of identified conditions.I want to thank Senator Thune for holding the markup and Senator Manchin for his partnership, hard work, and support on this bill. This bill addresses some of the most important issues presently facing pilots and the general aviation community, andwith 68cosponsors,I expect this bill to continue making progress in the Senate. Manchins amendment made the following changes that were supported by Inhofe: In order to qualify for the new third class… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-inhofe-lankford-applaud-senate-passage-of-national-adoption-month-resolution | Senators Inhofe, Lankford Applaud Senate Passage of National Adoption Month Resolution | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Senators Inhofe, Lankford Applaud Senate Passage of National Adoption Month Resolution Wednesday, November 18, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC The U.S. Senate today passed a resolution, co-sponsored by Oklahoma Senators Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and James Lankford (R-OK), that supports the goals of National Adoption Month and National Adoption Day. November is National Adoption Month and November 21 is National Adoption Day. I am always proud when Congress comes together in support of adoption, said Inhofe. "Since 2000, National Adoption Day has helped raise awareness and further educate people across the nation of the number of children who are in need of a forever family. As a result, more than 40,000 children have been adopted on National Adoption Day, which is remarkable when you take a moment to think of the tremendous impact that it has on the individual lives of each child and our society as a whole. My family has witnessed first-hand the blessings of adoption through my granddaughter Zegita Marie, and I remain committed to advancing bipartisan policy solutions to help children in America and across the world find a permanent and loving home. There is no substitute for a safe and stable family to the health and well-being of children, said Lankford. Adoption provides a safe and loving home to many vulnerable children, and Im glad the Senate can affirm adoption and the millions of Americans who have taken this step. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) are the original sponsors of this National Adoption Month resolution. Inhofe and Lankford are members of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, which works on issues pertaining to children in need of permanent homes, children in the foster care system, and domestic and international child welfare. Inhofe is the former Chairman of the Coalition. As the resolution notes, there are currently more than 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, with more than 100,000 ready to be adopted.In 2014, more than 22,000 yout… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-votes-to-disapprove-clean-power-plan | Senator Lankford Votes to Disapprove Clean Power Plan | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 11.18.15 Senator Lankford Votes to Disapprove Clean Power Plan WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today voted on two resolutions of disapproval of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed Clean Power Plan, a rule to force states to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Senator Lankford co-sponsored both resolutions. Once again, the EPA has far overreached their authority to regulate power generation, said Lankford. The EPA does not have the authority to impose federal carbon mandatesthat authority lies with Congress. With the continued ligation from states to stop this rule, the Clean Power Plan is clearly not a path supported by the American people. It's time for the EPA to stop pushing a political agenda, and start listening to Americans and our need to maintain affordable, reliable energy resources without forced regulations. Recently, Senator Lankford spoke on the Senate floor to advocate for a pro-growth energy policy and the negative ramifications of the Obama Administration's misguided energy policy. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-inhofe-lankford-applaud-senate-passage-of-national-adoption-month-resolution | Senators Inhofe, Lankford Applaud Senate Passage of National Adoption Month Resolution | 2015-11-18 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 11.18.15 Senators Inhofe, Lankford Applaud Senate Passage of National Adoption Month Resolution WASHINGTON, DC The U.S. Senate today passed a resolution, co-sponsored by Oklahoma Senators Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and James Lankford (R-OK), that supports the goals of National Adoption Month and National Adoption Day. November is National Adoption Month and November 21 is National Adoption Day. I am always proud when Congress comes together in support of adoption, said Inhofe. "Since 2000, National Adoption Day has helped raise awareness and further educate people across the nation of the number of children who are in need of a forever family. As a result, more than 40,000 children have been adopted on National Adoption Day, which is remarkable when you take a moment to think of the tremendous impact that it has on the individual lives of each child and our society as a whole. My family has witnessed first-hand the blessings of adoption through my granddaughter Zegita Marie, and I remain committed to advancing bipartisan policy solutions to help children in America and across the world find a permanent and loving home. There is no substitute for a safe and stable family to the health and well-being of children, said Lankford. Adoption provides a safe and loving home to many vulnerable children, and I'm glad the Senate can affirm adoption and the millions of Americans who have taken this step. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) are the original sponsors of this National Adoption Month resolution. Inhofe and Lankford are members of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, which works on issues pertaining to children in need of permanent homes, children in the foster care system, and domestic and international child welfare. Inhofe is the former Chairman of the Coalition. As the resolution notes, there are currently more than 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, with more than 100,000 ready to be adopted.In 2014, more than 22,000 youth aged out of foster care, reaching adulthood… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-supports-tribal-labor-sovereignty-act | Cole Supports Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act | 2015-11-17 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 511, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2015. This legislation reaffirms the exemption of tribal governments from the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), upholds tribal sovereignty and protects self-governance on tribal lands. When Congress passed NLRA in 1935, it excluded all federal, state and local governments from regulationan exemption that was also extended to tribal governments. In 2004, however, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that tribal governments were no longer subject to the same exemption and commercial activity could be regulated. Like federal, state and local governments, tribal governments should not be subject to the National Labor Relations Act, said Cole. In keeping with 69 years of past precedent, I am pleased that the House supported legislation to right the misguided policy that has threatened tribal sovereignty. The Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act not only restores authority previously afforded to tribes, but it symbolizes a United States that respects the ability and right of tribes to govern effectively on their own lands. Cole managed the combined rule for H.R. 511 and H.R. 1737 on the House floor. Video of his opening remarks is available here. Excerpt from his opening remarks is below: Practically every county and city in this country has a golf course. Most states have a lottery. The National Park Service operates hotels. Many cities operate convention centers. All of these activities are not regulated under the NLRA. It should be the same with tribes. ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/us-sens-jim-inhofe-james-lankford-join-those-criticizing-obamas-refugee-position | The Oklahoman: U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe, James Lankford join those criticizing Obama's refugee position | 2015-11-17 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | The Oklahoman - Chris Casteel Echoing the concerns of many Republican officeholders, Sen. Jim Inhofe said Monday that no more Syrian refugees should be allowed into the United States until Congress has reviewed the process for screening them. Accepting refugees is an important and historical practice of our nation, but the Syrian refugee situation is atypical due to ISIS's attempts to exploit the crisis and concerns over the validity of Syrian passports, said Inhofe, R-Tulsa. We saw this danger first hand with Ahmad Al Mohammad who participated in the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and whose passport and fingerprints matched a person who passed through Greece as a Syrian refugee. Inhofe's comments came as Gov. Mary Fallin and governors in more than a dozen states told the Obama administration they don't want to accept any of the refugees because of the attack in Paris on Friday. The Islamic State, also known as ISIS and ISIL, has claimed responsibility for killing 129 people and injuring dozens more in coordinated attacks in the French capital. The great unknown' Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City, was among the Republicans who criticized the Obama administration in the wake of the attacks, saying there was no strategy to defeat the Islamic State. On Fox News, Lankford said, We have this plan coming from the administration to strike them and find some way to limit them, but not to actually get rid of them. We have to be able to meet them, and that's what is the great unknown. The number of fighters that are ISIS fighters wouldn't fill up most American football stadiums. This is not a large group of individuals, but they're tenacious, and they rule with absolute terror. At a news conference in Turkey on Monday, President Barack Obama rejected the notion of refusing Syrian refugees, saying they are victims of terrorism. And when I hear folks say that, well, maybe we should just admit the Christians but not the Muslims; when I hear political leaders suggesting that there would be a religious test for which a pe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-defends-tribal-sovereignty | Congressman Russell Defends Tribal Sovereignty | 2015-11-17 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Steve Russell | R000604 | russell.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today the House of Representatives debated and voted on H.R. 511 the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act. HR 511 amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that any enterprise or institution owned and operated by an Indian tribe and located on its lands does not fall under the jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This legislation is intended to preserve tribal sovereignty and provide statutory clarity with respect to NLRB jurisdiction over tribal enterprises. Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) spoke on the House floor to offer his support saying, Really, this whole matter in this discussion is pretty simple. Article 1, Section 8: Congress shall have the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes. Explicit language in the Constitution that we all defend and that I have defended since I was 18. It is the purview of this Congress not the rule makers of the National Labor Relations Board to regulate commerce. This nation must continue to recognize the rights of Indian tribal sovereignty. And this Congress must uphold the Constitution and sovereign treaties with those tribes. Those opposed to this bill say that it will take away the rights of workers. As a Representative from Oklahoma, whose 5th district has more than 13% Native Americans, our largest minority, our constituents know that the actions of the rule makers will take away the rights of sovereign tribes. Congress must restore these rights with the passage of this bill. H.R. 511 The Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act passed by a vote of 249-177. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-congressman-russell-issues-wakeup-call-isis | ICYMI Congressman Russell Issues Wakeup Call on ISIS | 2015-11-17 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Steve Russell | R000604 | russell.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Monday evening, Congressman Russell (OK-5) appeared on The Tipping Point with Liz Wheeler on One Americas News Network. Congressman Russell issued a wakeup call to America, because we are at war with Wahhabist, Jihadist Islam. On the Presidents plan to combat ISIS: We must stop these acts of barbarity, and what we need to hear from the President is not what he is not going to do, and what this not is, what we need to hear is what he is going to do. And, Ive got some suggestions. Here is a couple: Raqqa, the city where its the center of gravity where these attacks were planned, we need to drop leaflets and tell them they have 96 hours and we need after that time we need to hit every electrical power grid station. Drop every bridge in the area. Hit their water supply. Hit their, what they need for daily living, ingress and egress routes. We dont level the city, but we make it untenable. We hit every cell tower that promotes their cell phone coverage or internet. We knock those things out. We can do that right now. But instead, we hear the President talking about his strategy has not changed. Well, we are going to continue to see this type of violence, and it is going to land on our own shores, because of these policies. To those who say we should have never gone into Iraq to begin with: That is like saying we abandon the criminal neighborhood that crime will improve. What an absurd notion. People say we should have never gone into Iraq, well here is a wakeup call, we should never have abandoned it. We turned it around. As veterans we turned it around. We had a stable government with free elections, we had a force there that was a stabilizing force. Because of a status of forces agreement and no diplomatic or economic pressure by the President he abandoned Iraq, and now for the want of a few thousand American troops that could have prevented the nascent attacks that ISIS was doing, it has grown into an abscess it has grown into a festering sore all of the Middle East. On what the media can do: Qu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/joint-hearing-reveals-information-security-failures-at-the-secret-service | Joint-Hearing Reveals Information Security Failures at the Secret Service | 2015-11-17 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 11.17.15 Joint-Hearing Reveals Information Security Failures at the Secret Service WASHINGTON, DC The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, under the chairmanship of Senator James Lankford (R-OK), and the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency, under the chairmanship of Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), held a hearing today to examine recent internal security breaches at the U.S. Secret Service. Hearing witnesses included: Joseph Clancy, Director of the U.S. Secret Service; John Roth, Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security; and Joel Willemssen, Managing Director of Information Technology at the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The Subcommittee discussed a pattern of federal agency data breaches, as well as a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) report on U.S. Secret Service employees that alleged violations of the Privacy Act, DHS policy, and Secret Service policy. The OIG discovered a practice of accessing personal records of Americans on an internal Secret Service database. In addition to illegally accessing the information, some Secret Service employees may have disclosed protected employment records to the media. Today's hearing revealed a disappointing culture at the Secret Service that reflects a total disregard for privacy, which appears to be occurring in other agencies, as well, said Lankford. The security violations against private citizens are very serious and should be a wake-up call to Congress and the American people. Cybersecurity and privacy are some of the biggest national security issues in today's world, and yet our federal agencies are failing at security protocols. Dozens of Secret Service individuals have been disciplined, but more must be done to ensure a culture of respect for privacy. In light of recent failures at the Secret Service, OPM, the VA, and the Social Security Administration, federal agencies must dem… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/terrorist-enemies-must-be-defeated | Terrorist Enemies Must Be Defeated | 2015-11-16 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Over the weekend, the world was shaken by a series of devastating terrorist attacks that claimed dozens of innocent lives in Paris. Reportedly carried out by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ISIS), the senseless attacks demonstrate that these terrorists are becoming bolder and more violent by the day, intending to terrorize and harm all of humanity. Given the escalating conflict in the area occupied by ISIL in the Middle East, the recent attacks against our French ally and the threats surfacing against America, it is critical that swift and decisive action be taken to destroy this barbaric enemy. As the extent of American intervention is determined in the days and months ahead, lawmakers and President Obama must be on the same page. Before the heartbreaking situation unraveled in Paris, President Obama had announced the need for American combat operations and continuation of air strikes in Syria and Iraq. However, as charged by the Constitution, Congress is the branch of government that holds war-making power. While the president serves as commander in chief and is meant to offer a clear strategy for defending the United States when and wherever threats arise, any recommended military action must be authorized by both chambers of Congress before it is enacted. So far, no such authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) has been brought up for debate and consideration in either chamber of Congress. I believe that is a mistake capable not only of jeopardizing the power of the legislative branch of government but further damaging Americas perceived strength to our friends as well as our enemies. Now especially in light of the attacks that occurred in Paris, I believe it is past time for Congress to weigh in. Earlier this month, I joined with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in sending a letter to urge newly elected Speaker Paul Ryan to prioritize consideration and debate of an AUMF. All 35 lawmakers wrote in the letter, Congress can no longer ask our brave service men and women to continu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=585 | Congressman Jim Bridenstine Hails Passage of the SPACE Act | 2015-11-16 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Jim Bridenstine | B001283 | bridenstine.house.gov | legacy | Today the House concurred with the Senate amendment to the Spurring Private Aerospace Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship (SPACE) Act of 2015. The bill passed unanimously from both houses and now goes to the President for signature. HR 2262 is designed to facilitate a pro-growth business environment for the commercial space industry. The legislation includes, in entirety, a bill sponsored by Congressman Jim Bridenstine, HR 2261 the Commercial Remote Sensing Act, relating to licensing private remote sensing space systems. Bridenstine also contributed a section enabling training of commercial space flight participants in space support vehicles. Congressman Bridenstine commented, We already rely on commercial space for so much, and this industry will continue to expand in the coming years. We will soon see worldwide internet coverage, utilization of space resources, improved communications and remote sensing technologies, and more. We must make sure that Congress does not do anything that could stifle this world-changing industry. That is why this Act is crucial. Bridenstine has been recognized as one of the top five leaders in space by SpaceNews. In their annual list of worldwide Space Industry Game-Changers, the Congressman was noted for his legislative initiatives. Speaking on the floor of the House, Bridenstine said, The most important aspect of this legislation is the extension of the moratorium on regulations for commercial human spaceflight, allowing time to create a regulatory environment based on real data, not speculation. Other provisions will allow American space companies to remain competitive against international companies and enable private companies to explore and mine celestial resources. The Congressman also addressed provisions he worked to include in the bill and the Senate retained in the final version: Sec. 116 was an amendment I offered in committee to the original version of H.R. 2262 to require a GAO report on the role of space support vehicles in the commercial space industry, with recomm… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-calls-for-pause-in-us-acceptance-of-syrian-refugees | Inhofe Calls for Pause in U.S. Acceptance of Syrian Refugees | 2015-11-16 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Inhofe Calls for Pause in U.S. Acceptance of Syrian Refugees Monday, November 16, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today released the following statement calling for a pause in the United States acceptance of Syrian refugees until Congress can thoroughly review the Obama administrations vetting process: In light of the attacks in Paris, I call on the Obama administration to put a pause in accepting Syrians as refugees into the United States until Congress can review and conduct appropriate oversight of the State Departments vetting process. Accepting refugees is an important and historical practice of our nation, but the Syrian refugee situation is atypical due to ISISs attempts to exploit the crisis and concerns over the validity of Syrian passports. We saw this danger first hand with Ahmad Al Mohammad who participated in the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and whose passport and fingerprints matched a person who passed through Greece as a Syrian refugee. With ISIS releasing a video on Monday vowing its next attacks on America, this is clearly not a time for the Obama administration to increase, much less expedite, refugees being brought to our soil. As the Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said, We dont obviously put it past the likes of ISIL to infiltrate operatives among these refugees. Furthermore, the Obama administration must better secure our dangerously porous borders. One ISIS terrorist entering our country through whatever means will enable that cancer to grow and will directly threaten our homeland and its people. Prior to the Obama administration adjusting its policies on Syrian refugees, Inhofe sent a letter to the president on Sept. 25 calling for a stronger vetting process of Syrian refugees and for prioritization of orphaned children and persecuted religious minority groups. In the letter, Inhofe emphasized that ultimately the Obama administration must put forward… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-lankford-speak-on-senate-floor-in-recognition-of-master-sgt-joshua-wheeler- | Inhofe, Lankford Speak on Senate Floor in Recognition of Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler | 2015-11-16 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Inhofe, Lankford Speak on Senate Floor in Recognition of Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler Monday, November 16, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford (R-Okla.) tonight spoke together on the Senate floor in recognition of Master Sgt. Joshua L. Wheeler of Roland, Okla., who was killed on Oct. 22 during a special operations raid in Iraq that led to the release of 70 individuals being held hostage by ISIS. Click here to view video of both Inhofe and Lankfords speeches Wheeler will be laid to rest Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery. Excerpts: Delivered by Inhofe: Josh was the epitome of a selfless and patriotic soldier.Mr. Lance Hunter, Sgt Wheelers friend of 30 years, said that Josh was the kind of person who would stop and help a stranger change a tire on the side of the road and always dedicated himself to challenges, 110%. When he enlisted, I knew he would go as far as he could go. He was made to be a soldier. And a soldier he was.During his career, Master Sergeant Wheeler had earned a humbling 11 Bronze Stars including four with valor devices and countless other medals.He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for his actions during the raid on the ISIS prison.He is a true American hero We are safe and our country is secure because of Josh and all our service men and women.We must continue our unwavering support for them.I extend our deepest gratitude and condolences to Joshs family.And I am honored to pay tribute to this true American hero who volunteered to go into the fight and made the ultimate sacrifice of his life for our freedom.It is my sincere hope that his family takes solace in knowing that their husband, father, brother, grandson and friend is a true American hero and will never be forgotten. Delivered by Lankford: Master Sergeant Wheeler was the best of the best. He was one of the most highly trained warriors in the entire Department of Defense. Master Sergeant Wheelers sacrifice exemplifies the highest virtue in defense of his fa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-statement-on-governor-fallins-call-to-suspend-syrian-refugee-program | Senator Lankford Statement on Governor Fallin's Call To Suspend Syrian Refugee Program | 2015-11-16 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 11.16.15 Senator Lankford Statement on Governor Fallin's Call To Suspend Syrian Refugee Program WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement on Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin's call to suspend the acceptance of Syrian refugees into the United States in the wake of the deadly terror attacks in Paris. "Millions of peaceful Syrian families have been forced to flee for their lives from religious and ethnic brutality. The small contingent of ISIL fighters rule over many villages in Syria and Iraq with ruthless vengeance. America has historically accepted thousands of refugees each year, but the refugees fleeing from Syria cannot be vetted the same as refugees fleeing from Central Africa or Central America; the unique risk is much higher. Until Congress and the American people can understand the detail of the background checks, the final selection process, and the strength of the security procedures, it is reasonable to suspend the movement of Syrian refugees to the United States. Currently, it takes over 18 months to vet a single refugee coming to the United States. To delay and evaluate the process does not significantly affect the program, but it does provide an additional layer of security for American families." The brutal violence from ISIL has contributed to a major Syrian refugee crisis in the region. For several decades, America has helped refugees who are escaping tyranny, including persecuted Christians.On October 21, Senator Lankfordcalled on the Obama Administration to ensure a stringent vetting process to verify the backgrounds of refugees. CLICK HERE to read that letter to Secretary of State John Kerry. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-inhofe-lankford-speak-on-senate-floor-in-recognition-of-master-sgt-joshua-wheeler | Senators Inhofe, Lankford Speak on Senate Floor in Recognition of Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler | 2015-11-16 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 11.16.15 Senators Inhofe, Lankford Speak on Senate Floor in Recognition of Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler CLICK HERE to view the video WASHINGTON, DC Senators Jim Inhofe and James Lankford tonight spoke together on the Senate floor in recognition of Master Sgt. Joshua L. Wheeler of Roland, Oklahoma, who was killed on Oct. 22 during a special operations raid in Iraq that led to the release of 70 individuals being held hostage by ISIS. Wheeler will be laid to rest Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery. Excerpts: Delivered by Inhofe: Josh was the epitome of a selfless and patriotic soldier. Mr. Lance Hunter, Sgt Wheeler's friend of 30 years, said that Josh was the kind of person who would stop and help a stranger change a tire on the side of the road and always dedicated himself to challenges, 110%. When he enlisted, I knew he would go as far as he could go. He was made to be a soldier. And a soldier he was. During his career, Master Sergeant Wheeler had earned a humbling 11 Bronze Stars including four with valor devices and countless other medals. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for his actions during the raid on the ISIS prison. He is a true American hero We are safe and our country is secure because of Josh and all our service men and women. We must continue our unwavering support for them. I extend our deepest gratitude and condolences to Josh's family. And I am honored to pay tribute to this true American hero who volunteered to go into the fight and made the ultimate sacrifice of his life for our freedom. It is my sincere hope that his family takes solace in knowing that their husband, father, brother, grandson and friend is a true American hero and will never be forgotten. Delivered by Lankford: Master Sergeant Wheeler was the best of the best. He was one of the most highly trained warriors in the entire Department of Defense. Master Sergeant Wheeler's sacrifice exemplifies the highest virtue in defense of his family, friends and nation. When the Kurdish attack on the prison… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-responds-tragedy-paris | Cole Responds to Tragedy in Paris | 2015-11-14 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement in response to a series of tragic terrorist attacks across Paris. I am deeply grieved by the senseless acts of terror against the French people. Americans are unfortunately all too familiar with the unbelievable shock, horror and permanent scars caused by terrorism. During this dark time for our French allies, our most sincere thoughts, prayers and support remains with them today, tomorrow and in the difficult days ahead. ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-releases-statement-paris-attacks | Congressman Russell Releases Statement on Paris Attacks | 2015-11-14 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Steve Russell | R000604 | russell.house.gov | legacy | Del City, O.K. Congressman Russell (OK-5) released the following statement following the terror attacks in Paris on Friday: "Yesterday's horrific attacks are a continued reminder that we must be vigilant against those who seek to commit acts of terror. While there is much to be done to continue to hunt down all who are responsible, immediately let us pray for the victims, their families, and all who are affected by these terrible events." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-terrorist-attacks-in-paris | Inhofe Statement on Terrorist Attacks in Paris | 2015-11-14 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Inhofe Statement on Terrorist Attacks in Paris Saturday, November 14, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement regarding Fridays terrorist attacks in Paris, France, which ISIS has claimed responsibility: My prayers are with the city of Paris and all who have been impacted by this act of evil. The United States stands with the people of France, with our close friends in Europe, and with our allies around the world. What took place on Friday was an act of war. To defeat terrorist organizations like ISIS, it will require the United States and our allies to be more unified in responding to the reality that we are and remain at war with radical extremists. Pinprick responses in the Middle East over the past few years and lack of overall strategy is failing. Unless the United States and our allies recognize this,we will all remain vulnerable to another 9/11 in the United States, another 7/7 in London, another 11/3 in Madrid or another 11/13 in Paris.We must seize this wake-up call to assess and improve our intelligence collection capabilities with our partners and allies around the globe. The United States must also stop retreating from its global responsibility to lead, which has created a vacuum that has been filled by the likes of ISIS and others. We must secure our borders and fully screen those who want to enter our country. Most importantly, we must better fund our military to provide for our national defense, which the Obama administration has hollowed out to the point we are not able to carry on our historical responsibilities around the world and here at home. We cannot afford to put political correctness ahead of the security of America. Radical Islamist groups have not only killed a large number of Westerners and attempted to wreck our sense of security, but they also have senselessly murdered tens of thousands of Middle Easterners and displaced hundreds of thousands mor… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-press-white-house-for-increased-transparency-on-guantanamo-detainees | Senators Press White House For Increased Transparency On Guantanamo Detainees | 2015-11-13 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Senators Press White House For Increased Transparency On Guantanamo Detainees Friday, November 13, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today join Sens. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Michael Rounds (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tim Scott (R-SC) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), in sending a letter urging President Obama to adhere to his own promise of increasing transparency, a commitment on which the administration has fallen short when it comes to detainees at Guantanamo and their transfer to other countries. When a detainee is transferred, the only specific information released by the Department of Defense is the detainees name and the name of the country to which the detainee will be transferred, wrote the Senators. The administration does not provide any information regarding the detainees previous terrorist activities and associations, previous assessments of the detainees risk level to the U.S. and our allies, or behavior while in detention. The administration does not provide even the most basic information regarding arrangements with the country that has agreed to receive the detainee. As a result, Americans are left in the dark regarding the detainees potential membership in al Qaeda or its affiliates, terrorist training, or previous hostile actions against U.S. troops. The American people, and often many of their representatives in Congress, do not even know if the detainee will be detained or released once they are transferred. Without this information, it is difficult for Americans to accurately assess the wisdom of transferring these detainees, the Senators continued. With 30% of former Guantanamo detainees confirmed or suspected of reengaging in terrorist activity, this lack of transparency with the American people is not acceptable. After asking a number of questions, they wrote, Any argument that this information cannot be declassified safely and provided to the American people creat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-letter_-november-13 | Lankford Letter - November 13 | 2015-11-13 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 11.13.15 Lankford Letter - November 13 CLICK HERE for the November 13, 2015 Lankford Letter. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-releases-second-federal-fumbles-tease-video | Senator Lankford Releases Second "Federal Fumbles" Tease Video | 2015-11-13 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 11.13.15 Senator Lankford Releases Second "Federal Fumbles" Tease Video OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released a second video to tease the release of his upcoming federal government waste and solutions report entitled, Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball. The report will highlight examples of wasteful or duplicative spending, along with burdensome regulations, but will also offer a policy solution to each of the problems. Today's video previews a wasteful program at the National Science Foundation that researches the dating habits of single adults over the age of 60. Lankford released a preview video last week about taxpayer spending for Silent Shakespeare plays. CLICK HERE to watch the video ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-statement-on-france-terror-attacks | Senator Lankford Statement on France Terror Attacks | 2015-11-13 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 11.13.15 Senator Lankford Statement on France Terror Attacks OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today made the following statement on the multiple terror attacks in France: Today's terrorist attacks in France are a grave tragedy. We stand with the French people as they contain the situation and assess the massive loss of life. Unfortunately, this is sadly reminiscent of the Charlie Hebdo attacks in January. While we do not yet know who is responsible, this attack has all the hallmarks of Islamic extremist terrorism. We must all stand up to the evil of terror those who threaten freedom in America and abroad must be defeated. We do not accept their violence or their views; we reject their tactics, and we remind them of our resolve. We are again reminded of the work our Intelligence community does here in America to keep us safe. The brave men and women in our military, law enforcement, and the intelligence community continue to work hard to protect us from similar terror threats every day. Senator Lankford is on the Intelligence Committee and Homeland Security Committee. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-applauds-launch-of-oklahoma-fosters-initiative | Senator Lankford Applauds Launch of Oklahoma Fosters Initiative | 2015-11-12 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Lankford | L000575 | www.lankford.senate.gov | legacy | 11.12.15 Senator Lankford Applauds Launch of Oklahoma Fosters Initiative OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today applauded Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin for launching the Oklahoma Fosters Initiative, a campaign to recruit more foster and adoptive families for Oklahoma foster children. I applaud the new Oklahoma Fosters Initiative to recruit more foster and adoptive families for our children who are in the foster care system, said Lankford. Foster children often go through a lot, so we must step up and care for the 11,000 children in our state's foster system and make sure they have a stable environment to grow and thrive. In America, about 250,000 children enter the foster care system every year many of these children will reunite with their families but many will remain in foster care, or even age out' of the foster system. There is no substitute for a safe and stable family to the health and well-being of children. To address many of the poor outcomes associated with the foster care experience, and to prevent the age out' crisis, we must work together to provide families for Oklahoma children. Other states have seen success with initiatives like this, and I'm hopeful that we can drastically reduce the number waiting children by encouraging adoption, stable foster care, and healthy reunification. Oklahoma Fosters is a statewide campaign to unite state, tribal and local governments, businesses, nonprofits and the faith-based community to address the high numbers of foster children in Oklahoma. Interested Oklahomans can learn more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent by visiting the Oklahoma Fosters website at www.OklahomaFosters.com and clicking on Foster Care & Adoption for information on being a foster or adoptive parent. They also can call the foster parent hotline at 1-800 376-9729. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, there are about 400,000 children in the American foster care system, of which about 100,000 children are in foster c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/ada-news-us-rep-tom-cole-weighs-pipeline | Ada News: U.S. Rep. Tom Cole weighs in on pipeline | 2015-11-11 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Ada News - Eric Swanson President Barack Obamas decision to block the Keystone XL pipeline project doesnt stand up under scrutiny, U.S. Rep. Tom Cole said Tuesday. Every study weve had indicates that its safer, cheaper and more efficient to use the pipeline than to transport the oil or by rail or by truck, the Oklahoma Republican said. And its also diplomatically insulting to a country (Canada) thats one of our very best friends in the world, a dependable ally that weve fought with together for a hundred years in different parts of the globe. Cole stopped by The Ada News in between speaking to a group of community bankers and talking to government students at East Central University. Later in the day, he was scheduled to speak at a ceremony marking the one-year anniversary of the death of Pre-Paid Legal Services founder Harland Stonecipher. Coles comments on the Keystone pipeline came less than a week after Obama killed the project, saying approval would have undermined his credibility on climate change. The announcement ended a seven-year political fight that started in September 2008, when TransCanada, the company behind the pipeline, sought a permit for the project. As originally envisioned, the pipeline would have run from Canadas tar sands through Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska, then connected with existing pipelines to carry more than 800,000 barrels of cure oil a day to specialized refineries on the Texas Gulf Coast, the Associated Press reported last week. The State Department had jurisdiction over the project because it would have crossed a U.S. border. Over the past seven years, the project became a symbol of the larger debate over climate change. Supporters claimed the pipeline would have created jobs and reduced the United States reliance on Middle Eastern oil, according to the AP. Meanwhile, opponents said pipeline leaks could possibly pollute underground aquifers that are a key source of water for Great Plains farmers. Cole said Obamas decision to block the pipeline was designed to please enviro… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://cole.house.gov/ada-news-late-harland-c-stonecipher-be-honored-today-ada | Ada News: The late Harland C. Stonecipher to be honored today in Ada | 2015-11-10 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | Tom Cole | C001053 | cole.house.gov | legacy | Ada News A host of dignitaries will be on hand today, along with family and friends, to honor the late Harland C. Stonecipher, one of Ada's biggest movers and shakers, on the one-year anniversary of his death at a public reception from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the LegalShield Corporate Office, One Pre-Paid Way, Ada. Rep. Tom Cole, Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby, Sen. Susan Paddack, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak, East Central University officials and LegalShield executives will honor Harland C. Stonecipher by declaring Nov. 10th as Harland C. Stonecipher Day. Doors open at 3:45 p.m. and the presentation begins at 4 p.m. at LegalShield Corporate Office LegalShield Lobby, Founders Gallery. Dignitaries and LegalShield executives will talk about Harland C. Stonecipher Day and the impact Stonecipher had in creating a solution that creates equal access to equal justice and ensures ones identity is theirs and theirs alone. Oklahomans will celebrate the accomplishments, legacy and memory of Harland C. Stonecipher, who did so much in his lifetime for the city of Ada. Stonecipher grew up in Centrahoma and attended Tupelo Schools before being the first in his family to attend college. He graduated from what was then East Central State College in Ada in 1959. In 1969, he was involved in an automobile accident, which even though was not his fault, nearly left him in financial ruin. It was then that he created Pre-Paid Legal Services in 1972, which is now LegalShield. Today, LegalShield, continues Stoneciphers mission by providing legal protection to more than 3.7 million individuals and identity monitoring and restoration services to more than a million people across North America. Stonecipher often commented he wouldve given up on the company if he had known how broke he was, but with the help of his wife, Shirley, he saw his idea grow from a single-room operation to being listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Stonecipher felt strongly about keeping his company in his home s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-nelson-introduce-bill-to-provide-ct-colonography-screening-under-medicare | Inhofe, Nelson Introduce Bill To Provide CT Colonography Screening Under Medicare | 2015-11-10 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | OK | James Inhofe | I000024 | www.inhofe.senate.gov | legacy | Inhofe, Nelson Introduce Bill To Provide CT Colonography Screening Under Medicare Tuesday, November 10, 2015 WASHINGTONU.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) todayintroducedS. 2262, legislation that would provide coverage under Medicare for CT (virtual) Colonography (CTC) screening. More than two years ago,a virtual colonoscopy saved my life,said Inhofe.When my friend Gen. Tom Stafford advised me to get this procedure done, I never imagined that it would alert me of other health conditions. With this advanced procedure becoming more accessible nationwide, it is time for Medicare to provide this as an option in order to encourage early, preventative screening. Colorectal cancer and other forms of cancer knows no political party, and weshould take steps like this to promote early detection, which will enable many to be successfully treated and cured from this disease. Early detection is key when it comes to treating cancer,said Nelson.So giving seniors access to a quicker and less invasive way to screen for symptoms is just common sense. According to the National Institutes of Health,in 2010 medical costs associated with colorectal cancer topped $14 billion, second only to breast cancer.According to the American Cancer Society (ACS),Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer diagnosed in United States and the third leading cause of cancer death even though it has a 90 percent cure rate with early detection.Morethan 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with CRC every year, and nearly 50,000 men and women die due to late detection. In 2008, ACS, backed by the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA), and the American College of Radiological (ACR), recommended CTC as a front line screening exam for colorectal cancer screening for all people over the age of 50. Currently, in 31 states and Washington, D.C., commercial insurance carriers reimburse for CT colonography in accordance with the American Cancer society guidelines. This legislation is sup… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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