url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at http://cole.house.gov/oklahoman-oklahoman-quotes-year,The Oklahoman: Oklahoman quotes of the year,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Oklahoman - Ken Raymond At the heart of each newspaper article is a voice. It may be an official spokesman, a politician or a protester. It could come from a police officer, a business person, a judge or a philanthropist. It may be the voice of a crying victim or an exultant athlete. It could be as careful as an author’s words or as spontaneous as an artist. But it’s there — the voice around which the story turns. At the beginning of each new year, The Oklahoman looks back at the previous year’s defining stories, listening, one might say, to those voices yet again. These are our quotes of the year. Public safety “It seemed to me that a grave for that many people should be marked. It seemed a sad testament to how the mentally ill were treated back then that it was not.” — Norman Deputy Fire Chief Jim Bailey, speaking about the victims of an April 13, 1918, fire that killed 40 patients at the state hospital for the mentally ill in Norman. He was among those who discovered the mass grave in 2014. Plans are being made to place a marker there. “I hope they maintain the evidence as we have requested them to do, but the fact that the body arrived without the heart and the larynx is somewhat disconcerting, I guess.” — David Autry, attorney for convicted prisoner Clayton Derrell Lockett, after the Dallas County medical examiner’s office returned Lockett’s body to Oklahoma after an autopsy. Lockett’s April execution was botched, and he died 40 minutes later. “I was like, ‘My God, he came here to kill me.’” — Domestic violence survivor Brandy Moreno, describing in October her thoughts when she was attacked and stabbed in the eye. “Everybody will forget about this and nothing will change. This is the northeast side, and that’s the way it’s always been.” — A woman offering in September her grim assessment of the investigation into Oklahoma City police officer Daniel Ken Holtzclaw, who is accused by prosecutors of sexually assaulting women over a six-month period. “We can hear a lot of screaming. We know that he’s loose. He has stabbed someone.” — A caller locked in an office at Vaughan Foods in Moore talking to a 911 operator on Sept. 25, after Alton Alexander Nolen, a 30-year-old ex-convict, is alleged to have stabbed and beheaded one employee and slashed another. “This was judgment day.” — District Judge Lawrence Parish, sentencing Kevin Sweat in October to life in prison without possibility of parole for killing two Weleetka girls in 2008 and his fiancee in 2011. “I thought there was supposed to be blanks in the gun.” — Words attributed in February by a witness to the shooter who killed a jogger in Duncan. “Me, too. Sorry.” — The reply from the driver to the shooter, according to the witness. “She’d stab you in the heart and watch you bleed to death.” — Chad Noe, on his deceased grandmother, Ida Prewitt, who was implicated in 2014 in the 1992 slayings of two Oklahoma City women and a young girl. “I guarantee you I have officers who have biases and racial biases. But we can’t have them acting on those biases because everyone needs to be treated the same. I don’t think the majority of officers are that way, but I’m not naive.” — Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty commenting in the wake of a white police officer shooting and killing a black teenager in Ferguson, Mo. “Everything you saw was a ball of fire. I’ve never seen anything like it. I don’t ever want to see another one like it.” — Guthrie resident Tim Saathoff upon seeing a fatal apartment fire in the early morning hours of Nov. 19. “It was completely planned out. This kid is an evil person.” — Stephens County DA Jason Hicks at an October news conference after OU freshman Alan J. Hruby was charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents and sister in their Duncan home. Religion “We may be provoking the Satanists, but it’s a whole lot better than standing by and doing nothing. I’m going to be a light, a voice in the darkness.” — Albert Storz of Tulsa, who preached in protest of a “black mass” held outside the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City in September. “Our family is overjoyed by the Supreme Court’s decision. Today the nation’s highest court has reaffirmed the vital importance of religious liberty as one of our country’s founding principles. The Court’s decision is a victory, not just for our family business, but for all who seek to live out their faith. We are grateful to God and to those who have supported us on this difficult journey.” — Barbara Green, co-founder of Hobby Lobby, the day the Supreme Court ruled the company did not have to provide contraceptive coverageUnder the Affordable Care Act. Charity “In the past, we’ve told the homeless you have to clean up, not drink, get a job — a whole laundry list of things they had to do before we would place them in housing. But if they could do those things, they wouldn’t be homeless.” — April Heiple, director of Food and Shelter Inc., explaining in October Norman’s philosophical change in its Housing First program. Education “They’re not getting the candidate they think they’re getting. They will see soon. I suspect, if she does prevail, they will see that very quickly.” — State schools Superintendent Janet Barresi with a message for voters after being defeated in the Republican primary election in June by state schools Superintendent-elect Joy Hofmeister. “My fingers know what the inside of a horse feels like. My arm has to go into his bottom all the way up to my shoulder.” — Lyndi Gilliam, associate professor of veterinary medicine, speaking at an alumni event at Oklahoma State University in June. “We spend so much time seeing our differences and so little time rejoicing in the things that we share. We’ve got a lot to do to put aside those differences in our everyday lives and find that which make us one America.” — U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor at a talk at Oklahoma City University in September. “I’m not in favor of anyone having guns on campus except the police and Pistol Pete. It just creates a tension that we don’t need. It’s fraught with risk. If we want to experiment with this idea, I recommend that we start right here in this Capitol.” — OSU President Burns Hargis to Oklahoma lawmakers in October. “Public service is not about power. It’s about service. I don’t think anything can exceed the sense of satisfaction that comes from investing your life in the next generation.” — David Boren on serving 20 years as OU president. “I’d say 98 percent of them know they need remediation. They aren’t the least bit surprised.” — Debbie Quiery, vice president of Northern Oklahoma College, on the high number of college students who aren’t prepared for higher education. Four of 10 Oklahoma students begin college in need of remediation. Government “I accept that legislative change comes slowly at the Capitol. What I cannot accept is to stand idly by while another 500 husbands, wives, sons and daughters lose their lives to preventable drug overdoses. I plan on using every tool at the state’s disposal to fight this scourge and to help save lives.” — Gov. Mary Fallin in May after a bill that would have required doctors to check an online database before writing narcotic prescriptions failed to pass. “Some of these raises had merit, but I’m skeptical that 48 directors absolutely had to have raises immediately above all the other needs at their agencies.” — Fallin commenting on pay raises granted to state agency directors, including raises of $10,000 or more granted to 30 of those agency heads. “They aren’t asking our input. They aren’t asking our advice. This is way above our payscale.” — Lawton City Councilman Keith Jackson in July on the federal program that placed unaccompanied immigrant children for months at Fort Sill. “This Court does not believe that attempts to provide notice via Facebook comport with the requirements of due process.” — Supreme Court Justice Douglas Combs commenting in a parental rights case where a mother notified a man he was the father of her baby through a Facebook posting. “My students normally made good decisions until they consumed alcohol. Then their decisions weren’t so good anymore.” — State Rep. Jerry McPeak, a former Connors State College dean, debating against a campus gun bill. “I just felt horrible about it. I felt sick.” — Rep. Steve Vaughn, R-Ponca City, a pro-gun legislator, speaking in April about accidentally shooting another hunter in the head with a single, .12-gauge shotgun pellet during a pheasant hunt. “I am sickened that the only way someone can win a race is to run negative ads against them.” — Retiring U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn in regard to ads run last summer against U.S. Rep. James Lankford, who eventually won Coburn’s seat. “I would say you’re not going to beat James Lankford in 2016 and maybe not ever.” — GOP political consultant Trebor Worthen, of Oklahoma City, who has tried twice to beat Lankford. “In the days and months ahead, I hope that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle will engage in discussion on the immigration issue, restore order to the legislative process and rein in White House overreach.” — U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, after President Barack Obama announced executive order to halt deportations of some undocumented aliens. “In the absence of a coherent plan to deal with ISIS and meaningful U.S. assistance, the direct threat to the homeland and American citizens will grow, and the likelihood is more Americans will be savagely killed.” — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, of Tulsa, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services, on threat of the Islamic State. “Marriage equality is now a reality in Oklahoma. Same-sex couples are no longer second-class couples in our state, and their children as well may now enjoy all the benefits, protections, and dignity of marriage thanks to our clients’ courage in fighting for a decade to vindicate the fundamental right of all Oklahomans to wed.” — Joseph Thai, attorney on legal team for Mary Bishop and Sharon Baldwin, the Tulsa County couple who challenged Oklahoma’s ban on same-sex marriage. “The truth is you get what you pay for.” — The reaction of House Speaker Jeff Hickman, of Dacoma, to a bill that would cut pay for Oklahoma legislators. Sports “You the real MVP.” — Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant in May, addressing his mother in his acceptance speech after being named the NBA’s most valuable player. “I just don’t want nobody blocking my shot. That’s why I dunk so hard.” — Russell Westbrook explaining the ferocious hammer dunk that ignited the Oklahoma City Thunder’s offense in a December game against the Detroit Pistons. Teammate Kevin Durant called the dunk “one of the best I’ve ever seen.” “If everything is firing on all cylinders, it’s almost going to be an unfair advantage to be born in Oklahoma City. These kids are going to be standing on podiums winning medals within the next decade. It’s that big of an advantage.” — Olympic gold medal-winning canoeist Joe Jacobi in September on the upcoming construction of a whitewater park on the Oklahoma River. Entertainment “I’m the representative Oklahoman that every band should have. Every band needs an Oklahoman, I don’t care who it is. Aerosmith. Aerosmith would be doing a lot better if they had a Travis Linville in their band.” — Roots musician J.D. McPherson speaking in November about why musical acts should feature Oklahomans. “We do weddings. We played a wedding for people who met at one of our shows; it’s a part of their story. That’s kind of insane. It’s a good crew. Everyone in the band gets along. We’ve played a cage fight.” — A member of 1990s tribute act My So Called Band in September on playing music wherever possible. “There was a guy the other day on a plane. I was in first class, and he was chewing tobacco, and he was spitting his tobacco juice into an empty orange juice bottle. I was seated right across the aisle from him, watching the tobacco juice ooze down the sides of the bottle. I thought, ‘How much would he have to pay me to drink that?’ Thirty years ago, I would’ve drunk it for $100. ... Now you’d have to pay me $100,000 to drink it.” — Comedic essayist David Sedaris, discussing how success has changed his life. “I’ll just have to feel it out and hope for the best. Ideally, I could just play venues with a Babybjorn on my back and a guitar in the front.” — Musician Camille Harp, talking in December about whether she’ll take time off when her baby is born in January. “What I love about Oklahoma is the peace and quiet. I also like the freedom and opportunities that are offered here. I came here because I wanted to paint freely with no limitations or censors.” — Iranian painter Behnaz Sohrabian, speaking in July about why she loves the U.S. “It’s just a fictional world. ... It’s not real. There are no vampires. It’s fiction.” — Tulsa author P.C. Cast in February after being unsuccessfully sued by a woman with the same name as one of Cast’s fictional characters. “When I put the phone up to my head, my son said, ‘DAD DAD DAD!’ He was so excited I could barely understand him. And then he yelled, ‘I WON THE PULITZER, I WON THE PULITZER!’ ... While he’s yelling it to me, his wife Alison ... was screaming, ‘DAN YOU WON THE PULITZER, YOU WON THE PULITZER!’ We were all laughing, crying and happy.” — Edmond attorney Arnold Fagin describing the April morning when his son, Dan Fagin, won the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction for his book, “Toms River.” Health “Obviously, with the number of deaths we have, we have a problem.” — Dr. Eric Frische, medical adviser to the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, talking about the state’s prescription drug epidemic. “Here we’re thrust into the spotlight because of that monument, and it has put a spotlight on mental health, and it really needs to be there — on mental health — because that’s what this is about. It’s not about that monument. It’s about a human being. ... His mind has been broken.” — Crystal Tucker, speaking in November about her son, Michael Tate Reed II, who drove his car into the Ten Commandments monument at the state Capitol. “Do I want health care or do I want my education right now? And I feel like finishing up without student loans is going to be a better benefit to me than getting in debt with student loans to have health care right now.” — Stephanie James, 28, a restaurant server who lives in Edmond. “You’re beautiful in your own way, and don’t let anybody get you down just because you don’t look as beautiful as everybody else.” — Bri Johnson, 8, a Special Care student diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, offering words of wisdom in July. Weather “I’m used to seeing photos in a paper or magazine and thinking ‘wow that’s sad’ … but that was my life. I think we are still healing and I think we’ll be healing for a long time.” — LaDonna Cobb, reflecting a year later on surviving the tornado that struck Briarwood Elementary School in Moore. “He was the one closest to me that didn’t make it. I had my hand on him. He’s been a little hard to let go.” — Former Plaza Towers Elementary School teacher Jennifer Doan discussing her decision to give her newborn son the middle name of Nicolas to honor her former student, Nicolas McCabe, who died in the May 20, 2013, Moore tornado. The President “But Don did something truly extraordinary — he reached down and he picked that grenade up. And he turned to throw it, but there were Americans in front of him and behind him — inside the kill zone. So Don held on to that grenade, and he pulled it close to his body. And he bent over it. And then, as one of the men said, ‘all of a sudden there was a boom.’” — President Barack Obama, on Sept. 15, awarding the Medal of Honor posthumously to Coweta native Donald P. Sloat, who was killed in 1970 in Vietnam. “I have to be honest, in a battle and daring escape that lasted four days, Bennie performed so many acts of bravery we actually don’t have time to talk about all of them.” — Obama, on Sept. 15, awarding the Medal of Honor to Waurika native Bennie G. Adkins for actions in Vietnam in 1966. “Because of Suzan, more young Native Americans are growing up with pride in their heritage, and with faith in their future. And she has taught all of us that Native values make America stronger.” — President Obama, on Nov. 24, presenting the Medal of Freedom to Oklahoma native Suzan Shown Harjo. General “This is such a surreal feeling. The only thing I’ve seen for the past five years is concrete, a little bit of grass, fence and razor wire. So this morning when they took me to see my family and all the people I truly care about, it’s a day I won’t forget.” — U.S. Army 1st Lt. Michael Behenna in March, speaking exclusively to The Oklahoman upon his release from prison after serving five years for the 2008 killing of an Iraqi man in Iraq. “I can be No. 1 in something.” — Deanne R. Baker, whose divorce from Julie L. Baker in October was likely the first same-sex divorce in state history. Contributing: Staff writers Graham Lee Brewer, Jane Glenn Cannon, Chris Casteel, Nolan Clay, Jaclyn Cosgrove, Randy Ellis, Adam Kemp, Kathryn McNutt, Phillip O’Connor, Jennifer Palmer and Nathan Poppe; editors Nick Trougakos and Mike Sherman Online: The Oklahoman",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/roll-call-year-according-rep-tom-cole,Roll Call: The Year According to Rep. Tom Cole,2014-12-31,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Roll Call - Matt Fuller Rep. Tom Cole, the unofficial spokesman of the GOP rank and file in the House, has never been shy about telling the truth — at least the truth as the Oklahoma Republican sees it — with anyone who’ll listen. Continuing a tradition that began last year, Cole got on the phone recently with CQ Roll Call for more than an hour to review the ups and downs of 2014 (something he also did in a recent column). Like last year, the 65-year-old former history professor thinks Republicans — and especially Speaker John A. Boehner — enter the new year with momentum. “The Boehner coalition is the largest coalition in the conference, and it’s not even close,” Cole said, dismissing ongoing anti-Boehner grumblings among some of the conference’s most conservative Republicans. Rep. Walter B. Jones, R-N.C., recently said there were roughly 16 to 18 Republicans planning to vote against Boehner for speaker when the 114th Congress convenes in January. While that’s nearly enough Republicans to throw the contest to a second ballot, Cole said the number of Republicans who would only vote Boehner for speaker was “higher than 130,” meaning he believes there is no other Republican who could feasibly take the gavel. Boehner was vindicated by the government shutdown and the November election results, Cole said. But Cole, who begins his seventh term in the 114th, also thinks Boehner was “strengthened” by former Majority Leader Eric Cantor losing his primary. There’s now no “logical alternative” to the Ohio Republican. While Cole said he didn’t want “apply anything critical” to Cantor — ”I think he was pretty selfless” — the Oklahoma Republican thought that, in Cantor, ”you had a ready-made backup, you had a guy who could clearly step in.” With Cantor gone, members seem satisfied with the new leadership team of Boehner, California’s Kevin McCarthy at majority leader, Louisiana’s Steve Scalise at majority whip, and Washington’s Cathy McMorris Rodgers at GOP Conference chair. “I feel pretty good about our top four,” Cole said. “There’s clearly less tension.” Cole acknowledged there was “no question” that there are some who remain unhappy with Boehner, but he called the anti-Boehner crowd a “very small gathering.” “I don’t think it’s any threat to denying him the speakership,” he said. Instead, he had stern words for those planning to register that discontent in the form of a protest vote during the speaker election. “You’re not attacking John Boehner; you’re attacking the Republican Conference,” Cole said, adding that it was “a great way to marginalize yourself.” “You’re just embarrassing yourself in my view,” Cole continued, “and undermining the unity of the conference.” Cole called Cantor’s primary loss to Dave Brat a “profound moment” and “the most single unexpected, shocking political moment of the year.” Brat ran to the right of Cantor on issues like immigration, but Cole said that doesn’t mean an immigration overhaul is out of the question in 2015. “If we don’t put a border security bill on the president’s desk in this year, I’ll be amazed and disappointed,” Cole said. He added that there were things Republicans and Democrats generally agree on, like seasonal labor visas, that Congress could move “piecemeal.” It’s just a question, he said, of whether President Barack Obama, who has promised to implement his own sweeping executive action that would defer deprtations for millions of immigrants, will accept a step-by-step approach from Congress. “He’s got to decide if he’s willing to take half a loaf, or if he’s going to try to shove the whole loaf down our throats,” Cole said. The president has long maintained that he would take the piece-by-piece approach. Up to this point, it has been House Republicans who have had difficulty coalescing behind any portion of the immigration issue. But they will have a chance soon. As Cole noted, Congress has to deal with the president’s immigration action and Department of Homeland Security funding when they get back; DHS funding runs out Feb. 28. Cole did see some positive signs, with House Republicans passing a border supplemental bill before leaving for the August recess — something he said was a major 2014 accomplishment, particularly when you consider that lawmakers, while dealing with the influx of children crossing the U.S. border, also passed “the largest reform of the VA system in a generation” and provided emergency money for Israel to fund their Iron Dome missile defense system. “Congress has gotten a little better,” he said. Cole saw the year-end “cromnibus” deal as the crowning achievement in 2014. He said it was “pretty unusual” to see the White House and the speaker “cooperating” to pass such a sweeping spending bill, and he thought it portended well for 2015. Cole himself had a pretty good year. He’s shot up through the ranks on the Appropriations Committee, and will serve as the Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee chairman in the 114th, this after becoming an Appropriations cardinal just late last year. Cole, who was chairman of Legislative Branch Appropriations, explained that his office thought he might have a choice to be chairman among four subcommittees. “Let’s just say Labor-H” — as it’s often called among those in the appropriations know — ”wasn’t the preferred path of choice.” Labor-HHS is notoriously the most controversial subcommittee, and it’s one of the most difficult bills to get on the floor, with members looking to avoid tough votes on issues like abortion riders. But when Appropriations Chairman Harold Rogers, R-Ky., came to Cole late this year to discuss subcommittee assignments, Rogers asked Cole to take Labor-HHS. “I said, ‘I thought I had a choice,’” Cole recounted. And when Rogers said he did have a choice, Cole replied, “Well, in that case, my choice is to do what my chairman wants.” Which resulted in a “big grin” from Rogers. Cole’s realistic about getting the Labor-HHS bill to the floor next year — “I don’t know, I think it is a difficult and complex bill” — and he’s first concentrated on getting the measure to through the full committee. “We haven’t done that in four years,” Cole noted. He said his plan was to try to create opportunities for moments of bipartisanship, whether it be working on a bipartisan issue like Native American affairs (Cole’s a member of the Chickasaw Nation himself) or by taking some time with fellow members to enjoy a cigar. (At one point in the conversation, Cole evidenced Rep. David Joyce’s worth by noting that, “He smokes cigars, so he’s a great guy.”) But Cole is realistic about what Congress can accomplish, even with Republicans controlling the Senate. In one of his extended sports metaphors — in which he also worked in conservative Republicans who are discontent with Boehner — Cole said every player had a role to play for the team’s success. “Sometimes it’s better to be the left guard than the quarterback, no matter how much you want to be the quarterback,” he said, noting that, over the course of his own football career, there were “plenty of times I held the dummy.” It’s that team attitude that has endeared Cole with many in leadership, despite some past conflicts with Boehner. But, even though many reporters pretend Cole is a sanctioned spokesman for Boehner, Cole made it clear that he speaks just for himself, never for the speaker. “Every time I hear that, I think that’s somebody who hasn’t been here very long,” Cole said. Online: Roll Call",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/year-review,A Year in Review,2014-12-29,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"As we prepare for the new Congress that assumes office on January 6 of 2015, it is important to think back on the full year behind us and remember what it meant for our country. While there were numerous challenges both at home and abroad, I believe that this year proved productive and set a positive example of bipartisanship. Despite inevitable differences on both sides of the aisle, there were several legislative achievements that proved government can function—even when it is divided.   We began this year with the passage of the omnibus appropriations bill. This compromise measure followed the top-line number set in the Ryan-Murray budget deal and funded the government for fiscal year 2014, and lawmakers did so while also reducing discretionary spending for the fourth consecutive year. Tough decisions like these have helped to lower the deficit from $1.4 trillion, when the GOP took control of the House in 2010, to less than $500 billion today. While that figure is still much too high, it represents real progress in dealing with the deficit. Also toward the beginning of the year, both chambers of Congress supported the farm bill conference report, which saved taxpayers $23 billion in mandatory federal spending. Not only did the farm bill save hard-earned tax dollars, but the five-year extension that was signed into law by the president restored certainty to farmers, ranchers and consumers. During the spring, I am pleased that both chambers of Congress and the Administration saw the value of legislation that would redirect taxpayer dollars that were being wasted to instead do some real good. Signed into law in April, the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, which I co-authored with my colleague Congressman Gregg Harper, redirects taxpayer dollars used for political party conventions and instead funds pediatric disease research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). With these additional dollars to NIH, there is new potential for researchers to discover treatments and cures that could change and save lives. Just before August, lawmakers passed legislation to address the internal mismanagement at the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and require greater accountability there in the future. There is no obligation more sacred than to provide for our service members and their families, both during and after service to their country. Especially when our veteran heroes require special care, they should never receive less than the best treatment. Swift passage of the VA conference report, addressing the problems at the VA, proved both Republicans and Democrats agree that we should take care of our veterans. With another government shutdown looming at the end of the year, I am pleased that lawmakers came together to vote on legislation that fully funded the government. This omnibus was the product of months-long negotiations between leadership in the House and Senate to reconcile differences on previously passed funding legislation for fiscal year 2015. While the negotiations were certainly tough, I believe that the omnibus reflected common sense and conservative priorities, and it did so by using the terms already set out in the Ryan-Murray budget agreement. Of great importance to the Fourth District of Oklahoma and following recent passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, I am pleased that the omnibus fully funded our military and prevented the Administration’s recommended deactivation of seven AWACS aircraft stationed at Tinker Air Force Base. Such a move by the Administration would significantly impact the readiness and ability of our Armed Forces to combat current and future conflicts. Also addressed in the military funding, the omnibus acknowledged the need to maintain our national security by dealing with threats that currently include the Ebola epidemic in West Africa and the growing terrorist threat posed by ISIL in the Middle East. As we begin the 114th Congress in the coming days with a fresh Republican majority, I remain optimistic that we will continue to find common ground with each other. I hope lawmakers will take note of our bipartisan successes from 2014 and find similar reforms that benefit the American people. Certainly, we will face obstacles in the future, but I believe we can continue to find agreement.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/oklahoman-what-others-said-reaction-us-sen-tom-coburns-retirement-private-life-oklahoma,The Oklahoman: What others said in reaction to U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn's retirement to private life in Oklahoma,2014-12-27,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Oklahoman  State and federal officials gave their thoughts on the retirement of U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn: U.S. Rep. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City: “Dr. Tom Coburn has been the leading voice in Washington for fiscal responsibility since the first day he stepped onto the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. His retirement from the Senate will leave a huge void. Dr. Coburn has been a consistent and articulate voice for the American taxpayer and the next generation. No one was more effective fighting for responsible spending and against government waste in both the House and Senate. In the three years I have served in the House, I looked to Dr. Coburn as the epitome of a citizen legislator. He kept his eye on the ball and worked relentlessly to bring sanity to government fiscal policy. His leadership and wise counsel will be missed. I join Oklahomans across the state in thanking Dr. Coburn for his sacrificial years of public service, and I will pray that he and Carolyn enjoy many years together in the next chapter of their lives.” U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa: “I regret to say that there are times in our service together when we have not been in agreement on specific issues and I think we have a characteristic in common. I think we’re both kind of bull-headed and that has created some temporary hard feelings, but there’s one thing that overshadows that. You know Jesus has a family and his family has a lot of people in it. Some are here in this room. Tom Coburn and I are brothers. ... I want my junior senator to know that I sincerely love him and I’m going to be hurting with him in the troubles that he has right now and might have in the future and will sorely miss him in this body.” Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin: “Senator Coburn is one of the most influential voices in American politics today and will most certainly be missed in Congress. He has been a relentless advocate for responsible spending and has worked endlessly on ways to reduce our country’s deficit and to warn policymakers and citizens of its increasing threat to our economy. He has been a tough fiscal conservative during his years in Congress, and he will be remembered as a vigilant watchdog for all of America’s taxpayers. Tom Coburn is a true hero to the American taxpayer. No one has done more to stop wasteful spending in Washington than he has.” U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.: “I’m going to miss a lot my colleague from Oklahoma. I’ve always admired his strength of convictions and the courage and candor with which he expresses them day after day. The No. 1 thing people should do in Congress, Tom once said, is stay true to their heart. No one in the history of this institution has ever followed that injunction more faithfully than Tom Coburn has. Tom Coburn has an unshakeable faith in the goodness of America and he has worked diligently with others when he could and alone if necessary to make sure government respects the people we serve, respects their hopes and aspirations, their concerns and sacrifices.” U.S. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore: “During his 16-year congressional career, Tom Coburn established himself as an Oklahoma original — conservative in his thinking, populist in his rhetoric and independent in his operating style. Coburn raised awareness of the dangers of overspending and inadequately funded entitlement programs. And he was relentlessly critical of both the voters and those in the political elite who were unwilling to make the hard choices required to confront America's deficit and long-term debt.” Online: The Oklahoman",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/time-doesn%E2%80%99t-change-past,Time Doesnt Change the Past,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Certainly, we always celebrate the safe return of one of our own. Especially before the holidays, we understand the relief felt by the family, friends and loved ones of Alan Gross, the U.S. citizen who was held captive in Cuba for five years after entering the country as a contractor. On the same day as the release of Gross last week, the Obama Administration announced a plan to “normalize relations” with the corrupt Castro regime responsible for the imprisonment. The steps ahead include efforts to re-establish diplomatic relations and open commerce by lifting sanctions. While the president insisted that Gross was released for humanitarian reasons, it appears that the policy change unveiled last week is yet another prisoner exchange slanted heavily in favor of a known enemy.  The United States has always shown strength against terrorism and commitment to combating threats around the world. Since 1982, Cuba has been designated by the U.S. Department of State as a state sponsor of terrorism. This has guided America’s distant, rightly-cautious relationship with Cuba. Now more than three decades after Cuba was first recognized as a terrorist sponsor, it appears that the president has forgotten the danger or naively supposed that time equals a changed regime. Apparently some in his administration don’t remember what caused our limited relationship with Cuba in the first place. Regardless, the reality is that Cuba is still led by the same family that mistreats and oppresses its own citizens and associates with other corrupt governments. Without question, Americans feel for the Cuban people, who hunger for a return to democracy and are desperate to taste the sort of freedom we often take for granted. Over the years, many Cubans have embarked on journeys to flee oppression and live freely in America—revealing the true state of the country and the dangers posed by Communism. Certainly, the oppression they experience on a daily basis at the hands of their own government is unacceptable. Americans should want to break that bondage and prepare the pathway for the Cuban people to build their own free society. Unfortunately, this policy change doesn’t help the Cuban people; it further imprisons them to an oppressive government. The timing of the Obama Administration seeking to normalize and rebuild diplomatic relationships with Cuba hardly makes sense. Like his brother, Cuba’s current dictator Raul Castro maintains close relationships with some of America’s worst and most dangerous enemies. Since the country is located just 90 miles off the coast of Florida, the possibility of harm at our own shores is uncomfortably close. Instead of being discouraged or forced to feel consequences, the intentions of the Castro regime are further emboldened and will likely empower other enemies of the United States to test a similar course of action.    Time doesn’t change the past or the intentions of the same Cuban dictatorship. I am very disappointed that the president believes he can reason with a nation ruled by a corrupt dictator. In the process, he is setting a dangerous precedent that welcomes future negotiations with our proven enemies that are of little benefit to the United States.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/sens-inhofe-brown-praise-signing-of-american-airlines-bill-into-law,"Sens. Inhofe, Brown praise signing of American Airlines bill into law",2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Sens. Inhofe, Brown praise signing of American Airlines bill into law Monday, December 22, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), co-chair of the Senate Pilot’s Caucus, and U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Social Security, Pensions and Family Policy, today released the following statements regarding H.R. 2591 being signed into law on Thursday. H.R. 2591 is the companion to S. 2614, legislation authored by Inhofe and Brown that extends to American Airline employees the option to contribute recently received bankruptcy settlements into retirement accounts without incurring a tax penalty.  “I applaud Congress for ending the year by providing American Airline employees with the opportunity to rebuild their future retirement without penalty from the federal government,” Inhofe said. “American Airlines employs more than 5,800 Oklahomans, many of which will be able to benefit from this new law. I appreciate Sen. Brown for his work and support of this legislation.”  “This is great news for the nearly 100,000 American Airlines employees who could have lost a significant portion of their retirement savings had action not been taken,” Brown said. “American Airlines employees should have the same deal as everyone else. This law ensures that. I thank Sen. Inhofe for his work on this important bill.” Inhofe and Brown introduced S.2614 on July 16. The legislation first passed by unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate on Dec. 10, signaling strong bipartisan support for passage in Congress. All revenue bills must originate in the U.S. House of Representatives, so on Dec. 11 the House passed its companion legislation, H.R. 2591, and the U.S. Senate passed it on Dec. 13.  The Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 allowed employees of air service providers, who filed bankruptcy prior to 2007, to roll up to 90 percent of airline bankruptcy settlements into an individual retirement account without paying tax penalties through April 15, 2013.  American Airlines did not declare bankruptcy until Nov. 29, 2011, and had not yet emerged from bankruptcy by April 15, 2013.  By making modifications to the Federal Aviation Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, H.R. 2591 affords American Airlines employees the option to roll over bankruptcy contributions into individual retirement accounts without tax penalties through April 15, 2015, which is the same treatment extended to employees of other domestic airlines that went bankrupt prior to 2007.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/james-lankford-announces-senior-staff-for-senate-office,James Lankford Announces Senior Staff For Senate Office,2014-12-22,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.22.14 James Lankford Announces Senior Staff For Senate Office WASHINGTON, DC Congressman James Lankford today announced the appointment of senior staff to his Senate office: Greg Slavonic as Chief-of-Staff, Michelle Altman as Legislative Director, D.J. Jordan as Communications Director, Linda Good as Administrative Director, and Mona Taylor as State Director. These staff hires will help me advance conservative ideas in the Senate, on behalf of the Oklahomans who sent me here, said Lankford. We will assemble a staff that is committed to the values that make this nation great. Each of them have a unique skill-set that will greatly benefit Oklahomans, and I'm honored they're part of our team. Greg Slavonic will continue serving as Chief-of-Staff of Lankford's Senate office after being appointed to the same role in Lankford's House office in September. Slavonic is an accomplished Navy veteran with over two decades of service, who rose to the rank of Rear Admiral. He completed deployments in support of combat operations in Vietnam, Operation Desert Shield/Storm, and Operation Enduring Freedom II. Slavonic also served as the U.S. Navy's Deputy to the Chief of Information in Washington, D.C. and Director of Public Affairs (Reserve). After retirement, he worked as Advertising Director for The Journal Record and senior account executive for NBC affiliate television station, KFOR-TV. Slavonic later served as adjunct professor in the Communications Department of the University of Central Oklahoma. Slavonic earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State University and a Masters degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. Michelle Altman will continue serving as Legislative Director, after serving in the same role in Lankford's House office. Altman has served Oklahoma's Fifth District for eight years, first with former Congresswoman Mary Fallin during two terms in Congress and then during Lankford's four years as U.S. Representative. Altman graduated from Franklin & Marshall College, in Pennsylvania. D.J. Jordan will serve as Communications Director, after serving in the same role for the U.S. House Committee on Small Business under the chairmanship of Congressman Sam Graves (R-Mo.). Jordan was a press aide for Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) before serving on the Small Business Committee. Prior to coming to Capitol Hill, he worked in broadcast journalism at CNN and later Fox News. Jordan obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University, in Virginia, and a Masters of Public Management from The Johns Hopkins University. Linda Good will serve as Administrative Director, and brings over 18 years of Congressional experience to the team. She started her career on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where she spent 12 years in various administrative roles. Good most recently served as the Chief Clerk on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform under Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.). Mona Taylor will serve as State Director, after working as Lankford's District Director for the Fifth Congressional District of Oklahoma. Before joining Lankford's office directly following his election to the House of Representatives, Taylor worked for the FAA Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. She started her career in government by doing constituent service for Congressman Mickey Edwards (R-Okla.). In all, Taylor has served 27 years in the Oklahoma Congressional delegation, including with Congressmen Frank Lucas, J.C. Watts, and Tom Cole. Taylor is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma and is a life-long resident of the Sooner State. On Tuesday, January 6th, Lankford will be sworn in as the 18th U.S. Senator from the State of Oklahoma. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-capito-respond-to-epas-coal-ash-rule,"Inhofe, Capito respond to EPAs coal ash rule",2014-12-19,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe, Capito respond to EPA’s coal ash rule Friday, December 19, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, and Sen.-elect Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) released the following joint statement today in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to regulate coal ash under subtitle D of the EPA’s Resource Conservation or Recovery Act (RCRA): “While the rule may not be as bad as some had feared, it will make states and utility companies vulnerable to new regulatory costs and expensive litigation. It is nothing more than a continuation of the president’s war on fossil fuels and another attack on America’s most abundant, affordable and reliable source of energy: coal.  By regulating coal ash under subtitle D of EPA’s Resource Conservation or Recovery Act (RCRA), the Administration is subjecting states and industry to citizen lawsuits. This places wealthy, left-wing environmental activist groups in the driver’s seat of enforcing this federal rule. It will lead to excessive litigation and increased costs to consumers while putting at risk the reliability of our electric grid.  “The rule has long been touted as a knee-jerk reaction from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Kingston spill in December 2008, but today’s new mandate from EPA would not have prevented the TVA or other high-profile accidents. Instead, it has a potential to cost our economy $22.8 billion and leave up to 64,700 people without jobs. A federal mandate on coal ash serves as a 'one-size fits all' approach and would leave a detrimental impact to states that have responsibly and effectively managed coal ash.  States have been paving the way on properly disposing and recycling coal ash, and in the new Congress, we will give states an opportunity to show they are not in need of another big government intervention. “We are not pleased with this outcome. We will work to ensure legislatively that states, municipalities and American consumers have the proper protections from the president’s continued attacks on our nation's abundant and affordable energy resources.”  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-statement-president%E2%80%99s-policy-toward-cuba,Cole Statement on Presidents Policy toward Cuba,2014-12-18,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, issued the following statement after President Barack Obama announced steps to “normalize relations” between the United States and Cuba. This policy change comes after Alan Gross, an American contractor who was held captive in Cuba for five years, was released today. In light of this prisoner exchange, the Administration announced that steps ahead will include efforts to re-establish diplomatic relations and open commerce by lifting sanctions.  “I am very disappointed that the president believes he can reason with a nation ruled by a corrupt dictator,” said Cole. “Time doesn’t change the past or the intentions of the Castro regime, which is set in its Communist ways and now further emboldened to continue mistreating its own people. Unless and until that nation shows promise of embracing democratic ideals and Communism is overthrown, it is dangerous and foolish to place trust in a country that has been designated by the State Department as a sponsor of terrorism.  “Certainly, we always celebrate the safe return of one of our own. Especially before the holidays, I can only imagine the relief felt by the family of Alan Gross, who was held captive in Cuba for five years. Unfortunately, the president has once again negotiated with known enemies of America and set a dangerous precedent in the process.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-the-opening-of-the-f135-heavy-maintenance-center-at-tinker-air-force,Inhofe praises the opening of the F135 Heavy Maintenance Center at Tinker Air Force,2014-12-18,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe praises the opening of the F135 Heavy Maintenance Center at Tinker Air Force Thursday, December 18, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today praised the opening of the F135 Heavy Maintenance Center at Tinker Air Force, which took place on Dec. 15. ""It takes a team of dedicated professionals, military and civilian, to project airpower around the globe,” Inhofe said. “Air depots provide the foundation for maintaining and sustaining that capability and Tinker Air Force Base is the cornerstone of that foundation.  In addition to sustaining tankers, bombers, and command and control aircraft, Tinker is the center of excellence for military engines, providing support to the Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps. The opening of the F135 Heavy Maintenance Center in Building 3001 is just another in a line of success stories at Tinker Air Force Base thanks to the leadership of Lt .Gen. Bruce Litchfield and Brig. Gen Gene Kirkland, and all the men and women at the Air Logistics Complex."" The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex at Tinker Air Force is a major Department of Defense (DOD) engine hub with over 8 million square feet of industrial floor space to maintain, repair and overhaul more than a dozen engine types. The Complex employs more than 9,400 military and civilian personnel and is in line to be the only DOD F135 engine depot through at least 2020.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-national-environmental-policy-act-nepa-expansion,Inhofe statement on National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) expansion,2014-12-18,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe statement on National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) expansion Thursday, December 18, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today issued a statement regarding the Council on Environmental Quality’s announcement of draft guidance on federal agencies’ consideration of greenhouse gas emissions when carrying out obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): “The expansion of NEPA is another clear indicator that the president is more focused on solidifying his legacy on climate change and appeasing his far-left environmental base rather than expanding and supporting economic opportunity. The new NEPA requirements for analyzing greenhouse gas emissions will further slow down job-creating projects across the nation that rely on federal permits. This action is outside the scope of what the statue intended and demonstrates why NEPA needs to be streamline. The president’s actions today demonstrate the need for Congress to fully evaluate the scope and impact of NEPA on the American economy.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/op-ed-red-alert-politics-government-can-function,Op-Ed in Red Alert Politics: Government Can Function,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Red Alert Politics - Congressman Tom Cole Even though many would prefer to forget, last week was a reminder of the painful government shutdown during October of last year. As we recall, that situation dragged on for too long and caused the American people to question the ability of lawmakers to do what they were elected to do. However, when both sides came to the table, they were able to find common ground that restored hope of a government that can function and serve the best interests of the nation. This hope was restored last December through the Bipartisan Budget Act, unveiled and negotiated by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan and Senate Budget Chairman Patty Murray. Providing top-line budget numbers for two fiscal years, the agreement provided a much-needed guide to appropriators to fund for the long-term, rather than rely on short-term continuing resolutions. With the topline number already agreed upon in the Ryan-Murray agreement, House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers and Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski wasted no time in working out differences for funding the government in fiscal year 2015. After months of tough negotiations, the leadership announced a bipartisan, bicameral agreement last week that reconciled the inevitable differences and conflicting priorities that are present in divided government. Most importantly, this “omnibus” funding bill demonstrated that bipartisanship can work and that shutdown is still not the answer. While the agreement isn’t perfect, I do believe it is the best solution to be expected in the midst of divided government, and it still reflects conservative priorities. The omnibus includes full funding for 11 of the 12 regular appropriations bills through end of the fiscal year. The Homeland Security appropriations bill, however, is funded at current levels under a temporary continuing resolution set to expire at the end of February. By limiting the funding to Homeland Security through February, the incoming Republican majority will have the opportunity to address the president’s executive overreach related to immigration. While the president announced last month that he will grant legal status to approximately 5 million illegal immigrants, the Administration isn’t expected to implement that plan until the spring. This buys time for the Republican-led Congress to address his overreach. The omnibus achieves much-needed changes to both the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Not only did the IRS lose more of its funding, but the language prohibited the IRS from targeting groups for scrutiny based on their political beliefs. Changes to the EPA sought to rein in some of the regulatory overreach that has prevented utilization of our own natural resources. With a rich supply of oil and natural gas present in our nation, domestic production of these resources should be encouraged rather than hindered. EPA staffing reductions helps prevent excessive regulations and provides promise of a pathway to energy independence. Along with limited and reduced funding across various areas of government, the omnibus also redirects savings to fund important programs that all Americans can agree are worthwhile. For example, a piece of legislation that I co-authored with Congressman Gregg Harper and that was signed into law by the president earlier this year took effect. The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act takes money previously spent on political party conventions and instead funds valuable pediatric disease research. The omnibus also shows commitment to our military and national security. Not only does it fully fund our military, but the legislation acknowledges the need to deal with immediate and very real threats in our midst, including the Ebola epidemic in West Africa and the growing terrorist threat posed by ISIL in the Middle East. In what were some of the remaining days of the 113th Congress, I am pleased lawmakers fulfilled their responsibility of funding our government. By putting partisan differences aside, it proved again that we can work together and lead in divided government. It also showed the American people that their government can work. Rep. Tom Cole, a member of House Appropriations Committee, represents Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District. Online: Red Alert Politics",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lucas.house.gov/news/cattlemen%E2%80%99s-chairman,A Cattlemens Chairman,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Frank Lucas,L000491,lucas.house.gov,,,legacy,"“Gentlemen, say that there are, in this country, three interests, the agricultural, commercial, and manufacturing. And how happens it, sir, that the agricultural, the great leading and substantial interest in this country, has no committee; no organized tribunal in this House to hear and determine on their grievances? If the commercial or manufacturing interests are affected, the cry resounds throughout the country; remonstrances flow in upon us; they are referred to committees appointed for the purpose of guarding them, and adequate remedies are provided. But, sir, when agriculture is oppressed, and makes complaint, what tribunal is in this House to hear and determine on the grievances?” And thus, Lewis Williams, a U.S. Representative from Surrey County, N.C., in 1820, sponsored a resolution to create the House Committee on Agriculture. Since then, the committee has been led by 48 Republicans and Democrats, and it has grown in size and scope of jurisdiction. And while the number of lawmakers with direct ties to agriculture has dwindled over the years, the committee’s focus has remained the same – maintaining a healthy agricultural industry. Fortunately for today’s farmers and ranchers, the committee’s chairman is one of their own – Frank Lucas, a farmer and rancher from Western Oklahoma. Lucas’ family, corn and cotton farmers, moved to what was the Oklahoma Territory in 1900 and 1905. They have been in the same part of Western Oklahoma since then, through the Great Depression, severe droughts and multiple economic downturns. After earning a degree in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University and serving the Oklahoma State House of Representatives, Lucas was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1994. In addition to recently being re-elected to his 11th term and noting that he has crossed the 4 million mile-mark flying between Washington, D.C., and Oklahoma for the last 20 years, Lucas says he has worked very hard to be a working farmer and rancher with his wife and a part of his community. “Lynda Lucas is the herdsman as I like to refer to her. She runs the operation during the week,” he says. “That’s given me a perspective – not only being on the farm every weekend with Lynda but being home with my neighbors, my fellow farmers, ranchers and citizens. You’d be surprised at the advice you get on a Sunday morning, after the basketball game on Friday night or at a family gathering on Saturday.” Agricultural Act of 2014 While his term as the helm of the Agriculture Committee is nearing its end, Lucas’ impact on American agriculture is most evident in what he calls his single biggest accomplishment as chairman – passage of the Agricultural Act of 2014, which he says is different than previous Farm Bills. Doing away with the old direct payment program in the commodity title and strengthening the safety net for livestock producers, Lucas says the “fundamental guise in this farm bill is insurance.” In fact, the 2014 Farm Bill includes livestock disaster assistance for losses dating back to 2012 (when previous livestock disaster assistance expired), including, most notably, the Livestock Indemnity Program for death loss due to agricultural disasters and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program for drought and fire losses to grazing capacity. “My family has lived in a part of the world where the soil is measured in inches, not feet, and where until I was 17, I didn’t know you could have a prayer that didn’t ask for rain,” he says. “I’ve lived in a volatile economic market, getting through gyrations that Mother Nature put us through. Trying to provide a safety net to my fellow farmers and ranchers across the country is something I believe in. “No farmer wants an insurance check. We want a good livestock or grain crop. We want a good price. We want good markets. But when things are beyond our control, or has been the case occasionally in my lifetime, have been manipulated by outside forces, outside governments or even sometimes government actions here at home – then these safety nets are necessary,” he says. Drafting the Farm Bill was the first fence to cross; next came educating the other 434 members in the House of Representatives about the need for a strong farm safety net, working with the Senate Agriculture Committee and carefully maneuvering the legislation through what ended up a nearly three year process. “After the first year and a half no one ever thought a Farm Bill would pass,” he says. “But we proved all the naysayers and doubters wrong, and we did it through regular order. We did our work in open committee and on the floor. We went to conference with the Senate. They did their work in open committee. We passed a bill the way my eighth grade civics book said you should do legislation. And I think that was good for the body.” A good bill but not perfect While Chairman Lucas’ pride in the 2014 Farm Bill is evident, he admits there are some things that did not get done in the legislation, including addressing the U.S. mandatory country-of-origin-labeling law (COOL). As of late October, the World Trade Organization (WTO) has twice ruled the U.S. COOL law to be out of compliance with international trade obligations. He says the House-passed version of the five-year bill included language to address COOL but notes that the Senate “declined to work with it.” The two WTO rulings against the U.S. law put COOL in a different category than the rest of the 2014 Farm Bill. “If we don’t take definitive action, sanctions under the WTO will be imposed against certain U.S. agricultural products or other U.S. items. What the Canadians and Mexicans will as for – I can’t honestly say but I would tell you it will be the most sensitive pressure points imaginable. That’s just good negotiating. So while I would generally say the farm bill should be left alone, in this case, if you don’t take action, there will be areas of the farm economy and the general U.S. economy that will pay a horrible price.” Passing the gavel Just as a rancher’s job does not end when the calves are sold, Chairman Lucas’ job serving farmers and ranchers and his Western Oklahoma constituents will continue after his tenure as chairman. He will continue to serve on the agriculture committee, noting current efforts related to breaking down non-tariff trade barriers and stopping the Environmental Protection Agency from implementing burdensome regulations, including the Waters of the United States proposed rule that would expanding the agency’s jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act. Chairman Lucas also serves on the House Financial Services Committee, which oversees banking and insurance. He says with its influence over the cost and availability of credit, the Financial Services Committee is a “logical place” to spend time. He will also continue working to educate his House colleagues about production agriculture. “The lion’s share of the people I serve with are really decent people trying to reflect the focus and the needs of their constituents,” he says. “It’s just a lot of times there are occasions when members have no  background, nor do their constituents, on issues as complex as production agriculture and rural America.” He was re-elected in the November midterms, earning nearly 79 percent of the votes in the district, and says as long as that continues, he has no plans to change. “As long as Lynda Lucas and the citizens of the third district of Oklahoma will allow me to work on their behalf – I enjoy the work. I think we’ve made progress and I want to defend that progress,” he says. “The House Agriculture Committee, and I believe to a degree myself, have established a degree of credibility with leadership on both sides of the room and the membership because they came to realize that we were trying to do things the right way, for the right reason to get the right results for everyone’s constituents.” [Read the story at Drovers Cattle Network]",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-for-epw-hearing-on-proposed-ozone-standards,INHOFE STATEMENT FOR EPW HEARING ON PROPOSED OZONE STANDARDS,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"INHOFE STATEMENT FOR EPW HEARING ON PROPOSED OZONE STANDARDS Wednesday, December 17, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, submitted the following statement for the record today for the EPW Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety hearing entitled: “Oversight Hearing: EPA’s Proposed National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone.” Witnesses included Janet McCabe, Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Dr. Thomas William Ferkol Jr, Alexis Hartmann Professor of Pediatrics and Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonary Medicine at the Washington University School of Medicine; Vickie Patton, General Council for the Environmental Defense Fund; Dr. Gregory A. Wellenius, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Associate Director at the Center for Environmental Health and Technology for Brown University’s School of Medicine; Ross Eisenburg, Vice President of Energy and Resources Policy for the National Association of Manufacturers; and Dr. Bryan W. Shaw, Chairman of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. As submitted for the record:  Chairman Whitehouse, thank you for holding this hearing. As I’ve watched the President’s actions since November, it has become clear to me that he is intent on making the environment the bedrock of his legacy.  We’re seeing this with his eagerness to strike an international global warming agreement, however hollow, as we saw recently in China. But we see it most clearly with EPA’s own agenda, which is, quite simply intent to pursue regulations without concern for their impact on jobs or the economy. EPA is pursuing methane and hydraulic fracturing regulations in an effort to stall the booming oil and gas sector, which employs over 9 million people.  To further tighten the screws on coal, which supplies nearly 40% of our electricity at very affordable prices, the EPA is finalizing a rule this week that will establish federal regulations for coal ash, which is something states have done well for decades.  And this is added to the Clean Power Plan which will enable EPA to completely takeover the nation’s electric grid. Then there’s the Waters of the United States rule, which will allow EPA bureaucrats to regulate every drop of water we have.  The list goes on and on. This regulatory agenda is all about the President establishing a permanent system enacting his philosophy and guiding mentality that government knows best. The ozone rule may be the clearest evidence of this, as you can see in the map behind. The EPA’s rule proposes lowering the Ozone standard from 75 parts per billion to 65 parts per billion and leaves the door open to go as low as 60 parts per billion. Why that low?  Because it is what the environmentalists want.  With a standard that low, 2,829 counties will be out of attainment across the country, covering 95% of the total population.  Keep in mind that 40% of the population continues to live in areas that are out of attainment with the current standard of 75 parts per billion. In Oklahoma, all 77 counties would be put out of attainment if the standard is lowered to 60, and compliance could cost as much as $846 million and cause 13,000 job losses. Across the country, the cost could exceed $300 billion annually and destroy 2.9 million jobs. I’ve long talked about the cost of cap-and-trade, but now many are arguing that the Ozone rule could be the most expensive regulation ever. By lowering the standard this far, EPA will be giving itself the authority to give a thumbs up or thumbs down to nearly every road and manufacturing project proposal across the country.  Importantly, EPA has no path forward on how the nation would ever attain the proposed standard, as the technology we have today is not sufficient to reduce emissions to the low levels the President wants.  Add to that naturally occurring ozone, which according to the proposed rule can exceed 75 in some areas, and it’s fair to question whether EPA’s motive is health based or more about seizing for itself more power as it is doing with its other rules like the Clean Power Plan. And this is something Steven Beshear understands.  He is the Democrat Governor of Kentucky and has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050, yet last month he wrote President Obama and asked him to keep the standard where it is because of the detrimental impact it would have on Kentucky job creators and manufacturers.  I’d like to submit that letter for the record. Additionally, it is worth noting that this is the same regulation that President Obama cancelled because of its extreme cost.  He wrote in September 2011 that the rule was not appropriate, “particularly as our economy continues to recover.”  I am not sure what is different about our economy today compared to then – there are still a lot of people suffering, looking for jobs, and many families are still far from catching up to where they were before the recession.  The ozone rule is something I look forward to conducting more rigorous oversight of in the next Congress.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-cuba-sanctions-relief,INHOFE STATEMENT ON CUBA SANCTIONS RELIEF,2014-12-17,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"INHOFE STATEMENT ON CUBA SANCTIONS RELIEF Wednesday, December 17, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today made the following statement regarding the release of Alan Gross after 5 years in prison in Cuba and the president’s announcement to re-establish diplomatic relations and ease economic and travel restrictions.  “I am delighted that Alan Gross has been released and can return to his loved ones after five years of wrongful imprisonment,” Inhofe said. “Despite this welcome news, the legacy of suppression of human rights and democracy continues in Cuba under the rule of President Raul Castro. This is why I strongly oppose normalizing relations with Cuba and lifting the embargo against its dictator. President Obama’s new course for Cuba follows on the success of his reset with Russia. This will not bring about freedom from persecution to its people; it will not bring about freedom of speech or free elections; and it will not end the 50-plus years of the Castro brothers’ brutal dictatorship. Instead, President Obama’s actions reward the Castro family, as Raul Castro has made no democratic concessions to the United States. This is another bad precedent being set by this president, and I will oppose efforts to lift sanctions on Cuba if it comes to the Senate floor.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lucas.house.gov/frankly-speaking/funding-our-priorities,Funding Our Priorities,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Frank Lucas,L000491,lucas.house.gov,,,legacy,"Last week, Congress voted on and passed a bipartisan spending bill that will fund the federal government through the rest of the bookkeeping year. This legislation, also known as an omnibus, combines twelve different appropriations bills into a single bill. This year the omnibus contributed to $165 billion in overall spending cuts since 2010, while protecting jobs, strengthening our nation’s national security, and directing funds to many vital parts of our government. It also includes several provisions and budget cuts directed at areas where the government has overstepped its bounds. For example, the IRS budget has been cut by $345.6 million amid reports earlier this year of gross incompetence and abuse of power, and Obamacare will not receive another dollar in new spending. Farmers and ranchers will receive needed relief from regulatory overreach by the EPA. The spending bill cuts the agency’s staffing to its lowest levels since 1989 and requires them to withdraw a new rule under the Clean Water Act that would’ve allowed government regulation of on-farm irrigation ditches or ponds. This bill also does not provide a single dime for President Obama’s unilateral executive amnesty. In fact, it challenges the president’s entire approach on immigration by withholding yearlong funding for the Department of Homeland Security. This sets up a real debate on amnesty and illegal immigration for next month so the new Republican majority in the House and Senate can fully weigh in on the issue. Apart from signing or vetoing legislation, the president’s responsibility is to implement the law, not write the law or rule by decree. The showdown on the president’s immigration policy will occur next year and there will be several more debates throughout the rest of his two years in office. It’s clear from the recent election that President Obama’s unpopular policies are what cost many of his fellow Democrats their job in Congress. As a result, Republicans will take control of the Senate and have the largest majority in the House since the 1920’s. The shift in power means we now have a new set of chairmen and chairwomen who control the hearing schedule, we now have the ability to control the appropriations process, and the Senate will now control the confirmation process – meaning they do not have to approve executive appointments or treaty proposals. Through his actions and rhetoric over the course of the last six years, the president has made himself into a lame duck. He is beyond salvaging his failed agenda. His only remaining option is to drag the rest of us down through political gamesmanship, and I will not be complicit in allowing that to happen. This spending agreement isn’t perfect, but it represents real priorities and most importantly keeps the federal government open. It keeps the USDA offices open; it keeps Social Security offices open; and it ensures our country’s servicemen and women receive their hard earned paychecks. We now have an opportunity to return to a regular legislative order. The president’s policies have caused grief not only to his own party, but the American people at large. In the 114th Congress, I look forward to reversing this trend by supporting commonsense policies that will get our country back on track.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20160227061307/http://cole.house.gov/event/swearing-114th-congress,Swearing-in of the 114th Congress,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Swearing-in of the 114th Congress Start: January 6, 2015 12:00 pm End: January 6, 2015 12:00 pm Dec 16, 2014 On January 6, 2015 at 12pm ET, tune in online to watch members of the 114th Congress be sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives: http://www.houselive.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-senate-passage-of-2014-tax-extenders-package,Inhofe praises Senate passage of 2014 Tax Extenders package,2014-12-16,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe praises Senate passage of 2014 Tax Extenders package Tuesday, December 16, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today voted in favor of H.R. 5771, the tax extenders package. The Senate passed the legislation by a vote of 76 to 16. “I am proud to have voted in favor of the 2014 Tax Extenders package, which includes a host of important provisions for Oklahoma’s job creators,” Inhofe said. ""This legislation will help our farmers and small business owners expand their services in Oklahoma by allowing them to write off the first $500,000 in annually purchased business property. Historic Indian lands cover much of Eastern Oklahoma, and the passage of this bill will also allow businesses located on these lands to receive accelerated depreciation for property investments made in 2014. This provision was a contributing factor to Macy’s choice of Owasso, Okla., for the home of its newest distribution center, which will create 1,500 permanent jobs and an additional 1,000 during the holiday shopping season."" On Dec 17, 2013, Inhofe introduced S. 1834, legislation which would make permanent the Indian Lands Accelerated Depreciation tax provision. Inhofe has introduced this legislation each Congress since 2005.  Inhofe continued, ""With my support, the tax extenders bill reinstates the 50-cents excise tax credit for natural gas sold as a transportation fuel, aligning with my priorities to establish natural gas as a mainstream transportation fuel.  Moreover, this bill continues bonus depreciation, a provision that allows businesses to write off an additional 50 percent of the cost of new equipment in the year of purchase, allowing businesses to keep more of their cash to fund further expansions.  With the help of tax provisions contained in the 2014 Tax Extenders package, I hope to aid many Oklahomans in their pursuit of economic opportunity, entrepreneurial freedom, and energy independence.” Inhofe has been a longtime recipient of the National Taxpayers Union’s “Taxpayer’s Friend Award” and has also received the “Spirit of Enterprise Award” from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for his pro-business record.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/finding-common-ground-priorities,Finding Common Ground Priorities,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Just more than a year ago, members on both sides of the aisle in both chambers of Congress unveiled a two-year bipartisan budget deal. When the announcement was made by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan and Senate Budget Chairman Patty Murray that a deal had been reached, it proved that, despite inevitable differences and even conflicting priorities, we can work together and lead in divided government.  With another government shutdown looming last week, I am pleased that lawmakers were again able to put partisan differences aside and ultimately come together to vote on legislation that fully funds the government and reflects the best interests of the American people. After months of negotiations between leadership in the House and Senate to reconcile differences on funding legislation for fiscal year 2015, House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers and Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski announced a similar agreement to responsibly fund the government, using the terms set out in the Bipartisan Budget Act.  Called an “omnibus,” this bipartisan, bicameral agreement passed the House chamber on Thursday evening and included full funding for 11 of the 12 regular appropriations bills through the end of the fiscal year. The Homeland Security appropriations bill, however, is instead funded at current levels under a temporary continuing resolution set to expire on February 27, 2015. While the president announced toward the end of November that he will grant legal status to approximately 5 million illegal immigrants, the Administration isn’t expected to implement that plan until the spring of 2015. This provides the opportunity for the incoming Republican majority in the 114th Congress to address the president’s overreach.   While the negotiations were certainly tough, I believe that the omnibus reflects common sense and conservative priorities. For example, it includes cuts to both the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In fact, the omnibus brings EPA staffing to its lowest level since 1989. Another win for conservative values includes provisions that maintain historic pro-life provisions and language requiring Obamacare plans to disclose whether or not abortion services are provided.   Along with some necessary cuts to various areas of government, the omnibus also redirects savings to fund important programs, including money previously spent on political party conventions. In light of the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, which I co-authored with my colleague Gregg Harper and that was signed into law by the president earlier this year, those inefficiently-used taxpayer dollars, $12.6 million laid out in the omnibus, will now go toward funding valuable pediatric disease research.  Of great importance to the Fourth District of Oklahoma and following recent passage of the National Defense Authorization Act, I am pleased that the omnibus fully funds our military and prevents the Administration’s recommended deactivation of seven AWACS aircraft stationed at Tinker Air Force Base. Such a move by the Administration would significantly impact the readiness and ability of our Armed Forces to combat current and future conflicts. Also addressed in the military funding, the omnibus acknowledges the need to maintain our national security by dealing with threats that currently include the Ebola epidemic in West Africa and the growing terrorist threat posed by ISIL in the Middle East. While the agreement isn’t perfect, I do believe this is the best solution that provides much-needed certainty to the American people. Most importantly, passage of the omnibus prevented another painful government shutdown that would put partisan differences ahead of the best interests of the American people.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/james-lankford-announces-senate-committee-assignments,James Lankford Announces Senate Committee Assignments,2014-12-15,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.15.14 James Lankford Announces Senate Committee Assignments WASHINGTON, DC Senator-elect James Lankford today announced his appointment to four Committees for the upcoming 114th Congress in the U.S. Senate: the Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Select Committee on Intelligence, and the Committee on Indian Affairs. I am honored to bring our Oklahoma values of common sense, integrity and hard work to these important Senate Committees, said Lankford. These key assignments will enable me to promote conservative values within our long-lost appropriations process, encourage efficiency throughout the federal government, and relentlessly demand transparency on behalf of hard-working American taxpayers. The U.S. Senate needs to maintain an Oklahoma perspective on national security, intelligence and counter-terrorism strategies, as well as Native American affairs. The Senate Committee on Appropriations is the largest committee in the Senate, and is widely considered one of the most powerful Committees in Congress. The Committee produces legislation that allocates funds for the federal government on an annual basis and uses the power of the purse to conduct regular oversight through the funding process. The last Oklahoman to serve on the Senate Committee on Appropriations was Senator Don Nickles, from the 100th through the 103rd Congress (1987-1995). The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs maintains broad jurisdiction over the operations of the federal government, as well as specific oversight responsibility over the Department of Homeland Security. A recognized leader of congressional oversight, Lankford has served on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee throughout his four years in the U.S. House of Representatives. During the 112th Congress, he served as Chairman of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Technology, Information Policy, Intergovernmental Relations and Procurement Reform, and Lankford currently serves as Chairman of the House Oversight Subcommittee on Energy Policy, Health Care, and Entitlements. Retiring Oklahoma Senator Dr. Tom Coburn currently serves as the most senior Republican on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence provides legislation to authorize, fund, and oversee all American intelligence-gathering operations. The Committee produces legislation that authorizes funding for the intelligence agencies and provides numerous legal authorities and requirements. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has jurisdiction to study the challenges of American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaska Native communities. On Tuesday, January 6th, Lankford will be sworn in as the 18th U.S. Senator from the State of Oklahoma. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-opposes-11-trillion-spending-bill,Inhofe Opposes $1.1 Trillion Spending Bill,2014-12-13,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Opposes $1.1 Trillion Spending Bill Saturday, December 13, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement voicing opposition to the $1.1 trillion spending package, H.R. 83, that passed the Senate by 56 to 40 votes. “I strongly oppose the $1.1 trillion spending package passed by the Senate late Saturday evening without the opportunity for amendments to be introduced or time for adequate debate. Our nation is not a dispensable ATM for unbridled, unchecked spending, and our nation can no longer afford for Washington to operate this way. My colleagues and I plan to revisit our spending priorities in a transparent and prudent manner as we work to restore regular order in the new Congress. ""Rather than playing Majority Leader Reid's game of staying in Washington for procedural votes that don't require a single Republican, I chose to be home with more than 30,000 Oklahomans in meetings and events. I am returning Sunday, eager to vote for the tax extenders package and other serious legislation that awaits passage in the Senate.""  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=283,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Votes Against Omnibus Spending Bill,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,bridenstine.house.gov,,,legacy,"There are several good provisions in the omnibus spending bill considered tonight in the House. I could also recite a litany of objectionable provisions in it. Every Congressman could find things to like and to dislike, that's the way it was written. My primary concern was to block any funds to implement the President's unilateral amnesty plan announced on November 20th. The recent election clearly revealed that the American people overwhelmingly oppose any attempt by the Administration to go around Congress and unconstitutionally implement immigration reforms. The President's actions blatantly rebuffed the will of the people. The omnibus bill did not block the President's unconstitutional action, so sixty seven Members of the House, including myself, cosponsored an amendment to block funding, but the amendment was not allowed. In addition to allowing the President to proceed with his unconstitutional amnesty plan, the bill fully funded another year of Obamacare. I voted against the Omnibus spending bill. Congress must return to the ""regular order"" processes of passing authorizations bills to set policy, and appropriations bills to set spending levels, before the beginning of the fiscal year. The people are not adequately represented by adopting one CR after another or even Omnibus spending bills passed months after the start of the fiscal year. CONTACT: Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director Phone: 202-225-2211 Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov -- 30 --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-supports-bipartisan-bicameral-omnibus-avoid-government-shutdown,"Cole Supports Bipartisan, Bicameral Omnibus to Avoid Government Shutdown",2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,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. 83, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2015. Using the topline number and terms set in the Ryan-Murray budget agreement, the omnibus legislation fully funds the government at $1.013 trillion and prevents another government shutdown.  This omnibus spending bill includes full funding for 11 of the 12 regular appropriations bills through the end of the fiscal year. The Homeland Security appropriations bill is funded under a temporary continuing resolution until February 27, 2015, to allow the incoming Republican majority of Congress to address the president’s executive overreach and prevent his plan of granting executive amnesty to illegal immigrants before that plan is implemented.  “Today’s vote is the result of a bipartisan, bicameral negotiation,” said Cole. “While it has been a tough negotiation, the omnibus reflects common sense and conservative priorities. It also gives the incoming Republican majority the opportunity to address President Obama’s executive overreach related to immigration. Most importantly, passage of the omnibus prevents another government shutdown that would put partisan differences ahead of the best interests of the American people.  “Especially after the IRS scandal that revealed unfair targeting of conservative groups, I am pleased that the omnibus cuts funds directed there. Since 2010, the IRS budget has been reduced by more than $1.2 billion, and this legislation cuts $345 million. In the same vein, this legislation decreases EPA funding for the fifth consecutive year, bringing staffing to its lowest level since 1989.  “In addition to maintaining historic pro-life provisions, the omnibus also requires Obamacare plans to disclose whether or not abortion services are provided.   “Along with necessary cuts to various areas of government, the omnibus also redirected savings to fund important programs. I am especially pleased that it includes funds for the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, which I co-authored with my colleague Congressman Gregg Harper and that was signed into law by President Barack Obama earlier this year. Funded at $12.6 million in the omnibus, this money previously spent on political party conventions will instead go toward valuable pediatric disease research.  “After passage of the National Defense Authorization Act last week, which authorized funding for our military, I am pleased that the funding carried over in the legislation passed today. Of great importance to the Fourth District of Oklahoma, the omnibus prevents the Administration’s recommended deactivation of seven AWACS stationed at Tinker Air Force Base—a move that would significantly impact the readiness and ability of our Armed Forces to combat current and future conflicts. It also addresses critical readiness gaps for aircraft depot maintenance caused by sequestration and repeated resource cuts by diverting funds from lower priority items.   “The omnibus also addresses the need to maintain our national security by dealing with very real threats, including funds to help with the Ebola epidemic in West Africa and combat the growing terrorist threat posed by ISIL in the Middle East.  “While this agreement isn’t perfect, I do believe this is best solution before we are joined by a Republican-led Congress in January. It funds the most important areas of government through 11 regular appropriations bills, but it also provides an opportunity for Republicans to address the president’s executive overreach before his plan to provide legal status to thousands of illegal immigrants is implemented,” concluded Cole.   To watch Congressman Cole’s remarks during the Rules Committee hearing on Wednesday evening, click here. To watch Congressman Cole’s opening remarks while managing the rule on the legislation, click here. For detailed information about items contained in the legislation, click here.  ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-levin-natural-gas-vehicle-provision-passes-congress,"Inhofe, Levin Natural Gas Vehicle Provision Passes Congress",2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe, Levin Natural Gas Vehicle Provision Passes Congress Friday, December 12, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and senior member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today joined U.S. Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), chairman of SASC, in praising the passage of a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of Fiscal Year 2015 that will incentivize the production of natural gas vehicles (NGVs). The NDAA provision is based off S.2065, The Alternative Fuel Vehicle Development Act, introduced by Inhofe and Levin on Feb. 28, 2014.  “Enactment of this bipartisan provision moves natural gas one step closer towards becoming a mainstream fuel for our everyday cars,” Inhofe said. “Natural gas is an underutilized clean and abundant domestic energy resource for U.S. transportation in part due to outdated regulations. Oklahomans have been trailblazers in the use of natural gas vehicles and now the rest of the nation can experience the benefits of this affordable and efficient fuel source. I am proud to have worked with Sen. Carl Levin to cut the red tape and help present Americans with another alternative to affordable, clean energy for their vehicles."" “Michigan is leading the development of the advanced alternative-fuel vehicles that are revolutionizing our transportation sector,” Levin said. ""Passage of our bipartisan legislation will give a boost to this innovation, which is ensuring that the vehicles of the future are made right here in America.” Current law allows automakers to earn credits for compliance with the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program by producing alternative fuel dual-fueled vehicles, but these credits are subject to a cap.  Today automakers earn the majority of their allowed credits by producing E85 Flex-Fuel vehicles, leaving none left for natural gas vehicles.  The NDAA provision modifies the program by removing the credit cap for natural gas dual-fueled vehicles.  “This bipartisan provision promotes the tangible benefits that natural gas vehicles offer in increasing the use of an abundant and affordable American resource,” Frank Macchiarola, executive vice president of government affairs for America’s Natural Gas Alliance, said.  ""This provision will help pave the way for the deployment of cleaner, more efficient vehicles on our highways and allow our nation to enjoy the environmental and economic advantages natural gas offers.”  “AAPC and its member companies applaud Senator Inhofe and Levin’s leadership in developing policies that can help provide the American people with greater choice to power their mobility needs,” Gov. Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council, said. “This provision can also lay the ground work for a larger discussion of the role alternative fuel vehicles will play in future of U.S. transportation programs.” “We applaud the efforts of Senators Levin and Inhofe to include this important market-based incentive in the NDAA Authorization that will encourage automakers and vehicle purchasers to put more NGVs on American roads,"" Matthew Godlewski, president of NGVAmerica, said. ""The increased use of domestic natural gas as a transportation fuel reduces tailpipe emissions, lowers dependence on foreign oil, grows American jobs, and keep more money in the pockets of the driving public.  This is the most significant NGV legislation passed by the Congress in some time and we believe it will help move the ball forward in expanding the use of natural gas as a mainstream transportation fuel.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-passage-of-national-defense-authorization-act-for-53rd-consecutive-year,Inhofe Praises Passage of National Defense Authorization Act for 53rd Consecutive Year,2014-12-12,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Praises Passage of National Defense Authorization Act for 53rd Consecutive Year Friday, December 12, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today praised the Senate passage of H.R. 3979, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2015. Inhofe coauthored the legislation with SASC Chairman Carl Levin, House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Chairman Buck McKeon (R-CA-25), and HASC Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA-9) It now awaits to be signed into law by the president. “Today Congress stood in strong bipartisan support for our nation’s over 2.1 million men and women in uniform by passing for the National Defense Authorization Act for the 53rdconsecutive year,” Inhofe said. “Our military make brave and honorable sacrifices every day in defense of the nation and our interests around the world. This legislation ensures that America keeps its promise to care and provide for our servicemembers and their families with necessary benefits as well as proper training and adequate resources to carry out assigned missions effectively and safely. This year’s NDAA contains several provisions benefiting the state of Oklahoma and the communities that support our five military installations. To name a few, this legislation protects the fleet of AWACS at Tinker Air Force Base, maintains the delivery of the KC-46A to Altus Air Force Base by 2016, and supports the modernization and integration of the Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer in Elgin, Okla. It was a great honor working on this legislation as the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee with my good friend, Sen. Carl Levin. I look forward to continuing to serve on the committee in the new Congress and fighting to overturn the draconian defense cuts put in motion by the President’s sequestration.” Regarding the lands package attached to the NDAA, Inhofe said, “While the lands package should have been voted on as stand-alone legislation, I had to make a difficult decision to allow its inclusion to ensure the consideration of the defense authorization bill. I believe the lands package would have passed on its own merits as it includes a number of victories for conservatives across the nation. It supports our ranchers by addressing the 5,900 backlogged grazing permits waiting consideration by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It removes 110,000 acres from federal ownership to be used for economic development and does not give the government authority to condemn private lands. It makes permanent a pilot program that streamlines federal oil and gas permits, which was established in 2005 and set to expire next year. his provision will help reverse the trend of permit approvals falling 43 percent under the Obama Administration by giving BLM resources where it needs them. Above all, this lands package is a jobs creator and will continue to advance America towards energy independence.”  Inhofe championed and supported a number of provisions in the FY’15 NDAA to include the following: Base Realignment and Closure Prohibition Inhofe supported language that makes clear that nothing in the FY’15 NDAA shall be construed to authorize a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round next year. Inhofe believes that the United States has reduced force capability to an unacceptable level, and that it should not be brought down any further in the near-term. He also recognizes that our national security has an immediate fiscal crisis and the defense community should not bear the near-term costs of a BRAC round in this tough economic climate for savings that will not be realized for another 20 years. Retaining AWACS Inhofe supported language that will prohibit the Air Force from retiring or preparing to retire any Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft or making any significant changes in AWACS personnel levels for fiscal year 2015. For the past two decades, AWACS have been under constant, heavy demand, supporting overseas contingency operations as well as homeland defense missions. The president’s budget proposal reduced the number of AWACS airplanes by seven aircraft (or 25 percent), which would inactivate the 513th Reserve Control Group at Tinker Air Force Base and devastate a key military capability.  This 520-member unit is the only one in the Air Force Reserves that flies and maintains this aircraft. Inhofe's amendment prevents this from taking place. “The E-3 AWACS has for decades been an Air Force First Responder to crises and conflicts across the globe,” Col. Mark Tarpley (ret.), president of Air Force Association Gerrity Chapter, said. “It remains an essential ingredient in the Air Force’s capability and is a force enabler for all aspects of air power.  Reductions to the size and capability of the AWACS fleet could significantly impact our Armed Forces in future conflict and jeopardize America’s national security interests. I am very appreciative of Sen. Inhofe’s efforts to maintain this aircraft with unique capabilities.” “After having experienced AWACS operations since 1980, to include line pilot and as a group and wing commander, AWACS capability is important to our warfighting capability globally,” Brig. Gen. Ben Robinson (ret.), former commander of 552nd Air Control Wing, said.  “Any decision to reduce our AWACS capability worldwide should not be taken lightly. I am very appreciative of Sen. Inhofe’s work to save the AWACS and the unique capabilities provided by this aircraft.” Installation Support Services Agreements Because current authority to implement military installation shared services agreements conflicts with existing acquisition rules and regulations, there have been major delays in implementing intergovernmental support agreements, including the partnership plans between Tinker Air Force Base and Midwest City.  The Department of Defense (DOD) and Congress have agreed that a clarification is necessary to ensure the authority of shared services survives. Inhofe successfully included clarification language to restore the advancement of such shared services agreements like the waste management agreement between Tinker and Midwest City. “This shared services agreement regarding waste management services for commercial routes between Tinker and Midwest City will save the installation hundreds of thousands of dollars each year; dollars that can be applied directly toward other national security related programs,” Tim Lyon, assistant Midwest City manager in charge of Tinker/Midwest City Partnership Programs, said. “It will provide a baseline example that other military installations can use nationwide. It is a win-win for Midwest City because this agreement also defrays overhead costs to the city thus keeping waste collection rates low for all of our city residents.  We thank Sen. Inhofe for his leadership on this issue.”  “This improved version of the Installation Support Services Intergovernmental Services Agreement will further pave the way for increased force readiness and capability, while at the same time allowing DOD, the Services and communities to reduce waste, service redundancies and overall installation costs,” Mike Cooper, vice president and president-Elect of Association of Defense Communities, said. “Sen. Inhofe has been a tremendous champion of this legislation, working closely with ADC, the Services and DOD to ensure that this authority can be used successfully by defense community leaders and installation managers.”  Natural Gas Vehicles Inhofe included language that incentivizes the production of natural gas powered vehicles by allowing automakers to earn regulatory credits for producing dual-fuel powered vehicles that run on both natural gas and gasoline. Current law allows automakers to earn credits from vehicles that run exclusively on natural gas, but a cap on dual-fuel credits precludes automakers from earning them for natural gas dual-fuel automobiles. These natural gas dual-fuel automobiles are widely seen as the key to encouraging broad consumer adoption of natural gas as a primary transportation fuel.  Today, in many places there is not enough natural gas refueling infrastructure to ease drivers' concerns that they will be unable to find a natural gas refueling station when they need it. Automakers are beginning to produce these vehicles and they deserve to earn the regulatory credits that were designed for them to facilitate compliance with the Department of Transportation’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. C-130 Air Modernization Program (AMP) The president’s FY’15 budget failed to include funding for the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program (AMP). AMP was the program of record for modernizing legacy C-130 aircraft until the FY’13 budget when the Air Force announced a decision to cancel AMP. The program was already in low-rate initial production and had delivered five aircraft, four additional kits and training devices. The proposed avionics modernization alternatives to the AMP program fail to fully comply with future air space restrictions and will impact the Air Force’s ability to use certain airfields as a result of the incompatible equipment. Inhofe included language that stresses strong support for continuing the modernization of this aircraft, authorizes an additional $35.8 million for procurement and installation of C-130 AMP kits, and directs the Air Force to obligate the FY’14 funds authorized and appropriated for AMP to conduct such activities as are necessary to complete testing, production and installation of the modernization kits. This will allow companies such as Boeing in Oklahoma City to ensure an operational capability of the C-130 fleet. “The C-130 Avionics Modernization Program has already proven its value to the warfighters and taxpayers by providing greatly enhanced reliability and operational flexibility to the C-130 fleet in a cost-effective way,” Jim O’Neill, president of Boeing’s Global Services & Support, said. “Sen. Inhofe’s support for continuing this important upgrade program ensures that Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard flight crews will be able to reliably and safely carry out vital missions utilizing the latest in avionics technology available at an affordable price.” KC-46 Inhofe supported full funding of $1.56 billion for the KC-46A tanker aircraft.  This funding will keep delivery of the first KC-46A to Altus Air Force Base on track for 2016. ""This represents a massive step forward for our national defense, and we applaud Sen. Inhofe’s dedicated leadership to broker such an important agreement,” Dr. Joe Leverett, chairman of Altus Military Affairs Committee, said. “Maintaining the KC-46A delivery schedule is essential to our nation's ability to project global power, and the Altus community anxiously awaits the delivery of the first aircraft and the airmen who will train here. We stand ready to support the KC-46A mission and that of Altus Air Force Base in every way.""  Paladin Integrated Management Program (PIM) The Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) program is key to the modernization of the Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer and the U.S. artillery force. Inhofe supported the Army’s request of $330.7 million for the continued development and prototyping of the next generation Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer artillery system. The modernization and integration is completed at the BAE System facility in Elgin, Okla. “BAE Systems is extremely pleased that Sen. Inhofe and the Senate Armed Services Committee have expressed their support for the M109A7 (PIM) program,” Erwin Bieber, president of BAE Systems Inc. Land and Armaments, said. “As the M109A7 enters low rate initial production it leverages the latest technology and commonality within the Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) to ensure the long term viability and sustainability of the M109 family of vehicles. The M109A7 upgrade ensures that our Soldiers have the most advanced howitzer to provide timely, accurate, and responsive fire support for the ABCT.” ""Sen. Inhofe has consistently been a strong supporter of the Paladin Integrated Management Program,” Larry Thoma, mayor of the City of Elgin, Okla., said. “The city of Elgin is glad to see this program nearing completion and we are very thankful to have the Senator on our side.  Sen. Inhofe played an integral part in providing the funding for this program and without his support this would not be a reality.""  Camp Gruber Due to Camp Gruber's limited maneuver training space on the west range and lack of duded impact area, Oklahoma Army National Guard (OKARNG) combat and support units training at the squad and below level are severely degraded. Some units cannot even perform training due to lack of maneuver space for heavy vehicles and lack of duded impact area for crew live fire certifications. The lack of training range availability at Fort Sill and Camp Chaffee has resulted in delays in training, inability to plan training events and missed training events. OKARNG is requesting reacquisition of East Range of Camp Gruber consisting of 31,284 acres of training space, including duded impact area of 6,000 acres. OKARNG sought Inhofe’s assistance in expanding their training capability at Camp Gruber. In response, Inhofe successfully included language that, upon a determination of the Secretary of the Army, authorizes the transfer of the administrative jurisdiction of East Range of Camp Gruber to the Department of the Army so that the OKARNG may train there permanently. ""Camp Gruber is extremely important to the National Guard and has been for many years,” Major General Myles L. Deering, adjutant general of Oklahoma Army National Guard, said. “This effort will greatly enhance our ability to provide Soldiers with the best quality training and ensures our capacity to provide the State of Oklahoma and the Army with the highest quality Citizen-Soldiers."" Transfer of MC-12 Aircraft to the Oklahoma Air National Guard Inhofe secured language in the NDAA that authorizes the transfer of up to 13 MC-12 aircraft from the Air Force to the Oklahoma Air National Guard to be flown in support of U.S. Special Operations Command’s requirements to train partner nation militaries as well as conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. National Guard and Reserve Component Equipment Inhofe supported $1.25 billion for a National Guard and Reserve Equipment account needed to sustain and modernize the National Guard and Reserve Components as an operational reserve and for their domestic support missions. National Guard Counter Drug Program Since 1989, the National Guard has worked with law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations to perform interdiction and anti-drug activities.  The National Guard Counter Drug Program (NGCDP) operates in 54 states and territories. Approximately 2,500 soldiers and airmen support more than 5,000 agencies at the local, state and federal levels to prevent illicit drugs from being imported, manufactured and distributed in the United States. Inhofe supported continued funding of the NGCDP and included report language noting the role of the NGCDP mission in ensuring the security of the U.S. Homeland and recognizing the benefits of maintaining and supporting the National Guard counterdrug strategy. ""NGAUS thanks Sen. Inhofe for his unwavering support of the National Guard Counter-drug State Programs and regional Training Centers, and looks to his continuing leadership in keeping this well-established successful community-based program viable long into the future,"" Gus Hargett, president of the National Guard Association of the United States, said.  Housing for Low-Income or Disabled Veterans (HAVEN Act) This Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program will allow non-profit organizations like Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City, to rehabilitate homes of disabled and low-income veterans.  This work will revitalize lives and neighborhoods by making homes safe, warm and dry for Oklahoma’s older veteran community.  Inhofe supported an amendment by Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.) that includes authorization of their HAVEN Act bill, S. 1387, which creates a pilot program to expand this meritorious and noble undertaking by organizations like Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City. “Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City greatly appreciate Sen. Inhofe’s support of S. 1387 and efforts to ensure the HAVEN Act is part of the National Defense Authorization Act. Implementation of the HAVEN Act will allow Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City to better serve our veterans,” Jennifer Thurman, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City, said. Military Construction Inhofe supported authorization of $6.3 billion for needed military construction and family housing projects. This includes $111 million for KC-46A construction at Tinker Air Force Base. Enhancing Support for Victims of Sexual Assault Inhofe supported the inclusion of 15 provisions to enhance protections for victims of sexual assault by extending eligibility to receive assistance from a special victims’ counsel, increasing victims’ opportunity to have their views heard when commanders are deciding how alleged offenses are handled and enhancing victim privacy protections. Extending Benefits for Veterans Inhofe supported the inclusion of language that extended the Secretary of Veterans Affairs authority to provide benefits to service members with severe illnesses or injuries. Impact Aid Inhofe successfully ensured the inclusion of language that authorizes $25 million in supplemental Impact Aid to local educational agencies with military dependent children.  The language also includes an additional $5 million in Impact Aid for schools with military dependent children with severe disabilities. “Unlike pork or entitlement programs, Impact Aid simply compensates local school districts for property tax revenue lost as the result of a military base,” Tom Deighan, Superintendent of Lawton Public Schools, said. “And without these payments, schools like Lawton Public Schools could not adequately serve the families of our nation’s heroes. I stand behind and thank Sen. Inhofe for protecting these funds which directly and efficiently serve our military children.” “Sen. Inhofe’s successful inclusion of language that would authorize $25 million in supplemental Impact Aid to local educational agencies with military dependent children is to be highly commended,” Bryan P. Long, City Manager of the City of Lawton, said. “His direct actions and support of military installments and their communities is second only to his passion for providing the much needed financial support that will directly benefit our military families and youngest citizens. We applaud Sen. Inhofe’s tireless work and dedication on this noteworthy achievement.” Reforms in Small Business 8(a) Contracting U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ current two-phase selection process for design-build contracts results in Small Business Administration Section 8(a) certified firms not being able to be awarded more design-build contracts.  This greatly impacts the Corps district offices’ ability to service their customers and affects their ability to execute projects to ensure that DOD is able to receive its mission-critical project.  There are a significant number of Oklahoma companies that are currently severely impacted negatively by this Corps directive.  Therefore, Inhofe included language that amends the authority for the Services Secretaries of the Air Force, Navy and Army to use one-step turn-key selection procedures, and raises the threshold to greater than $4 million when making a determination that inclusion of more than five contractors in the second phase of such solicitations is in the best interests of the federal government. ""The Ross Group appreciates the continued leadership that Sen. Inhofe provides on behalf of our nation, the DOD and Oklahomans,” Warren Ross, CEO/president of The Ross Group, said. “His willingness to provide clarifying language to a vague interpretation of the Federal Code will enable the Department of Defense and the contractors that support it to get back to work supporting our troops. This language will enable the military bases throughout Oklahoma to continue to be responsive to our nation’s needs; thereby, continuing to create jobs for Oklahoma companies that support them.""  ""Great thanks is due to Sen. Inhofe and Rep. Bridenstine for their tremendous leadership in getting this common-sense approach to contracting adopted in both the Senate and House passed versions of the FY’15 NDAA,” Ben Kimbro, EVP of Tactical Electronics, said. ‘This measure will strengthen our nation's military readiness and Oklahoma's ability to continue to play an integral part in that process.""   Commissaries In response to the proven primary benefit commissaries provide to servicemembers and their families, Inhofe secured language in the bill that will not allow an increase to commissary prices so customer savings are preserved for military families and retirees.  It will instead require the commissaries to become more efficient with a slight reduction in their budget.   Cyber Security Research Today’s weaponry is highly sophisticated and cyber-enabled, resulting in a distributed yet connected battlefield.  The need for rapid communication and accurate situational awareness requires the warfighter to maintain guarantees that the weaponry is resistant to known cyber-attacks and resilient to unknown cyber-attacks. By accurately understanding and acknowledging the threat landscape of current and future weaponry, better safeguards and threat tolerant mechanisms can be created to adapt to legacy systems and be designed into future systems.  The University of Tulsa (TU) has a long history of excellence in cyber security research and education, and was designated by the NSA as a Center of Excellence in Information Assurance Education in 2000, in Information Assurance Research in 2009 and in Cyber Operations in 2012.  That makes TU one of only four institutions in the U.S. with all three designations.  Inhofe included $80 million in extra funding for basic research initiatives that qualified schools like TU can utilize.    “TU faculty and students are committed to the development of cutting-edge cyber security that improves the safety of all Americans,” Steadman Upham, president of University of Tulsa, said. “We are pleased to learn of Sen. Inhofe’s leadership and support along with the prospect of new funding for cyber defense research.  Advancement of this legislation will provide our research teams with the critical resources needed to protect Americans from threatening cyber-attacks.” US Naval Sea Cadet Corps The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) makes significant contributions in the development of our nation’s youth, the recruitment efforts of the U.S. Navy and the awareness of the Navy and its mission.  Since its inception in 1958, the USNSCC has trained over 170,000 young Americans.  Today it continues to prepare America’s youth to become productive and patriotic citizens.  The USNSCC also contributes directly to the recruiting mission of the U.S. Navy. Over 11 percent of the most recent class at the U.S. Naval Academy were former cadets, and a total of 626 cadets accessed into military service in 2013. Inhofe supported increasing funding for USNSCC by $1.1 million. “The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps is very appreciative of the outstanding and sustained support shown by Sen. Inhofe and his staff,” U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Executive Director, CAPT James Monahan of USN (Ret.), said. “Full program funding ensures that our cadets receive unparalleled training in leadership and naval skills that will prepare them to be the next generation of leaders in our armed services, schools and communities. We are tremendously grateful for Sen. Inhofe’s support of our nation’s U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.” Professional Credentials to Soldiers Inhofe supported a provision that would establish a program in DOD that will enable servicemembers to obtain professional civilian credentials that relate to their specific training and skills acquired during their military service so they can be easily transferred into civilian occupations once they leave the military.  This program will assist with the expenses connected with a soldier obtaining a professional accreditation, federal occupational license, state-imposed professional license or professional certification. “Oklahoma and our industry benefit from Sen. Inhofe’s strong leadership to streamline service member’s transition to the private sector,” Jay Hawkins, vice president of Human Resources at Chesapeake Energy, said. “Chesapeake’s veteran employees have an unmatched work ethic, commitment to teamwork, and leadership skills which benefit our company on a daily basis.” Special Use Airspace Recent guidance from the Office of the Secretary of Defense regarding use of Special Use Airspace (SUA) above military installations like Ft. Sill, Okla., is being interpreted by the Army Aeronautical Services Agency to indicate that use of such airspace by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for DHS Robotic Aircraft for Public Safety (RAPS) program is not allowed.  Clarification is needed so that promising government-related programs like RAPS can use the SUA.  Therefore, Inhofe included language directing DOD to issue guidance clarifying policies on the appropriate management of special use airspace within DOD, and on policies governing access by users from outside DOD to special use airspace managed by DOD within 90 days of enactment of NDAA.  It also directs the Secretary of Defense to move expeditiously to correct such misunderstandings of guidelines on access to special use airspace, including the authority of local commanders to enter into a memorandum of understanding for the use of special use airspace by any department or agency of the federal government, or state governments, to include those engaged in the Federal Aviation Administration test range program, participating in the RAPS program or participating in other activities of a similar nature.           Family Medium Tactical Vehicles The Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) is a complete series of trucks and trailers, based on a common chassis, that vary by payload.  The president’s budget request for the base budget included no funding for the FMTV.  However, Inhofe supported the president’s budget request for Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) of $95.6 million for FMTV procurement.  Additionally, Inhofe supported a $50 million add for FMTV procurement in the base budget. US Governance over the Internet Inhofe included in the NDAA bill a sense of Congress stating that the Secretary of Defense should advise the president not to transfer the remaining role of the U.S. Government in internet governance unless he is confident that the “.MIL” top-level domain and Internet Protocol address numbers used exclusively by DOD for national security will remain exclusively used by DOD.  Facilitate Transition from Military to Civilian Life Inhofe included a provision that would require the Secretary of Defense to develop procedures to share specified information on servicemembers who are separating from the military with state veterans agencies in electronic data format as a means of facilitating the transition of members of the military from service to civilian life. Limitations on Biofuels Inhofe included language that requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a business case analysis to the congressional defense committees before entering into a contract for the planning, design, refurbishing or construction of a biofuel refinery. Alternative fuels Inhofe included language that requires the fully-burdened costs of all drop-in fuels for operational purposes to be cost-competitive with the fully-burdened cost of a traditional fuel. Report on options to modernize or replace T–1A aircraft The T-1 aircraft used to train pilots at our Air Force pilot training bases, to include Vance Air Force Base (AFB) in Enid, Okla., are aging and will need to be replaced.  The NDAA includes language that would require the Secretary of the Air Force to submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the options for replacing or upgrading the T-1A aircraft’s capability, to include options of leased aircraft or services, not later than 90 days after the president signs the NDAA into law.  These new aircraft, once procured will be used to train new pilots at Vance AFB. Advanced Pilot Training (APT) The Advanced Pilot Training (APT) family of systems will replace the T-38C and its ground based training simulators.  The T-38C, whose average age is over 45 years, is used to train student pilots at Air Force pilot training bases who have been selected to fly fighters and bombers as well as transition new Air Force pilots into fighters in the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals training course.  The NDAA includes funding for research and development of the new T-X trainer which, when acquired, will be flown at Vance AFB. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Permit Processing The NDAA included language that makes permanent a 2005 federal lands streamlining permit program that would have expired at the end of FY’15.  Annual drilling permit approvals have fallen 43 percent under the Obama Administration.  Since 2009, oil production has fallen 6 percent on federal lands while it has increased by more than 60 percent on private lands.  For natural gas, production has fallen by 28 percent on federal lands while it has increased 33 percent on private lands.  This legislation will remedy this differential by giving BLM resources where it needs them.  “This successful permitting program plays an essential role as independent producers consider future American energy opportunities on federal lands,” Dan Naatz, senior vice president of Government Relations and Political Affairs of IPAA, said. “Specifically, it will increase new oil and natural gas production on federal lands by reducing permit delays and allow greater flexibility for the federal government to respond to the changing needs of the industry. IPAA is encouraged by the Senate’s action on behalf of America’s independent oil and gas producers and we thank Sen. Inhofe for his leadership on this important issue.” “We applaud Sen. Inhofe for continuing to be a champion of America’s energy sector,”Rebecca Rosen, vice president of Policy and Government Affairs of Devon Energy, said.“The Sen. understands what this common sense bill is all about: increasing energy production. The inclusion of S.2440 in the National Defense Authorization Act will create certainty for companies that operate on federal lands, and will lead to greater efficiency in the BLM field offices, where permitting timeframes and production have lagged dramatically behind state and private lands.” “By extending the BLM pilot program, this legislation will help to ease the permitting delays that hold back energy development on federal lands,” Erik Milito, director of Upstream and Industry Operations of API, said. “Sen. Inhofe and his colleagues are to be commended for crafting a final package that will create jobs and advance America’s long-term growth as a global energy superpower.” “We greatly appreciate Sen. Inhofe’s leadership shown by including the BLM Pilot-Project Program reauthorization in the National Defense Authorization Act,” Gordon Pennoyer, director of strategic communications of Chesapeake Energy Corporation, said.“This will help expedite federal permitting and allow for more timely and efficient development of America’s energy resources.” “The passage of the BLM Permit Processing Improvement Act of 2014 (ACT) as a part of the National Defense Authorization Act is a positive move for the oil and gas industry, the USA and its citizens” J Roger Kelley, director of regulatory affairs of Continental Resources, Inc., said. “The backlog of oil and gas drilling permit approvals has been detrimental to all three of these stakeholders, as the development of energy is mutually beneficial to each.  We believe that the Act will greatly enhance the permitting process by providing much needed fiscal resources to the Bureau of Land Management to make additions to their permitting workforce.  At the same time the Act provides an accountability process that will ensure that these fiscal resources are used appropriately and efficiently. The greater benefit of the Act is that energy will be developed in a more timely manner, energy revenue to the American people will be increased substantially, and the United States of America will be closer to becoming energy independent. We appreciate all that the Senator has done and all that he can do to ensure the passage of this Act.” Grazing Improvement As of September, there were 5,900 permits backlogged, awaiting consideration by the BLM.  The NDAA included language that makes permanent an annually renewed provision that allows public grazing permits to be renewed even while statutorily required environmental analyses are conducted, as required every ten years. The provision also provides a categorical exclusion from further National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analyses where current grazing management practices continue and where land is meeting appropriate health standards.  This language allows ranchers to continue grazing these lands with renewed permits even while the NEPA analyses remains incomplete.  “The grazing provisions included in NDAA are critical for the stability and livelihood of the 22,000 ranching families that hold grazing permits in the West,” Dustin Van Liew, executive director of the Public Lands Council and Federal Lands for the National Cattleman’s Beef Association, said. “Mr. Inhofe’s support is greatly appreciated as it helps ensure the vitality of our natural resources by making sure those who care for the land, can remain in operation. ” ""Oklahoma Cattlemen members appreciate Sen. Inhofe's commitment in supporting US cattle farmers and ranchers,” Michael Kelsey, executive vice president of Oklahoma Cattleman’s Association, said. “The inclusion of the grazing provision language in the National Defense Authorization Act proves his leadership on cattlemen’s issues and his understanding that U.S. cattle farmers and ranchers are the true original stewards of our precious natural grass resources."" “We at the Oklahoma Farm Bureau applaud Sen. Inhofe for his continued agriculture leadership in the Senate,” Tom Buchanan, president of Oklahoma Farm Bureau, said.“The Grazing Improvement Act’s inclusion in the final legislation proves his understanding of the challenges facing farmers and ranchers across the country.” “We appreciate Sen. Inhofe’s leadership and commitment on these issues critical to the livelihood of American farmers and ranchers,” Bob Stallman, president of American Farm Bureau Federation, said. “These provisions will be particularly helpful to western ranchers who use federal grazing permits. Most importantly, federal land grazing permits will no longer suffer from bureaucratic delays and permit denials simply because the government has not completed an environmental analysis of the land in question. Sen. Inhofe’s language would also streamline the law so that multiple allotments can be analyzed simultaneously, making the entire grazing program work more efficiently.  These policy changes would give more certainty to struggling rural families and their communities, particularly in the West, where about half the land is federally owned. We applaud Sen. Inhofe’s efforts and are pleased at the positive impact these changes will have for western farmers and ranchers.” Mining The NDAA included language that will allow the development of the third largest copper mine in the world, which is expected to create 3,700 jobs, create $61.4 billion in economic activity, and generate $20 billion in federal, state, county and local tax revenue.  Language included also allows the development of a new coal mine. Private Lands The NDAA included language that will remove 110,000 acres from federal ownership to be used for economic development in addition to community development projects, and does not give the government authority to condemn private lands.  Military Working Dogs Military Working Dogs (MWD) are an important element in support of U.S. Armed Forces and have been important to DOD in support of military training and combat operations.  The 341st Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base consolidates training for MWDs across DOD and other federal agencies.  This current collaborative effort in the field of MWD training and research should continue, as well as coordinated efforts between DOD, federal agencies, the veterinary community, universities and other research centers that provide useful mission support. Inhofe included Senate report language that encourages DOD to continue to develop its MWD training and research efforts and expand its interaction specifically with universities such as Oklahoma State University’s Canine Conditioning Program, which is on the cutting edge of MWD research and development in order to better serve our nation’s security and combat capabilities. Radiation Dosimeters Exposure to radiation presents two principal health concerns to our soldiers: acute radiation sickness and an increased risk of developing cancer. Dosimetry can help forecast the type, severity and expected time of onset of symptoms, information needed to predict a soldier’s fitness for duty and provide combat readiness evidence.  The Army has 10,000 personal dosimeters in its inventory consisting of 2,000 dosimeters purchased in 2013 and 8,000 dosimeters based on 1960s technology that is no longer in production.  These 8,000 systems are unable to be repaired due to a lack of spare parts during a time of growing proliferation of weapons of mass destruction including nuclear weapons in the possession of state and potentially non-state actors in the future.  In response, Inhofe included Senate report language in the bill that directs the Secretary of the Army to submit a report or provide a briefing to him on the requirements and plan to upgrade and/or acquire new personal dosimeter systems.  This will have a great impact on Oklahoma State University, which has helped to develop state-of-the-art technology in the personal radiation dosimeter arena. “Oklahoma State University has a long, proud history of supporting America’s defense efforts through research that has saved lives and improved performance,” Burn Hargis, president of Oklahoma State University, said. “We welcome the opportunity to use our veterinary center’s expertise in canine performance and our knowledge in radiation monitoring to once again serve our nation’s military needs. Oklahoma State University appreciates the leadership of Sen. Inhofe and the Committee on Armed Services.” Distributed Mission Operations The Air Force is providing its warfighters the ability to train and operate in a realistic virtual environment -- instead of a costly actual flight-training environment -- using the real world operational systems they would use in an actual combat situation under its Distributed Mission Operations (DMO) program.  The DMO facilitates networked unit-level training at the operational and strategic levels with a high degree of theater realism. Inhofe’s Senate report language directs the Secretary of the Air Force to provide a plan that identifies current and planned fielding of the DMO program across the total force, including locations and schedules for installation of DMO simulators and associated equipment.  This would allow for a simulator centers to be located in Tulsa, Okla., with the 138th Air National Guard Fighter Wing. Air Force Weather Training Modernization The Air Force Weather Agency makes significant contributions in improving combat effectiveness for our war fighters. Inhofe successfully included Senate report language that stresses the importance of the Air Force’s need to continue to modernize its weather training programs to be able to continue that crucial contribution.  With this language, the Air Force is able to take advantage of different training regimes as it modernizes its training programs, including entering into or expanding cooperative programs with colleges and universities that have meteorological training program expertise.  This would impact schools, such as the University of Oklahoma, which has a renowned meteorology program. “I would like to thank Sen. Inhofe for his continued stewardship of the National Weather Center Enterprise,” Berrien Moore III, VP, Weather & Climate Programs dean, college of Atmospheric & Geographic Sciences, Chesapeake Energy Corp. chair in Climate Studies director of National Weather Center, said. “His support of the nexus of national security and weather prediction training to our nation's armed forces in enhancing their war fighting capabilities are important keys to success. More broadly, Sen. Inhofe understands well that being a Ready Weather Nation is central for national security and economic vitality. We deeply appreciate his steadfast support.” Combating the Lord’s Resistance Army The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) has wreaked havoc upon hundreds of thousands for more than two decades throughout Central Africa, using inhuman tactics such as murder, rape, and the abduction of thousands of children to serve as child soldiers.  In 2009, Inhofe led the successful congressional effort to pass the Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act and in 2014 included additional authorization to continue U.S. support to regional partners combating the LRA. In this year’s bill, Inhofe included language that expresses the strong support for these efforts and how U.S. assistance has enabled important progress in removing key LRA commanders from the battlefield and increased defections.  The language also urges DOD to continue its assistance, specifically the provision of enabling key support, such as mobility and targeted intelligence collection and analysis resources. ""Thanks to strong and sustained U.S. support for regional efforts to stop the Lord's Resistance Army, communities in central Africa are closer than ever before to living free of Joseph Kony's violence,” Ben Keesey, CEO of Invisible Children, said. “Sen. Inhofe's longstanding commitment to ending the LRA crisis has made this progress possible, and his support for funds in next years' defense authorizations bill is critical to seeing Kony's violence ended once and for all."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/cole-manages-rule-omnibus-spending-bill,Cole Manages Rule for Omnibus Spending Bill,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) managed the rule on the House floor for H.R. 83, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2015, and delivered the following opening remarks: Mr. Speaker, yesterday  the Rules Committee met and reported a rule for consideration of Fiscal Year 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The resolution makes in order a motion offered by the chair of the Committee on Appropriations that the House concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 83 with an amendment consisting of the text of the FY 2015 Omnibus Appropriations bill. The rule provides 80 minutes of debate, 60 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Appropriations and 20 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. In addition, the rule provides the chair of the Committee on Appropriations the authority to insert any explanatory information. Finally, the rule provides same day authority through December 12, as is customary at the end of the session. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present to this House the culmination of the Appropriations Committee’s work for fiscal year 2015. In this legislation, 11 of the 12 appropriations bills are fully conferenced and fully funded through the end of the fiscal year; however, the Homeland Security bill is funded under a temporary continuing resolution until February 27, 2015. Mr. Speaker, I carried the initial rule for consideration of the first two appropriations bills considered in the House back on April 30, 2014. And I believe the record of the House and the House Appropriations Committee has been good. We considered 7 out of the 12 appropriations bills on the floor, under an open process, considered 11 of 12 appropriations bills in Committee. Contrast that to the Senate, which was unable to consider even a single appropriations bill on the floor.  So I am proud Mr. Speaker of the work we have been able to accomplish. The omnibus legislation abides by all the terms set in the Ryan-Murray budget agreement, providing a top line funding level of $1.013 trillion. But at the same time, this legislation contains important policy provisions that prevent government from reaching into the lives of ordinary citizens, like preventing the Army Corps of Engineers from regulating farm ponds and irrigation ditches to regulating the lead content in ammunition or fishing tackle. It maintains historic pro-life provisions, and includes new ones, like requiring Obamacare plans to disclose whether they provide abortion services, and countless others. At the same time, this omnibus enacts important common sense priorities on the direction of this government. It cuts funding for the IRS by over $345 million. Indeed, the IRS has been cut by more than $1.2 billion since 2010. It prohibits the IRS from targeting groups for scrutiny based on their political beliefs. It cuts EPA funding for the fifth consecutive year, bringing staffing to the lowest level since 1989. It implements a government-wide prohibition on the painting of portraits. It makes common sense decisions, like prohibiting funding for inappropriate videos or conferences that shouldn’t be funded by taxpayers in times of surplus—much less in times of deficit. But this legislation doesn’t just cut funding from programs. It takes those cuts and reallocates them to programs that are truly in need. For example, it provides $30 billion for the National Institutes of Health, an increase over FY 14, enhancing funding for Alzheimer’s, cancer, and brain research. It funds the Gabriella Miller Kids First Act, a bill I authored with Gregg Harper and Eric Cantor, at $12.6 million, shifting these dollars from funding political conventions to research into pediatric diseases. It increases the healthcare and educational funding to some of our poorest and most needy constituents, Native Americans. And it provides funding to deal with crises like those associated with the outbreak of Ebola or the militant activity of ISIL. I could go on and on with all the good things included in this bill; however, I am sure others will speak on those. I believe it is important to take stock in where we have come over the last four years. We have taken an annual budget deficit of $1.4 trillion and lowered it to $486 billion. Still too high but one of the most rapid, if not the most rapid decline, of deficits in American history.  We have prevented additional burdens and regulations from being foist upon the American people. Our work is certainly not done; however, one must remember that appropriations and appropriating is a process. The bureaucratic welfare state built by decades of Democratic control cannot be dismantled in a single blow; however, it can be reduced piece by piece. This legislation does just that. Some of my friends will raise objections to the process, where we are left with a frustrating choice between passage of a large, omnibus bill to fund all of government or a government shutdown. To my friends, I say that I agree with you, as do my fellow members of the Appropriations Committee. There are some things in this bill I disagree with and some certainly that I agree with. But I do agree that under regular order those with a different point of view should be able to make their case to the entire House. The House has led by example in this regard. We considered 7 different appropriations bills on this floor, in an open amendment process which passed with bipartisan majorities. And the House would have considered even more appropriations bills had the Senate been willing to consider even a single appropriations bill on the floor. In fact, the last time the Senate passed an individual appropriations bill was November 1st, 2011, more than three years ago.  Mr. Speaker, this isn’t the way to govern. I hope that in the next Congress the House will have a partner in the Senate which is willing to consider individual appropriations bills, in an open process, so that we do not have to consider large, omnibus packages without the opportunity for amendment. I believe we will, and believe we will end up with a better product because of it. I am encouraged by the work of my friend Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Nita Lowey and look forward to working with them and a new Senate next year to build upon the work we have done this year. I urge support for the rule and the underlying legislation.  ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-senate-passage-of-bill-to-secure-retirement-benefits-of-american-airline-employees,INHOFE PRAISES SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO SECURE RETIREMENT BENEFITS OF AMERICAN AIRLINE EMPLOYEES,2014-12-11,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"INHOFE PRAISES SENATE PASSAGE OF BILL TO SECURE RETIREMENT BENEFITS OF AMERICAN AIRLINE EMPLOYEES Thursday, December 11, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a co-chair of the Senate Pilot’s Caucus, today praised the passage of S.2614, legislation that would extend to American Airline employees the option to contribute recently received bankruptcy settlements into retirement accounts without incurring a tax penalty. This provision was made available to employees of other domestic airlines following their bankruptcies but expired before American Airlines filed for bankruptcy in 2011.  Inhofe introduced S.2614 on July 16, 2014, with U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Social Security. The legislation passed by unanimous consent in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday and now awaits action in the U.S. House of Representatives.  “I applaud my colleagues in the Senate for their strong bipartisan support of S.2614, legislation that will ensure American Airline employees are granted equal rights as other airlines that filed for bankruptcy prior to 2007,” Inhofe said. “The bankruptcy caused those employed by American Airlines to suffer the loss of their earned pensions, and this legislation will give them the opportunity to rebuild their future without penalty from the federal government. I urge the House to quickly pass this bill.”  The Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 allowed employees of air service providers, who filed bankruptcy prior to 2007, to roll up to 90 percent of airline bankruptcy settlements into an individual retirement account without paying tax penalties through April 15, 2013.  American Airlines did not declare bankruptcy until Nov. 29, 2011, and had not yet emerged from bankruptcy by April 15, 2013.  By making modifications to the Federal Aviation Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, S. 2614 would afford American Airlines employees the option to roll over bankruptcy contributions into individual retirement accounts without tax penalties, which is the same treatment extended to employees of other domestic airlines that went bankrupt prior to 2008. S. 2614 is companion legislation to H.R. 2591. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lucas.house.gov/press-release/long-term-terrorism-risk-insurance-provides-needed-economic-stability,Long-Term Terrorism Risk Insurance Provides Needed Economic Stability,2014-12-10,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Frank Lucas,L000491,lucas.house.gov,,,legacy,"Long-Term Terrorism Risk Insurance Provides Needed Economic Stability Dec 10, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas, a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, voted today to support passage of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act (TRIA), legislation that helps establish insurance coverage for acts of terrorism. This bill strengthens economic growth and security in our country by providing certainty over the next six years to American enterprises. “The long-term extension of the Terrorism Risk Insurance program means greater stability for our nation’s job creators. We cannot allow grave threats from the Islamic State and other terrorist organizations to stifle our country’s growing economy. Rebuilding is a critical element in standing up to terrorism, and I believe this wartime measure provides an extremely important piece of mind for consumers and industries in the United States,” said Congressman Lucas. The Terrorism Risk Insurance Act originally established the Federal Terrorism Insurance Program in 2002 to oversee a public-private system of compensation for insured losses due to acts of terrorism after many businesses were unable to purchase insurance protection following the attacks of September 11. Since its inception, the program has incurred a net cost of zero dollars to the United States Treasury.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=282,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Cosponsors Amendment to Prohibit Use of Funds for Executive Amnesty,2014-12-09,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,bridenstine.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Jim Bridenstine is one of several cosponsors of a proposed amendment to the omnibus appropriations bill that will be considered this week. The amendment will prohibit the use of any funds or fees from being used to execute the President's unilateral, unconstitutional changes to U.S. immigration laws announced in November. Specifically, the legislation prohibits use of any federal funds to implement, administer, carry out, or enforce the policies in both the directives from the Secretary of Homeland Security on November 20 and the executive orders signed by the President on November 21 or ""any substantially similar memorandum issued after November 21, 2014."" Congressman Bridenstine said, I strongly support this effort to stop the Presidents illegal and unconstitutional action to go around Congress. The United States Constitution, Article I Section 8, clearly states the role of the Legislative Branch to ""establish a[n] uniform Rule of Naturalization and the courts have repeatedly affirmed that Congress has the authority to establish rules of immigration. The role of the Executive Branch, the President personally, is also clearly stated in Article II Section 3: he shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed. The President needs to do his constitutional duty."" CONTACT: Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director Phone: 202-225-2211 Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov -- 30 --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/congress-can-work-together,Congress Can Work Together,2014-12-08,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Since our nation’s founding, we have been a nation of ideas, including common beliefs held by the vast majority of Americans but also stark differences. Especially in government, there will always be a number of issues that tend to divide us rather than unite us. But instead of focusing on the things capable of tearing us apart, it is important that we work together when and where there is common ground.  I am pleased that last week in the U.S. House of Representatives, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle showed that they can unite for the good of the entire country. As members considered and voted on legislation, there were items that showed a shared commitment to getting things done. That’s how government should operate, especially when it is a divided government. On Wednesday, the House considered and voted on H.R. 647, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. Using the same idea of college saving funds, this legislation helps families of disabled children also plan for the future. It does so by giving states the option of establishing an ABLE program, in which families can put pre-taxed money away in ABLE accounts that operate similar to a Roth IRA. This allows money to grow and be used for future disability expenses without the penalty of taxes when the money is taken out.  The House also acted with strong bipartisanship to pass vital legislation that authorizes funds for our military personnel, readiness and operations. On Thursday, the House passed the negotiated agreement of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) between the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee. Without question, maintaining the strength of our military deserves our utmost attention and support, and I am glad that the House again showed its commitment to giving the military the resources needed both at home and abroad.  Very important to Tinker Air Force Base in the Fourth District, I am pleased that the defense bill included funding for several vital aviation programs including AWACS, C-130 and A-10. Earlier this year, the Administration recommended the deactivation of seven AWACS aircraft stationed at Tinker used for both wartime and peace missions. Such reductions to the size and capability of the AWACS fleet would significantly impact our Armed Forces in future conflict and make it more difficult to combat enemies.  With budget constraints in place across areas of government, I hope that the Department of Defense will manage future budgets carefully and weigh all competing variables when making readiness and workforce decisions going forward. Passage of this bicameral, bipartisan legislation provides hope that we will continue to prioritize our dedicated military personnel and authorize the funding needed to strengthen our national security. As we continue to consider legislation in the remaining days of the 113th Congress and as we begin the 114th Congress with a fresh majority, I remain optimistic that we will find common ground with each other.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=281,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Votes Against Creating More Tax Manipulations,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,bridenstine.house.gov,,,legacy,"NULL share: f t We have a deeply flawed tax code.  It is already unnecessarily complex and confusing.  The Mercatus Center at George Mason University estimates that Americans spend more than 6 billion hours a year complying with the tax code.  That is the equivalent of all the people in Oklahoma who are over the age of 6 working all year only on taxes.  Lobbyists spend about $3 billion a year promoting policy preferences.  Countless loopholes distort human behavior and bias markets. I love being able to truly help people, but creating another new tax manipulation is not the right way to do it.  HR 647, the ABLE Act, passed in the House today, is a new provision giving tax preference to manipulate behavior. Rather than creating more loopholes and special provisions, Congress should be about the work of eliminating our burdensome tax code, abolishing the corrupt and abusive IRS, and replacing the system with a fair and simple tax.  I will again be an original co-sponsor of HR 25 in the 114th Congress, the Fair Tax, and I will reintroduce my legislation to repeal the 16th Amendment. CONTACT: Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director Phone: 202-225-2211 Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov --  30  --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/oklahoman-us-house-sends-defense-bill-protecting-awacs-tinker-air-force-base,The Oklahoman: U.S. House sends on defense bill protecting AWACS at Tinker Air Force Base,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Oklahoman - Chris Casteel The U.S. House easily passed a $585 billion defense bill on Thursday that protects Tinker Air Force Base from some of the Pentagon’s proposed cuts and promises more money for the huge maintenance depot there. The bill passed 300-119, with all five of Oklahoma’s U.S. House members in favor. It now heads to the U.S. Senate. Sen. Jim Inhofe, of Tulsa, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, negotiated the final version of the bill and strongly supports it. But Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Muskogee, has vowed to use all procedural means at his disposal to stall final passage because of his objections to a package of federal land acquisitions that was added by top congressional leaders to the defense bill. Still, the measure, which sets Pentagon policy for the next year, is expected to clear before Congress leaves for Christmas. Pay raises Most active duty troops would get a 1 percent pay raise under the legislation, though there are small cuts to commissary and housing subsidies. Inhofe prevented the Pentagon from deactivating — at least for a year — seven of the 27 AWACS planes at Tinker and a Reserve unit associated with them. He also inserted language pressing the Air Force to continue a C-130 modernization program managed by Boeing in Oklahoma City. And he helped boost the authorized funding for aircraft maintenance by $666 million, some of which should flow to the repair depot at Tinker. Bill is praised Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, whose district includes Tinker and Fort Sill, the U.S. Army post in Lawton, praised the legislation, saying that it shows bipartisan commitment “to giving our military the resources they need both at home and abroad.” Cole, a key member of the panel that approves military spending, secured money in July to pay for the full fleet of AWACS, command-and-control planes that have been based at Tinker for decades. Cole said the increase for aircraft maintenance addressed a critical need caused by the automatic budget cuts known as sequestration. The money was diverted from lower priority items, he said. The final version did not include a provision Cole authored that would have shielded much of Tinker’s civilian workforce from any future furlough. Many of those who maintain aircraft are paid out of a separate fund that is not dependent on annual congressional appropriations. Last year, Defense Department officials decided to make them part of the furlough caused by sequestration, despite the fact that it didn’t save any money for them not to be working. “Such a practice only delays delivery times of aircraft and raises rates, costing the taxpayer and reducing military readiness,” Cole said Thursday. Online: The Oklahoman",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-defense-secretary-nomination,Inhofe Statement on Defense Secretary Nomination,2014-12-05,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Statement on Defense Secretary Nomination Friday, December 5, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement regarding the president’s nomination of Dr. Ash Carter to be the next Secretary of Defense: ""I welcome the nomination of Dr. Ash Carter to be the next Secretary of Defense.  I have worked with Dr. Carter over the years and consider him qualified for the position and look forward to his confirmation hearing.  The unanswered question is how much influence Dr. Carter will have on one of the most dangerously insular White House’s in recent history.  Our military and national security face a daunting set of challenges ranging from the devastating impact of defense sequestration to a lack of an effective strategy to combat ISIL, a resurgent Russia, and increased tensions in the Asia Pacific.  Now more than ever the President needs the candid and independent counsel of his senior civilian and military officials to reverse the failures of the last six years, most importantly ending sequestration budget cuts to the Department of Defense.""   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-supports-fy15-ndaa-agreement,Cole Supports FY15 NDAA Agreement,2014-12-04,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 3979, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2015. This legislation is the negotiated agreement between the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee, reconciling two separate pieces of legislation passed in May in both chambers. “Today, the House acted with strong bipartisanship to pass vital legislation that authorizes funds for our military personnel, readiness and operations,” said Cole. “Without question, maintaining the strength of our military deserves our utmost attention and support, and the negotiated NDAA agreement passed today demonstrates our joint commitment to giving our military the resources they need both at home and abroad.  “The NDAA further addresses critical readiness gaps associated with an increase of $666.2 million for aircraft depot maintenance caused by sequestration and repeated resource cuts. The increase was achieved by diverting funds from lower priority items.  “But very important to Tinker Air Force Base in the Fourth District, I am pleased that the legislation includes funding for several vital aviation programs including AWACS, C-130 and A-10. Earlier this year, the Administration recommended the deactivation of seven AWACS stationed at Tinker. Such reductions to the size and capability of the AWACS fleet would significantly impact our Armed Forces in future conflict.  “I was disappointed that a provision I had included in the House version of the bill was not carried in the final bill that would have prevented working capital fund (WCF) employees from any future furloughs. I remain concerned about the negative effect furloughs of WCF employees have on military employees when monies and workload are available. Such a practice only delays delivery times of aircraft and raises rates, costing the taxpayer and reducing military readiness.  “With budget constraints in place, I hope that the Department of Defense will manage future budgets carefully and weigh all competing variables when making readiness and workforce decisions going forward. However, I remain concerned that if resource trends are not reversed soon, any tentative gains in these accounts will be diminished or eliminated.  “As we face mounting threats to our national security in the months and years ahead, I hope that we continue to work together to authorize funding to combat our enemies by providing adequate resources to our dedicated military personnel,” concluded Cole.  ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/oklahoman-tinker-air-force-bases-entire-fleet-awacs-planes-would-survive-another-year-under-defense,The Oklahoman: Tinker Air Force Base's entire fleet of AWACS planes would survive another year under defense bill,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Oklahoman - Chris Casteel U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe protected Tinker Air Force Base’s entire fleet of AWACS planes as part of a final deal hashed out Tuesday by leaders of congressional defense committees. Inhofe, of Tulsa, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, blocked — at least for a year — an Air Force proposal to cut seven of the 27 command-and-control planes and a reserve unit associated with them at Tinker. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, whose district includes Tinker, already had secured the money to maintain the entire fleet. The deal reached this week by Inhofe and other lawmakers is on the bill that sets Pentagon policy for the next year. The legislation is expected to pass both houses and go to the president in the next two weeks. Inhofe said the bill “contains vital provisions to address our current national security requirements; prevent the further degradation of readiness for another year; and support the well-being of our service members and their families. “The legislation includes many victories for Oklahoma and our nation, to include preventing the retirement of any Airborne Warning and Control System aircrafts, an essential capability for command and control of military air operations.” Known for their rotating radar dome, the planes can detect enemy aircraft and ship movements and quickly relay information needed for battle situations. The bill would also ... Authorize another $36 million for a Boeing program in Oklahoma City to modernize the C-130. The Air Force wants to kill the program and has been resisting congressional efforts to keep it alive. Allow spending nearly $1.6 billion for the KC-46A tanker aircraft and maintain the current schedule of delivering the first plane to Altus Air Force Base, in southwestern Oklahoma, in 2016. Altus will provide training on the new tanker. Permit spending $331 million to research and develop upgrades to the howitzers that are critical to the artillery units trained at Fort Sill. Upgrades could be made at a facility in Elgin, near Fort Sill. At Inhofe’s request, it boosts impact aid by $25 billion nationally. The aid goes to local school districts near military bases to offset the lack of property tax revenue from military families. It adds another $5 million for schools with military dependent children with severe disabilities. Inhofe also pressed for language to prevent another round of base closures, as requested by the administration; and the bill will again keep open the prison at Guantanamo Bay. Online: The Oklahoman",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-announces-ndaa-provisions-supporting-oklahoma,Inhofe Announces NDAA Provisions Supporting Oklahoma,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Announces NDAA Provisions Supporting Oklahoma Wednesday, December 3, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today announced provisions in the fiscal year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that impact the state of Oklahoma. The NDAA was introduced yesterday in the House of Representatives, and was authored by Inhofe, SASC Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.), House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Chairman Buck McKeon (R-CA-25), and HASC Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA-9). ""I am pleased that we are one step closer to passing vital legislation supporting our men and women in uniform,” said Inhofe. ""Despite limitations presented by defense budget cuts, my colleagues and I were able to put together a bill that meets our current national security requirements while also caring for the well-being of our servicemembers and their families. This legislation also includes several provisions critical to Oklahoma, including the preservation of the Airborne Warning and Control Systems aircraft. I am proud that the legislation cuts costs and finds efficiencies within the defense budget through smarter weapon purchases and by limiting the President’s costly green agenda. We were also able to successfully prevent the President’s proposed cuts to military benefits, to include protecting commissary benefits and blocking the President’s requested higher fees for TRICARE enrollment. “Due to historically steep defense budget cuts provoked by the President’s sequestration, we granted the request of the Joint Chiefs to slow the growth of inflation to the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) by 1 percent for fiscal year 2015. This only affects those who make a permanent change of station move in 2015 and live off base at their new location. I have been assured by DOD that this reduction will still allow servicemembers to find off-base housing across the nation within their allotted BAH. Vance and Altus Air Force Bases are exempted from the BAH change because DOD has classified them as remote locations. The legislation also authorizes TRICARE co-pays to increase roughly $3 for prescriptions not purchased on base. The money saved from these measures equals $266 million and will go to support necessary training and resources to enable our servicemembers to carry out their missions effectively and return home safely to their loved ones. These were difficult decisions for me and my colleagues, but until sequestration is addressed, small adjustments needed to be made in the budget to avoid drastic reductions in military readiness that could risk the lives of our servicemembers. “I strongly urge my colleagues to support the passage of this legislation before the end of the year. It is critical for maintaining congressional oversight of the Obama Administration and for ensuring our service members have the necessary resources to safely and effectively protect the interests of America.” Provisions impacting Oklahoma include:  Base Realignment and Closure Prohibition Inhofe supported language that makes clear that nothing in the FY’15 NDAA shall be construed to authorize a Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round next year. Inhofe believes that the United States has reduced force capability to an unacceptable level, and that it should not be brought down any further in the near-term. He also recognizes that our national security has an immediate fiscal crisis and the defense community should not bear the near-term costs of a BRAC round in this tough economic climate for savings that will not be realized for another 20 years. Retaining AWACS Inhofe supported language that will prohibit the Air Force from retiring or preparing to retire any Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft or making any significant changes in AWACS personnel levels until next year. For the past two decades, AWACS have been under constant, heavy demand, supporting overseas contingency operations as well as homeland defense missions. The President’s budget proposal reduced the number of AWACS airplanes by 7 aircraft (or 25 percent), which would inactivate the 513th Reserve Control Group at Tinker Air Force Base and devastate a key military capability.  This 520-member unit is the only one in the Air Force Reserves that flies and maintains this aircraft. Inhofe's amendment prevents this from taking place. Installation Support Services Agreements Because current authority to implement military installation shared services agreements conflicts with existing acquisition rules and regulations, there have been major delays in implementing intergovernmental support agreements, including the partnership plans between Tinker Air Force Base and Midwest City.  The Department of Defense and Congress have agreed that a clarification is necessary to ensure the authority of shared services survives.  Sen. Inhofe successfully included clarification language to restore the advancement of such shared services agreements like the waste management agreement between Tinker and Midwest City. Natural Gas Vehicles Sen. Inhofe included language that incentivizes the production of natural gas powered vehicles by allowing automakers to earn regulatory credits for producing dual-fuel powered vehicles that run on both natural gas and gasoline. Current law allows automakers to earn credits from vehicles that run exclusively on natural gas, but a cap on dual-fuel credits precludes automakers from earning them for natural gas dual-fuel automobiles.  These natural gas dual-fuel automobiles are widely seen as the key to encouraging broad consumer adoption of natural gas as a primary transportation fuel.  Today, in many places there is not enough natural gas refueling infrastructure to ease drivers' concerns that they will be unable to find a natural gas refueling station when they need it. Automakers are beginning to produce these vehicles, and they deserve to earn the regulatory credits that were designed for them to facilitate compliance with the Department of Transportation’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. C-130 Air Modernization Program (AMP) The President’s FY’15 budget failed to include funding for the C-130 Avionics Modernization Program. AMP was the program of record for modernizing legacy C-130 aircraft until the FY’13 budget when the Air Force announced a decision to cancel AMP. The program was already in low-rate initial production and had delivered five aircraft, four additional kits and training devices. The proposed avionics modernization alternatives to the AMP program fail to fully comply with future air space restrictions and will impact the Air Force’s ability to use certain airfields as a result of the incompatible equipment. Inhofe included language that stresses strong support for continuing the modernization of this aircraft, authorizes an additional $35.8 million for procurement and installation of C-130 AMP kits, and directs the Air Force to obligate the fiscal year 2014 funds authorized and appropriated for AMP to conduct such activities as are necessary to complete testing, production, and installation of the modernization kits. This will allow companies such as Boeing in Oklahoma City to ensure an operational capability of the C-130 fleet. KC-46 Inhofe supported full funding of $1.56 billion for the KC-46A tanker aircraft.  This funding will keep delivery of the first KC-46A to Altus Air Force Base on track for 2016. Paladin Integrated Management Program (PIM) The Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) program is key to the modernization of the Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer and the U.S. artillery force. Sen. Inhofe supported the Army’s request of $330.7 million for the continued development and prototyping of the next generation Paladin self-propelled howitzer artillery system. The modernization and integration is completed at the BAE System facility in Elgin, Okla. Camp Gruber Due to Camp Gruber's limited maneuver training space on the west range and lack of duded impact area, Oklahoma Army National Guard (OKARNG) combat and support units training at the squad and below level are severely degraded. Some units cannot even perform training due to lack of maneuver space for heavy vehicles and lack of duded impact area for crew live fire certifications. The lack of training range availability at Fort Sill and Camp Chaffee has resulted in delays in training, inability to plan training events and missed training events. OKARNG is requesting reacquisition of East Range of Camp Gruber consisting of 31,284 acres of training space, including duded impact area of 6,000 acres. OKARNG sought Inhofe’s assistance in expanding their training capability at Camp Gruber. In response, Inhofe successfully included language that, upon a determination of the Secretary of the Army, authorizes the transfer of the administrative jurisdiction of East Range of Camp Gruber to the Department of the Army so that the OKARNG may train there permanently. Transfer of MC-12 Aircraft to the Oklahoma Air National Guard Sen. Inhofe secured language in the NDAA that authorizes the transfer of up to 13 MC-12 aircraft from the Air Force to the Oklahoma Air National Guard to be flown in support of U.S. Special Operations Command’s requirements to train partner nation militaries as well as conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.  National Guard and Reserve Component Equipment Sen. Inhofe supported $1.25 billion for a National Guard and Reserve Equipment account needed to sustain and modernize the National Guard and Reserve Components as an operational reserve and for their domestic support missions. National Guard Counter Drug Program Since 1989, the National Guard has worked with law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations to perform interdiction and anti-drug activities.  The National Guard Counter Drug Program (NGCDP) operates in 54 states and territories. Approximately 2,500 soldiers and airmen support more than 5,000 agencies at the local, state and federal levels to prevent illicit drugs from being imported, manufactured and distributed in the United States. Inhofe supported continued funding of the National Guard Counter Drug Program and included report language noting the role of the National Guard Counter Drug mission in ensuring the security of the U.S. Homeland and recognizing the benefits of maintaining and supporting the National Guard counterdrug strategy. Housing for Low-Income or Disabled Veterans (HAVEN Act) This HUD program will allow non-profit organizations like Rebuilding Together Oklahoma City, to rehabilitate homes of disabled and low-income veterans.  This work will revitalize lives and neighborhoods by making homes safe, warm and dry for Oklahoma’s older veteran community.  Sen. Inhofe supported an amendment by Sen. Reed (D-R.I.) that includes authorization of their HAVEN Act bill, S. 1387, which creates a pilot program to expand this meritorious and noble undertaking by organizations like Rebuilding Together. Military Construction Sen. Inhofe supported authorization of $6.3 billion for needed military construction and family housing projects. This includes $111 million for KC-46A construction at Tinker Air Force Base. Enhancing support for victims of sexual assault Sen. Inhofe supported the inclusion of 15 provisions to enhance protections for victims of sexual assault by extending eligibility to receive assistance from a special victims’ counsel, increasing victims’ opportunity to have their views heard when commanders are deciding how alleged offenses are handled, and enhancing victim privacy protections. Extending Benefits for Veterans Sen. Inhofe supported the inclusion of language that extended the Secretary of Veterans Affairs authority to provide benefits to service members with severe illnesses or injuries. Impact Aid Sen. Inhofe successfully ensured the inclusion of language that authorizes $25 million in supplemental Impact Aid to local educational agencies with military dependent children.  The language also includes an additional $5 million in Impact Aid for schools with military dependent children with severe disabilities. Reforms in Small Business 8(a) Contracting U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ current two-phase selection process for design-build contracts results in Small Business Administration Section 8(a) certified firms not being able to be awarded more design-build contracts.  This greatly impacts the Corps district offices’ ability to service their customers and affects their ability to execute projects to ensure that the DOD is able to receive its mission-critical project.  There are a significant number of Oklahoma companies that are currently severely impacted negatively by this Corps directive.  Therefore, Inhofe included language that amends the authority for the Secretary concerned to use one-step turn-key selection procedures, and raises the threshold to greater than $4 million when making a determination that inclusion of more than five contractors in the second phase of such solicitations is in the best interests of the federal government. Commissaries In response to the proven primary benefit commissaries provide to servicemembers and their families, Inhofe prevented inclusion of a DOD proposal to reduce direct subsidies to commissaries, thereby preserving the full commissary benefit for military families and retirees. Cyber Security Research Today’s weaponry is highly sophisticated and cyber-enabled, resulting in a distributed, yet connected battlefield.  The need for rapid communication and accurate situational awareness requires the warfighter to maintain guarantees that the weaponry is resistant to known cyber-attacks and resilient to unknown cyber-attacks. By accurately understanding and acknowledging the threat landscape of current and future weaponry, better safeguards and threat tolerant mechanisms can be created to adapt to legacy systems and be designed into future systems.  The University of Tulsa has a long history of excellence in cyber security research and education, and was designated by the NSA as a Center of Excellence in Information Assurance Education in 2000, in Information Assurance Research in 2009 and in Cyber Operations in 2012.  That makes TU one of only four institutions in the U.S. with all three designations.  Sen. Inhofe included $80 million in extra funding for basic research initiatives that qualified schools like TU can utilize. US Naval Sea Cadet Corps The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (USNSCC) makes significant contributions in the development of our nation’s youth, the recruitment efforts of the U.S. Navy and the awareness of the Navy and its mission.  Since its inception in 1958, the USNSCC has trained over 170,000 young Americans.  Today it continues to prepare America’s youth to become productive and patriotic citizens.  The USNSCC also contributes directly to the recruiting mission of the U.S. Navy. Over 11 percent of the most recent class at the U.S. Naval Academy were former cadets, and a total of 626 cadets accessed into military service in 2013. Sen. Inhofe supported increasing funding for USNSCC by $1.1 million. Professional Credentials to Soldiers Inhofe supported a provision that would establish a program in DOD that will enable servicemembers to obtain professional civilian credentials that relate to their specific training and skills acquired during their military service so they can be easily transferred into civilian occupations once they leave the military.  This program will assist with the expenses connected with a soldier obtaining a professional accreditation, federal occupational license or state-imposed professional license, or professional certification. Special Use Airspace Recent guidance from the Office of the Secretary of Defense regarding use of Special Use Airspace (SUA) above military installations like Ft. Sill, Oklahoma is being interpreted by the Army Aeronautical Services Agency to indicate that use of such airspace by the Department of Homeland Security for the Department’s Robotic Aircraft for Public Safety (RAPS) program is not allowed.  Clarification is needed so that promising government-related programs like RAPS can use the SUA.  Therefore, Sen. Inhofe included language directing the Department of Defense (DOD) to issue guidance clarifying policies on the appropriate management of special use airspace within DOD, and on policies governing access by users from outside the DOD to special use airspace managed by DOD within 90 days of enactment of this the NDAA.  It also directs the Secretary of Defense to move expeditiously to correct such misunderstandings of guidelines on access to special use airspace, including the authority of local commanders to enter into a memorandum of understanding for the use of special use airspace by any department or agency of the Federal Government, or state governments, to include those engaged in the Federal Aviation Administration test range program, participating in the Robotic Aircraft for Public Safety program, or participating in other activities of a similar nature. Family Medium Tactical Vehicles The Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) is a complete series of trucks and trailers, based on a common chassis, that vary by payload.  The President’s budget request for the base budget included no funding for the FMTV.  However, Sen. Inhofe supported the President’s Budget request for overseas contingency operations (OCO) of $95.6 million for FMTV procurement.  Additionally, Sen. Inhofe supported a $50 million add for FMTV procurement in the base budget.   U.S. Governance over the Internet Sen. Inhofe included in the NDAA bill a Sense of Congress stating that the Secretary of Defense should advise the President not to transfer the remaining role of the U.S. Government in internet governance unless he is confident that the “.MIL” top-level domain and Internet Protocol address numbers used exclusively by the Department of Defense for national security will remain exclusively used by the Department of Defense.  Facilitate Transition from Military to Civilian Life Sen. Inhofe included a provision that would require the Secretary of Defense to develop procedures to share specified information on servicemembers who are separating from the military with state veterans agencies in electronic data format as a means of facilitating the transition of members of the military from service to civilian life. Limitations on Biofuels Sen. Inhofe included language that requires the Secretary of Defense to submit a business case analysis to the congressional defense committees before entering into a contract for the planning, design, refurbishing or construction of a biofuel refinery. Alternative fuels Sen. Inhofe included language that requires the fully-burdened costs of all drop in fuels for operational purposes to be cost-competitive with the fully burdened cost of a traditional fuel. Combating the Lord’s Resistance Army The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) has wreaked havoc upon hundreds of thousands for more than two decades throughout central Africa, including murder, rape, and the abduction of thousands of children to serve as child soldiers.  In 2009, Sen. Inhofe led the successful congressional effort to pass the Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act and in 2014 included additional authorization to continue U.S. support to regional partners combating the LRA. In this year’s bill, Sen. Inhofe included language that expresses the strong support for these efforts and how U.S. assistance has enabled important progress in removing key LRA commanders from the battlefield and increased defections.  The language also urges DOD to continue its assistance, specifically the provision of enabling key support, such as mobility and targeted intelligence collection and analysis resources.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-opening-statement-at-epw-hearing-on_nrcs-implementation-of-fukishima-recommendations,Inhofe Opening Statement at EPW Hearing on NRCs Implementation of Fukishima Recommendations,2014-12-03,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Opening Statement at EPW Hearing on NRC’s Implementation of Fukishima Recommendations Wednesday, December 3, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today delivered the following opening statement at a full committee hearing entitled, “NRC’s Implementation of the Fukushima Near-Term Task Force Recommendations and other Actions to Enhance and Maintain Nuclear Safety.” As prepared for delivery: Chairman Boxer, thank you for holding this hearing. Over the last several years, I have consistently voiced my concern about the overregulation coming out of this Administration.  It has been across every industry, including nuclear. It started with Utility MACT and the Cross State Air Pollution Rule a few years ago; then came the 316(b) Water Rule this past year.  Now, after a false start on the cap-and-trade bill, EPA is pressing ahead with aggressive and unauthorized greenhouse gas regulations for power plants.  And when you also weigh the Waters of the United States rule and the new proposal to reduce the Ozone NAAQS standard, it’s no surprise that the economy has not recovered under the Obama Administration. In fact, if the EPA brings the Ozone standard down to 60 parts per billion, as it is taking comment on, it would put all 77 counties in Oklahoma out of attainment, making it impossible to do things like build new highways and factories.  It could also stall much of the new oil and gas development going on around the country. These are the things that we have tried to raise attention to over the last few years, and I anticipate that will continue to be the case. But a few years ago, if there is an agency that I did not think would get brought into this thrall of overregulation, it would be the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. I have always seen the NRC as being a leader of working cooperatively with industry to craft regulations in a way that appropriately balance safety and cost, particularly when it comes to the cumulative cost of regulations.  So when I see that the NRC is working on some 50 or 60 new policies and regulations, knowing that many of them are redundant of other policies already on the books, I have to wonder where things went wrong. Many of these regulations will only have marginal, if any, impact on improving safety – whether security or operational – and yet their cost is massive when everything is added together. I want the nuclear fleet in the United States to be safe, and it is safe.  The NRC on the whole has been doing its job well.  But the fact of the matter is that NRC has grown too large, and it doesn’t have enough to do.  I’ve said several times here that I helped push the Agency’s budget higher because we thought a nuclear renaissance was coming.  It did not, but the NRC got the money anyway.  And what do government agencies do when their budget grows faster than their mission?  They overregulate. I support reducing the NRC budget because I think a smaller NRC, at this point in time, will enable the commission to focus its efforts on its core mission and not on the development of unnecessary and redundant regulations. I appreciate you taking the time to come testify.  I look forward to hearing your thoughts on these matters and look forward to working with you to craft solutions.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/wsj-obama-urges-congress-pass-ebola-funding-holiday-break,WSJ: Obama Urges Congress to Pass Ebola Funding Before Holiday Break,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Wall Street Journal - Byron Tau President Barack Obama invoked the responsibility of the U.S. to lead on the world stage as he renewed his call for Congress to pass a $6.2 billion emergency aid package aimed at combating the Ebola outbreak. Speaking at an event at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., Mr. Obama said American leadership at home and abroad was needed to tackle the deadly disease worldwide. “We need to protect the American people, and we need to show the world how America leads,” the president said. “American leadership matters, every time. We set the tone, and we set the agenda,” Mr. Obama said, after a brief tour of the research facilities, located just outside Washington, D.C. Last week, the World Health Organization reported that more than 5,600 people have died from the current Ebola outbreak. The president’s visit to NIH was sparked by last week’s announcement by researchers there that an early clinical trial of a potential Ebola vaccine appeared to be safe and ready for a field trial in West Africa later this year or early next year. “No potential Ebola vaccine has ever made it this far, so this is exciting news,” the president said. “The work you do here is remarkable,” Mr. Obama said. “Part of American leadership in the world—one of the things that has always marked us as exceptional—is our leadership in science and our leadership in research.” In his 20-minute remarks, the president called on Congress to ensure that the aid package was passed before the congressional holiday break—calling it a bipartisan, common-sense measure that would protect both Americans and people around the world. The White House requests for additional funds to address the Ebola outbreak and the threat from Islamic State militants are under negotiation as part of the House-Senate talks over a funding measure through next September, a congressional aide said. “We’re going to try and be as helpful as we can be,” said Rep. Tom Cole (R., Okla.), a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “Those just aren’t appropriate political weapons and they ought to both be approached in a bipartisan way.” Mr. Obama linked the current Ebola outbreak to the need for additional public investments in science and research—calling the outbreak and the work on a potential vaccine “a reminder of the importance of government funded research and our need to keep investing in basic research.” He also warned that the world needed to be vigilant to keep the disease from spreading any further. “Every hot spot is an ember; if not contained, it can become a new fire,” Mr. Obama said. Online: Wall Street Journal",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-inhofe-opening-statement-at-sasc-nominations-hearing,Inhofe Opening Statement at SASC Nominations Hearing,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Opening Statement at SASC Nominations Hearing Tuesday, December 2, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today made the following opening statement for a full SASC committee hearing to consider the nominations of Mr. Robert M. Scher to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities; Ms. Elissa Slotkin to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs; Mr. David J. Berteau to be Assistant Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Material Readiness; Ms. Alissa M. Starzak to be General Counsel of the Department of the Army; and Admiral Harry B. Harris, Jr., USN for reappointment to the grade of Admiral and to be Commander of United States Pacific Command.  As prepared for delivery: This will likely be Chairman Levin’s last hearing, so I want to take a moment to thank him for his many years of friendship and service on this Committee. Today’s nomination hearing comes at a precarious time. As we enter the last two years of this Administration, it’s clear that their national security policies have been a disaster. In the face of growing threats, the President has responded by dismantling our military, appeasing our adversaries, abandoning our partners, and refusing to implement a new National Security Strategy. Rather than take responsibility and change course, he is doubling down on his failed policies and blaming the Secretary of Defense, who was expected to work with both hands tied behind his back with an inadequate budget and in a strategy vacuum.    Frankly, with the handicaps the President has put in place for his Secretary of Defense, worrying about who sits in that position is like worrying how the deck chairs on the Titanic are arranged.  Six years into this Administration, we still have no coherent strategy for the Middle East, no effective plan to deter Russia, China, Iran and ISIS, and no overarching National Security Strategy to address an increasingly complex threat landscape.  The New York Times reports that when Susan Rice, Obama’s National Security Advisor, was asked why there hasn’t been a new National Security Strategy in four years, she said “If we had put it out in February or April or July, it would have been overtaken by events two weeks later.”   Susan Rice admits she can’t build a strategy that can last more than two weeks.  If the President wanted to change the disastrous course we’re on, he should’ve fired Susan Rice last week, not the Secretary of Defense. Instead, he’s hiding behind one of the most dangerously insular White House’s in recent history - afraid of criticism and disconnected from reality.  He’s relying on his political and media advisors instead of his military leaders to guide our national security, and as a result, we continue to lurch from crisis to crisis. One of the most glaring examples has been the President’s approach to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. When President Obama was asked on August 6th of this year whether the U.S. should finally provide lethal assistance to Ukraine given Russian troop movements and the tanks, artillery, and rockets Putin has given the separatists, he said no, but added (quote):  “Now, if you start seeing an invasion by Russia, that’s obviously a different set of questions. We’re not there yet.”   That was in August.  I guess the President forgot that Russia invaded and formally annexed Crimea 5 months earlier in March. And after Russian troops invaded Eastern Ukraine for a second time at the end of August, I guess we were still “not there yet”. And after President Poroshenko came and addressed a joint session of Congress on September 18th and said “Blankets and night-vision goggles are important, but one cannot win a war with blankets,” I guess we were still “not there yet”. Without a strategy to deter Putin, I’m not sure we’ll ever get there. As President Obama sits on the sidelines, Putin continues to de-Reaganize Europe. When I was in Lithuania in October, I talked to the leaders of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, and they are convinced that Putin is coming after them next.    It’s clear that Russia, China, Iran and ISIS see weakness and the President’s hollow rhetoric has not deterred them from taking ever more aggressive action at the expense of our security.  And it’s not just me who thinks this.  I hear constantly when I travel that our friends don’t trust us and our enemies don’t fear us.  We need a better plan.  We need to restore funding to our armed forces, we need a National Security Strategy that is driven by the threats we face, and we need to stand with our allies and partners against the tyrants and terrorists who threaten our shared security.  For as long as I can remember, the American people have expected the men and women of their military to be the best trained and best equipped fighting force in the world, able to overwhelm any adversary at any time.  The President’s misplaced spending priorities and absolute lack of strategic guidance are forcing this distinction to slip from our grasp.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-urges-epa-to-withdraw-clean-power-plant-rule,INHOFE URGES EPA TO WITHDRAW CLEAN POWER PLANT RULE,2014-12-02,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"INHOFE URGES EPA TO WITHDRAW CLEAN POWER PLANT RULE Tuesday, December 2, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. —  U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, sent a letter Monday to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy urging the EPA to withdraw its Clean Power Plan rule from consideration.  In the letter, Inhofe highlights that the Clean Power Plan rule, a key component of the President’s Climate Action Plan, is in clear conflict of the Clean Air Act and would impose a mandate on states that has been expressly prohibited by Congress. Inhofe wrote, “The clear language of the Clean Air Act (the Act) unambiguously prohibits the promulgation of this proposed rule.  When Congress gave EPA the authority to require state-by-state pollution controls on existing sources under section 111(d) of the Act, it was extremely sensitive to the possibility of subjecting sources to double-regulation by both the states and the federal government.  As such, Congress expressly prohibited EPA from requiring state-by-state regulations of categories of sources where it had already established a national standard.  The Act states that EPA may not mandate standards from ‘a source category which is regulated under section 112’ of the Act.” Inhofe goes on to argue that the rule should be withdrawn also on the basis of it being an unauthorized expansion of EPA’s authority. If EPA moves forward with the rule, it would be in direct contradiction to the recent Supreme Court decision in Utility Air Regulatory Group (UARG) v. EPA which struck EPA’s Tailoring Rule because it ushered in an “enormous and transformative expansion in EPA’s regulatory authority without clear congressional authorization.” The Clean Power Plan would also place unnecessary burden on the U.S. electric grid, which could have a severe, negative impact on U.S. economic competitiveness.  In the letter, Inhofe highlighted how Oklahomans would be directly affected as part by the rule and would likely see power prices spike.  As part of the Southwest Power Pool, Oklahomans could also face rolling blackouts by as early as 2020.  “The rule will also have a dramatic impact on the nation’s electricity reliability, adding to its political and economic significance.  The North American Electric Reliability Corporation issued a report warning of the major adverse effects the rule could have on grid reliability, highlighting that EPA’s estimate that as many as 134 gigawatts, or about 10 percent of our nation’s total electric generating capacity, could be forced to retire by 2020. This may be too aggressive for power providers to effectively meet without sacrificing reliability.   Further, the Southwest Power Pool, to which Oklahoma is a party, determined that this rule could result in rolling blackouts and leave the region far below needed reserve margins by 2020.  By 2024, the rule could reduce generating capacity so much that the region may not have the power needed to meet demand, reserve margins aside,” Inhofe said. The public comment period on the Clean Power Plant rule ended on Monday. To read the full letter, please click here.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/dealing-iran,Dealing with Iran,2014-12-01,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Since 1984, Iran has been designated by the U.S. Department of State as a sponsor of terrorism around the world. Without question, this designation has set a precedent in our relationship with Iran, causing distrust and caution in our dealings with the country. In fact, last year was the first time since 1979 that direct communication between the U.S. and Iranian heads of government even took place, when President Barack Obama reached out to Iranian President Hassan Rouhani with a phone call. When President Obama communicated with Iranian President Rouhani, he ran the risk of looking naïve and undercutting other negotiations. This came in the midst of talks between Iran and the P5+1, consisting of the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council (United States, United Kingdom, France, China and Russia) and Germany.  A couple months later in November of last year, the P5+1 announced a temporary deal that would lift some sanctions on Iran and unfreeze some Iranian assets if Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program, particularly the ability to enrich uranium at the levels needed to make an atomic bomb.   At the time this temporary deal was unveiled, it was presented as a way to provide more time for a comprehensive agreement and supposedly incentivize Iran’s cooperation. Since that first announcement, the agreement has been extended twice to allow more time in these talks. This includes the most recent seven-month extension that was announced last week. While the Administration obviously hopes that a deal is possible, it is better and safer for the American people and our friends around the globe to only accept an agreement that permanently eliminates Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons. Iran cannot be allowed to build an atomic bomb, and the only way we can prevent that from becoming a reality is by eliminating—not simply limiting—the means to do that. We must always remember who we trust and who has proven trustworthy. In the fight against terror, it’s always better to fight alongside our known friends rather than foolishly try to reason with our suspected and declared enemies. Iran has shown itself to be a player in promoting terrorism, not a partner in fighting against it.  Despite Iran’s recently declared intentions and observed actions, we cannot be confident that peaceful intentions exist today. In the days ahead during talks between the P5+1 and Iran, I hope that any comprehensive deal reached is brought to and approved by Congress before it is implemented. Unless such a deal eliminates Iran’s nuclear weapons capacity, it is important to renew previous pressure on Iran through sanctions.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lucas.house.gov/press-release/lucas-statement-president-obama%E2%80%99s-immigration-executive-order,Lucas Statement on President Obamas Immigration Executive Order,2014-12-01,2014,2014-12,Republican,House,OK,Frank Lucas,L000491,lucas.house.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Frank Lucas issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s recent announcement that he will issue an executive order to prevent the deportation of millions of immigrants who entered the United States illegally. “Rather than working with Congress on the issue of immigration, President Obama has declared amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants. The president’s brazen use of executive action to bypass our nation’s immigration laws threatens the sanctity of our border, does nothing to stem the growing tide of illegal immigration and delays the prospect of fixing our legal immigration system. “The president’s single-minded approach on immigration will not work, and he must remember that it is his constitutional duty to implement, not write, the law.  If he is serious about immigration reform, President Obama must first work with Congress to secure the border and enforce, rather than ignore, our nation’s laws,” said Congressman Lucas.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-promises-rigorous-oversight-of-proposed-ozone-standard,Inhofe Promises Rigorous Oversight of Proposed Ozone Standard,2014-11-26,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Promises Rigorous Oversight of Proposed Ozone Standard Wednesday, November 26, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, pledged today that the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal to lower the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard would undergo rigorous oversight in the new Congress.  ""EPA's proposal to lower the Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) to between 65 parts per billion and 70 ppb will lower our nation's economic competitiveness and stifle job creation for decades,"" said Inhofe. ""The EPA's previously proposed Ozone standard came with a price tag of up to $90 billion per year, by EPA's own estimation.  In 2011, President Obama pulled back on the 2010 proposal due to high costs and the potential of a detrimental impact to American businesses. Now the EPA is proposing an equally aggressive standard while failing to even be advised about the potential cost of lowering the standard.  As Senate committees return to regular order in the new Congress, this rule will face rigorous oversight so we can gain a better understanding of the health and economic impacts of the proposed standard, and we will solicit the thoughtful input of state and local leaders across the country. ""EPA left the door open to lower the standard as far as 60 ppb, which would force out of attainment all 77 counties in Oklahoma.  This would put federal highway funds at risk and it would restrict industry plans to expand as well as halt any plans to build new manufacturing or production facilities.  The rule would also cost Oklahoma roughly 14,000 well-paying jobs and force $846 million in total compliance costs on Oklahoma's job creators.  Oklahoma families would see their electricity prices rise 15 percent and their household incomes drop an average of $660 per year, an unnecessary sacrifice to those who seek to provide better lives for their loved ones. I refuse to let the people of Oklahoma, and America more broadly, fall victim to EPA's over-regulation and extreme environmentalist agenda. Today we are breathing the cleanest air since the Clean Air Act was passed in the 1970s, and our country should first look to meet the current Ozone standard before we even consider adding more burdensome, costly mandates."" On Nov. 20, Sens. Inhofe and David Vitter (R-La.) sent a letter to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) at the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) urging the White House to not allow the EPA to propose a new Ozone standard without first being advised by the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee (CASAC) on the potential economic impacts of the rule.  The Clean Air Act requires CASAC to perform this analysis and report it to the EPA Administrator as part of its review of the standard, but CASAC did not conduct the review and EPA refused to officially request it, despite the clear statutory requirement that the analysis be conducted.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-extension-of-oklahomas-esea-flexibility,Inhofe Statement on Extension of Oklahomas ESEA Flexibility,2014-11-25,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Statement on Extension of Oklahoma’s ESEA Flexibility Tuesday, November 25, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U. S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Education announcing yesterday that the State of Oklahoma has been granted an extension of Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Flexibility: “After initially denying Oklahoma’s request for continued flexibility from the strict regulations of ESEA in order to complete the development and implementation of Oklahoma’s college- and career- ready standards, it is welcome news that the U.S. Department of Education has reinstated our state's waiver. This will give Oklahoma’s teachers, administrators, and school children the needed flexibility to meet and exceed the current standards set by the U.S. Department of Education. I have always been a strong supporter of giving more control of the education of our children to local communities, and in June I introduced the Local School Board Governance and Flexibility Act to limit burdensome, big-government education regulation from the federal government. I am proud to work close with the Oklahoma delegation and stakeholders to ensure Oklahoma’s communities, parents, and students have a greater voice in Oklahoma’s education system.” On Aug. 25, the Oklahoma Delegation sent a letter to the Secretary of Education Arne Duncan requesting the agency to consider a one-year extension of Oklahoma’s Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Flexibility in order to continue developing elementary and secondary education standards in conjunction with institutions of higher education. On Aug. 28th, the U.S. Department of Education denied Oklahoma’s flexibility request. On Oct. 16th Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education determined the state’s Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS) subject matter standards were college- and career- ready. In a letter dated Nov. 10, the Oklahoma delegation again urged Secretary Duncan to grant ESEA Flexibility to the State of Oklahoma in light of the development of the PASS standards, in order to avoid costly implementation of No Child Left Behind standards, and to provide certainty and stability to the Oklahoma State Department of Education.                                                                            ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/grateful-hearts,Grateful Hearts,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"As we gather around the Thanksgiving table this week, we are reminded about the many things for which we are grateful as individuals, as families, as friends, as communities and as a nation. On Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season, we pause with grateful hearts, reflect upon our blessings and share them with one another.  Even before we became the United States of America, the tradition of taking a special day to count our blessings has long been observed. While the idea originated with that first feast at Plymouth, in which the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to give thanks for the harvest, Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday on October 3, 1789 by President George Washington. The presidential proclamation recommended a “day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.” Those words reflected the outlook of the American people, and they are words still relevant and worth living by today.  While much has changed since our nation’s beginnings, we remain grateful for the freedoms that our founding fathers risked their lives to secure and generations of other Americans have fought hard to preserve. More than 238 years since we became a nation, our freedoms are still unique, still worth fighting for and still deserving of our gratitude. Indeed, we are truly a blessed nation. This week, as you’re planning your Thanksgiving feast, attending events to observe the day, giving back to the community, relaxing while watching football or just enjoying time with your precious loved ones, I hope you’ll join me in giving thanks.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-statement-resignation-secretary-chuck-hagel,Cole Statement on Resignation of Secretary Chuck Hagel,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after President Barack Obama announced the resignation of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel.  “During his time in military combat, as a U.S. Senator and most recently as Secretary of Defense, Chuck Hagel has served our nation with distinction and honor,” said Cole. “As Secretary of Defense, serving at the Pentagon for nearly two years, he faced many challenges, including the implementation of deep cuts to our military in the midst of mounting crises overseas.   ""While it is unclear what prompted Secretary Hagel’s resignation today, I hope that the Administration carefully considers its strategy for confronting our enemies. Moreover, I urge the Administration to work with Congress to resolve the issue of the so called 'sequester' that is weakening our military and making the job of Secretary of Defense virtually impossible for even a person as dedicated and talented as Secretary Hagel to successfully perform. Without strong resolve and real leadership against terrorist groups, our ability to combat dangerous enemies like ISIL will only weaken.” ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-iranian-nuclear-program-negotiations,Inhofe Statement on Iranian Nuclear Program Negotiations,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Statement on Iranian Nuclear Program Negotiations Monday, November 24, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today released the following statement on President Obama’s negotiations with Iran on its nuclear enrichment program: “As I expected and predicted, there is no deal on the Iranian nuclear program.  Thanks to the President’s foreign policy of appeasement, his systematic dismantling of the American armed forces, and the lack of a coherent strategy for the Middle East, Iran is negotiating from a position of strength.     ""Since 2007, our intelligence has said publicly that Iran would have a nuclear weapon and delivery system that could reach the United States by 2015 – and now we’re negotiating into 2015.  We have no insight into and no monitoring of Iran’s Parchin military base outside of Tehran, where the International Atomic Energy Agency believes they have been working on designs for a nuclear bomb.  The Iranians have been deceiving the international community about its nuclear program for two decades and I see no reason why this would change.    ""I agree with Prime Minister Netanyahu when he said that the interim agreement was a 'historic mistake' and that 'no deal is better than a bad deal.'  Allowing Iran to retain the capability to be able to build a bomb in one year is not success – it’s a bad deal.  The only good deal with Iran would be to reinstate the full spectrum of sanctions or dismantle the country's enrichment program and implement a monitoring regime to prevent the development of a clandestine program.  But that’s not the path we’re on.  President Obama has already made a reckless agreement to ease pressure on Iran, and I fear it will get worse."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-resignation-of-sec-hagel,Inhofe Statement on Resignation of Secretary Hagel,2014-11-24,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Statement on Resignation of Secretary Hagel Monday, November 24, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today released the following statement in response to the resignation of Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel:  ""I’ve known Secretary Hagel for many years and consider him a friend.  He has served his country with dedication and I wish him well in his future endeavors. ""Over the last two years, Secretary Hagel did everything the President asked of him and now is being made a scapegoat for the Administration’s failed policies and relentless pursuit to disarm America. We’ve seen this story before from the White House.  Much like what happened to General Jim Jones, the dangerously insular West Wing pushes out those who question their disastrous policies, as Secretary Hagel had begun to do in recent months on sequestration and in a scathing memo to Susan Rice on the White House’s failing strategy in Syria and Iraq.  Not surprisingly, the President seems determined to double down on his misguided policies for his last two years in office instead of changing course to deal with the growing security challenges that have festered on his watch.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-statement-president%E2%80%99s-plan-grant-executive-amnesty,Cole Statement on Presidents Plan to Grant Executive Amnesty,2014-11-21,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after President Barack Obama addressed the nation, announcing that he will grant executive amnesty to approximately 5 million illegal immigrants.  “I am amazed that the president insists on going ahead with action that he has said, on multiple occasions, he would not and could not constitutionally take,” said Cole. “I am deeply disappointed that the president refuses to work with lawmakers who represent the beliefs of the American people. Without question, decisions on such controversial issues as immigration should be carried out by working together in a bipartisan manner, including the president seeking congressional oversight and approval. Instead, the president is unfortunately taking the go-it-alone approach and complicating the future of real immigration reform in the process.  “The president should always seek to unite, rather than divide the American people. Especially with such a highly charged issue, the president is yet again missing the opportunity to work with lawmakers and show the country that government can function and find solutions to the challenges facing our country. By choosing not to work with Congress to actually solve the issue, the president has chosen to pit lawmakers and the Americans they represent against each other by taking this rash action.  “In the days and months ahead, I hope that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle will engage in discussion on the immigration issue, restore order to the legislative process and rein in White House overreach. When dealing with such complex and controversial issues, Americans should be able to rest assured that all branches of government are working together,” concluded Cole. ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206032311/http://mullin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-mullins-statement-on-president-obama-s-immigration-executive,Congressman Mullin's Statement on President Obamas Immigration Executive Order,2014-11-21,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Markwayne Mullin,M001190,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) issued the following statement in response to President Obama's announcement that he would be using an executive order to prevent deportation of illegal immigrants in the United States. “Tonight, the President announced an immigration plan that completely ignores the will of the American people, the Constitution, and is contrary to previous statements made by the President himself.  Only Congress has the power to write laws, and it is the President’s job to enforce them. Through his partisan, unilateral actions, he has further divided our nation and made it more difficult to address our immigration problems.  Right now, we need the President to enforce our current laws and give additional resources to border patrol agencies.  Further, he needs to allow local law enforcement and border patrol officials to do their jobs by enforcing the law instead of telling them what laws they can enforce and limiting their access to certain portions of the border.  We have to secure borders before we can enact any immigration reform.  Most of us agree our immigration system is broken. However, by issuing this executive order, President Obama is encouraging more people to enter the country illegally through our porous borders in the hopes of receiving future amnesty and taking advantage of a government that does not enforce its own laws. I look forward to working with members on both sides of the aisle to address immigration in an appropriate way that reflects the will of the American people, respects the rule of law, and represents the values of our Constitution."" ### For information contact: Josh Miller | Communications Director, 202-225-2701, josh.miller@mail.house.gov  Angie Gallant | District Press Secretary, 918-351-8700, angie.gallant@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206032335/http://mullin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-mullin-to-serve-on-energy-and-commerce-committee,Congressman Mullin to Serve on Energy and Commerce Committee,2014-11-21,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Markwayne Mullin,M001190,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) today announced that Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) has been selected to serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee during the 114th Congress. “I am excited to welcome Congressman Mullin to the Energy and Commerce Committee,” said Upton. “He’s a got a great bipartisan record of success, especially with his work on WRRDA during his time on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Further, his business experiences in Oklahoma will undoubtedly prove beneficial as we continue our efforts to create jobs, promote life-saving cures, unleash America’s energy abundance, protect families, and foster growth in this new era of innovation.” The Energy and Commerce Committee is the oldest standing legislative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Committee has a very broad jurisdiction over issues deeply important to Oklahoma and the Second Congressional District. The Committee deals with issues such as health care, energy, telecommunications, and commerce. It oversees numerous federal entities, such as the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Energy, the Department of Commerce, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Communications Commission. “It’s an honor to be selected to serve on such an influential committee, especially during this critical time in our country’s history,” said Mullin “I’m looking forward to providing an Oklahoma business owner perspective as the committee works to address issues like regulatory reform and continuing health care problems.  Additionally, I will be able to make sure that the challenges we face with rural health care is part of the discussion. “With Oklahoma’s top two employers being the energy and health sectors, our state has a vested interest in any actions affecting those industries.  So when burdensome regulations come down from Washington, we truly feel the impact. “As a business owner, I have had to comply with these regulations and I know how they can impede business growth.  I’m excited to bring that perspective to the committee as we fight to reform our regulatory system.” Oklahoma is home to four energy companies on the Fortune 500 list. The state’s largest employer is the energy sector, with one in five jobs supported by oil and gas. Second to the energy industry in employment of Oklahomans is the health care industry. Other state and private sector officials commented on Mullin being added to the committee: “Congressman Mullin's appointment to the Energy and Commerce Committee could not have occurred at a more critical time,” said Dr. Steve Turner, President of Northeastern State University. “His personal commitment to improving and protecting the quality of life for all the good folks in the district is widely known and greatly appreciated.  I have every confidence that he will work with a sense of urgency through its sub committees like Health and Environment/Economy. His work ethic coupled with his understanding and appreciation of Northeastern State University's role in optometric medicine, allied health, environmental health and safety management will serve NE Oklahoma well.” “Congressman Markwayne Mullin’s appointment to the Energy and Commerce Committee signifies Oklahoma’s growing role in the American Energy Renaissance,” said Harold Hamm, Chairman and CEO of Continental Resources. “Poised to surpass Alaska and California as the nation’s third largest oil producer, our state is leading an industry that is fueling America’s economic and geopolitical comeback. Congressman Mullin’s commitment to free enterprise, a balanced regulatory environment and U.S. energy independence will help ensure this oil and gas revolution reaches its full potential – creating millions of jobs, billions in GDP and increased national security.” “This is fantastic news for Oklahoma’s Oil and Natural Gas Producers,” said Chad Warmington, President of the Oklahoma Oil & Gas Association. “As the only Oklahoman on this extremely important committee Congressman Mullin will be uniquely positioned to carry the message to Washington DC of the incredible innovation and importance of Oklahoma-based producers in the continuing development of our national energy security. We are very excited to have Congressman Mullin on the Energy & Commerce committee where he can continue his great work on behalf of all Oklahomans.” “The state of Oklahoma has a proud tradition of service on the House Energy & Commerce Committee, and Congressman Mullin is an excellent choice to continue that representation,” said John Richels, President and CEO of Oklahoma City-based Devon Energy and Chairman of the American Exploration and Production Council. “He understands our industry and has been a strong advocate for sound policies that promote jobs, economic growth and responsible energy development. His role on this important committee will undoubtedly bolster those efforts.” ""I am ecstatic to learn of Congressman Markwayne Mullin's appointment to the House Energy and Commerce Committee,” said Eric K. Miller, Director of Business & Economic Development for the Muskogee City-County Port Authority. “During his first term, Congressman Mullin was in the vanguard of redressing issues that adversely affected the economic efficacy and vitality of two of the most important economic drivers in the State of Oklahoma-the Port of Muskogee and the Port of Catoosa. Congressman Mullin's vision, pragmatism, ability to form working relationships and indefatigable leadership, are traits that have served Oklahoma well. Those same traits will continue to serve our state, particularly in rural Oklahoma, as he transitions to his new role with the House Energy and Commerce Committee.”   ### For information contact: Josh Miller | Communications Director, 202-225-2701, josh.miller@mail.house.gov Angie Gallant | District Press Secretary, 918-351-8700, angie.gallant@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofes-statement-on-epas-delay-of-ethanol-rule,Inhofe's Statement on EPA's Delay of Ethanol Rule,2014-11-21,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe's Statement on EPA's Delay of Ethanol Rule Friday, November 21, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Environment and Publics Works Committee, today called the Renewable Fuel Standard “broken” after the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to defer until next year final action on the 2014 Renewable Volume Obligations. This is the third year in a row that EPA has missed the statutory deadline of Nov. 30 for finalizing the regulation setting the following year’s requirements for oil refineries and other obligated parties to blend alternative fuels into the nation’s gasoline supply.  ""The Environmental Protection Agency's irresponsible decision to hold off on an announcement for RFS requirements until next year is simply kicking the can down the road.  The EPA should have finalized the 2014 Renewable Volume Obligations in November of 2013, and now U.S. refiners and other affected entities will pay the price with a government mandate that has become retroactive.  This only feeds the environment of uncertainty our economy has suffered with over the past six years, and is not how we should do business in America.  Today’s announcement serves as another reminder that the Renewable Fuel Standard is broken and must be addressed in a new Congress.”                                                                                                      ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=280,"Congressman Jim Bridenstine Declares Executive Amnesty Is Unconstitutional, Unfair, Costly, and Dangerous",2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,bridenstine.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tonight, President Obama announced a series of executive orders regarding immigration.  His executive amnesty is illegal, unfair, costly, and dangerous because it will spur a wave of further illegal immigration.   It's illegal and unconstitutional for the President to usurp legislative power clearly delegated to Congress.  The President has no statutory authority or inherent power to apply prosecutorial discretion to millions of people.     It's unfair to millions of legal immigrants that have played by the rules, and itÍs unfair to the American workforce as labor rates will decline. It's costly because most amnestied illegals will have immediate access to taxpayer funded benefits such as Medicaid, Obamacare, Social Security, and Unemployment Insurance. It's dangerous because amnesty encourages further illegal immigration facilitated by our unsecure border. Last month, I visited with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and National Guard personnel manning the Rio Grande Valley sector of the southern border _ the area most trafficked by cartels smuggling people, drugs, and weapons into the United States.  The border is not secure.  CBP is undermanned, underfunded, and hampered by ridiculous environmental protection laws that limit patrol and surveillance access across much of the border.   I also learned that the cartels (and the foreign governments that abet smuggling operations) are deeply sensitive to changes in U.S. immigration policy.  During the Unaccompanied Children surge crisis, House Republicans passed a bill to suspend foreign aid to Central American countries until they acted to stop the flow of illegal immigrants.  Though President Obama ignored our bill, the mere threat of congressional action prompted consular officials from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras to instruct detained illegals to stay home once deported.   How should Congress respond to Obama's illegal executive amnesty?  Congress should exercise the power of the purse to withhold funding necessary to implement the President's amnesty.  I hope the President does not choose to shut down the government to enact an executive action that American does not want, that Congress did not vote for, and that is unconstitutional.                  CONTACT: Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director Phone: 202-225-2211 Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov --  30  --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/chairman-rogers-announces-subcommittee-chairs-114th-congress,Chairman Rogers Announces Subcommittee Chairs for the 114th Congress,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers today announced that the Republican Steering Committee has approved the 12 Appropriations Subcommittee Chairs (or “Cardinals”) for the 114th Congress.  “Over the last four years, the Appropriations Committee has taken the lead in getting our budgets under control – cutting $165 billion in federal discretionary spending, one of the largest reductions in history. Even further, Appropriations bills that have been signed into law make a host of good-government changes to the way our federal agencies operate – reining in waste, abuse, and unnecessary bureaucratic over-regulation that harms our economy.  “The 12 Appropriations Subcommittee Chairmen are essential to this success. They lead the way in overseeing our federal agencies, and guide spending decisions to make the most responsible and effective use of American tax dollars. Over the next two years, we will have some big challenges and a full plate of ‘to-dos’ ahead of us as we continue to fight for stability, continuity, and responsibility in the federal budget process. These excellent Subcommittee Cardinals will be a tremendous benefit to our efforts. I congratulate them and look forward to working with them in the 114th Congress,” Chairman Rogers said. The subcommittee Chairs are as follows: Subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development – Chairman Robert Aderholt Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science – Chairman John Culberson Subcommittee on Defense – Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development – Chairman Mike Simpson Subcommittee on Financial Services – Chairman Ander Crenshaw Subcommittee on Homeland Security – Chairman John Carter Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment – Chairman Ken Calvert Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education – Chairman Tom Cole Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch – Chairman Tom Graves Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs – Chairman Charles Dent Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations – Chairwoman Kay Granger Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development – Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart ### Link to original release Contact: Jennifer Hing (202) 225-2771 (Appropriations) Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165 (Cole)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-appointed-chairman-labor-hhs-appropriations-subcommittee,Cole Appointed as Chairman of Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,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 appointed to serve as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies.  “I am honored to be appointed as Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Education,” said Cole. “This subcommittee has vast jurisdiction, causing the decisions made there to be especially complex and at times even controversial. I am truly honored by the amount of trust that Chairman Rogers and the Republican Steering Committee have placed in me to help guide the decision-making process and find the best use of hardworking taxpayer dollars. As we enter the 114th Congress, I look forward to working with the talented committee staff, beginning the process of holding hearings and working with my colleagues to craft legislation that reflects the best interests of the American people.” “With his sharp budgetary mind and fierce commitment to returning stability and regularity to the federal budget process, Tom Cole has long been an asset to the Committee. As he steps into his new role as Chairman of the Labor, Health, and Education Subcommittee, I know Tom will make the tough decisions needed to save taxpayer money, find efficiencies within the government, and fund these important programs responsibly,"" said Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers. This subcommittee oversees funding for the Department of Education, Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Labor. Jurisdiction of the subcommittee also covers related agencies, including the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission and Social Security Administration. For a full description of the subcommittee’s jurisdiction, click here.  ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206030232/http://bridenstine.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-jim-bridenstine-declares-executive-amnesty-is,"Congressman Jim Bridenstine Declares Executive Amnesty Is Unconstitutional, Unfair, Costly, and Dangerous",2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Tonight, President Obama announced a series of executive orders regarding immigration.  His executive amnesty is illegal, unfair, costly, and dangerous because it will spur a wave of further illegal immigration.   It’s illegal and unconstitutional for the President to usurp legislative power clearly delegated to Congress.  The President has no statutory authority or inherent power to apply prosecutorial discretion to millions of people.     It’s unfair to millions of legal immigrants that have played by the rules, and it’s unfair to the American workforce as labor rates will decline. It’s costly because most amnestied illegals will have immediate access to taxpayer funded benefits such as Medicaid, Obamacare, Social Security, and Unemployment Insurance. It’s dangerous because amnesty encourages further illegal immigration facilitated by our unsecure border. Last month, I visited with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and National Guard personnel manning the Rio Grande Valley sector of the southern border – the area most trafficked by cartels smuggling people, drugs, and weapons into the United States.  The border is not secure.  CBP is undermanned, underfunded, and hampered by ridiculous environmental protection laws that limit patrol and surveillance access across much of the border.   I also learned that the cartels – and the foreign governments that abet smuggling operations – are deeply sensitive to changes in U.S. immigration policy.  During the Unaccompanied Children surge crisis, House Republicans passed a bill to suspend foreign aid to Central American countries until they acted to stop the flow of illegal immigrants.  Though President Obama ignored our bill, the mere threat of congressional action prompted consular officials from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras to instruct detained illegals to stay home once deported.   How should Congress respond to Obama’s illegal executive amnesty?  Congress should exercise the power of the purse to withhold funding necessary to implement the President’s amnesty.  I hope the President does not choose to shut down the government to enact an executive action that American does not want, that Congress did not vote for, and that is unconstitutional.                 CONTACT: Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director Phone: 202-225-2211 Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov --  30  --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-presidents-immigration-plan,Inhofe Statement on Presidents Immigration Plan,2014-11-20,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Statement on President’s Immigration Plan Thursday, November 20, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) tonight released the following statement in response to President Obama’s speech in which he announced plans to grant amnesty to 5 million illegal immigrants through executive action: “President Obama’s amnesty plan flies in the face of the American people and their vote this last election cycle when the President put his policies on the ballot, including immigration. Instead of coming to the table to discuss Republicans' concerns with the immigration crisis at our southern border, the President stated tonight that he plans to take action without Congressional oversight. If the President finds a law problematic, he must work with Congress to change the law. He does not have the constitutional authority to unilaterally declare that a law should not apply to millions in America. But that is what he did tonight when he announced plans to give roughly 5 million illegal immigrants amnesty. What does this say to the millions more who are going through the proper channels, studying English and using their precious resources to become a U.S. citizen the right way? I have long supported and fought for those who dreamed about making a better life in the United States for themselves and their families through the proper, legal process, but I will continue to oppose and join efforts to prevent the President’s executive amnesty. I will also be looking to work with my colleagues in the new Congress for ways we can better to secure the border and ensure current laws are being enforced.""   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/bloomberg-republicans-shop-shutdown-alternatives-immigration-fight,Bloomberg: Republicans Shop Shutdown Alternatives in Immigration Fight,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Bloomberg - Heidi Przybyla House Republican leaders are trying to persuade members not to risk a U.S. government shutdown in responding to President Barack Obama’s plan to ease deportation of undocumented immigrants. House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers has offered a plan that would keep the government operating after current funding expires Dec. 11. Rogers of Kentucky said he wants to finance the government for a full year, and retroactively cancel money in 2015 for any immigration action ordered by the president. That would avoid a repeat of the 16-day partial government shutdown in October 2013 caused by a standoff over Republican insistence on using a government spending bill to defund Obama’s health-care law. Republicans’ public approval plunged. House Speaker John Boehner said at a news conference today that canceling appropriated funds is one possibility. “There are a lot of options we’re considering,” he said. “There are a lot of good ideas out there.” A Boehner ally, Republican Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma, said many members “understand what was done in October of last year is not the appropriate way going forward.” Court challenges also are a possibility, he said. “The conference is trying to be a lot more thoughtful,” Cole said. “Our aim is to shut down what the president is doing, not to shut down the government.” Executive Orders Obama has said he will use executive action to revise immigration policy by the end of the year unless Congress advances legislation. That could include halting deportation of the parents of children brought to the U.S. illegally. The action could be broader, covering many of the 11 million people included in a bill passed by the Democratic-led Senate last year. Josh Earnest, the White House spokesman, declined to say when Obama will take action. Asked about potentially shutting down the government, Earnest said “it’s certainly not unprecedented rhetoric from Republicans, unfortunately.” A number of House and Senate Republicans say they want to deny the federal funds needed to issue work permits and residency cards to undocumented immigrants. Congress must pass new funding legislation next month or risk a shutdown. House Republicans’ chief vote-counter, Steve Scalise of Louisiana, has been meeting with conservatives to identify alternatives, said an aide who sought anonymity to describe the private talks. Republican Bridge As former head of the conservative Republican Study Committee, Scalise can serve as a bridge between leadership and Tea Party-backed members looking for a way to block the president. “There are a variety of different tools,” said Utah Representative Jason Chaffetz, an RSC member. Another option is writing a full-year appropriations bill for most of the government and a temporary spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies that handle immigration tasks. Next year Congress could add defunding language to those agencies’ spending bills, recognizing that a presidential veto would affect only them. Representative Lamar Smith of Texas, also an RSC member, said he is open to alternatives, as did Representative Michele Bachmann of Minnesota, a Republican who has frequently split with her party’s leaders. She is retiring after this session. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, said Obama shouldn’t delay action on immigration any longer. “I’m tired of hearing the House of Representatives” say “give us more time, give us more time,” Reid said in an interview with Univision. “I think it should be done now.” Online: Bloomberg",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/new-york-times-some-republicans-lean-away-government-shutdown-tactic,New York Times: Some Republicans Lean Away From Government Shutdown Tactic,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"New York Times - Ashley Parker Americans For Prosperity — the group founded by the billionaire Koch brothers — has met quietly with Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill in recent weeks, cautioning them against fighting the president’s promised executive order on immigration with a strategy that could lead to a government shutdown. Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey echoed that sentiment on Monday in a private meeting of newly elected House members. And on Tuesday, House Republicans emerged from a closed meeting coalescing around two plans that would help fight an expected executive order on immigration from President Obama without fully shutting down the government. “We went down the government shutdown route a year ago. It didn’t work, and I think a lot of people that recall that don’t think it’s wise to repeat that exercise,” said Republican Representative Tom Cole of Oklahoma. “We’ve got a lot more than just a sledgehammer in the toolbox, and so let’s use some of these other weapons that we have.” One option floated by Representative Harold Rogers, Republican of Kentucky and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, calls for passing his committee’s broad spending bill by the Dec. 11 deadline, and then rescinding just the funding for Mr. Obama’s executive action. The other option, proposed by Republican Representative Tom Price of Georgia, calls for passing most of the broad spending bill — but taking out just those funding programs specifically related to the Mr. Obama’s planned immigration action, and fighting the president with a short-term stand-alone measure for those particular funds. Mr. Obama could announce as soon as this week an executive order that would allow up to five million unauthorized immigrants to remain in the country and work without fear of deportation. “We want the government fully funded, but that particular area needs to be defunded,” said Representative Michele Bachmann, Republican of Minnesota. “We don’t want a government shutdown at all, but we’re going to super-scalpel on that area where the president is acting illegally.” Representative Matt Salmon, Republican of Arizona, said that House Republicans were considering a range of options, but that they did not plan to shut down the government, while still promising to fight the president on immigration. “Everything is on the table and the speaker has committed that we’re going to come up with a plan that does not allow the president to have the funding to do this,” Mr. Salmon said. Earlier, Mr. Rogers had called on colleagues in an opinion article to pass his committee’s spending bill “in a responsible, transparent and pragmatic way, without the specter of government shutdowns or the lurching, wasteful and unproductive budgeting caused by temporary stopgap measures.” Their collective voice carried an unmistakable message for the more conservative Republicans in Congress: Shutting down the government would be a terrible way for the party to start its time in power. In floor speeches, opinion articles, public statements and private meetings, Republicans have urged their more conservative colleagues to allow the broad spending bill to pass before the deadline. Americans For Prosperity’s basic pitch to Republicans is: Do not let the president’s immigration stance derail you from your ambitious governing agenda. For those who want to fight Mr. Obama on immigration, the group counsels, the best opportunity will come in the next Congress — when Republicans will control both chambers — through the so-called “regular order” process of committee deliberation and full debate on the floor. “It is important for the new Republican majority to stay focused on crucial priorities like rolling back Obamacare, passing the Keystone pipeline and other energy initiatives, and passing a free market budget,” said Tim Phillips, president of Americans for Prosperity. “That means not overreacting to executive orders by the president.” The 16-day government shutdown in 2013 over the Affordable Care Act badly damaged the Republicans’ standing, and many party elders and strategists want to avoid a repeat. In his op-ed article in Roll Call, Mr. Rogers said Republicans had a mandate “to work together, to govern, to stop the punting and procrastinating, and to make the tough decisions and cast the hard votes to accomplish the tasks they sent us to Washington to do. Completing our lingering appropriations work quickly will help us fulfill this mandate both now and in the months to come.” Ryan Zinke, an incoming Republican representative from Montana, said that among the messages delivered by Governor Christie was “not shutting the government down.” And speaking on the Senate floor on Monday, the majority leader, Harry Reid of Nevada, said he had been having “productive, bipartisan conversations” with Speaker John A. Boehner of Ohio and Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, Democrat of Maryland, chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, about passing the spending bill. “It’s clear to me that Republican leaders want to work together to keep the government funded,” Mr. Reid said. “I hope Republicans in Congress will reject this brinkmanship. A scorched earth policy is no way to govern. Instead, responsible leaders within the Republican Party need to work with Democrats to complete the business of funding our government, regardless of when the president acts to keep families together.” Some Republicans, however, including Mr. Boehner, have left the possibility of a shutdown on the table. Representative Steve King, Republican of Iowa, an outspoken opponent of an immigration overhaul, is readying legislation to undo whatever action the president takes, as well as to undo the protected status the president has already provided to the young undocumented immigrants brought here as children. “I’d like to find a way we can keep as much of the government operating as possible, but there’s no way that this Congress should go forward with any appropriations that goes into any department that reacts to the command of the president when he commands that they violate the law or the Constitution,” Mr. King said last week. “So that means that we can’t fund the branches of government that would be executing his lawless unconstitutional act, should he commit it.” Even Republicans who have been outspoken critics of what they view as “executive amnesty” — as well as what they say is the president’s general overstepping of his constitutional authority — said that a government shutdown was not a savvy move for the party. “I’m just unalterably opposed to another government shutdown. I’m not going to do that to my state, and I will do everything in my power to see that we don’t shut down the government,” said Senator John McCain, Republican of Arizona. “There are lots of ways we can respond, including going to court, including Appropriations bills, including the Budget Act. There are lots of the things we can do. Shutting down the government should not be one of the options.” Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona — one of four Republicans, along with Mr. McCain, who worked to produce a bipartisan immigration bill that passed the Senate last year — said he shared Mr. McCain’s goal. He said he had been giving simple counsel to colleagues behind the scenes: “Don’t shut the government down.” Online: New York Times",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-the-keystone-xl-pipeline,Inhofe Statement on the Keystone XL Pipeline,2014-11-18,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Statement on the Keystone XL Pipeline Tuesday, November 18, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement after the US Senate’s failure to pass S. 2280, a bill to approve to the Keystone XL Pipeline: ""Despite the US Senate failing to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline, I am proud to have voted in favor of the legislation and to have stood once again in defense of thousands of well-paying American jobs and a more robust energy sector. The Keystone pipeline was in need of approval years ago, and I fully expect that the Keystone legislation will see the light of day in a new Congress.  The US energy sector has provided over 9.2 million jobs to Americans, and I will continue to work alongside my colleagues who championed a thriving US economy today.  The Senators who voted against the Keystone XL Pipeline had an opportunity to stand for job creation, energy independence, and national security, but failed to lead the way."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/oklahoma-celebrates-statehood,Oklahoma Celebrates Statehood,2014-11-17,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"On November 16, 1907, Oklahoma became the 46th state in the union. Our existence as a part of this great nation spans over a century, and our heritage is rich. Indeed, we are proud to call Oklahoma our home. As we celebrate the anniversary of our statehood this month, we are reminded that our nation is an ideological mosaic comprised of a variety of opinions and beliefs. While we are united in our identity as Americans, we are also a collection of individual states with understandable pride in our regional heritages, opinions and values.  It’s often that these ideals found in our state and local communities shape us, make us who we are and keep us grounded. Our communities play a major role informing our opinions and determining what matters to us. For those of us who call Oklahoma home, it is important to remember that our values and morals aren't always held by those Americans who call different parts of the nation their home. Throughout my service in the U.S. House of Representatives, I have always endeavored to represent the values and opinions of my fellow Sooners. But I have also tried to understand and respect the viewpoints of my colleagues who represent vastly different parts of America. While the federal government has its place in our system of government, each state also plays a unique role in government, and that constitutional power should be protected. In order to encourage the proper balance of power between the state and federal governments, our founders drafted and passed as part of the Bill of Rights the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Through this amendment, it was agreed that “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” By allowing states to govern themselves as much as possible, our founders knew this would encourage greater efficiency in government and discourage federal overreach. Like those I represent in the U.S. House of Representatives and others across our great state, I will always be proud to be from Oklahoma. I am also pleased that our founders established a system that allows us to be not only proud Americans, but uniquely Oklahomans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-statement-legislation-approve-keystone,Cole Statement on Legislation to Approve Keystone,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 5682, To Approve the Keystone XL Pipeline. “I am pleased that the House once again acted where the president will not,” said Cole. “After more than six years since Keystone first submitted its permit approval application, it’s high time for the Administration to make a decision either way. Rather than needlessly bury the request in unnecessary environmental studies and inaction, the president should acknowledge the value of Keystone to our economy. In addition to lessening the country's dependence on foreign oil, the American people are ready and waiting to feel the benefit of Keystone through the thousands of jobs the construction project will create.”   ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141114220154/http://bridenstine.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-jim-bridenstine-comments-on-the-vote-for-speaker-of-the,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Comments on the Vote for Speaker of the House,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"I explained my reasoning on the vote for the Republican Conference nominee for Speaker of the House in an op-ed to be published in the Tulsa World on Friday.  I feel it is important to communicate with my constituents on this issue, and the Tulsa World is the largest newspaper in my District.  The following is the text of the op-ed:   The Speaker Vote Rep. Jim Bridenstine   Yesterday, the Republican nominee for Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives was selected in a meeting of all the Republican Members elected to serve in the 114th Congress.  The debate and vote was in a Members-only meeting to allow open discussion and build consensus for the Republican nominee who will face off against the Democrat nominee in a vote on the floor of the House in early January.  John Boehner was selected as the Republican nominee. While he is well liked by many within the Republican conference, I continue to believe that Speaker Boehner has not been sufficiently strong in challenging the President -- the most ideologically liberal and obstinate in our nation’s history.  Additionally, there are issues on which the Speaker and I continue to disagree. An effort to replace Speaker Boehner would require several steps, each offering very little chance of success.  The first step would be to rally enough Republican dissenting votes to block a 50% + 1 vote on the floor.  The Republicans have a historically high 60-seat majority in the newly elected 114th Congress, possibly higher as midterm election vote counts continue.  With this large of a majority, the probability of securing enough dissenting votes is remote, especially after a private nomination meeting. If 30 or more Republicans voted for someone else and Speaker Boehner did not get a 50% + 1 vote, a second private meeting of the Republican Conference would occur.  At that meeting the dissenting Members would have to withstand pressure from the balance of the Republican Conference.  The minority of Republicans would have to offer an alternative candidate who the majority of Republicans would accept.  The probability that there would be 30 or more dissenters is virtually zero, and likewise the chance that the majority of Republicans would capitulate to the minority is near zero. If the minority of the Conference somehow prevailed, there would be another vote on the floor, again requiring a 50% + 1 majority.  This time, members of the original majority would vote against the new Republican nominee to block the minority.  The process would be in shambles, the public would be outraged, and Democrats would be strengthened.  If this impossible scenario happened, it would be the worst outcome for those of us who have been fighting for the conservative movement.  My goal has always been to do what is right for our country, regardless of the political consequences.  In my first term, with a smaller Republican majority, I voted against Speaker Boehner on the floor believing that we could deny him a 50% + 1 majority.  However, Rep. Boehner was elected as several potential dissenters succumbed to pressure.  While that effort may have been the right move under a smaller Republican majority, it is not the right move under a larger majority.  As the Speaker attempts to balance diverse political viewpoints within the Republican Conference, conservatives must encourage him to lead the Conference in repealing Obamacare, securing the southern border, balancing the budget, and blocking a bad deal with Iran that would endanger Israel and our partners in the Middle East.  I intend to send Speaker Boehner a letter letting him know that I will vote for him on the floor, but that I expect a bold stance on these issues.  Without Harry Reid as a roadblock in the Senate, there is no excuse for the House to underperform.  The midterm elections proved the vitality of the conservative movement.  We are strong and growing stronger.  As more conservatives join our ranks in a larger Republican Conference, we must continue doing all we can to advance conservative principles which enable economic growth and keep us morally grounded and militarily strong. As always, I will fiercely guard my independence, continuing to strive for what is right for our country.   CONTACT: Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director Phone: 202-225-2211 Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov    --  30  --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141206041554/http://mullin.house.gov//media-center/press-releases/congressman-mullin-praises-house-passage-of-keystone-xl-approval,Congressman Mullin Praises House Passage of Keystone XL Approval Legislation,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Markwayne Mullin,M001190,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) praised the House passage of H.R. 5682, a bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline.  The legislation was introduced this week by Congressman Bill Cassidy (LA-06) and would authorize the construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of the pipeline. “For more than six years, the President has played political gamesmanship with the approval of the Keystone Pipeline,” said Mullin. “While he consistently talks about the importance of infrastructure investments, providing for future generations, and helping everyday Americans, he chooses to deny a project that would provide all of these.  This is especially frustrating because I see the benefits that the southern leg has already had on my district and I know this approval will enhance those effects. “I hope the House passage of the legislation today will serve as a call to the President and the Senate that it’s time to approve the pipeline. They’ve delayed this project for far too long already. If they want to help provide Americans with good, high-paying jobs they will join us in moving this legislation forward.” The bill is in response to the Administration’s failure to issue a final decision on the pipeline since the original application in September of 2008.  While environmental concerns had been expressed, the latest application contains a reroute of the pipeline to avoid any sensitive areas in Nebraska. Additionally, the Department of State issued earlier this year a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, stating the pipeline would have limited environmental effect.  The legislation deems this statement adequate to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and any other federal laws. H.R. 5682 passed the House by a vote of 252 to 161. It will now go to the Senate for approval. ### For information contact: Josh Miller | Communications Director, 202-225-2701, josh.miller@mail.house.gov Angie Gallant | District Press Secretary, 918-351-8700, angie.gallant@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-presidents-3-billion-climate-change-pledge,Inhofe Statement on Presidents $3 Billion Climate Change Pledge,2014-11-14,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Statement on President’s $3 Billion Climate Change Pledge Friday, November 14, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today released the following statement in response to President Obama pledging $3 billion to the United Nations' (U.N.) Green Climate Fund: ""President Obama’s pledge to give unelected bureaucrats at the U.N. $3 billion for climate change initiatives is an unfortunate decision to not listen to voters in this most recent election cycle. His climate change spending priorities, estimated to be $120 billion since the beginning of his Administration, were on the ballot, and Americans spoke. The President’s climate change agenda has only siphoned precious taxpayer dollars away from the real problems facing the American people. In a new Congress, I will be working with my colleagues to reset the misguided priorities of Washington in the past six years. This includes getting our nation’s debt under control, securing proper equipment and training to protect our men and women in uniform, and repairing our nation’s crumbling roads and bridges. These are the realistic priorities of today.”    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=278,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Objects to Unilateral GHG Commitment,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,bridenstine.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Jim Bridenstine Objects to Unilateral GHG Commitment Washington, DC, November 13, 2014 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE f t # e Washington D.C., November 13, 2014 On November 11th, President Obama unilaterally committed the U.S. to even steeper greenhouse gas reductions that will have a negligible effect on global temperatures. The President has shown that he will stop at nothing to implement a radical green agenda.   Speaking with the Chinese president, President Obama, without the consent of Congress, unilaterally committed America to bring its greenhouse gas emissions down to levels 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. This is a major step beyond his previously stated goal of a 17 percent reduction from 2005 levels by 2020. The Chinese merely agreed to stop the increase in their emissions by 2030.   ObamaÍs new, more aggressive target constitutes a war on fossil fuels and, tragically, an additional burden on those least able to afford higher energy bills. Once again, President Obama strengthens our competitors while weakening the United States.   Congress must do everything in its power to stop this insanity. Oklahomans can rest assured that they have allies in Congress. Senator Inhofe will likely chair the committee with oversight over the EPA. In the House, I will continue to fight this imperial presidency and its politically-driven EPA policies that diminish the prosperity of Oklahomans and all Americans.   See the blog on my website Bridenstine.House.Gov for more details.     CONTACT: Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director Phone: 202-225-2211 Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov   --  30  -- f t # e",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141113230042/http://bridenstine.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-jim-bridenstine-objects-to-unilateral-ghg-commitment,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Objects to Unilateral GHG Commitment,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"On November 11th, President Obama unilaterally committed the U.S. to even steeper greenhouse gas reductions that will have a negligible effect on global temperatures. The President has shown that he will stop at nothing to implement a radical green agenda.   Speaking with the Chinese president, President Obama, without the consent of Congress, unilaterally committed America to bring its greenhouse gas emissions down to levels 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. This is a major step beyond his previously stated goal of a 17 percent reduction from 2005 levels by 2020. The Chinese merely agreed to stop the increase in their emissions by 2030.   Obama’s new, more aggressive target constitutes a war on fossil fuels and, tragically, an additional burden on those least able to afford higher energy bills. Once again, President Obama strengthens our competitors while weakening the United States.   Congress must do everything in its power to stop this insanity. Oklahomans can rest assured that they have allies in Congress. Senator Inhofe will likely chair the committee with oversight over the EPA. In the House, I will continue to fight this imperial presidency and its politically-driven EPA policies that diminish the prosperity of Oklahomans and all Americans.   See the blog on my website Bridenstine.House.Gov for more details.     CONTACT: Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director Phone: 202-225-2211 Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov   --  30  --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141113230121/http://bridenstine.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/unilateral-green-house-gas-commitment,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Objects to Unilateral Green House Gas Commitment,2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"On November 11th, President Obama unilaterally committed the U.S. to even steeper greenhouse gas reductions. Ironically, these new greenhouse gas emission reductions will have a negligible effect on global temperatures.  The President has shown that he will stop at nothing to implement the radical green agenda his far left supporters demand.  Speaking with the Chinese President, President Obama, without the consent of Congress, committed the United States to a lopsided agreement that will have major ramifications on our economy. While China agreed for their emissions to peak in 2030 – not a reduction, but merely to stop increasing – the President unilaterally committed America to bring its greenhouse gas emissions down to levels 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. This is a major step beyond his previously stated goal of a 17 percent reduction from 2005 levels by 2020. Once again, President Obama strengthens our competitors while weakening the United States. Obama’s new, more aggressive target constitutes a war on fossil fuels and, tragically, an additional burden on those least able to afford higher energy bills. Oklahoma enjoys electricity rates that are 20 to 25 percent less than the national average because more than half of the electricity generated by Oklahoma power plants comes from coal. Some coal-based plants are already being forced to shutter or convert to more expensive fuels, which will cause electricity prices to spike. I regularly hear from mayors and other local officials in my district that the coming increase in the price of electricity makes it more difficult to recruit businesses.  The President’s ever more extreme green agenda hinders job growth at a time when participation in the workforce is at an all-time low. Those extreme policies will increase consumer costs while paychecks are already stretched thin by EPA rules dramatically increasing costs and discouraging economic growth.  Congress must do everything in its power to stop this insanity. With Republican majorities in both houses of Congress, we can use government funding legislation to prohibit taxpayer dollars from going to the EPA to develop or enforce future rules. We can also invoke the Congressional Review Act to overturn previously implemented rules.  Oklahomans can rest assured that they have allies in Congress. Senator Inhofe will likely chair the committee with oversight over the EPA. In the House, I will continue to fight this imperial presidency and its politically-driven EPA as long as they pursue policies that diminish the well-being and prosperity of Oklahomans and all Americans.     “EPA’s carbon plan isn’t environmental policy, but pain and politics,” The Hill, August 11, 2014.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-opening-statement-at-epw-nomination-hearing-for-virginia-lodge-ronald-walter,"Inhofe Opening Statement at EPW Nomination Hearing for Virginia Lodge, Ronald Walter",2014-11-13,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Opening Statement at EPW Nomination Hearing for Virginia Lodge, Ronald Walter Thursday, November 13, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today submitted for the record the following statement for a full EPW committee hearing to consider the nominations of Virginia T. Lodge and Ronald A. Walter to be Members of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority: As prepared for delivery: Ms. Lodge and Mr. Walter, thank you for being here today. The Tennessee Valley Authority is a unique component of government.  It has a long, 80-some year history of providing electricity to the good folks in Tennessee and some of the surrounding states. Because of this, I know that you are being affected by the relentless onslaught of rules against the utility industry by the President's EPA. It started with Utility MACT a few years ago; then came the 316(b) Water Rule this past year.  Now climate change regulations are on the drawing board and a reduction in the ozone standard is in the works. All of these regulations carry an enormous price tag: Utility MACT is estimated to cost about $100 billion to implement, and one recent study by NERA Economic Consulting estimated the climate change regulations for existing sources will cost between $350 billion and $500 billion to implement. From an economic standpoint, these rules translate into millions of lost jobs across the economy, and they are coming at a time when Americans are increasingly wary of our economy’s health.  It’s the number one political issue. The American people do not want more environmental regulations that increase energy costs and threaten job creation.  In fact, Americans have consistently put environmental issues at the bottom of their priority list.  Gallup’s most recent poll, from just before the elections, had climate change listed as the very lowest priority among voters.  This makes sense. The impact of these rules on the consumer cost and the reliability of our electric system are two of the key things that TVA needs to evaluate on these rules.  Just last week the North American Electric Reliability Corporation issued an alarming report that the EPA’s existing power plant rule may have a negative impact on electricity reliability.  TVA needs to evaluate how its specific region will be affected so that the people who live there know how EPA’s policies are going to affect them.  This is especially true given your exposure to nuclear, which EPA claims its rules will help while industry assures us they will not. I know many people believe that the bulk of the costs imposed by the new climate change rules are going to be offset by efficiency improvements and savings generated from relying more heavily on natural gas.  But efficiencies that save money don’t need to be mandated, and we need look no further than our friends at the Sierra Club to understand the direction the EPA is headed on natural gas. Michael Brune, the group’s Executive Director, recently said that “Natural gas is a dirty fossil fuel.  It’s not a bridge.  It’s a gangplank.  There’s no way to build an economy fueled by clean energy that includes natural gas.” The great work this Committee has done over the years revealing the deep collusion that goes on between environmental groups and the EPA should confirm to us that the Agency’s next move will be on the route of squeezing natural gas out of the energy mix. EPA is underestimating the true impacts of its environmental rules to convince the American people that they aren’t as bad or extreme as they really are. We know better.  The vision of our country under aggressive environmental policies like the ones being crafted by EPA is a gloomy one, and the questions of reliability and economic impact need to be fully evaluated and deeply understood by this Committee and the Congress.  This is what I plan to focus on in the coming months, and I look forward to better understanding how these things will affect TVA and its customers.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/oklahoma-native-receive-presidential-medal-freedom,Oklahoma Native to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom,2014-11-12,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after it was announced that Dr. Suzan Harjo will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom later this month. A native of Oklahoma, Harjo is a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes and has long advocated for Native Americans, including as the Executive Director of the National Congress of American Indians and currently as the President of the Morning Star Institute.  “I am very pleased to hear that Dr. Suzan Harjo will be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” said Cole. “In the tradition of Wilma Mankiller, who received this same honor, Dr. Harjo has been a lifelong advocate for Native American rights and tribal sovereignty. As an author, poet, scholar and activist, she has tirelessly championed causes associated with Native Americans and has been instrumental in the passage of key legislation. This recognition of her decades of work and commitment brings honor not only to Dr. Harjo, but to her native state of Oklahoma as well.” ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-us-china-climate-deal-a-non-binding-charade,Inhofe: U.S.-China Climate Deal a Non-Binding Charade,2014-11-12,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe: U.S.-China Climate Deal a Non-Binding Charade Wednesday, November 12, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement today about the announced deal between the United States and China to address climate change: ""In the President's climate change deal, the United States will be required to more steeply reduce our carbon emissions while China won't have to reduce anything. It's hollow and not believable for China to claim it will shift 20 percent of its energy to non-fossil fuels by 2030, and a promise to peak its carbon emissions only allows the world's largest economy to buy time. China builds a coal-fired power plant every 10 days and is the largest importer of coal in the world. This deal is a non-binding charade. The American people spoke against the President's climate policies in this last election. They want affordable energy and more economic opportunity, both which are being diminished by overbearing EPA mandates. As we enter a new Congress, I will do everything in my power to rein in and shed light on the EPA's unchecked regulations.”  *An earlier version of the press release included the phrase “no known natural gas reserves” in the third sentence. This has since been removed. Senator Jim Inhofe spoke on the U.S. Senate floor on Nov. 18, 2014, correcting his press statement. The floor speech can be viewed here or the text as prepared for delivery can be read below: ""Mr. President, I am on the floor today to talk about China’s inability to keep its promise with the United States. China agreed to stop increasing its emissions by 2030, but it is impossible to accomplish this goal because of its current domestic energy mix and heavy reliance on coal for affordable electricity to power its economy. ""Last week, I said that China has “no known reserves of natural gas” due to misinformation I received, but this should not distract from the fact that China has a difficult road ahead in developing affordable sources of fuel to meet its energy demands. ""According to a Forbes article on Aug. 19, 2014, “China is not the United States and faces technological, geological, technical and topological hurdles in developing its shale gas resources.” ""With these setbacks, China announced in August that it had to lower its natural gas production forecast significantly. ""In 2012, the Chinese projected they would produce 60 billion to 100 billion cubic meters of natural gas from shale by 2020.  In August of this year, they cut that forecast to only 30 billion cubic meters.  An additional 30 billion cubic meters of production is expected to come from coal field sources.  All told, this will meet 1% of China’s electricity generation needs by 2020. ""As the New York Times reported on Aug. 21, 2014, China’s ability to extract sufficient natural gas is in “serious doubt” and its natural gas production is “growing at a slower pace than its decelerating economy.” ""China’s problem is that its shale deposits are much different than ours.  The formations are deeper and more laden with clay, making it more expensive to get to and get out through the hydraulic fracturing process.  You can’t simply take what we know here in the United States and apply it there.  A new code has to be cracked. ""And Chinese companies have had a difficult time bringing online the natural gas they’ve found.  One company, Far East Energy, recently shut a quarter of its wells for a number of technical and transportation problems, including a lack of gas-gathering pipelines.  This underscores that China simply does not have the deep technological know-how that we do that has made the shale revolution possible; it was built on the back of 100 years of successful oil and gas development and technological advancements. ""China will continue to rely heavily on coal for its electricity generation, and we see this happening today: China continues to build the equivalent of one new coal fired power plant every ten days. ""Other options for producing electricity with lower CO2 emissions is nuclear; however, the country’s nuclear plans have stalled following the Fukushima disaster in Japan. ""Renewables are also an option, but we all know these alone cannot affordably power the world’s largest economy. I doubt China will stick to any agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions if it puts at risk the country’s economy. ""In the meantime, the United States has agreed to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% by 2025, so that the President can solidify a legacy on climate change that will be at the cost of the American people. We are handcuffing our economic future to the President’s policies, which fail by their own measurement.  Acting unilaterally, the President’s greenhouse gas regulations will reduce global temperatures by only 0.018 degrees Celsius by 2100 – 86 years from now.  That is a plan that is all pain for no gain."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/presidential-medal-of-freedom-to-be-awarded-to-oklahoma-native,Presidential Medal of Freedom to be Awarded to Oklahoma Native,2014-11-12,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Presidential Medal of Freedom to be Awarded to Oklahoma Native Wednesday, November 12, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) today praised Dr. Suzan Harjo of El Reno, Okla., for being one of the nineteen recipients to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest honor bestowed to civilians in their respective fields of improving national interests, world peace, cultural preservation, or other public or private endeavors. Dr. Harjo will receive the award at a White House ceremony on Nov. 24 for her many years of continuous service to the Native American community. “It is an honor for our state to have Dr. Suzan Harjo among the esteemed nineteen recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” said Inhofe. ""Dr. Harjo’s commitment to the Native American people is admirable and beyond worthy of recognition. This honor not only acknowledges Dr. Harjo, but also the vast American Indian population that live in Oklahoma, and around our nation, that she continues to care for and champion.” Dr. Harjo is Cheyenne and Hodulgee Muscogee, and a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. Dr. Harjo has been a key contender in safeguarding Native American culture and has most notably worked on the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-we-are-working-to-renew-our-promise-to-our-nations-veterans,Inhofe: We are working to renew our promise to our nations veterans,2014-11-11,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe: We are working to renew our promise to our nation’s veterans Tuesday, November 11, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today made the following statement to honor the men and women who have served in the United States military:  “Operation Iraqi Freedom, followed by Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, led to many of our nation’s sons and daughters volunteering for service in the military. All answered the call with courage and dedication but many did so without an idea of what might lie ahead. They battled on foreign shores and overcame extreme adversity in order to promote freedom for those who had none. Many have since transitioned into civilian life as veterans, and it is our nation’s duty to continue to care for their health and well-being for the great sacrifices they made for America and her interests.  “We as a nation are working to renew our promise to our nation’s veterans and to redefine what it means to honor and care for our heroes. We made a good first step when Congress passed a bipartisan bill in July to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs. We must get this right, and I will not rest until the men and women who have served have the resources they need to make a full recovery and to prosper in their personal and professional lives. Thank you for your service. God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.”   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/work-preserving-freedom-never-finished,Work Preserving Freedom Never Finished,2014-11-10,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Throughout the history of the American military, hundreds of thousands of men and women have volunteered to serve a cause greater than themselves. By taking an oath to defend our borders, preserve our values and ensure our freedom, these brave individuals understand the true price of freedom. Without question, they deserve our utmost appreciation both during and after their selfless service to our nation.  This year marks a hundred years since the start of the First World War, often called the “war to end all wars.” Knowing little of what was before them, the young men who volunteered were looking for adventure and freedom. Instead, they found themselves involved in the deadliest conflict of that time and an unprecedented catastrophe that has shaped the modern world into this century. The tragic conflict was finally brought to an end when the armistice was signed between Allies and Germany on November 11, 1918 at precisely 11 o’clock in the morning.  Exactly a year after this peace agreement, Allied nations honored the 10 million military deaths and approximately 7 million civilian deaths by remembering the terrible tragedy through Armistice Day. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed into law legislation that expanded the observance to “all veterans, veterans’ organizations and the entire citizenry (who) will wish to join hands in the common purpose.” For this reason, Veterans Day recognizes those who served in all conflicts, including World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and in the Middle East. Today, there are more than 21 million veterans living in the United States. Our gratitude for service members and their families and those who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms shall never waver. Just as they volunteered to protect our nation both at home and abroad, we have a duty to them when they return from combat and remember those who did not.  Especially in times of war, we must keep the promises we have made to those who have served our nation. That must include quality and reliable care through the Department of Veterans Affairs and ensure they receive the benefits they have earned. Whether serving on our own soil or directly in harm’s way overseas, the lives of our military and veterans are invaluable.  While we take a special moment this week to remember those men and women who have demonstrated their patriotism and love of country, it is important that we honor them every day. The work of protecting and preserving freedom is never finished.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=277,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Opposes Crude Rail Transport Rule,2014-11-07,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,bridenstine.house.gov,,,legacy,"NULL share: f t The Administration's ""war on energy""continues in the Department of Transportation.  The Department (DOT) issued a proposed rule that would dramatically hinder crude oil transport by rail.  The rule would severely limit throughput, impose huge costs on the industry, and severely restrict transport capacity.  True to form in the Obama Administration, the rule attacks the industry without attacking the root cause of problems.  A study of freight derailments in the last decade found that broken rails or track welds were by far the leading cause of derailments.  The proposed rule largely neglects addressing the condition of the rails.  Furthermore, the Administration has refused to approve construction of the pipelines that would alleviate crude rail transport.  Pipeline transportation has long proven to be the cheapest, most efficient crude transport mode. I sent a letter to DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx opposing the proposed rule on rail transportation of crude oil, Hazardous Materials: Enhanced Tank Car Standards and Operational Controls for High Hazard Flammable Trains.  I urge the DOT to heed the input of stakeholders, both citizens and industry, in support of strong energy development and economic growth while providing reasonable and effective safety standards.  CONTACT: Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director Phone: 202-225-2211 Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov --  30  --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141108045600/http://bridenstine.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-jim-bridenstine-opposes-crude-rail-transport-rule,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Opposes Crude Rail Transport Rule,2014-11-07,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The Administration’s “war on energy” continues in the Department of Transportation.  The Department (DOT) issued a proposed rule that would dramatically hinder crude oil transport by rail.  The rule would severely limit throughput, impose huge costs on the industry, and severely restrict transport capacity.  True to form in the Obama Administration, the rule attacks the industry without attacking the root cause of problems.  A study of freight derailments in the last decade found that broken rails or track welds were by far the leading cause of derailments.  The proposed rule largely neglects addressing the condition of the rails.  Furthermore, the Administration has refused to approve construction of the pipelines that would alleviate crude rail transport.  Pipeline transportation has long proven to be the cheapest, most efficient crude transport mode. I sent a letter to DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx opposing the proposed rule on rail transportation of crude oil, “Hazardous Materials: Enhanced Tank Car Standards and Operational Controls for High Hazard Flammable Trains.”  I urge the DOT to heed the input of stakeholders, both citizens and industry, in support of strong energy development and economic growth while providing reasonable and effective safety standards.  Please see my letter at Bridenstine.house.gov/letters. CONTACT: Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director Phone: 202-225-2211 Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov --  30  --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/november-celebrates-native-american-heritage,Celebrating Native American Heritage,2014-11-03,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"At an early age, my mother taught me about the importance of my Native American heritage, and I have carried that with me throughout my life with a great sense of pride. As a member of the Chickasaw Nation, I am pleased that November marks a special time to nationally recognize the significant contributions, achievements and history of all tribes. There is certainly a lot to celebrate this month. Growing up in Oklahoma, I was fortunate to live in a state brimming with tribal heritage, but I was also surrounded by family members who were actively involved in tribal affairs and who sought to preserve our unique history and culture. My great, great grandfather served as the clerk of the Chickasaw Supreme Court, and my great grandfather was the treasurer of the Chickasaw Nation. My great aunt Te Ata Thompson Fisher was a gifted actress, entertainer and Native American storyteller whose talent took her all over the world, including performances for famous dignitaries; her inspiring story will soon be told in a film that is currently in production. And I was especially proud that my mother, Helen Cole, was the first Native American woman ever elected the Oklahoma State Senate. Over the course of American history, thousands more Native Americans have embraced their unique heritage and made significant contributions to society. The nation recently remembered that tribes have especially demonstrated outstanding valor on the battlefield. During World War I and World War II, members of several tribes played a critical role as code talkers, preventing sensitive wartime messages from being intercepted by the enemy. Last year in the U.S. Capitol, I was very pleased to participate in the ceremony that awarded 33 of those tribes with the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor, including 10 tribes from Oklahoma and three from the Fourth District. Given my background, I consider it a privilege and honor to represent the interests and constitutionally-given rights of tribes in the U.S. House of Representatives. I am especially proud to be one of just two Native Americans serving in Congress, along with my Oklahoma colleague Congressman Markwayne Mullin. Our state is currently home to 39 sovereign tribes—11 of which are located right in the Fourth District. Today, tribal governments are helping drive the economy in Oklahoma, creating tens of thousands of jobs and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for the state government. Last year, I was pleased to see an important piece of legislation reauthorized that upholds tribal sovereignty. While not perfect, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) provided long overdue reforms for combating domestic violence and achieving justice in Indian Country. November is certainly a month for observing, learning and celebrating the strong contributions of Native Americans. But we should remember that the 'First Americans' have contributed to and defended our blessed country each and every day of its long and distinguished history.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-ipcc-synthesis-report,Inhofe Statement on IPCC Synthesis Report,2014-11-03,2014,2014-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Statement on IPCC Synthesis Report Monday, November 3, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today made the following statement in response to the release of the International Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Synthesis Report: “The idea that our advanced industrialized economy would ever have zero carbon emissions is beyond extreme and further proof that the IPCC is nothing more than a front for the environmental left. It comes as no surprise that the IPCC is again advocating for the implementation of extreme climate change regulations that will cripple the global economy and send energy prices skyrocketing. The United States is in the midst of an energy renaissance that has the potential to bring about American energy independence, which would strengthen our national security and energy reliability for generations into the future. At a time of economic instability and increased threats to American interests, the IPCC’s report is little more than high hopes from the environmental left.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141031221134/http://bridenstine.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/the-internal-revenue-service-never-directs-taxpayers-to-put-money-on-a-pre,The Internal Revenue Service NEVER directs taxpayers to put money on a pre-paid card!,2014-10-31,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The calls can seem scary and legitimate at the beginning.  They know your name, they know the last 4 digits of your SSN, and they reference a specific amount of money you owe.  They insist on immediate payment, even threatening arrest if you hang up!  They sometimes keep victims on their cell phone the whole time they are going to the store and buying the pre-paid card! The latest twist is that they tell victims to show up with payment at a specific IRS office.  It is not the one closest to the victim’s home.  It is often an inconvenient 50 miles away. (Using the IRS office makes this seem more legitimate.)  After the victim acquires the pre-paid card, the scammer  “generously” offers to let them off the hook for the lengthy drive.  They “permit” the victim to settle the debt by giving the scammer the numbers off the back of the card, without having to make the trip to the IRS office. We continue to hear heartbreaking stories of victims of this impersonation scam.  The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) is actively following leads and making arrests.  Victims are asked to report the information on-line at:  http://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141031221502/http://bridenstine.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/irs-scam-alert,IRS Scam Alert,2014-10-31,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The calls can seem scary and legitimate at the beginning.  They know your name, they know the last 4 digits of your SSN, and they reference a specific amount of money you owe.  They insist on immediate payment, even threatening arrest if you hang up!  They sometimes keep victims on their cell phone the whole time they are going to the store and buying the pre-paid card! The latest twist is that they tell victims to show up with payment at a specific IRS office.  It is not the one closest to the victim’s home.  It is often an inconvenient 50 miles away. (Using the IRS office makes this seem more legitimate.)  After the victim acquires the pre-paid card, the scammer  “generously” offers to let them off the hook for the lengthy drive.  They “permit” the victim to settle the debt by giving the scammer the numbers off the back of the card, without having to make the trip to the IRS office. We continue to hear heartbreaking stories of victims of this impersonation scam.  The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) is actively following leads and making arrests.  Victims are asked to report the information on-line at:  http://www.treasury.gov/tigta/contact_report_scam.shtml",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=276,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Visits Southern Border,2014-10-30,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,bridenstine.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Obama Administration is utterly failing to protect American sovereignty and safety. Based on the response at my Securing America Town Hall, it's clear many folks in my District understand that border security is national security.  Last Friday, I went on a fact-finding visit to the southern border with my friend Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).  We visited with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel manning the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) sector. The RGV is immense.  The sector covers 316 border miles, about 35,000 square miles total, and spans 34 Texas counties.  RGV is the most trafficked sector in the country for human smuggling and drug cartel activity.  RGV accounts for about 50% of total annual apprehensions of illegal immigrants along the southern border.  Rep. Blackburn and I visited the McAllen Border Patrol Station and RGV Centralized Processing Center before meeting with CBP agents and National Guard personnel on the front lines. Here are my takeaways: 1.      We need to reallocate funding to border security.  Rio Grande Valley CBP apprehended over 250,000 illegal immigrants in FY14 with only 3,000 agents and an operational budget of less than $20 million.  Those numbers are woefully insufficient, and funds can be reprogrammed from lower priority accounts.  2.      The Obama Administration is prioritizing environmental protection over border security.  Protected Wildlife Refuges comprise over 60% of the RGV area.  Border Patrol operations are totally hamstrung in refuge areas by regulations which limit access and provide a safe haven for cartels to smuggle people and drugs.  3.      Access and surveillance are key enablers of immigration enforcement.  RGV leadership told me that providing only 2 or 3 more aerostat surveillance balloons would make a huge, immediate difference by greatly expanding coverage.  Since this is a national security issue, I intend to introduce provisions in next year's National Defense Authorization Act to authorize a military transfer of surveillance technology to the CBP.  4.      Article 1, section 8 of the U.S. Constitution makes clear that Congress has the authority to create ""an uniform rule of naturalization"", not the President.  The President's unconstitutional ""deferred action"" policies incentivized mass waves of illegal immigration.  Simply put, deferred action is a euphemism for not enforcing the law.  Now, the President wants to drastically expand deferred action to cover 34 million illegal immigrants over 5 years.  According to CBP, even talking about further deferred action executive orders will spur massive illegal immigration.  According to CBP officials, every communication from elected officials, including President Obama, regarding amnesty or border security is monitored by transnational criminal organizations that smuggle humans.  These communications are used to encourage or discourage more illegal immigration.  5.      Threatening to cut foreign aid provides leverage that will cause Mexico and Central American governments to act responsibly regarding illegal immigration.  During the high point of the UAC crisis, the U.S. House passed H.R. 5230, which included Congressman Blackburn's language to suspend foreign aid to Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador until those countries made significant progress to stem the flow of illegal immigration into the United States. RGV leadership told me that H.R. 5230 had a dramatic effect on the behavior of consular officials from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.  The mere threat of congressional action caused these consular officials to tell illegal immigrants to stay home once deported rather than try to cross the border again and again.  CONTACT: Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director Phone: 202-225-2211 Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov --  30  --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141030213533/http://bridenstine.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-jim-bridenstine-visits-southern-border,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Visits Southern Border,2014-10-30,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"The Obama Administration is utterly failing to protect American sovereignty and safety. Based on the response at my Securing America Town Hall, it's clear many folks in my District understand that border security is national security.  Last Friday, I went on a fact-finding visit to the southern border with my friend Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).  We visited with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel manning the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) sector. The RGV is immense.  The sector covers 316 border miles, about 35,000 square miles total, and spans 34 Texas counties.  RGV is the most trafficked sector in the country for human smuggling and drug cartel activity.  RGV accounts for about 50% of total annual apprehensions of illegal immigrants along the southern border.  Rep. Blackburn and I visited the McAllen Border Patrol Station and RGV Centralized Processing Center before meeting with CBP agents and National Guard personnel on the front lines. Here are my takeaways: 1.      We need to reallocate funding to border security.  Rio Grande Valley CBP apprehended over 250,000 illegal immigrants in FY14 with only 3,000 agents and an operational budget of less than $20 million.  Those numbers are woefully insufficient, and funds can be reprogrammed from lower priority accounts.  2.      The Obama Administration is prioritizing environmental protection over border security.  Protected Wildlife Refuges comprise over 60% of the RGV area.  Border Patrol operations are totally hamstrung in refuge areas by regulations which limit access and provide a safe haven for cartels to smuggle people and drugs.  3.      Access and surveillance are key enablers of immigration enforcement.  RGV leadership told me that providing only 2 or 3 more aerostat surveillance balloons would make a huge, immediate difference by greatly expanding coverage.  Since this is a national security issue, I intend to introduce provisions in next year’s National Defense Authorization Act to authorize a military transfer of surveillance technology to the CBP.  4.      Article 1, section 8 of the U.S. Constitution makes clear that Congress has the authority to create “an uniform rule of naturalization”, not the President.  The President’s unconstitutional “deferred action” policies incentivized mass waves of illegal immigration.  Simply put, deferred action is a euphemism for not enforcing the law.  Now, the President wants to drastically expand deferred action to cover 34 million illegal immigrants over 5 years.  According to CBP, even talking about further deferred action executive orders will spur massive illegal immigration.  According to CBP officials, every communication from elected officials, including President Obama, regarding amnesty or border security is monitored by transnational criminal organizations that smuggle humans.  These communications are used to encourage or discourage more illegal immigration.  5.      Threatening to cut foreign aid provides leverage that will cause Mexico and Central American governments to act responsibly regarding illegal immigration.  During the high point of the UAC crisis, the U.S. House passed H.R. 5230, which included Congressman Blackburn’s language to suspend foreign aid to Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador until those countries made significant progress to stem the flow of illegal immigration into the United States. RGV leadership told me that H.R. 5230 had a dramatic effect on the behavior of consular officials from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.  The mere threat of congressional action caused these consular officials to tell illegal immigrants to stay home once deported rather than try to cross the border again and again.  CONTACT: Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director Phone: 202-225-2211 Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov For more information, please read my blog article. --  30  --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141030220745/http://bridenstine.house.gov/media-center/blog-posts/congressman-jim-bridenstine-visits-southern-border,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Visits Southern Border,2014-10-30,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Many of you remember when President Obama's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) denied me access to the Fort Sill HHS facility during the high point of the Unaccompanied Children (UAC) crisis. Based upon the response to my Securing America townhall, it's clear many folks in the First District understand that border security is national security and the Obama Administration is utterly failing to protect American sovereignty and safety. Last Friday, I went on a fact-finding visit to the southern border with my friend Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).  We visited with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel manning the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) sector. The RGV is immense.  The sector covers 316 border miles, about 35,000 square miles total, and spans 34 Texas counties.  RGV is the most trafficked sector in the country for human smuggling and drug cartel activity.  RGV accounts for about 50% of total annual apprehensions of illegal immigrants along the southern border.  Rep. Blackburn and I visited the McAllen Border Patrol Station and RGV Centralized Processing Center before meeting with CBP agents and National Guard personnel on the frontlines.   Here are my takeaways: We need to reallocate funding to border security.  Rio Grande Valley CBP apprehended over 250,000 illegal immigrants in FY14 with only 3,000 agents and an operational budget of less than $20 million.  Those numbers are woefully insufficient.  According to Senator Tom Coburn’s latest Wastebook, the federal government spends over 4 times more ($90 million) on “promoting U.S. culture around the globe with nose flutists.”  That is $70 million more than the RGV sector’s operational budget. The President authorized sending more U.S. troops to West Africa to fight Ebola (3,200) than the 3,000 CBP folks we have fighting human smuggling and drug trafficking along the Rio Grande.  It’s a credit to the professionalism of CBP that it can do so much with so little.  A modest reallocation from lesser priorities would go a long way toward securing our country. Leaked DHS figures indicate that 231 individuals were caught illegally crossing into the United States from Liberia, 145 from Sierra Leone, and another 112 from Guinea. The Obama Administration is prioritizing environmental protection over border security.  The RGV sector covers 316 miles of border.  Protected Wildlife Refuges comprise over 60% of that area.  Border Patrol operations are totally hamstrung in Refuge areas by EPA and Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) regulations, which limit access and provide a safe haven for cartels to smuggle people and drugs. EPA, FWS, and other environmental protection regulations either prohibit or severely limit camera surveillance, lighting, and road access.  CBP agents can generally only access these areas on foot or by horse.  It is time to place national security above ridiculous and cumbersome environmental regulations.    Access and surveillance are key enablers of immigration enforcement.  Building double layer fencing along the border is important and required by law.  Yet, CBP personnel repeatedly told me that better surveillance and access can really increase effectiveness. Congress and the Obama Administration can increase CBP surveillance capability – eyes in the sky – through providing more infrared, electro/optical, and full motion video sensors on fixed, mobile, and airborne platforms.  Indeed, RGV leadership told me that providing only 2 or 3 more aerostat surveillance balloons would make a huge difference by greatly expanding coverage.  Since this is a national security issue, I intend to introduce provisions in next year’s National Defense Authorization Act  to authorize a military transfer of surveillance technology to the CBP.   Article 1, section 8 of the U.S. Constitution makes clear that Congress has the authority to create “an uniform rule of naturalization”, not the President.  With disregard for the Constitution, in June of 2012, President Obama offered “deferred action” to every illegal immigrant who entered the country before his or her 16th birthday.  Deferred action is a use of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal of illegal immigrants. Simply put, deferred action is a euphemism for not enforcing the law.  By June of 2014, the President had offered work permits and delayed action to 862,000 people.  The President’s unconstitutional “deferred action” policies incentivized mass waves of illegal immigration. Now, the President wants to drastically increase his unconstitutional policy and expand deferred action to cover 34 million illegal immigrants over 5 years.  According to CBP prediction models, the President’s upcoming amnesty by executive order will exacerbate border security problems.  Even talking about further deferred action executive orders will spur massive illegal immigration.  Without any further amnesty, CBP projects it will apprehend 200,000 illegal immigrants in FY15 in the RGV sector alone.  Yet, RGV leadership told me that deferred action expansion – amnesty for up to 34 million illegal immigrants – would increase predicted apprehensions by 100,000 this fiscal year.  Remember, apprehensions only cover the people who are caught and detained.  The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office reports that CBP only apprehends 1 out of 5 illegals that cross the border.  According to CBP officials, every communication from elected officials, including President Obama, regarding amnesty or border security is monitored by transnational criminal organizations that smuggle humans.  These communications are used to encourage or discourage more illegal immigration.   Threatening to cut foreign aid provides leverage that will cause Mexico and Central American governments to act responsibly regarding illegal immigration.  The U.S. provides nearly $170 million in annual foreign aid to Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.  Foreign aid to Mexico is $265 million.  During the high point of the UAC crisis, the U.S. House passed H.R. 5230, which included Congressman Blackburn’s language to suspend foreign aid to Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador until those countries made significant progress to stem the flow of illegal immigration into the United States. RGV leadership told me that H.R. 5230 had a dramatic effect on the behavior of consular officials from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.  The mere threat of congressional action caused these consular officials to tell illegal immigrants to stay home once deported rather than try to cross the border again and again.  According to NPR, the Mexican government is paying fees for attorneys who assist deferred action applicants in the United States.  The Mexican government prefers welfare provided by the U.S. taxpayer.  Foreign aide should be cut in response to this action.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-travels-to-support-allies-in-lithuania-ukraine-jordan,"Inhofe travels to support allies in Lithuania, Ukraine, Jordan",2014-10-30,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe travels to support allies in Lithuania, Ukraine, Jordan Thursday, October 30, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today returned from a national security trip to Eastern Europe and the Middle East where he met with leaders of Lithuania, Ukraine and Jordan. In Lithuania, President Dalia Grybauskaite hosted Inhofe on Monday for the inauguration ceremony of Lithuania’s first liquefied natural gas import facility, which will allow the country to lessen the region’s demand for energy from Russia. While in country, Inhofe also met with Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius of Lithuania, Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma of Latvia, and Minister of Foreign Trade and Entrepreneurship Anne Sulling of Estonia. Inhofe ended his time in Lithuania by visiting U.S. soldiers currently stationed in the region supporting NATO allies.  While in Lithuania, Inhofe sent a letter to President Obama highlighting the steps Lithuania is taking to free itself from energy dependence on Russia and increase its market for U.S. natural gas, which can be read by clicking here.  In Ukraine, Inhofe met Tuesday with President Petro Poroshenko, Prime Minister Areseniy Yatsenyuk, and Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak where they discussed the ongoing Russian aggression, the status of U.S. military assistance, and Ukraine’s recent elections. Inhofe was the first U.S. government official to congratulate the leaders for Ukraine’s successful parliamentary elections that took place on Oct. 26.  “Ukraine’s recent election is an opportunity for reform and an overwhelming mandate from the people of Ukraine to move closer to the West and away from the agenda of Putin,” said Inhofe about his trip. ""President Putin continues to support pro-Russian separatist in Ukraine leading to violence and instability. The U.S. must stand strong next to Ukraine and President Poroshenko. While President Obama has provided our ally with sleeping bags and night-vision goggles, the country is asking for military equipment that will actually deter further aggression from Russia. During my visit, I told the government leaders that I and many of my colleagues in Congress support their request and are working to get them the needed support.”  In the meeting with Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Yatsenyuk shared with Inhofe the importance for the United States to increase natural gas exports to the international community as it would help to depoliticize the energy resource by creating a real natural gas market in Europe that is non-existent due to too few viable providers.  On Wednesday, Inhofe visited the Jordan-Syria border and was hosted by Jordan's King Abdullah II in Amman. In the meeting, the king asserted that the morale of his troops fighting extremists is high and stressed that while they need American support, he wants and is working to ensure regional partners carry the burden of the fight.  Inhofe also spoke with Maj. Gen. Michael Nagata, commander of U.S. Central Command Special Operations Command (SOCCENT), and was briefed on the Syria Train and Equip program, a two-month mission funded by Congress in the September continuing resolution. Maj. Gen. Nagata shared with Inhofe about the vetting process of the moderate opposition, which included: recommendations by regional partners; evaluation of and augmentation of those recommendations by U.S. intelligence; Human Rights screening; and close scrutiny and monitoring during intensive training programs by U.S. personnel. Maj. Gen. Nagata also briefed Inhofe on the mechanisms to mitigate the risk of trained fighters joining extremist organizations.  “Jordan has taken in an overwhelming number of Syrian refugees who traveled to their borders to escape the violence and terror in their country over the past several years. King Abdullah and the country of Jordan have carried a heavy burden and remained a strong ally of the United States,” said Inhofe. ""Earlier this year Congress approved a program to train the moderate Syrian opposition, and I visited Jordan in order to see and hear first hand how our troops are doing and the current progress of the mission. After my meetings, I remain confident in our military leaders who are tasked with carrying out this mission and the vetting process that they have put into place. King Abdullah II has been a tremendous partner to the U.S. as we work together to help defeat the threat of ISIS and work to irradiate radical Islam.""   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/washington-post-how-you-would-fix-social-security-sooner-rather-later,Washington Post: How you would fix Social Security: Sooner rather than later,2014-10-29,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington Post - Jonnelle Marte About a month ago, the Post invited readers to chime in on what they thought were the best ways to fix Social Security.  With the help of the Center for Retirement Research, we presented an array of 12 solutions commonly suggested for the retirement system, which is projected to be so depleted that it will be unable to pay full benefits by 2033.  Then we asked readers to pick the options they would consider. This week we’re reporting on the solutions that have resonated with the most readers. We’re tallying the results we’ve seen so far, but you can still check out the graphic and choose the solutions you think would work best.  One thing was clear from the first month’s responses to our question about how to fix Social Security: Readers want something to get done. Only 2 percent of responses were in favor of “doing nothing,” which would mean that after 2033 –when the Social Security trust fund is expected to be depleted– retirement benefits would be cut by 23 percent. And only 3 percent of responses said it would be a good idea to put off raising taxes until after the trust fund is depleted, at which point a steep tax hike would be needed to pay benefits. “People recognize the problem and that something needs to be done,” says Catherine Collinson, president of the nonprofit TransAmerica Center for Retirement Studies, which conducted a survey earlier this year that reached a similar conclusion. Only 9 percent of the people surveyed by the center said they would do nothing to reform Social Security. Close to a third, or 28 percent, said they wanted to increase taxes. Fourteen percent said they wanted to cut benefits and another 28 percent said they favored a more balanced approach. Still, anyone watching the program inch closer and closer to its long-expected funding shortfall might say they’d be happy to see lawmakers take any approach. Social Security hasn’t been changed substantially since 1983, the last time the trust fund was close to zero. And it’s not looking like lawmakers will have reason to take action any time soon– or at least not for a couple of years. Some analysts think Congress will consider reforming the program in two years when the Social Security disability trust fund is expected to be depleted, leading to a 20 percent cut in disability benefits. “Historically, you would simply transfer from Social Security, basically kick the can down the road,” says William Hoagland, a senior vice president at the Bipartisan Policy Center, a think tank based in Washington. “We don’t think that’s going to be as easy this time around.” There are already some efforts underway. In May, Reps. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and John Delaney (D-Md.) introduced a bill that would create a bipartisan commission to improve Social Security. And the Bipartisan Policy Center, launched a commission in the spring that will create a list of policy recommendations for improving retirement security, including Social Security. Still, it’s not clear if and when those recommendations might lead to change. By basically rejecting the solutions that called for “passing the problem off to the next generation,” readers suggested that they want to improve Social Security not just for themselves, but for their children and grandchildren. “They would much rather see Congress take action now,” says David Brown, senior policy advisor for the Economic Program at Third Way, a centrist think tank based in Washington. Readers also seem to support a more balanced approach. For a program that typically divides voters and politicians into two camps, (Raise taxes! Cut benefits!) readers seemed to favor a little bit of each. Instead, Congress is giving them the exact opposite of what they want: nothing at all. Online: Washington Post",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-urges-epa-to-abandon-new-refinery-requirements,Inhofe Urges EPA to Abandon New Refinery Requirements,2014-10-29,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Urges EPA to Abandon New Refinery Requirements Wednesday, October 29, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. —  U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, sent a letter Tuesday to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy urging the EPA to withdraw its proposed new control requirements for petroleum refineries. In the letter, Inhofe highlights that the new requirements are not justified by a sound risk assessment; do not provide meaningful benefits to human health or the environment; and fail to comply with EPA’s mandate under Section 321(a) of the Clean Air Act, which requires a continuous evaluation of the regulations' impact to employment in the United States.  Inhofe wrote, ""The EPA is proposing new control requirements for flares, storage tanks, coking units, and fenceline monitoring at petroleum refineries.  These regulations are not justified by risk assessments and will result in an increase in the cost of producing gasoline; further, with these regulations, EPA has again failed to comply with the employment impact analysis requirements of Section 321(a) of the Clean Air Act.  In the interest of American consumers and EPA compliance with both the law and the President’s Executive Orders 12866 and 13563 concerning the principles of sound regulation, I urge you to withdraw these rules.” The new requirements would come in the form of amendments to a variety of refinery Maximum Achievable Control Performance Standards (MACT) and New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), which are collectively referred to as the Petroleum Refinery Sector Risk and Technology Review and New Source Performance Standards (RTR). ""A key principle of sound regulatory policy is that regulations be pursued only when they are targeting significant, scientifically identified risks that cannot be otherwise addressed.  In 2008, when EPA last developed an RTR rulemaking for refineries, EPA elected to take no regulatory action, citing that the public health and environmental risk of refinery operations around the country were within an adequate margin of safety and did not require additional regulation.  Under the Obama Administration, EPA conducted a massive data collection effort, assessing the same risk characteristics, and while the Agency established a nearly identical risk assessment as the 2008 rulemaking, it pursued the opposite course and elected to mandate additional, costly requirements on the industry.  As written, the RTR dismisses the instructions within EO 12866 that 'agencies should promulgate only such regulations as are required by law, are necessary to interpret the law, or are made necessary by compelling public need.'  The Clean Air Act does not mandate these regulations and EPA has failed to justify why they are 'necessary by compelling public need.’ To read the full text of the letter click here.  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/many-voices-one-america,"Many Voices, One America",2014-10-27,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"When our Founders dreamed of what our nation could be and built the framework for democracy to succeed, their aim was not only to protect the rights of citizens, but to also encourage nationwide participation in government.  While some Americans have answered that call by selflessly volunteering to serve in the military, representing their communities in public office or contributing in other ways to public service, we all possess the unique opportunity to participate in government when we vote. Throughout more than 238 years as a nation, the United States has confronted many challenges. Without question, we will continue to face other obstacles in the future, but one thing will always remain true; we face challenges together, and we always grow stronger along the way. Like our Founders, the American spirit remains optimistic, ready to face whatever lies on the road ahead, and committed to building and preserving a better future for coming generations. Today, we live in a troubled and dangerous world. With mounting global crises that threaten our nation’s safety and security, we are grateful for our military service members whose courage is unwavering and readiness is strong.  But just as our service men and women have answered the call to protect and defend freedom, we should also embrace the right we have as citizens to make our voices heard. As was the case with previous generations, Americans remain optimistic and ready to face whatever stands before us. Whether we face threats to our national security or economic challenges, we never lose heart or give up as Oklahomans or as Americans. We continue to believe in our future and seek to make it better. If something is broken, we use our innovation and drive to find solutions that repair and rebuild it. We are still the greatest nation on earth. Since our founding, hundreds of thousands have given their lives to protect and preserve freedom, including the right to vote. The least we can do is respect their courage and let our voices be heard when the opportunity comes. That opportunity comes on Tuesday, November 4th. Whatever your political persuasion or affiliation, I urge you to honor those who have fought for our freedom throughout our history and who defend our blessed land today by exercising your right to vote. When you express your opinion at the polls, you validate their sacrifice and make America and Oklahoma stronger and better.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-expand-lng-exports-to-turn-tables-on-putin,Inhofe: Expand LNG Exports to Turn Tables on Putin,2014-10-27,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe: Expand LNG Exports to Turn Tables on Putin Monday, October 27, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today sent a letter to President Obama highlighting the steps Lithuania is taking to free itself of energy dependence on Russia and to support regional stability. Inhofe sent the letter after attending today’s inauguration of Lithuania’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility in Klaipeda. During his time in country, he also met with Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite, Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevi?ius of Lithuania, Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma of Latvia, and Prime Minister Taavi Roivas of Estonia. Inhofe wrote, ""The inauguration of Lithuania’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility marks an important step in our European allies’ efforts to free themselves from the grip and influence of Russia, which manipulates natural resources markets to advance its foreign policy agenda.  Energy assets have always been seen as strategic from a geopolitical perspective, and Russia has long been among the most aggressive at exercising this power."" Inhofe continued, ""The strong arm of Russia’s energy exports enables the nation to act as a bully to many of our strongest allies, and it is threatening energy embargoes if political steps are taken that President Putin does not like.  Fortunately, the region is bolstering its energy infrastructure with additional LNG import terminals and pipeline capacity, which are lessening Russia’s grip. ""With that in mind, it is now our responsibility to supply their demand with American natural gas.  I applaud the steps your Administration has taken to approve permits for facilities to export LNG to countries with which the United States does not have Free Trade Agreements; it is imperative that you continue building on this success.""   Inhofe has long advocated for the export of domestic LNG, and in July 2013 led a bipartisan letter with 33 of his colleagues, urging the U.S. Department of Energy to expedite its consideration of LNG export permit applications. Inhofe concluded, ""Global demand for LNG is expanding, and the more LNG the United States makes available, the more quickly we will be able to turn the tables on President Putin and ensure the energy security of our friends and allies around the world.” To read the full text of the letter click here.    ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141026214205/http://mullin.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-mullin-announces-2014-constitution-essay-forum-winners,Congressman Mullin Announces 2014 Constitution Essay Forum Winners,2014-10-24,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Markwayne Mullin,M001190,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"MUSKOGEE – Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-2) announced the winning essays for the 2014 Second District Constitution Week Essay Forum. “We had a number of entries from students around our district,” Mullin said. “We are grateful to our judges for their time and talents in evaluating the essay submissions and we appreciate all of the students who took the time to study our U.S. Constitution in more depth and to formulate a thoughtful response to the essay questions.” Winners will receive a certificate and ribbon as well as a personal letter from Mullin. Middle School Essay Winners: First Place: James Eaton, Ben Franklin Science Academy, Muskogee Second Place: Calvin White, Homeschool, Rose, OK Third Place: Jermani Jackson, Ben Franklin Science Academy, Muskogee High School Essay Winners: First Place: Guy McGuire, Claremore High School Second Place: Trey Masri, Grove High School Third Place: Emily Christie, Stilwell High School ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-epw-republican-report-on-hydraulic-fracturing,Inhofe Praises EPW Republican Report on Hydraulic Fracturing,2014-10-23,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Praises EPW Republican Report on Hydraulic Fracturing Thursday, October 23, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, praised the EPW Committee Republicans’ report released today titled, “Setting the Record Straight: Hydraulic Fracturing and America’s Energy Revolution.”  “Through the dedication of Ranking Member David Vitter and the hard work of committee staff, this report dispels the falsehoods perpetuated by the Obama Administration and environmental extremists about hydraulic fracturing,” said Inhofe. ""As I have long said, hydraulic fracturing is a time-tested, safe technology that is absolutely essential to the energy independence of the United States. This method has made way for the oil and natural gas boom in my state of Oklahoma, and as recent reports have shown, states like Oklahoma have led for more than 60 years in ensuring this method is well-monitored and regulated. Unfortunately, despite the President touting his support of natural gas, the Administration’s disdain for the method to extract this clean, cheap energy resource shows little interest in actually supporting the growth of this industry. This timely committee report sets the record straight and serves to remind us that the development of domestic energy provides enormous potential for our nation’s economic growth and energy security."" A copy of the report can be read by clicking here. Below are key points from the report provided by the EPW Republicans:  Key points from the report: The United States is in the midst of an energy renaissance, as a result of the combination of two key techniques in oil and natural gas development:  hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. From 2009 to 2013, there was a 6% fall in oil production and 28% fall in natural gas production on federal lands, while at the same time production on private lands increased dramatically. Most recent Bureau of Land Management (BLM) estimates show 90% of natural gas and 92% of oil on federal lands is either inaccessible or restricted. Environmental activists insist that hydraulic fracturing itself has a devastating impact on the environment, but decades of studies and empirical evidence have debunked these claims and proved otherwise. Hydraulic fracturing is extensively regulated by the states and has been for over sixty years.  When it comes to regulating hydraulic fracturing and the oil and gas industry as a whole, states, not the federal government, are in the best position to create effective policies that address each state’s distinct regulatory needs.  The Obama Administration and their far-left environmental allies are constantly attacking hydraulic fracturing in an attempt to blur the line between what is and what is not hydraulic fracturing, and to manufacture risks and associate them with the practice. More than all other federal agencies, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the most active against domestic fossil fuel production through hydraulic fracturing. Since in many instances the Agency does not have the direct authority to regulate hydraulic fracturing, it is creatively using other avenues such as broad studies, baseless investigations, and associated regulations to make the practice so costly and burdensome, the process and development of the resources will no longer be viable. Over the last four years, EPA has exceedingly abused its power in premeditated and concerted attacks on hydraulic fracturing highlighted in three specific cases:  Dimock, Pennsylvania, Pavillion, Wyoming, and Parker County, Texas. Despite the Agency’s efforts and political agenda in all three cases, the facts led EPA to reverse course and end their investigations without the smoking gun they so hoped to manufacture. EPA and Obama Administration also gained the support of a new ally, the EPA Office of Inspector General’s office, who issued a report setting a dangerous precedent for EPA enforcement actions stating that the Agency can now halt any actions – by private citizens, businesses, and industries like oil and gas operations – based solely on their own made-up assumptions and contrived facts. Many of the Administration’s policies targeting hydraulic fracturing were laid out in a 2007 report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), which outlined the group’s favored regulatory agenda to attack domestic oil and natural gas development.  The EPA and its far-left allies are accomplishing many of NRDC’s stated policy goals, often in response to sue-and-settle arrangements or through a similar friendly petition process. Deep pocket donors are among the most prominent activists with ties to the Administration’s efforts to phase out hydraulic fracturing.  Major environmental organizations, such as the Sierra Club and the NRDC are at the forefront, coordinating with the EPA, initiating legal challenges to prompt federal action, and blurring the scientific literature with spurious studies. Over the course of environmentalists’ misinformation campaign, many groups have taken hypocritical positions.  One key example is the Sierra Club, who after years of embracing natural gas, suddenly rejected it only when the Club got a generous financial deal from partnering with solar company Sungevity, Inc.  Notably, Sungevity has received millions in subsidies from the U.S. Department of Treasury and the company gives Sierra Club a hefty donation for every solar panel purchased. Among the most visible far-left activists carrying out the anti-fossil fuel agenda is billionaire Tom Steyer who has pledged over $100 million in campaign funds this year alone to leftist Democrats who support his agenda.  Steyer was rumored to be in the running as President Obama’s Secretary of Energy and was supported for that position by Center for American Progress co-founder and current White House climate and energy counselor, John Podesta.  One of the most recent illustrations of Hollywood anti-fracking activists’ hypocritical nature involved two film producers eager to accept Middle Eastern oil money to create an American anti-fracking film.  Another is highlighted by anti-fossil fuel activist Leonardo DiCaprio who advocates for killing the fossil fuel industry, while riding around the world on yachts with an estimated fuel economy of one mile per gallon and paid for by oil rich Middle Eastern regimes. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=275,Congressman Jim Bridenstine's Securing America Town Hall Draws Record Crowd,2014-10-22,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,bridenstine.house.gov,,,legacy,"A crowd estimated at over 1,600 constituents gathered Tuesday night for Congressman Jim Bridenstine's Securing America town hall at the Mabee Center in Tulsa.  The Congressman discussed issues ranging from fiscal security, to the uncontrolled southern border, to the danger from terrorism at home and abroad. The Congressman asserted that, What's right with America can fix what's wrong with America.  This comment drew one of several standing ovations.  The group was largely in concurrence with Bridenstine's assessments of the threats and solutions for addressing them, interrupting him numerous times with applause.  They appeared to enthusiastically approve of his response to a questioner asking why we should trust politicians: You shouldn't.  You should not just trust me.  You should hold me accountable. The Tulsa Praise Orchestra opened the event and closed with Ernestine Dillard singing God Bless America.  After an hour and a half of comments and questions, Congressman Bridenstine met for another hour with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Bridenstine's name will not appear on the November 4th ballot.  The freshman Congressman has already been reelected to serve Oklahoma's 1st District by virtue of being unopposed in the primary and general elections.  Nonetheless, he urged citizens to get out and vote as the nation faces many challenges at home and an increasingly threatening world situation.  CONTACT: Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director Phone: 202-225-2211 Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov --  30  --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141027131417/http://bridenstine.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-jim-bridenstine-s-securing-america-town-hall-draws-record,Congressman Jim Bridenstines Securing America Town Hall Draws Record Crowd,2014-10-22,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"A crowd estimated at over 1,600 constituents gathered Tuesday night for Congressman Jim Bridenstine’s “Securing America” town hall at the Mabee Center in Tulsa.  The Congressman discussed issues ranging from fiscal security, to the uncontrolled southern border, to the danger from terrorism at home and abroad. The Congressman asserted that, “What’s right with America can fix what’s wrong with America.”  This comment drew one of several standing ovations.  The group was largely in concurrence with Bridenstine’s assessments of the threats and solutions for addressing them, interrupting him numerous times with applause.  They appeared to enthusiastically approve of his response to a questioner asking why we should trust politicians: “You shouldn’t.  You should not just trust me.  You should hold me accountable.” The Tulsa Praise Orchestra opened the event and closed with Ernestine Dillard singing “God Bless America.”  After an hour and a half of comments and questions, Congressman Bridenstine met for another hour with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Bridenstine’s name will not appear on the November 4th ballot.  The freshman Congressman has already been reelected to serve Oklahoma’s 1st District by virtue of being unopposed in the primary and general elections.  Nonetheless, he urged citizens to get out and vote as the nation faces many challenges at home and an increasingly threatening world situation.  CONTACT: Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director Phone: 202-225-2211 Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov --  30  --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/budget-outlook-threatens-national-security,Budget Outlook Threatens National Security,2014-10-20,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"With mounting global crises that threaten our nation’s safety and security, we must remember that we face an equal if not greater threat right here in our own country. In addition to the rise of dangerous terrorist groups in the Middle East, the surge of unaccompanied illegal minors at our southern borders over the summer, the consistent bullying of Ukraine by Russia and the rampant spread of Ebola in West Africa, our nation is also drowning in more than $17.8 trillion of debt. Because the Obama Administration has done little to address our fiscal problems, our ability to combat or react to global threats like these is severely hamstrung and, without real reforms, could render the United States unable to address these challenges in the future. The state of our nation’s economy, especially the amount of debt we have and the rate at which it is accumulating, is quite possibly the issue that should concern our leaders, lawmakers and citizens most. While it is an issue that will require tough calls like further reducing spending on sometimes popular government initiatives and reforming long established entitlement programs, these are decisions that must be made sooner rather than later. By the end of this year, the amount of our publicly-held debt is projected to be 74 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). If we don’t change our economic course, it could grow to an astoundingly-high 111 percent of GDP by 2039. In addition, along the current 10-year horizon, our economic growth as a percentage of GDP is expected to come in at only 2.5 percent—below the annual average of 3.3 percent since 1950. This means that our economy is not only taking on more debt, but it's growing slower in the process. Since Republicans reclaimed majority in the House of Representatives, lawmakers have worked to draft and pass legislation that would create much-needed jobs and improve our economic outlook for our children and grandchildren. Unfortunately, due to the lack of cooperation from the Democrat-led Senate, few of these pro-economic reforms have even made it to the president’s desk.  Despite the challenges of divided government, Republicans and Democrats have worked together on occasion to significantly reduce the national deficit (difference between spending and tax revenue) and worked in a bipartisan manner to do so. Through bipartisan compromises like the 2011 debt ceiling deal and 2013 fiscal cliff agreement, the deficit has been significantly reduced. Since 2010, the deficit has fallen from more than $1.4 trillion to $483 billion this year. However, much more needs to be done, and it requires bipartisanship.  In the midst of a troubled world, America’s ability to lead in crisis and show strength in conflict is gradually fading because of the heavy burden of debt we carry—made worse by deep cuts to our military and lawmakers not addressing and replacing blunt and counterproductive sequester cuts. Further, much of our debt is owed to foreign holders, which dangerously leaves us at the mercy of other nations. While some events in other countries are out of our control, it is critical that we effectively manage what we can control in our own nation, so we’re adequately prepared both financially and militarily when crisis comes. The federal budget outlook is something we can and must change, but it requires bipartisan cooperation to do so. I hope that the state of the world will encourage lawmakers to work together and prioritize those areas of government that are necessary for protecting our nation and preserving the American Dream. The actions we take today impact the kind of world that our children and grandchildren will get to enjoy in the days and years ahead.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/ripon-advance-cole-instrumental-pediatric-disease-research-and-equal-pay-increases-bills,Ripon Advance: Cole instrumental in pediatric disease research and equal pay increases bills,2014-10-20,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Ripon Advance Rep. Tom Cole, (R-Okla.) has been instrumental in several bills during the 113th Congress that were signed into law, including the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act and the Wage Grade Employee Parity Act. “I am proud to have co-authored, along with Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.), the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, which redirects taxpayer dollars wasted on political party conventions to instead fund valuable pediatric disease research,” Cole said. The Wage Grade Employee Parity Act ensures that wage increases are equal for wage grade (WG) or hourly federal employees, as compared to general schedule (GS) salaried employees. A Jan. 1 cost-of-living increase was approved for GS employees, but separate legislation was necessary to ensure the same adjustment was applied to WG employees. “I am also proud to have joined my colleague Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.) in introducing bipartisan legislation that helps blue collar federal workers. Through its inclusion in the Continuing Appropriations Resolution for (fiscal year) 2015 that was recently signed into law, the Wage Grade Employee Parity Act provided a slight increase in wages for hourly federal workers,” Cole said. Cole, who has represented the 4th District of Oklahoma since 2002, said that a divided government can be difficult for everyone involved, but he is pleased that progress was made on these specific bills. “While divided government is challenging for all concerned, I remain convinced that people of goodwill can still find common ground and work together to get things done,” Cole said. “As illustrated under the presidencies of Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, it is possible to achieve.” Online: The Ripon Advance",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=274,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Securing America Town Hall,2014-10-16,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,bridenstine.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Jim Bridenstine invites the entire 1st District to a Town Hall meeting focusing on Securing America, Tuesday evening October 21st, 6:30-8:00 PM, at the Mabee Center in Tulsa.  Security is the biggest issue with voters this year.  In addition to financial, healthcare, and job security, people are now highly concerned with border security and national security.  Surveys are finding that Americans feel less safe and more vulnerable than they did a year ago, with over 50% saying terrorism is their top concern. ISIS is an existential threat to democracy, directly targeting the United States, while Hamas terrorist continue to threaten Israel. Drug cartels and trans-national criminal organizations effectively control the Mexican northern border _ our southern border. In addition, cases of Ebola have been confirmed in the United States. Bridenstine invites his constituents to hear his perspective and share their concerns on these and other threats to American security. Congressman Jim Bridenstine represents Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he has been an outspoken advocate for national security and national sovereignty. When and Where:          Tuesday, October 21st    6:30-8:00 PM    Mabee Center, 81st and Lewis, Tulsa CONTACT: Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director Phone: 202-225-2211 Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov --  30  --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/cole-hard-facts-update-ebola-outbreak,Cole Hard Facts: Update on the Ebola Outbreak,2014-10-16,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Cole Hard Facts (e-news) - Congressman Tom Cole Earlier today, the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations conducted a hearing with witnesses from several government agencies about the U.S response to the Ebola outbreak. Hearing included discussion on U.S. travel restrictions to and from the affected countries in West Africa, which I support, and what healthcare protocols should be enacted and followed in our own country.  Because we cannot monitor or adequately screen individuals coming from the countries where the disease is prevalent, I believe that it is in the interest of our nation’s safety and security to temporarily discontinue travel into the United States of foreigners or flights originating from the affected countries until the outbreak is under control. What do you think? If you are a resident of the Fourth District and haven’t already participated in my poll, please share your thoughts on the following question here.  Do you support restricting travel to the United States from West Africa in order to prevent the spread of the Ebola virus? You can also share your opinion with me in the comments of my Facebook page here. Online: Cole Hard Facts",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://web.archive.org/web/20141017035758/http://bridenstine.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-jim-bridenstine-securing-america-town-hall,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Securing America Town Hall,2014-10-16,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,web.archive.org,,,legacy,"Congressman Jim Bridenstine invites the entire 1st District to a Town Hall meeting focusing on Securing America, Tuesday evening October 21st, 6:30-8:00 PM, at the Mabee Center in Tulsa.  Security is the biggest issue with voters this year.  In addition to financial, healthcare, and job security, people are now highly concerned with border security and national security.  Surveys are finding that Americans feel less safe and more vulnerable than they did a year ago, with over 50% saying terrorism is their top concern. ISIS is an existential threat to democracy, directly targeting the United States, while Hamas terrorist continue to threaten Israel. Drug cartels and trans-national criminal organizations effectively control the Mexican northern border – our southern border. In addition, cases of Ebola have been confirmed in the United States. Bridenstine invites his constituents to hear his perspective and share their concerns on these and other threats to American security. Congressman Jim Bridenstine represents Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. As a combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, he has been an outspoken advocate for national security and national sovereignty. When and Where:          Tuesday, October 21st    6:30-8:00 PM    Mabee Center, 81st and Lewis, Tulsa More information at: http://bridenstine.house.gov/SecuringAmerica CONTACT: Sheryl Kaufman, Communications Director Phone: 202-225-2211 Email Address: Sheryl.Kaufman@mail.house.gov --  30  --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-calls-for-travel-ban-in-response-to-ebola-outbreak,Inhofe Calls for Travel Ban in Response to Ebola Outbreak,2014-10-16,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Calls for Travel Ban in Response to Ebola Outbreak Thursday, October 16, 2014 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today made the following statement calling for a temporary travel ban to the United States from affected West African countries that are fighting the outbreak of Ebola: “Our nation has the capacity to remain a step ahead of the Ebola outbreak, but to date the Administration has failed to take responsible, necessary, and common sense actions to protect the American public from exposure to the disease and from the fear of its spread. With this in mind, I join my colleagues Sen. Thune and Rep. Shuster and call for a temporary travel ban from affected West African nations, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea.  This will enhance the safety of and confidence in our travel system, which is vital to the health of our economy. Until we get this situation under control in the United States, we cannot continue to risk the safety of fellow travelers and our healthcare professionals. “It is also vital that the Centers for Disease Control immediately revise and update its protocols for healthcare professionals to follow while treating patients with Ebola.  Recent news reports indicate that Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas followed articulated CDC protocols, but that spread of the disease was not mitigated.  Additional protections must immediately be implemented to ensure the safety of our heroic healthcare professionals.  The Department of Defense must also incorporate these findings into the guidelines it provides our troops as they operate in West Africa to address the growing crisis there.  I look forward to hearing what new steps CDC is taking to improve its response to this growing concern at today’s Congressional hearing.”     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/pauls-valley-daily-democrat-big-issues-take-center-stage,Pauls Valley Daily Democrat: Big Issues Take Center Stage,2014-10-14,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Pauls Valley Daily Democrat - Barry Porterfield A serious discussion on some issues of national interest took center stage during a U.S. congressman’s visit to Pauls Valley recently. Comments from Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, were direct but still provided a lighter, more non-partisan flavor during the town hall update Thursday afternoon. Meeting at the offices of the local chamber of commerce, Cole addressed a variety of issues with the handful of residents coming to the informal gathering. “In Washington, D.C., it’s been somewhat of a better year than many people may believe,” Cole said. “It hasn’t been this attitude that we’re in the final days and it’s all going to hell in a hand basket and it’s the other guy’s fault,” he said. “But I’ll be the first to tell you we’re at a challenging point.” From immigration to Russians “rewriting the Cold War” to the newest Middle Eastern terrorist threat to the budget deficit, Cole said there are some challenging times ahead but stressed not all is bad. “Here in Oklahoma we’re pretty good overall,” Cole said about the economy. “By and large if you want to get a job in Oklahoma you can get one.” As for the staggering national budget deficit, the congressman believes there are a couple of areas that must be addressed for it turn around — cuts in entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, along with some changes to the tax system. “That’s where most of the debt is,” he said, referring to the entitlements. “If we do these things and make some adjustments in entitlements, we can move in the right direction with the budget. “You can’t just cut, you’ve got to grow your way out of debt.” When it comes to today’s better economic times, Cole says it was the “resiliency of the economy” and not Congress or the president that has gotten things moving in the right direction. Not all has been a downer for Congress, he said, as there was some legislation enacted during the past year, like the Farm Bill, that Cole describes as positive. Cole himself was one of the sponsors for a bill that included shifting money, normally paying for the national political conventions, and using it to pay for pediatric research. “That’s $130 million that won’t be wasted on political parties and instead we’ll spend it on sick kids. I think we can all agree that’s a good thing.” There’s also been an overhaul of the military veterans’ system, including an accountability for many at the top, he said. He also believes immigration reform and more secure southern U.S. borders will continue to be a “flashpoint” issue. “There will be plenty of problems when the new Congress gets here,” he said about next year’s term. “But we’ve had about a year of reasonably good work.” Cole added he will be paying close attention to the political jockeying that typically comes during a president’s last term in office. President Obama is entering his final two years in office. “The real question is can both sides sit down and work together,” Cole said. “It would be a mistake and bad for the country to have gridlock and a divided government.” Online: Pauls Valley Daily Democrat",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/hong-kong-illustrates-human-desire-democracy,Hong Kong Illustrates Human Desire for Democracy,2014-10-13,2014,2014-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"More than 238 years ago, brave Americans understood the value of a democracy marked by unique freedoms and liberties for its people. Less than a hundred years later in the midst of a civil war that threatened to dissolve the Union, President Abraham Lincoln again inspired our nation to preserve government “of the people, for the people and by the people.” And we did. Our democratic society has since caused others across the world to recognize the innate desire of mankind to be free. The existence and endurance of our great nation has created an even greater hunger for democracy in countries with oppressive governments. In recent days, we’ve seen this illustrated through the situation in Hong Kong that has led to pro-democracy student protests against the Chinese government—causing the world to remember a similar pro-democracy revolt at Tiananmen Square in 1989.   For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, Hong Kong was occupied by Great Britain and thus operated under British rule. Upon expiration of the British lease in 1997, however, Hong Kong was returned to Chinese control with the understanding that the region could continue operating somewhat free and independently for 50 years. Unfortunately, with the Hong Kong elections set for 2017, the Chinese government has told voters in the region that their candidates must be pre-approved—a move that violates the region’s supposed autonomy and right to choose its own leaders until 2047. In response, peaceful protests started at the end of August and then led to the students boycotting class in late September and instead filling the streets.   After thousands recently took to the streets to demand freedom, this temporarily brought with it a glimmer of hope when the central government agreed to engage in talks with the protestors last Friday. Unfortunately, the Chinese government backed out of the planned talks, causing protestors to fill the streets once again.  China’s totalitarian system is brutal and repressive. Unlike the citizens of the United States, citizens of Hong Kong do not enjoy the right to peaceably assemble, express thoughts contrary to the official doctrine of the government or demonstrate in support of such rights. And while the United States is obviously supportive of pro-democracy efforts around the world and our hope for the young leaders of Hong Kong’s democratic movement is strong, we have neither the authority nor pressing national interest to do more than lend our moral support.  Struggles like those we are witnessing in Hong Kong should serve as a reminder that freedom is as fragile as it is precious. The rights we enjoy as Americans were secured by the blood and courage of our founders who understood that certain things were worth pledging their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to achieve and defend. As desirable as it may be to have the citizens of Hong Kong win their freedom by the stroke of a pen, Americans know it is rarely, if ever, that simple.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z