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/real-achievements,Real Achievements,2015-12-28,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Despite the commonly held opinion that this has been an unproductive Congress, I believe that this year lawmakers have proved that the federal government can function under regular order and responsibly get the work of the American people done. It is especially encouraging that, even in the era of divided government, there are a number of legislative achievements that can make all Americans rest assured that the work of the people, through their elected representatives, is indeed getting done. Since this spring, lawmakers have been working on legislation to responsibly fund the government, and this year marked the first time since 2006 that all 12 spending bills were passed through the Appropriations Committee in both chambers. In the House of Representatives, six of those funding bills passed by bipartisan majority votes on the floor. However, it wasnt until after a long negotiation between leaders in both chambers of Congress and in communication with the president that worry of another government shutdown was finally laid to rest. Guided by funding levels previously agreed to in the Bipartisan Budget Act and spending recommendations from the groundwork laid in the Appropriations subcommittees, the resulting omnibus legislation passed before Christmas represented an acceptable, albeit imperfect, compromise. Passed by a strong majority in Congress and signed by the president, it not only keeps the government open but it provides financial peace and much needed stability for a full fiscal year. It is important to note that more than 60 percent of the spending in the so-called omnibus bill went to fund the military and support our veterans. During the same week that Congress passed vital legislation to fund the government, lawmakers also supported and the president signed into law a bill that permanently extends more than 20 temporary tax provisions. In addition to helping out individuals and job creators and boosting economic growth, the law also encourages comprehensive tax reform, reduces potential fraud and abuse within tax credit programs and seeks to further rein in the power of the IRS. This was a responsible, sensible measure than not only gives greater certainty to businesses as they make plans for investments and potential expansion, but also spares American taxpayers from burdensome and immediate tax increases. In the days ahead, it will certainly empower American job creators, benefit American workers and give the American economy the best chance to succeed. Earlier this spring, I was pleased that Congress secured and the president signed into law some real entitlement reform through legislation that permanently replaced the Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate that had often short-changed Medicare reimbursements for doctors. Rather than relying on another temporary and expensive doc-fix solution, lawmakers offered an alternative to the broken payment model that properly compensates physicians and allows patients to receive the best possible care. The legislation also lowered Medicares unfunded liabilities by nearly $3 trillion.But even more recently, the budget deal passed in October included a provision that saved Social Security Disability payments from a nearly 20 percent cut and still lowered the long-term cost of the program. Another landmark achievement during this Congress was passage of legislation to invest in our nations roads, bridges and rail. In fact, this Congress marked the first time since 2005 that a multi-year highway bill made it through both chambers and was signed into law by the president. At its core, the legislation showed commitment to a safe, efficient and well-maintained infrastructure. It will offer greater certainty to state and local projects, help move people and products and keep our economy strong and vibrant. For the first time since 2002, Congress worked to improve the educational outlook for students across the entire nation through passage of legislation to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Specifically and most notably, the legislation that was signed into law by the president repealed No Child Left Behind (NCLB), which had excessively increased the federal governments role in K-12 education in every state in the country. Instead of an excessive federal role like that mandated by NCLB, the ESEA Conference Report ushers in an era that allows states and local education leaders to develop criteria and maintain responsibility for measuring the success of students and schools, address failures and fill learning gaps. It also prohibits a federal mandate requiring states to follow Common Core standards and protects private and home schools from needless federal interference. This year, both chambers of Congress passed unquestionably bipartisan legislation to address human trafficking. In February, the House dedicated an entire week to consideration and passage of 12 bipartisan bills to improve enforcement of current law, ensure captors and those paying them are held accountable for their crimes, provide better recovery resources and encourage awareness training in communities. Later in the spring, both chambers passed the Justice for Victims of Human Trafficking Act of 2015, which was signed into law at the end of May. Throughout the year, lawmakers acted in bipartisan cooperation to pass legislation that keeps the promises made to our veterans. The president signed into law the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act and the Veterans Entrepreneurship Act of 2015. Other legislation passed included measures to reform mismanagement and address abuses at the Department of Veterans Affairs, improve veteran access to quality care, ensure veterans receive their earned benefits and help veterans succeed in the workforce following their military service. In light of rising concerns about the threat posed by ISIL, lawmakers passed legislation directly in response to perceived holes in the system for bringing in refugees and weak spots in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for accepting visitors. Both bills were written and passed with the goal of strengthening the screening process and preventing terrorists from entering the United States under the ruse of a refugee or temporary visitor. I am pleased that the omnibus spending bill included the House-recommended changes to VWP in order to prevent acts of terrorism by visitors to the United States. Finally, the House recently experienced a fresh change in leadership. After the retirement of Speaker John Boehner, I was very pleased that Paul Ryan was pressed into service by his colleagues and encouraged to take his place. Speaker Ryan is not only an accomplished legislator who has chaired two major committees and served as his party's nominee for Vice President, but he has also demonstrated the ability to effectively articulate a conservative vision that has the ability to attract support far beyond the Republican base. While some of these things may not be earth-shaking achievements, they are certainly real achievements. Perhaps most importantly, its a testament that people of good will, even when they have sharp political differences, can still work together for the good of all Americans.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/joint-op-ed-tulsa-world-lifting-ban-crude-oil-exports-starts-new-chapter-oklahoma,Joint Op-Ed in Tulsa World: Lifting ban on crude oil exports starts new chapter for Oklahoma,2015-12-27,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tulsa World - By U.S. Senators Jim Inhofe & James Lankford and Congressmen Frank Lucas, Tom Cole, Markwayne Mullin & Steve Russell Revenue in Oklahoma is down by 12 percent. We face a $900.8 million shortfall going into 2016. Our state Secretary of Finance has said we are facing the biggest fiscal challenge since the 2008 recession, and our state education agencies have been told to prepare for large, across-the-board budget cuts midway through the school year substantially due to unreasonably restricting our own access to the international market. On top of all of this, a report from Oklahoma State University shows our state could lose more than 20,000 jobs through 2016 as a result of our unstable energy market. One immediate way we can fix the problem is by ending the 40-year-old relic that has been dictating our national energy policy. Most people might not know that it has been illegal for the U.S. to sell crude oil around the world. This outdated law has hurt our state and its families and businesses that are already struggling to get by. This is why we have been fighting for a change. We have been fighting to give jobs back to Oklahomas oil patch workers, to keep gasoline prices low, and to make sure the United States and our allies are not held hostage by countries that use energy as a political weapon. We won this fight to lift the ban on exporting U.S. crude oil in the year-end funding bill. Lifting the ban means creating 1 million jobs across nearly all 50 states. It means more revenue for Oklahoma. It means six new downstream jobs for every 10 new energy jobs, from manufacturing to information technology. Lifting the ban on crude oil exports means maintaining the low prices we see at the gasoline pumps and disposable money families can put in savings or back into our economy. It means freedom from dangerous cartels across the Middle East that threaten our security and our way of life. Lifting the ban on crude oil exports is about our kids future. It is a new opportunity for the entrepreneur down the street, motivation for the student thinking about an apprenticeship in our energy economy and security for the parents who are worried about their jobs. The new year is a turning point. One of the final budgets under this president is behind us. Now we have an opportunity to move beyond this administrations heavy hand and bring Oklahomas values back to our federal government. As your voice in Congress, we will always fight for our families, our jobs, our values and our freedom. Online: Tulsa World",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/joint-op-ed-in-tulsa-world-lifting-ban-on-crude-oil-exports-starts-new-chapter-for-oklahoma,Joint Op-Ed in Tulsa World: Lifting ban on crude oil exports starts new chapter for Oklahoma,2015-12-27,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.27.15 Joint Op-Ed in Tulsa World: Lifting ban on crude oil exports starts new chapter for Oklahoma Revenue in Oklahoma is down by 12 percent. We face a $900.8 million shortfall going into 2016. Our state Secretary of Finance has said we are facing the biggest fiscal challenge since the 2008 recession, and our state education agencies have been told to prepare for large, across-the-board budget cuts midway through the school year. On top of all of this, a report from Oklahoma State University shows our state could lose more than 20,000 jobs through 2016 as a result of our unstable energy market. One immediate way we can fix the problem is by ending the 40-year-old relic that has been dictating our national energy policy. Most people might not know that it has been illegal for the U.S. to sell crude oil around the world. This outdated law has hurt our state and its families and businesses that are already struggling to get by. This is why we have been fighting for a change. We have been fighting to give jobs back to Oklahoma's oil patch workers, to keep gasoline prices low, and to make sure the United States and our allies are not held hostage by countries that use energy as a political weapon. We won this fight to lift the ban on exporting U.S. crude oil in the year-end funding bill. Lifting the ban means creating 1 million jobs across nearly all 50 states. It means more revenue for Oklahoma. It means six new downstream jobs for every 10 new energy jobs, from manufacturing to information technology. Lifting the ban on crude oil exports means maintaining the low prices we see at the gasoline pumps and disposable money families can put in savings or back into our economy. It means freedom from dangerous cartels across the Middle East that threaten our security and our way of life. Lifting the ban on crude oil exports is about our kids' future. It is a new opportunity for the entrepreneur down the street, motivation for the student thinking about an apprenticeship in our energy economy and security for the parents who are worried about their jobs. The New Year is a turning point. One of the final budgets under this president is behind us. Now we have an opportunity to move beyond this administration's heavy hand and bring Oklahoma's values back to our federal government. As your voice in Congress, we will always fight for our families, our jobs, our values and our freedom. ### By: U.S. Senators James Lankford and Jim Inhofe, and U.S. Representatives Frank Lucas, Tom Cole, Markwayne Mullin and Steve Russell Sunday Source: Tulsa World Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/-inhofe-responds-to-problems-at-okc-veterans-affairs-center,Inhofe Responds to Problems at OKC Veterans Affairs Center,2015-12-23,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Responds to Problems at OKC Veterans Affairs Center Wednesday, December 23, 2015 TULSA, Oklahoma U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) released the following statement on the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center and the problems at the facility that were brought to light in a USA Today article published in print today: ""Taking care of Oklahoma's veterans has been a leading priority throughout my time in office. The stories of problems at our Oklahoma City VA Center is unacceptable, and I have already been in touch personally with the facility,the VA director who oversees all Oklahoma VA operations, and the VA headquarters regarding the specific cases recently brought to light by the press. This year alone, my office has worked hundreds of cases for Oklahoma's veterans that are facing inadequate care or blocked access to their earned benefits. This past fall I personally brought the VA's chief of staff to Oklahoma to see first hand the progress that needs to be made toward improving health care for our veterans. Following his visit, I also initiated a full review by the VA's office of inspector general of Oklahoma's VA facilities. This is an epidemic not only at the Oklahoma City VA Center, but across the state. I will keep working so that Oklahoma sees significant change in the care provided to those who bravely and honorably served our nation."" On Oct. 30, Inhofe authored an op-ed published in the Tulsa World highlighting issues he is working to resolve at the Muskogee VA medical center. Following the publishing of the op-ed, the VA also sent two teams to investigate operations at Muskogee, one that looked at quality of careandthe other that looked at management of the facility, with findings that are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Their visits resulted in the immediate shut down of intermediate surgeries at the Muskogee facility due to issues that were discovered. The op-ed can be read by clicking here. ### Press Contact U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) released the following statement on the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center and the problems at the facility that were brought to light in aUSA Today article published in print today:",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-james-lankford-statement-on-oklahoma-veterans-affairs-problems,Senator Lankford Statement on Oklahoma Veterans Affairs Problems,2015-12-23,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.23.15 Senator Lankford Statement on Oklahoma Veterans Affairs Problems OKLAHOMA CITY, OK -- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued the following statement on the Oklahoma Veterans Affairs Medical Center problems detailed in this week's USA Today newspaper: ""Our veterans have sacrificed to keep us safe and protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. I remain continually frustrated by the issues happening at both the Department of Veterans Affairs and in our Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, the front line where we need to honor the promises to treat service-related medical needs of our veterans. In the last 2 weeks, I've visited VA Centers in Muskogee and Oklahoma City and it is clear that the progress being made is too slow. Earlier this year, Congress passed legislation to give veterans more choice so they can conveniently receive the care they need. Whether it's care within the VA system or the ability to receive care in the private sector, change needs to happen faster. ""I am working with the regional Veterans Integrated Service Network-19 leadership to get a Director in place at the Oklahoma City and Muskogee Veterans facilities, and I will closely monitor the VA's progress of these problems. Our veterans deserve better, and I will fight to ensure they receive the care they have earned."" The Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015 (HR 3236) was passed by Congress and signed into law in July 2015. The bill makes it easier for veterans who can't get prompt appointments with VA doctors to obtain outside care. Also, the Omnibus spending bill (HR 2029), passed by Congress on Friday, includes increased funding for VA staff to address the long backlog of veteran medical cases. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/responsibly-funding-government,Responsibly Funding the Government,2015-12-22,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Since this spring, lawmakers have been hard at work sharing ideas and crafting legislation to responsibly fund the government. In the House of Representatives, the process of fulfilling this critical function of government started with hearings and discussions in the 12 subcommittees of the Appropriations Committee. And this yearfor the first time since 2009all 12 funding bills were written, considered and passed out of full committee and six passed the entire House. However, lacking passage of the same bills in the Senate and the presidents signature to make those bills law, the issue of government funding for the fiscal year remained unresolved until last week. After a long negotiation that was guided by funding levels previously agreed to in the Bipartisan Budget Act and spending recommendations from the groundwork laid in the subcommittees, the omnibus legislation unveiled and passed by a strong majority in both chambers of Congress last week represents an acceptable compromise that keeps the government open. While I could offer a long list of the things I wish had been a part of the omnibus, there is also a lot in it to be proud of and claimed as conservative victories. With mounting crises overseas and national security concerns here at home, I am pleased that the funding bill provides for a strong defense and robust military well equipped to confront threats wherever they arise. Specifically in response to the escalating threat posed by ISIL, it is appropriate that the omnibus also includes changes recommended by the House to strengthen the Visa Waiver Program in order to prevent acts of terrorism by visitors to the United States. As many know firsthand, the call of duty to defend our country demands sacrifice both during and after service in the military. In addition to funding sufficient resources for those serving to ensure our safety, the omnibus reassures current and future veterans that the government will keep the promise of quality and accessible earned benefits and improve the process for doing so. After 40 long years, I am pleased that the omnibus included language that lifts the export ban on crude oil. This policy change unlocks tremendous potential not only for domestic energy production but American job creation and economic growth. And the permanent and temporary tax cuts will also help stimulate economic growth and job creation. As chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, I had the opportunity to be directly involved in the early stages of the appropriations process. I was pleased that the final compromise included several provisions recommended by my subcommittee. In particular, the funding bill invests more valuable dollars in the research capacity at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). With some of the boosted investment at NIH specifically targeting Alzheimers disease and cancer research, there is greater hope that we can find solutions and discover cures for very real and increasingly more prevalent health crises. Similarly, the CDC is given greater means for disease prevention and bio-defense research. Also recommended with my subcommittee the omnibus funds valuable education programs that benefit low-income children and their familieslike Head Start, Gear Up and TRIO. As Ive said before, divided government requires compromise. In the most recent negotiation, neither side got everything it wanted. But I believe the end product reflected as much common ground as possible, which rightly attracted a strong showing of support from both sides of the aisle. When we return in January, I believe the precedent set will help lawmakers to further restore much-needed regular order to the legislative process.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lucas.house.gov/frankly-speaking/funding-america%E2%80%99s-priorities-and-holding-white-house-accountable,Funding Americas Priorities and Holding the White House Accountable,2015-12-22,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Frank Lucas,L000491,lucas.house.gov,,,legacy,"As 2015 comes to an end, Congress is tasked with funding the federal government through the end of next September, or the remainder of the fiscal year. Last week the House and Senate passed a spending agreement that combined the 12 appropriations bills to fund various aspects of our government, ranging everywhere from defense to agriculture. In addition to this funding, the spending package also includes a number of policies to boost economic growth and encourage job creation in the private sector. Many of these provisions are aimed at supporting the future and success of families and businesses in rural America. One of the most important provisions helps secure our countrys energy future by lifting the 40 year-old ban on exporting crude oil. Recently, oil producers have been forced to scale back due to a number of factors. This has hurt many who work in the industry and has even impacted our state budget. Abolishing the outdated crude oil export ban will incentivize energy producers to continue to invest and hire more employees. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates this policy would generate $1.4 billion in profits to the federal government through oil and gas leases. And in Oklahoma, the Energy Equipment and Infrastructure Alliance predicts that roughly 11,000 jobs would be created by 2018 as a result of this policy. Lifting the ban also reduces our allies reliance on importing oil from more volatile nations such as Russia, Iran or Venezuela. The United States must continue to lead the way in global energy production. This is in stark contrast to President Obamas recent decision to block construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, a project which would create thousands of jobs and contribute to economic growth. In the wake of recent terror attacks both domestic and abroad, it is crucial that we provide funding to our national security. The spending agreement passed last week fully funds our national defense and ensures our troops are paid and receive the equipment they need to get the job done. It also strengthens our countrys visa waiver program by tightening requirements and blocking visa waiver status to anyone who has recently been to regions with high terrorist activity such as Syria or Iraq. This legislation builds upon stringent reforms to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Last years spending agreement slashed more than $300 million from the IRSs budget after a series of reports found the agency illegally targeted American citizens based on their political and religious beliefs. Under this bill, Congress lays out even greater restrictions to IRS operations in order to prevent this from happening again. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is also reined in. The agreement sets the agencys funding to its lowest levels since 1989 and blocks any effort to slap a climate change-related fee on livestock producers. In fact, several fees to ranching, aviation and oil and gas proposed by the White House are prohibited. And with the full repeal of country of origin labeling (COOL), the United States will now avoid over a billion dollars of punitive tariffs to our livestock industry. In addition to the year-end budget agreement, Congress passed legislation called the PATH Act to extend a series of tax credits that millions of Americans and small businesses rely on. This includes Section 179, a critical tax write-off that enables many farmers, ranchers and small businesses to make smarter businesses decisions when purchasing new equipment. This, in turn, helps invigorate our local economy by boosting investment and job creation here in Oklahoma. Permanently extending this tax credit and several others restores much needed certainty and stability in the tax code so that families and businesses can effectively plan for the future. These two pieces of legislation represent incremental but significant steps forward to set the stage for next year. I look forward to working with my colleagues as we set out to advance conservative, commonsense policies that will help families prosper and keep our country strong for the next generation. My family and I would like to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year may it be filled with peace, joy and time well spent with family and friends.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/steve-russell-nominates-fifth-district-students-us-service-academies,Steve Russell Nominates Fifth District Students to U.S. Service Academies,2015-12-21,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Steve Russell,R000604,russell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Del City, O.K. - Each year, members of Congress are given the opportunity to nominate a certain number of students from their district to the Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, and Naval Academies. The students nominated become eligible for an appointment, and if selected will begin classes next fall. Congressman Steve Russell (OK-05) spoke about the 2015 nominations from Oklahomas Fifth District to one or more of the United States Service Academies saying, I could not be more pleased with the candidates. The review board did a magnificent job assisting me with who should be nominated for our military academies. The board took their job seriously, and the result is a great class of nominees. Those of whom made it through the process reflect the best of Oklahoma and I am sure they will make their families, friends, communities and district as a whole proud with the successes they have in store for them. The process for receiving a nomination is highly competitive. Nominations are made based on a composite of academic factors including class rank and SAT/ACT scores. They are also evaluated based on leadership potential as well as athletic and other extracurricular activities. Each applicant underwent a personal interview with Congressman Russells review board comprised of retired service members and Academy graduates. Russells board included the former commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center at Tinker, Lt. Gen. Bruce Litchfield (Ret.); 1980 Naval Academy graduate and Oklahoma City realtor Nels Petersen; Captain Solange Eddy, a 2010 Air Force Academy graduate stationed at Tinker; Retired Army Staff Sergeant Rusty Dunagan; and 2005 Military Academy graduate and Oklahoma City banker, Edward Ted Perry. The list below includes the names, hometowns, and high schools for each nominee as well as the academy to which they are nominated. Nominations will now be considered by the academies selection committees for potential acceptance for admission. Many of these students received nominations to multiple academies. Ms. Paige Miles: Oklahoma City, Heritage Hall Naval Academy Mr. Shaun Johnson: Oklahoma City, Harding Charter Preparatory Academy Naval, Military, Air Force Mr. Hunter Hill: Edmond, Bishop McGuinness Military, Naval Academy Mr. Jose Maria G. Borrego Acosta III: Heritage Hall Military, Air Force Ms. Anne Ryan: Edmond, Edmond North Military, Air Force, Naval Ms. Masen Nichols: Edmond, Deer Creek High School Naval, Air Force Mr. Erich Eden: Harrah, Harrah High School Naval Mr. Tate Troxell: Edmond, Edmond Memorial Air Force Ms. Sofia Figueroa: Choctaw, Bishop McGuinness Naval, Military Mr. Jonah Weltzheimer: Edmond, Edmond Memorial Air Force Ms. Grace Hatch: Edmond, Bishop McGuinness Naval, Military, Air Force Students wishing to be considered for a Congressional nomination for the fall of 2017 may go to Russells official House of Representatives Website (russell.house.gov) to learn the requirements and may apply until July 1 of their 23rd birthday. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/oklahoma-delegation-tulsa-air-national-guard-best-choice-for-f-35a,Oklahoma Delegation: Tulsa Air National Guard Best Choice For F-35a,2015-12-21,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Oklahoma Delegation: Tulsa Air National Guard Best Choice For F-35a Monday, December 21, 2015 WASHINGTON Members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation today sent a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Debra Lee James urging her to consider the 138th Fighter Wing (138th FW) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the next home for the F-35A. The Air Force is looking for two National Guard candidate wings as future bases for the F-35A. While these aircraft would not begin to arrive until 2022 or 2023, a decision is expected to be made sometime over the next year. Criteria that will be considered in the final candidate basing decision will include training environment, facilities, personnel and overall cost to beddown and operate the F-35As. The 138th FW, located on the north end of the Tulsa International Airport, has an experienced cadre of pilots and maintainers, airspace and training ranges, and facilities ready to operate and sustain the F-35A mission. The Air Force need look no further than the 138th FW if it is looking for the most professional and proven combat ready Airmen with unmatched community support, said Sen. Jim Inhofe. The support for our military, their families and their mission is unconditional in Oklahoma. There is no greater sound than the sound of freedom. Tulsas 138th Fighter Wing National Guard, and the state of Oklahoma, is well-positioned to beddown the F-35, said Sen. James Lankford. As the second-largest National Guard fighter wing in America, Tulsa is ideal for operating this caliber of fighter jet. Our training capabilities, infrastructure and community support makes Tulsa the ideal strategic location for this key national security asset. Tulsa has the infrastructure and track record to make the 138th Fighter Wing the natural choice for the future home of the F-35A, said Rep. Frank Lucas. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Oklahoma delegation to support the Air Force in their basing decision. Without question, the 138th Fighter Wing in Tulsa is beyond qualified, prepared and supported to take on the F-35A, said Rep. Tom Cole. If Tulsa Air National is selected by the U.S. Air Force for this mission, I am confident that it will be a seamless undertaking not only met with and sustained by local and statewide support but implemented and maintained by exceptional personnel in outstanding facilities. The Airmen of the 138th Fighter Wing have always answered the call with distinction and professionalism,said Rep. Jim Bridenstine.The city of Tulsa and its employers have always supported them.Tulsa is the right place for the F-35. Oklahoma has a long history of supporting our military across the state, said Rep. Markwayne Mullin. Our unparalleled community support combined with our central location, ongoing facility upgrades, strong aerospace industry, and most importantly, the men and women serving in the 138th Fighter Wing, make Tulsa the ideal home for the F-35A program. Oklahoma already has the infrastructure not only to fly and maintain these aircraft, but to train the pilots as well, said Rep. Steve Russell. Given the distinguished combat record of our Air Guard, Oklahoma would be a natural choice for the future home of the F-35As. You can read the full text of the letter by clicking here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/blog-why-i-voted-for-the-omnibus-spending-bill,BLOG: Why I Voted For The Omnibus Spending & Tax Relief Bill,2015-12-21,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.15 BLOG: Why I Voted For The Omnibus Spending & Tax Relief Bill Last week, Congress passed a spending bill that funds the federal government for the Fiscal Year, which endsSeptember 30, 2016. The total cost of the omnibus bill was $1.1 trillion. For context, theentireannual federal budget is almost $4 trillion. The Omnibus was a collection of 13 bills, all compiled into one giant bill. The House of Representatives had the luxury of voting separately on several of the appropriations bills, But in the Senate, most of the bills were filibustered by the Democrats so they could not even come to the floor for debate. Last week, the House also had the luxury of voting separately for the tax reform bill (which passed with almost unanimous Republican support because of the positive tax changes), along with the omnibus bill, which split the Republican conference. In the Senate, both bills were combined; so a Senator could not support the tax bill, without also supporting the Omnibus bill. You can read the full bill by CLICKING HERE. I authored a Federal Fumbles' waste report a few weeks ago that identified $105 billion in federal government waste because I want to provide solutions to the federal debt, not just complaints. I'm pleased that some of the issues raised in my Federal Fumbles report were addressed in this omnibus spending and tax relief bill, but we still have a long way to go. In fact, our nation's federal debt is now a ridiculous $19 Trillion. This hurts our families and the potential growth of our economy. To solve our debt problem, we must reduce spending and grow the economy. You cannot cut enough to solve our debt crisis. If we cut our budget until we had a $50 billion surplus each year, we would have to maintain that $50 billion surplus for 460 years in a row to pay off our debt. That is not realistic. The Obama White House wants to raise taxes and increase spending, but I believe we should increase economic growth (jobs) and reduce spending.Our most recent GDP growth rate was a measly 2.1%. Remember, the GDP growth for the first quarter of this year was a paltry 0.6%. America's economic growth and recovery under President Obama has been an incredibly underwhelming average of only 2.2%. Compare that to the average quarterly GDP growth rate under Ronald Reagan of 4.8%. We must not accept 2.2% GDP growth as the new normal. Many people have contacted me in the past few days both for and against the tax reform and omnibus bill. For all of those who disagreed with the bill, I would tell you I agree with your concerns. There were many things I opposed in the bill and there were many areas of reform left on the table when the negotiations concluded. But, there were also many areas of reform and economic growth in the bills that will help get the government out of the way so the private sector can grow the economy, which will help pay down our debt. Here are just a few examples: Lifting the Ban on Oil Exports Fox News' Brit Hume said it best when he said, lifting the oil export ban is a big deal. Lifting this absurd 40-year ban on exporting our oil is a major boost to our national economy, and an even greater lift to the Oklahoma economy. That is why I have worked on this for years.Lifting this ban will lead to private sector creation of up to 1 million jobs and could increase our GDP growth by as much as $170 billion annually.The energy sector has tremendous potential for growth, but it must be unleashed from barriers caused by unnecessary regulations from this Obama White House. This Administration has been obsessed with limiting the growth of fossil fuels and this was a rare moment to force them to accept what most of America sees clearly. Obamacare Reforms This Omnibus spending and tax relief bill defunds the Obamacare Independent Payment Advisory Board, suspends the medical device tax, delays the Cadillac tax on high-cost health insurance policies, and delays the Health Insurance Tax. Obamacare is a drain on the economy; any relief of this horrible law is helpful for small business growth. Small Business Investment The Omnibus spending and tax relief bill makes Section 179 of the IRS Tax Code permanent, which allows small businesses to expense up to $500,000 per year for big investments, such as machinery, equipment, technology and other capital upgrades. By making this permanent, small businesses are given the long-term certainty they need to plan, invest in their business, take risks, and hire more people. Veterans and Military-The bill includes increased support to eliminate the Department of Veterans Affairs disability backlog and the bill guarantees whistleblower protections for Veterans Affairs medical staff to ensure our Veterans receive the services they deserve. This bill also gives our military a surge in funding for re-supply and training, along with a well-deserved pay increase. The bill includes several small improvements for the Social Security Disability Insurance program that I have advocated for several years. This bill also prohibits the President from giving away the management of the internet to a foreign body, and he is prohibited from moving terrorist detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to the United States. This bill was also supported by the Oklahoma Fraternal Order of Police, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Small Business Association (NFIB), Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association, and Oklahoma Agribusiness Retailers Association, among others. Some have questioned how Planned Parenthood plays into this budget deal. The vast majority of Planned Parenthood's funding comes from mandatory spending, not discretionary, which is what Congress budgets each year. The alternative to this Omnibus spending bill is a government shutdown, which would stop discretionary funding.This is why a government shutdown would not defund Planned Parenthood, since about 86% of their funding comes from mandatory federal funding, not discretionary funding. The only way to fully defund Planned Parenthood is to pass legislation to prohibit mandatory spending from being used for Planned Parenthood. I introduced legislation to do this, along with Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), in July. The vote came up 5 votes short of the 60-vote threshold, but we have continued the fight. We tried again earlier this month with a 50-vote threshold budget reconciliation bill, and we were successful! Not only did we pass this legislation to defund Planned Parenthood, but the bill repealed much of Obamacare through budget reconciliation. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on this in January. The fight to defund Planned Parenthood is not over! This omnibus spending and tax relief bill did have some important pro-life legislation in it though. It includes a ban on federal funds for abortions and a ban on FDA approval for genetically modifying human embryos. I am a staunch advocate for life, and I will continue fighting for the lives of unborn children and against the expiramentation of embryos. Immigration and Syrian Refugees I have personally met with leadership in the State Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to discuss changes in the movement of refugees into the United States and the risks we all face. This bill prohibits individuals from Syria and Iraq from immigrating to the U.S. through the regular visa process.Real oversight and clear language is the only way to make sure this White House actually listens to the American people. I have been very clear that we should not move any refugees into the United States until we have positive identification and absolute certainity about their background. The current standard is a lack of bad information on file, but that does not assure me or most other Oklahomans. This is a standard I will continue to fight for and provide the oversight to enforce it. I have voted against many bills this year and pushed the leadership of the Senate to confront the arcane Senate rules that keep bills off the floor and out of the sight of the American people. In the next two months, a small group of us will publicly propose major recommendations forprocess reforms to the Senate. We must make the process more transparent. The Omnibus bill was a difficult vote because it included many good provisions that help our nation and everyday Oklahomans and it included many areas I oppose. I respect people on both sides of this bill, because they are both right. But, at the end of the day, I had to pick only one side. I will continue my work on reform and spending reduction one step at a time. This year, we have cut $12 billion from the annual deficit. Five years ago, the single year deficit was $1.4 trillion, now it is $450 billion a year. While that is still far out of balance, it shows that even under this President, we can make steps of progress on the deficit. I hope to work in the days ahead with a White House that agrees that the debt is a problem and they will work with Congress to get our nation back on track. Until then, I will fight for any progress that I can find for the people of our nation and our state. ### By: Senator James Lankford",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/oklahoma-delegation-tulsa-air-national-guard-best-choice-for-f-35a,Oklahoma Delegation: Tulsa Air National Guard Best Choice For F-35A,2015-12-21,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.21.15 Oklahoma Delegation: Tulsa Air National Guard Best Choice For F-35A OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation today sent a letter to Secretary of the Air Force Debra Lee James urging her to consider the 138th Fighter Wing (138th FW) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as the next home for the F-35A. The Air Force is looking for two National Guard candidate wings as future bases for the F-35A. While these aircrafts would not begin to arrive until 2022 or 2023, a decision is expected sometime over the next year. Criteria that will be considered in the final candidate basing decision will include training environment, facilities, personnel and overall cost to beddown and operate the F-35As. The 138th FW, located on the northend of the Tulsa International Airport, has an experienced cadre of pilots and maintainers, airspace and training ranges, and facilities ready to operate and sustain the F-35A mission. Tulsa's 138th Fighter Wing National Guard, and the state of Oklahoma, is well-positioned to beddown the F-35, said Senator James Lankford. As the second-largest National Guard fighter wing in America, Tulsa is ideal for operating this caliber of fighter jet. Our training capabilities, infrastructure and community support makes Tulsa the ideal strategic location for this key national security asset. The Air Force need look no further than the 138th FW if it is looking for the most professional and proven combat ready Airmen with unmatched community support, said Senator Jim Inhofe. The support for our military, their families and their mission is unconditional in Oklahoma. There is no greater sound than the sound of freedom. The Airmen of the 138th Fighter Wing have always answered the call with distinction and professionalism,said Rep. Jim Bridenstine.The city of Tulsa and its employers have always supported them.Tulsa is the right place for the F-35. Tulsa has the infrastructure and track record to make the 138th Fighter Wing the natural choice for the future home of the F-35A, said Rep. Frank Lucas. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Oklahoma delegation to support the Air Force in their basing decision. Without question, the 138th Fighter Wing in Tulsa is beyond qualified, prepared and supported to take on the F-35A, said Rep. Tom Cole. If Tulsa Air National is selected by the U.S. Air Force for this mission, I am confident that it will be a seamless undertaking not only met with and sustained by local and statewide support but implemented and maintained by exceptional personnel in outstanding facilities. Oklahoma has a long history of supporting our military across the state, said Rep. Markwayne Mullin. Our unparalleled community support combined with our central location, ongoing facility upgrades, strong aerospace industry, and most importantly, the men and women serving in the 138th Fighter Wing, make Tulsa the ideal home for the F-35A program. Oklahoma already has the infrastructure not only to fly and maintain these aircraft, but to train the pilots as well, said Rep. Steve Russell. Given the distinguished combat record of our Air Guard, Oklahoma would be a natural choice for the future home of the F-35As. You can read the full text of the letter by clicking here. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/senator-lankford-jonathan-small-in-the-oklahoman-plan-commitment-needed-to-tackle-nations-debt,"Senator Lankford, Jonathan Small in The Oklahoman: Plan, commitment needed to tackle nation's debt",2015-12-20,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.20.15 Senator Lankford, Jonathan Small in The Oklahoman: Plan, commitment needed to tackle nation's debt Question: How do you burn down your house? Answer: Get distracted and forget about the pan on the stove top. Our nation is focused on very real concerns with terrorism, education, immigration, energy, our economy and much more. But in the middle of the chaos, if we forget about our national debt, the most vulnerable among us will suffer the most. The federal government overspends (deficit) around $450 billion annually, putting our nation $19 trillion in total debt. To put it in plain terms, under the current budget plan, if we finally move from deficit spending to an annual budget surplus of $50 billion a year, it will take us 460 years of consecutive budget surpluses to pay off our debt. That is only twice as long as our country is old. A recent a report released by Sen. Lankford identifies federal waste, duplication, and regulations well outside the purview of the federal government many of which slow down the economy and drive up costs to consumers. The report, Federal Fumbles: 100 Ways the Federal Government Has Dropped the Ball, represents $105 billion in federal spending and about $800 billion in regulatory impact to the nation's economy. These Federal Fumbles aren't an exhaustive list, but provide a starting point toward a balanced federal budget. From 2011 to 2014, the Department of Defense Task Force for Business and Stability Operations spent $43 million to build a compressed natural gas station in Afghanistan after failing to ensure there was even a demand for such a facility. The station is no longer being used. The report also includes the $375,000 spent this fiscal year by the National Science Foundation to study the dating habits of senior adults. How does that study meet the basic grant requirements for national security or economicdevelopment? Last year, the federal budget included a budget gimmick that both spent and saved the same $8 billion. It may have looked fine in Washington, but in real life it added $8 billion in debt to our children. Every dollar wasted by government comes from hard-earned money that was taken from the taxpayer. Every additional dollar of debt increases the interest payments on the debt, which reduces the amount of money available for critical national priorities, like national defense and our safety net. The most vulnerable get hurt when our debt builds and the economy struggles. Oklahomans are not anti-government, they just want a restrained and efficient government. With $450 billion in federal deficit spending, now is the time for policymakers at all levels to tackle the budget and highlight inefficiencies, budget gimmicks, duplication and wasteful spending wherever they exist. This is no longer simple; the debt is too big. There is no way to fix our deficit and debt in a year, but there is a way to fix it. It requires a plan and a commitment from all of government to solve our building debt crisis. The problem is, Washington D.C., is distracted and convinced everything will work out no matter what. They are ignoring the pan on the stove. Lankford, R-Oklahoma City, is Oklahoma's junior U.S. senator. Small is executive vice president of the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (www.ocpathink.org) ### By: Senator James Lankford & Jonathan Small Source: The Oklahoman Newspaper Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-statement-passage-fy16-omnibus-funding-bill,Cole Statement on Passage of FY16 Omnibus Funding Bill,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS), released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2016. This omnibus legislation fully funds the government through the end of the fiscal year at levels previously agreed to in the Bipartisan Budget Act. The legislation is a compilation of all 12 regular Appropriations bills for discretionary spending and includes several provisions recommended by Coles subcommittee. Of note, the LHHS portion of the bill provides substantial increases for research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); the $2 billion NIH increase reflects some funding intended for Alzheimers disease research and the $300 million CDC increase focuses on disease prevention and bio-defense research. The omnibus provides a $570 million increase for the Head Start education program that benefits low-income children and their families. There is also language included that reins in the excessive overreach of the Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board, bans taxpayer bailout of Obamacares risk corridor program and strengthens and maintains previous pro-life protections like the Hyde Amendment. In addition to LHHS provisions, the omnibus includes several valuable policy measures. It encourages domestic energy production through repeal of the longstanding ban on crude oil exports, it equips our military with sufficient resources to confront threats at home and abroad and it keeps the promise to Americas veterans of quality and accessible earned benefits. Finally, it includes the recently proposed changes to the Visa Waiver Program, passed by the House, to prevent acts of terrorism by visitors to the United States. Divided government requires compromise, and this bill reflects that reality, said Cole. Neither side got everything it wanted, but the end product reflects as much common ground as possible and allows lawmakers to restore regular order in the legislative process when we return in January. For more information about the specific provisions included in the omnibus legislation, click here. Specific bill highlights related to Coles subcommittee are detailed here. Cole managed the combined rule for consideration of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act on the House floor. Video of his opening remarks is available here. Cole also spoke during general debate of the omnibus yesterday. Video is available here. ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=619,"Congressman Jim Bridenstine Votes Against Trillion Dollar ""Omnibus""",2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,bridenstine.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Jim Bridenstine voted against a trillion dollar ""Omnibus"" spending bill. By filibustering annual appropriations bills, Harry Reid and Senate Democrats forced another crisis with a government shutdown looming. The Omnibus was negotiated behind closed doors by small number of Members of Congress and the White House. Members were given less than 60 hours to digest over 2,000 pages and had to take an up or down vote with no amendments permitted. Congressman Bridenstine said: ""I cannot support a bill which funds Planned Parenthood, Obamacare, illegal executive amnesty, onerous EPA and Department of Labor regulations, and the Syrian refugee resettlement program, among other inappropriate government programs. The Omnibus also increases funding for the IRS and quadruples the number of low-wage guest worker visas. -- 30 --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-highlights-major-wins-ok-fy-2016-omnibus,Congressman Russell Highlights Major Wins for OK in FY 2016 Omnibus,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Steve Russell,R000604,russell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, the House of Representatives passed the FY 2016 Omnibus, by a bipartisan vote of 316-113, to fully fund the federal government through the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2016. Congressman Russell (OK-5) spoke about his vote in favor for the Omnibus saying, For perhaps the first time since 2009, we finally have been able to push back on the presidents harmful policies on national security and our economy. While the spending measure had several things lacking, it had many major wins. Namely, lifting the 40-year ban on oil exports will be a boon for the American economy. In Oklahoma alone, we can expect 11,000 new jobs in the energy sector by 2018. This strengthens our economy and reduces our trade deficit. Fixing the Visa Waiver Program will go a long way to secure our country against terrorists coming to our shores. On top of that, this bill offers the highest level of funding to secure our borders in the history of the country and adds 1,000 new agents. We have given our military certainty by fully funding our troops overseas as well as extending their benefits at home for them and their families. Small businesses will now have certainty on credits for new equipment. We have also severely reigned in overreaching agencies such as the EPA. Lifting these burdens will lead to economic growth for the country. While no comprehensive all-in-one bill will be perfect, the FY 2016 Omnibus has major wins that set the conditions to fight back even more next year. Some of the provisions in FY 2016 Omnibus include: Abolishes the 40-year ban on U.S. oil and gas exports, which will protect tens of thousands of jobs vital to our nation and Oklahoma; Strengthens U.S. borders and gives additional support to U.S. Customs combatting illegal immigration and human trafficking; Bolsters our military to combat the growing threat of ISIS and maintain appropriate readiness; Restricts the Visa Waiver Program, which is our greatest vulnerability for terrorists potentially entering the country; Supports veterans with a nearly 10% benefit increase and 750 additional VA staff to reduce the claims backlog; Encourages businesses to share information, cyber threats, and risks with the federal government, while protecting privacy under the Fourth Amendment; Delays three expensive taxes included in the Affordable Care Act, such as the tax on medical devices; Extends health coverage for the first responders of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks until 2090; Promotes economic growth and innovation by making Section 179 permanent for small business deductions; and Reduces the EPA to the lowest funding since 2008 while reducing its staff to the lowest level since 1989. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-supports-measure-lifting-ban-on-oil-exports,Inhofe Supports Measure Lifting Ban On Oil Exports,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Supports Measure Lifting Ban On Oil Exports Friday, December 18, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Senator James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.) today voted in favor of H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act, which lifts the ban on oil exports, makes permanent key tax provisions and provides 2016 funding for the Department of Defense and other agencies. It is about time Congress acted to lift the ban on oil exports, Inhofe said. Over the past forty years, Oklahomas oil producers have been at a disadvantage because they havent been able to trade oil like the rest of the world. This has contributed to the thousands of job losses Oklahoma has recently endured and todays passage of a bill to lift the ban will help stem that tide while decreasing the price of gasoline at the pump. Todays bill also provides essential tax relief to families and businesses and provides our troops with the resources they need. It is unfortunate Democrats blocked the Senates consideration of regular appropriations bills throughout the year and forced us into an end-of-the-year, take-it-or-leave-it deal without any deliberative process. It is my hope that the Senate will return to regular order next year, pass each appropriations bill independently and stop the practice of year end omnibus bills. H.R. 2029, the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act: Lifts the Ban on Oil Exports H.R. 2029 lifts the 40-year old ban on oil exports. This outdated policy has put Oklahoma energy producers at a strategic disadvantage compared to international producers. Lifting the ban will help stem the tide of job losses the industry has experienced over the last year. It will also bolster our national security by providing our allies with an opportunity to purchase oil from us instead of from Russia or Iran. Inhofe is a sponsor of S. 1312, legislation to lift the oil export ban that is incorporated into H.R. 2029. Provides Enduring Tax Relief to Oklahomas Families and Small Businesses: Permanently extends the research and development tax credit. Used by innovative businesses across the country, this tax credit encourages companies to invest in new technology to create and support the jobs of tomorrow. This provision has been extended for over a decade by just a few years at a time. Permanently extends Section 179 expensing and provides a five year extension of bonus depreciation. Section 179 was also modified so that it is indexed to inflation in the future. These provisions will provide Oklahoma farmers and small businesses the long-term certainty needed to make the best possible decisions when investing capital into their business property or when purchasing equipment to expand their businesses and create jobs. Extends through 2016 the Indian Lands Accelerated Depreciation provision, which encourages the development of business in Oklahoma by providing businesses that purchase capital equipment for use on former or current Indian lands. The provision allows businesses to depreciate property more than 40 percent faster than would otherwise be allowed. The provision includes a modification sought by Sen. Inhofe that makes the provision elective to the taxpayer, providing Oklahoma companies with flexibility to choose the depreciation schedule that best suits their needs. In April, Sen. Inhofe introduced S. 947, legislation that would make permanent this provision. This provision was a leading reason Macys invested $170 million in a state-of-the-art facility in Owasso, Okla. that is expected to create 1,500 new permanent jobs and an additional 1,000 more during the Christmas shopping season. Establishes the Charitable Agriculture Research Act, which Sen. Inhofe introduced with Sen. Thune as S. 1429 in May. The provision provides for the creation of Agriculture Research Organizations (ARO) by extending public charity tax status to entities conducting agricultural research in partnership with a land-grant universities and agricultural colleges. This provision is particularly important to fostering stronger relationships between the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation in Ardmore, OK and Oklahomas premier agriculture universities to support new and innovative agricultural research. Sen. Inhofe has been working to enact this legislation since September 2011. Permanently extends the exclusion of military basic housing allowances from determining income for housing program eligibility, ensuring our military service members are able to secure the housing their families need. Permanently extends the 20 percent employer wage credit for employees called to active military service, encouraging employers to retain employees during periods they are called to serve. This bill also modifies the provision so that it applies to all employers instead of just those with 50 or fewer employees. Permanently extends the child tax credit to assist low income Oklahomans while ensuring the provision is not abused by requiring individuals to have a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer ID number to qualify for receiving the credit in any amended filings. Provides clarification and corrections to partnership audit rules included in last months budget deal important to Oklahomas energy industry. Includes the language of S. 1646, which ensures employees of American Airlines will be able to minimize tax payments if they elect to deposit bankruptcy payments they received for pension losses into an Individual Retirement Account. This allowance was given to employees of other airlines that suffered bankruptcy, but it expired prior to that of American Airlines. Sen. Inhofe first began working on this issue in July 2014. Extends short line railroad tax credit through 2016, promoting the maintenance and development of short line railroads in rural Oklahoma. Delays Obamacare Tax Provisions Key to its Funding and Defunds IPAB: H.R. 2029 achieves key delays in Obamacare tax provisions, undermining the ongoing support for the legislation and further proving the need to repeal the bill. H.R. 2029: Delays the Medical Device Tax for two years. Obamacare imposed a 2.3 percent excise tax on all medical devices sold in the United States. Sen. Inhofe cosponsored S. 149, which permanently repeals the medical device tax. Delays the Cadillac Tax for two years. Obamacare imposed a 40 percent tax on high premium health insurance plans, which hurt workers by encouraging employers to switch to less expensive plans with worse benefits. Sen. Inhofe sponsored S. 2045, which permanently repeals the Cadillac tax. Delays the excise tax on health insurance for one year. This excise tax would affect every American who purchases health insurance. Sen. Inhofe is a cosponsor of S. 183, which provides a full repeal of this provision of the law. Defunds Obamacares Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Known as death panels, the IPAB allows unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats to impose cuts to the Medicare program based on arbitrary budget targets. Sen. Inhofe is a cosponsor of S. 141, which permanently repeals the IPAB. On December 3, Sen. Inhofe voted in favor of H.R. 3762, which repealed the core components of Obamacare and defunded Planned Parenthood. H.R. 3762 passed the Senate 52-47 and will go to the Presidents desk following House passage. Provides Funding for our National Security and Oklahomas Military Installations H.R. 2029 fully funds the military at the levels authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a critical accomplishment during a time of war. The legislation: Provides $514.1 billion in base funding and $58.6 billion in funding for Overseas Contingency Operations. Adds $608 million to reduce the shortfall in the militarys readiness. Funds a 1.3 percent pay raise for military personnel. Adds $300 million to fix housing allowance shortfall, ensuring housing for eligible troops and families. Provides $250 million in lethal aid to Ukraine to help it defend itself against Putins aggressions. In February, Sen. Inhofe authored S. 452 to authorize the president to provide Ukraine with lethal aid. Provides $8.1 billion for missile defense, adding $175 million above the presidents request, and adds $329.8 million for Israeli missile defense programs which includes $150 million to begin production of Davids Sling. Prohibits closure of Guantanamo Bay through Dec. 31, 2016, and prohibits the transfer Guantanamo Bay detainees to the United States and places conditions on international release of detainees. Fully funds all of Oklahomas military construction projects authorized in the NDAA, including:Fully funds the Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) program, which is necessary for the modernization of the Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzer and the U.S. artillery force. Sen. Inhofe successfully supported legislation in the NDAA authorizing full funding at $273.9 million to acquire 30 new PIMs and H.R. 2029 appropriates that funding. Ft. Sill will receive $56 million for phase two of the reception barracks complex and an additional $13.4 million for a training support facility. Altus Air Force Base will receive $18 million for a 120-room dormitory and $10.4 million for its KC-46A fuel cell maintenance hangar. Tinker Air Force Base will receive $37 million for a KC-46 Depot Maintenance Dock and another $12.9 million for a new air traffic control tower. Will Rogers World Airport will receive $7.6 million as we continue the MC-12 bed-down with the National Guard. Fully funds the KC-46A, which will replace our aging KC-135 tanker aircraft. Sen. Inhofe supported legislation that fully funds the KC-46 program for $2.7 billion and that funding was included in H.R. 2029. Altus Air Force Base will begin receiving the first of four Fiscal Year 2016 aircraft in August 2016. Increases funding for Civil Air Patrol operations by $2 million, aircraft procurement by $7.8 million, and vehicle procurement by $723,000. Funds the Counter-Narcotics Program for the National Guard at $88 million. Adds $1.2 million to the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Program that will help grow the program to 410 units across all 50 states. Provides $25 million in supplemental Impact Aid to local educational agencies and schools with military dependent children as well as an additional $5 million in Impact Aid for schools with military dependent children with severe disabilities. Provides Funding To Support and Care for Our Veterans: H.R. 2029 provides $163.8 billion in both discretionary and mandatory funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which includes medical services for 6.9 million patients, major and minor hospital construction and maintenance to correct safety issues and deficiencies, veteran disability compensation programs for 4.7 million veterans and their survivors, education benefits for nearly 1.2 million veterans and vocational rehabilitation and employment training for over 130,000 veterans. The bill also includes $1.24 billion for major VA construction projects and $406 million for minor projects. Includes Essential Cybersecurity Legislation In October, Sen. Inhofe voted in favor of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, which passed 74-21. This legislation encourages private businesses to voluntarily collaborate with the government on cybersecurity threats and defenses. The legislation is included in H.R. 2029; however, it does not include a provision problematic for energy, telecommunications and other industries with critical infrastructure that would have resulted in mandatory reporting. Sen. Inhofe fought against this provisions inclusion in the Senate bill and helped ensure its removal during the conference process. Promotes Oklahoma Agriculture Repeals Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements for livestock products that were contained in the 2002 Farm Bill. COOL has resulted in the United States facing over $1 billion in economic retaliatory measures by Canada and Mexico because it is considered a non-tariff trade barrier. Including the repeal of COOL will protect American exporters from retaliatory measures and ensure Oklahomas livestock producers remain competitive in international trade. Prohibits Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulation of greenhouse gases from livestock and animal waste,continuing a prohibition from last years appropriations bill. Prohibits EPA and the Corps of Engineers regulation of ordinary farming and ranching activities and the construction or maintenance of farm or stock ponds or irrigation ditches and the maintenance of drainage ditches. Prohibits Fish and Wildlife Service listing of the sage grouse as an endangered species. Reforms Visa Waiver Program to Protect Against Terrorists H.R. 2029 includes a provision similar to H.R. 158, which passed the House on December 9. This legislation requires any citizen of the 38 countries that participate in the visa waiver program to get a visa if they have traveled to Syria, Iraq, Iran or Sudan in last five years. The legislation enables the administration to add additional countries or specific locations to this list as warranted by conditions. The provision also requires the countries participating in the visa waiver program to share more intelligence with the United States to continue their participation. Sen. Inhofe is a cosponsor of S. 2362, the Senate companion to H.R. 158. Protects the Life of the Unborn H.R. 2029 maintains prohibitions on federal funding paying for abortions and blocks the use of local and federal funds for abortions in the District of Columbia. The legislation also prevents the Department of Health and Human Services from discriminating against health care providers who refuse to provide, pay for or refer patients for abortions. Protects 2nd Amendment Rights H.R. 2029 explicitly prohibits funding from being provided to implement the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty. In March, Sen. Inhofe offered an amendment to the budget that prohibited taxpayer funding from being used to fund the treaty, and it passed 59-41. H.R. 2029 includes a provision that prohibits EPA from regulating lead ammunition or fishing tackle in 2016. This provision is similar to S. 1505, which Senator Inhofe sponsored last Congress. Promotes Oklahoma Aviation H.R. 2029 provides full funding to the Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) Contract Tower program, which is essential to the general aviation community and Oklahomas six contract towers. Sen. Inhofe first became involved in defending the contract tower program in May 2013 after the FAA threatened to close 149 of them as a result of sequestration. Each year since then, he has secured full funding for contract towers. In June, Sen. Inhofe received the 2015 Congressional Leadership Award from the Contract Tower Association for his work to defend the program against budget cuts. Promotes State Regulation of Energy Resources H.R. 2029 provides $5.4 million to the Risk Based Data Management System at the Department of Energy, which provides support to the Ground Water Protection Council (GWPC). The GWPC is the driving force behind efforts to establish excellence in state-based regulations of the energy industry through innovative applications such as FracFocus. Includes Full Funding for FAST Act, of which OK will receive $693 millionfor the first year (FY16) H.R. 2029 appropriates the full amount authorized under the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act - $42.4 billion for Fiscal Year 2016. The FAST Act was authored by Sen. Inhofe and is a five-year bill dedicated to improving the nations surface transportation infrastructure, benefiting our roads, bridges, transit systems, and rail network. The bill also reforms and strengthens transportation programs while refocusing them on national priorities, providing long-term certainty and more flexibility for states and local governments, streamlining the project approval processes, and maintaining a strong commitment to safety. With a fully-funded long-term reauthorization bill, Oklahoma will receive more than $3.6 billion in new transportation funding, making this the largest single infrastructure investment in Oklahomas history. With the FAST Acts funding predictability, our states transportation leaders will be able to launch vital modernization projects to encourage economic growth over the next 50 years. This bill will provide the long overdue investments needed to continue Oklahomas legacy as the most attractive state to do business in America. Provides Funding to Maintain Corps Lakes in Oklahoma. H.R. 2029 includes over $74 million for the operation and maintenance of Corps lakes in Oklahoma. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bipartisan-bill-to-protect-federal-correctional-officers,Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill To Protect Federal Correctional Officers,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill To Protect Federal Correctional Officers Friday, December 18, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) praised last nights Senate passage of the Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act (S. 238), a bill to ensure that federal correctional officers will be safer at work. Inhofe cosponsored this legislation introduced by Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.). Every day correctional officers are confronted with the very real possibility that they could become the next victim of the violent offenders they supervise, yet they are left defenseless by misguided policies, Inhofe said. Providing correctional officers with pepper spray is the least we can do to help ensure their safety, and it has been proven that assaults are reduced when officers are provided the protection. The tragedy that took Eric Williams life did not have to occur, and I am proud that the Senate has passed S. 238 with the hope that it doesnt happen again. I am extremely pleased that the Senate has acted to protect our federal correctional officers by passing bipartisan legislation guaranteeing them the use of non-lethal pepper spray, Toomey said. It is shocking that Bureau of Prison policy previously allowed guards to be placed on duty completely unarmed or without any defensive geara policy that led to the death of Officer Eric Williams in Wayne County, Pa. This victory was made possible by the tireless efforts of Eric Williams parents, Don and Jean Williams, who turned their family tragedy into a national effort to protect other officers. The Eric Williams Correctional Officer Protection Act ensures that federal correctional officers in high- and medium- security prisons are given non-lethal pepper spray for self-defense. The bill also instructs the Government Accountability Office to evaluate issuing pepper spray to guards in minimum or low-security penal facilities. Prior to Sens. Inhofe and Toomeys efforts, federal correctional officers were sometimes placed on duty completely unarmedwithout any defensive gear or weapons, even non-lethal ones. Officer Eric Williams of the U.S. Penitentiary Canaan in Waymart, Pa. paid the price for this policy. In February 2013, the 34 year-old officer was working alone in a housing unit of 125 inmates. He carried only a radio, handcuffs, and keys. A gang member, who was serving a life sentence for first-degree murder, killed Officer Williamsbeating him savagely enough to crush his skull and stabbing him with a prison-made weapon 129 times. Oklahoma is home to two federally operated prison facilities employing correctional officers that would benefit from this legislation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-statement-on-consolidated-appropriations-act-of-2016,Senator Lankford Statement on Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016,2015-12-18,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.18.15 Senator Lankford Statement on Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued the following statement after voting for the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 (also known as the omnibus and tax reform bill): The omnibus and tax reform combined bill is a stark visual of the broken Senate process. Legislation in a democracy is often a boisterous compromise, but this bill was a complete backroom negotiation.It is full of great policy provisions mixed with half-baked ideas and muddy process.While I voted for the important policies in the bill, I do not support the broken process, or many other aspects that led to the final product. This tax reform and omnibus bill includes numerous priorities for Oklahomans and all Americans, such as long-term reforms for the small business tax code, it defunds the Obamacare Independent Payment Advisory Board, and it finally lifts the absurd ban on oil exports. This bill also includes victories such as increased support to eliminate the VA disability backlog, a repeal of the country of origin' labeling for beef and pork products, and increased funding for medical research for diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer's.The bill includes several program integrity measures for the Social Security Disability Insurance program that I have advocated for several years.Just as important to many Oklahomans, this bill prohibits the President from giving away the management of the internet to a foreign body, and he is prohibited from moving terrorist detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to the United States. Because of this bill, our military receives a surge in funding for re-supply, training and a pay increase.The bill also includes language to strengthen cyber security from international cyber attackers and slows the flow of drugs into the United States. Thankfully, this bill finally begins to phase out the wind production tax credit, after receiving 23 years of subsidy. While many solid policy provisions are included that I have fought for, a multitude of positive issues were obstructed by the President and the horrific process of the closed-door negotiations.The President blocked many spending cuts on our out-of-control debt, essential reforms to the EPA, safeguards for middle-class Americans saving for retirement, and a myriad of other regulatory changes that are desperately needed.While there were minor changes to the Visa Waiver Program, real reform of the refugee process was also stopped by the White House at a time when the world has a refugee crisis.While there was a small step to increase budget honesty, Congress still has a long way to go to eliminate the budget gimmicks that distort the final cost to the taxpayer. My office will continue to expose the use of budget tricks in Congress. For the past three months, I have worked with a small group of Senators to reform Senate rules and transform the broken budget process. It is my hope that other Senators of both parties will admit the process is broken and will join with us to return regular order' to the Senate.Smaller appropriations bills, fully debated and openly amended in Committee and on the Senate floor, will create transparency and will stop the budget games that only happen in the backroom. Although this final bill includes many solid policies that I have advocated for on behalf of Oklahomans, I disagree with its process and some of the policies in the bill. In the days ahead, I remain hopeful that we can have a President in the White House and a Senate that will work to restore the federal government to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and conservative values. Background on several Senator Lankford-led provisions in the bill: Oil Export Ban Lifted In May, Lankford co-sponsored the Energy Supply and Distribution Act of 2015, a bill to end the ban on crude oil exports. This legislation was included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016. Wind PTC Elimination In October, Lankford introduced the PTC Elimination Act, a bill to eliminate federal renewable energy tax credits, including wind, by 2026. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 includes a provision to begin phasing out the credit by 2019 and eliminate it around 2030. SSDI Reforms Lankford has been a consistent advocate to reform Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) since his time in the House. In October, Lankford offered an amendment to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 that makes major reforms to program. In 2014, Lankford asked the Acting Commissioner Carolyn Colvin to make 11 reforms to improve the program. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 includes four of the requested reforms from Lankford. GITMO Detainees Lankford has worked to monitor and prohibit the relocation of terrorist detainees from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to the United States. After returning from a visit to the detention facility in March, Lankford continued his opposition to its closure and introduced the Guantanamo Bay Recidivism Prevention Act of 2015, legislation that would improve the monitoring of former Guantanamo Bay detainees transferred to foreign countries to prevent them from returning to terrorism. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 continues to restrict the closure and transfer of detainees to the United States. Obamacare Reforms In the House, Lankford co-sponsored several pieces of legislation to repeal the Obamacare Independent Payment Advisory Board. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 defunds this Board. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-statement-passage-tax-extenders,Cole Statement on Passage of Tax Extenders,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015. The legislation makes permanent for individuals and job creators more than 20 temporary tax provisions. In addition, the bill encourages comprehensive tax reform, boosts economic growth, reduces potential fraud and abuse within tax credit programs and includes measures to keep the IRS accountable. I am pleased that the House represented the best interests of American taxpayers, families and businesses by permanently extending relief that has already existed in our tax code for years, said Cole. This is a responsible, sensible bill that not only gives greater certainty to businesses in their planning and expanding, but American taxpayers are also spared from a burdensome and immediate tax increase. I believe that this important compromise empowers American job creators, benefits the entire workforce and ultimately sets the nations economy up to thrive. ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lucas.house.gov/press-release/lucas-votes-provide-tax-certainty-and-relief-families-and-small-business,Lucas Votes to Provide Tax Certainty and Relief to Families and Small Business,2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Frank Lucas,L000491,lucas.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) today voted to pass the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act. The legislation, which passed by a bipartisan vote of 318-109, provides both permanent and multi-year extensions for several tax credits that millions of Americans rely upon. As the end of the year approaches, families and businesses are thinking about filing their tax returns for 2015. In order to adequately prepare, taxpayers must have a stable and predictable tax code that remains consistent from year to year. This tax extender package provides greater long term certainty to promote a stronger economy and help ensure Americans can keep more of their hard-earned dollars, said Congressman Lucas. The permanent extension of Section 179, which deals with expensing certain equipment, helps several agriculture and construction businesses throughout rural Oklahoma to plan for the future. Enabling these businesses to make smarter decisions energizes our economy and spurs job creation and investment here at home. The PATH Act implements a number of oversight measures to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that the House has previously passed. These reforms include the immediate termination of any IRS employee who takes politically motivated action against a taxpayer and strictly prohibits IRS employees from using personal e-mail accounts to conduct their official business. The PATH Act also contains temporary relief from some of the taxes associated with Obamacare. There is a two year delay (2018 and 2019) to the Obamacare excise tax on higher cost health care plans, also known as the Cadillac Tax. Additionally, the bill provides a one year delay to the Health Insurance Tax (HIT), which has been attributed to rising health insurance premiums for small businesses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-menendez-praise-announcement-of-taiwan-arms-package,"Inhofe, Menendez Praise Announcement Of Taiwan Arms Package",2015-12-17,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe, Menendez Praise Announcement Of Taiwan Arms Package Thursday, December 17, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), co-chairs of the Senate Taiwan Caucus, yesterday praised the presidents announcement of a planned arms package to Taiwan. Totaling $1.83 billion, this is the first major sale of U.S. weapons to Taiwan in four years. I strongly support this sale to Taiwan and look forward to doing more in the coming years, Inhofe said. Taiwan is a great friend and ally. We share common values and beliefs, as well as commitments to democracy, free trade and security. Moving forward, I encourage the administration to consider the resumption of a regular and routine process for the provision of security assistance to Taiwan, in order to maintain Taiwans self-defense capabilities. I have long-supported efforts to help Taiwan our close friend and ally -- modernize its military to meet its self-defense needs, Senator Menendez said. Im pleased that the Administration is moving forward with this much-needed sale, and I will continue to advocate for more meaningful and material assistance. A strong, vibrant and democratic Taiwan is in the United States national interests. This package is an important step toward fulfilling the United States commitment to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). It includes items such as two Perry-class frigates, Javelin anti-tank missiles, TOW 2B anti-tank missiles, AAV-7 Amphibious Assault Vehicles, follow-on work for Taiwan's Syun-An C4ISR systems, Link 11/Link 16 for Taiwan's naval ships, F-16 MIDS/NTAMS/Fuzes, Phalanx Close-In Weapons Systems and Stinger surface-to-air missiles.Section 3(b) of the TRA stipulates that both the president and Congress shall determine the nature and quantity of defense articles and services based solely upon their judgement of the needs of Taiwan. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-lankford-announce-judicial-nominees-for-the-us-district-court-for-the-western-district-of-oklahoma,"Inhofe, Lankford Announce Judicial Nominees for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe, Lankford Announce Judicial Nominees for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma Wednesday, December 16, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford (R-Okla.)today announced the nomination of Judge Suzanne Mitchell and Scott Palk for federal judgeship positions for the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. Im pleased that the White House has nominated Judge Suzanne Mitchell and Scott Palk to the U.S. Federal Court for the Western District, and I congratulate both nominees, Inhofe said. This nomination process for these seats has been unnecessarily long, and so I am pleased it has come to a conclusion with two very capable nominees.I fully support their nominations because they have distinguished service in the public sector, valuable private sector experience, and the temperament to serve the state, the interest of justice, and the parties who appear in their courts. Both Judge Mitchell and Scott Palk are impressive nominees for the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma,Lankford said. We look forward to their nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee and confirmation by the full Senate. Though I have had many disagreements with the White House, we agree that Judge Mitchell and Scott Palk are fair-minded and will uphold the strict rule of law. I am confident they will serve our state and nation well. Judge Suzanne Mitchell has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma since 2013. Prior to her appointment as a Magistrate Judge, she served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Appellate Division of the United States Attorneys Office for the Western District of Oklahoma from 2010 to 2013. From 1999 to 2010, she served as a senior law clerk to the Honorable Robert H. Henry of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, for whom she also clerked from 1996 to 1997. In between her clerkships, Judge Mitchell worked at the Oklahoma City law firm of McAfee & Taft from 1997 to 1999. Judge Mitchell received her J.D. with high honors from George Washington University Law School in 1996 and her B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University in 1990. Scott L. Palk has served as the Assistant Dean for Students and Assistant General Counsel at the University of Oklahoma College of Law since 2011. In addition to overseeing admissions and providing legal counsel, Palk serves as a consultant to the Universitys Threat Assessment Review Committee, advising in areas of criminal threat assessment and legal access. From 2002 to 2011, he served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division of the United States Attorneys Office for the Western District of Oklahoma, where he held a number of managerial roles beginning in 2004, including Deputy Criminal Chief and Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council Coordinator. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorneys Office, Palk served as an Assistant District Attorney for Cleveland County in Norman, Oklahoma from 1992 to 2002, where he served as the First Assistant District Attorney from 1999 to 2002. Palk received his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1992 and his B.S. from Oklahoma State University in 1989. The nomination hearing for these candidates will most likely take place next year. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-lankford-inhofe-announce-judicial-nominees-for-the-us-district-court-for-the-western-district-of-oklahoma,"Senators Lankford, Inhofe Announce Judicial Nominees for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma",2015-12-16,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.16.15 Senators Lankford, Inhofe Announce Judicial Nominees for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma WASHINGTON, DC Senators James Lankford and Jim Inhofe today announced the nomination of Judge Suzanne Mitchell and Scott Palk for federal judgeship positions for the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. I'm pleased that the White House has nominated Judge Suzanne Mitchell and Scott Palk to the U.S. Federal Court for the Western District, and I congratulate both nominees, said Inhofe. This nomination process for these seats has been unnecessarily long, and so I am pleased it has come to a conclusion with two very capable nominees.I fully support their nominations because they have distinguished service in the public sector, valuable private sector experience, and the temperament to serve the state, the interest of justice, and the parties who appear in their courts. Both Judge Mitchell and Scott Palk are impressive nominees for the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, said Lankford. We look forward to their nomination hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee and confirmation by the full Senate. Though I have had many disagreements with the White House, we agree that Judge Mitchell and Scott Palk are fair-minded and will uphold the strict rule of law. I am confident they will serve our state and nation well. Judge Suzanne Mitchell has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma since 2013.Prior to her appointment as a Magistrate Judge, she served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Appellate Division of the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Oklahoma from 2010 to 2013. From 1999 to 2010, she served as a senior law clerk to the Honorable Robert H. Henry of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, for whom she also clerked from 1996 to 1997.In between her clerkships, Judge Mitchell worked at the Oklahoma City law firm of McAfee & Taft from 1997 to 1999.Judge Mitchell received her J.D. with high honors from George Washington University Law School in 1996 and her B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University in 1990. Scott L. Palk has served as the Assistant Dean for Students and Assistant General Counsel at the University of Oklahoma College of Law since 2011.In addition to overseeing admissions and providing legal counsel, Palk serves as a consultant to the University's Threat Assessment Review Committee, advising in areas of criminal threat assessment and legal access. From 2002 to 2011, he served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Criminal Division of the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Oklahoma, where he held a number of managerial roles beginning in 2004, including Deputy Criminal Chief and Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council Coordinator.Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney's Office, Palk served as an Assistant District Attorney for Cleveland County in Norman, Oklahoma from 1992 to 2002, where he served as the First Assistant District Attorney from 1999 to 2002.Palk received his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1992 and his B.S. from Oklahoma State University in 1989. The nomination hearing for these candidates will most likely take place next year. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-applauds-senate-passage-of-pbor-2,Inhofe Applauds Senate Passage of PBOR 2,2015-12-15,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Applauds Senate Passage of PBOR 2 Tuesday, December 15, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), member of the Senate General Aviation Caucus and certified flight instructor with more than 11,000 flight hours, today hailed the Senates unanimous passage of the Pilots Bill of Rights 2 (S. 571). His billhas 70cosponsors, including U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.). This is a big victory for general aviation pilots all across the country,said Inhofe.The Pilots Bill of Rights 2 addresses many of the concerns these pilots have brought to my attention first hand at events likeAirventure each year held in Oshkosh, Wisconsinsince the first Pilots Bill of Rights was signed into law in 2012. Currently, the FAAs medical certification process is bureaucratic, burdensome and discourages pilots from disclosing and treating medical conditions that could impact their ability to fly.This legislation reforms the medical certification process for general aviation pilots in a way that will increase pilots knowledge of risk while demanding treatment of identified conditions. This bill also increases due process protections for pilots, ensuring the FAA treats them in a fair and equitable manner. I appreciate Senator Manchin, Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson for working with me on this legislation, and I am pleased the Senate has passed this important bill. General Aviation is losing 6,000 pilots per year because of antiquated regulations and unnecessary bureaucratic barriers, said Manchin. This industry contributes $219 billion to the U.S. economy each year and supports 1.1 million jobs. I am proud to have helped lead this effort with Senator Inhofe to finish what we started in 2012. We are very pleased to see the Pilots Bill of Rights 2 moving forward, said Mark Baker, president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. These reforms will improve safety, foster the private pilot - private physician relationship, and give general aviation pilots much-needed relief from the current cumbersome, outdated, and costly federal medical process. Sen. Inhofe has been a real leader for general aviation in the United States Senate and we appreciate him and others who have worked so hard on this legislation. This is very important legislation for all Americans who fly recreationally and pursue the freedom of flight, said Jack J. Pelton, chairman and CEO of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Our thanks to Sen. Inhofe, Sen. Manchin and the co-sponsors who understood the importance of this measure and worked hard for its passage, so we can reduce the unnecessary cost and regulatory burdens within the current aviation medical certification system. NBAA commends the United States Senate for passage of the Pilots Bill of Rights 2, said Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the National Business Aviation Association. We especially want to recognize Sen. Inhofe's leadership in introducing the bill and working with the 70 senate co-sponsors to achieve this important legislative victory for the general aviation community. We are pleased that this bill provides needed reforms for third class medicals and expands the due process rights of airmen. NATA commends the tireless efforts of Sens. Inhofe and Manchin to move the Pilots Bill of Right 2 through the Senate, said Tom Hendricks, president and CEO of the National Air Transportation Association. We appreciate their ongoing work to preserve and enhance general aviation in this nation. NATA looks forward to working with other general aviation stakeholders towards the legislations swift approval in the House. We appreciate Sen. Inhofe's steadfast support of our nation's professional pilots, said Capt. Keith Wilson, president of Allied Pilots Association. This bill would provide needed balance in administrative proceedings and other venues in which a pilot's career may be jeopardized by certificate denial, suspension or revocation. The pilots of Southwest Airlines welcome the passage of S. 571 and truly appreciate Sens. Inhofe and Manchins dedication to pilots and the piloting profession, said Captain Mike Panebianco, vice president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association.The Pilots Bill of Rights 2 provides long overdue protections and ensures fair treatment of pilots facing administrative proceedings. Additionally, the changes to the third class medical encourages growth of the U.S. general aviation community and allows the FAA to focus its resources on maintaining its world-class oversight of the commercial aviation industry.This bill is just one more example of Sen. Inhofes thoughtful pragmatism and highlights the importance of having members that truly understand aviation. By spearheading S. 571, the Pilots Bill of Rights 2, Sens. James Inhofe and Joe Manchin have reaffirmed a tireless commitment to defending and enhancing the interests of professional and general aviation pilots, said Capt. Coley George, Industry Affairs committee chair of NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots. On behalf of the NJASAP Membership, it is my privilege to recognize and to express our gratitude for their enduring commitment to addressing the concerns of all pilots from hobbyist to professional cockpit crewmember. NASAO commends Sens. Inhofe and Manchin, and their staffs, for their tireless work to gain Senate passage of this vital reform, said Greg Principato, president and CEO of the National Association of State Aviation Officials. This common sense medical reform will help stem the decline of the general aviation pilot population by keeping pilots in the airwithout degrading safety. This legislation will not only benefit the pilots, but also the vast network of smaller general aviation airports that they support. DETAILS ABOUT THE PILOTS BILL OF RIGHTS 2: Reforms the FAAs overly burdensome medical certification process by expanding an existing FAA medical standard to include more qualified, trained, general aviation pilots. Outlines specific requirements that pilots need to meet to qualify for the expanded medical standard, including completion of a medical education course every two years, self-certification by the pilot that they are being treated by their physician for any medical diagnosis that could impact their ability to fly, and the use of a checklist to guide the discussion between pilots and their physicians during a health examination, which must occur once every four years. Enhances the due process rights established in the first Pilots Bill of Rights by ensuring airman have the right to appeal an FAA decision through a new, merit-based trial in Federal Court. Increases transparency for airman subject to an investigation or enforcement action by requiring the FAA to articulate the specific activity under investigation to parties involved in the investigation and provides specific documentation relevant to its investigation. Expedites updates to the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) Improvement Program required in the first Pilots Bill of Rights and directs the FAA to include the effective duration of temporary flight restrictions in NOTAMs. This ensures the most relevant and important information reaches the pilot prior to a flight taking place. The legislation also mandates that the FAA certify the accuracy of posted NOTAMs. Ensures the accessibility of flight data, such as air traffic communication tapes and radar information produced by contract towers, and flight service stations and controller training programs, which gives certificate holders the ability to use this information to defend themselves during an enforcement action proceeding. Background: On Aug. 3, 2012, Inhofes Pilots Bill of Rights (S.1335) was signed into law, which made FAA enforcement proceedings and NTSB review fair for pilots; streamlined the NOTAM Improvement Program; and required a GAO review of the FAAs medical certification process and forms in order to help bring clarity and reduce instances of misinterpretation with medical forms for pilots. On June 30, 2014, Sen. Inhofe announced the development of the Pilots Bill of Rights 2 with the release of a discussion draft of the legislation. Over 400 comments were submitted from around the country about how to improve different components of the bill. On Feb. 26, Inhofe introduced thePilots Bill of Rights 2, legislation that wouldreformthe third class medicalcertificationfor recreational pilots and broaden the protections provided in the original Pilots Bill of Rights authored by Inhofe and signed into law in 2012. On Dec. 9, the Senate Commerce Committee reported S. 571 as amended to the Senate by a voice vote. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-mullin-press-va-to-expedite-mccurtain-county-clinic,"Inhofe, Mullin Press VA To Expedite McCurtain County Clinic",2015-12-15,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe, Mullin Press VA To Expedite McCurtain County Clinic Tuesday, December 15, 2015 MUSKOGEE, Okla. U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.)and Rep. Markwayne Mullin are asking the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to expedite efforts to establish a veterans medical clinic in McCurtain County. On Dec. 11, 2015, Inhofe and Mullin sent a letter to the director of the VA Rocky Mountain Network, the Departments service network in charge of Oklahoma, asking him to ensure the VAs contracting office expedites its work on the southeast Oklahoma clinic so the project can finally be sent out for bid. Now is the time to move forward, not delay, Inhofe and Mullin wrote. Veterans in southeast Oklahoma have waited far too long for a VA clinic that, according to the Department, would greatly improve access to care in this area, serve more veterans, and improve patient satisfaction. Both Inhofe and Mullin have been following the clinics progress very closely and as soon as word was received that the Muskogee VA had sent the completed requirements package to the contracting office, the two legislators moved to press VA leadership to expedite the contracting work. Although we can never repay our veterans for all they have done for this country, we can at least provide them the care and support promised to them, Inhofe said. I have been working closely with Ralph Gigliotti, the director of the VA Rocky Mountain Network, on VA issues and trust that he will ensure this work is expedited to improve care for our veterans in Southeast Oklahoma."" Veterans in Southeast Oklahoma must continue to drive long distances to receive the health care they were promised in exchange for their service to our country, Mullin said. I look forward to the quick work by the VA contracting department so that this project can be sent out to bid and finally become a reality. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/imperfect-tool,An Imperfect Tool,2015-12-14,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Without question, there are occurrences of violence that have made many Americans feel on edge and question their safety and security. Certainly, the attacks in Paris shocked the world by reminding us of the heinous crimes and violence of which terrorists are capable. And a few weeks later, Americans were rudely awakened by the tragic, ISIL-inspired shooting in San Bernardino, California that claimed 14 innocent lives. The growing fear of terrorism has been reinforced by rising reports of mass shootings nationwide. Especially after San Bernardino, its clear that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are searching for solutions to keep Americans safe and prevent similar attacks from taking place. One suggestion pushed by Democrats is the Denying Firearms and Explosives for Dangerous Terrorists Act, which would deny the sale of firearms to individuals listed on the FBIs terrorist watch list. While at first description this sounds promising and well intentioned, its important to understand what this watch list is and how its compiled before heavily relying upon it to protect the lives and liberties of individual Americans. The Terrorist Screening Databaseor terrorist watch listis one of the more mysterious lists maintained by the government. Overseen by the FBIs Terrorist Screening Center, it is intended to keep record of known terrorists, suspected terrorists or sympathizers and sponsors of terrorist activities. However, the database itself has been questioned for its accuracy and criticized for erroneous inclusion of innocent Americans. In fact, even the left-leaning American Civil Liberties Union has called the watch list a massive, virtually standardless government watchlisting scheme that ensnares innocent people and encourages racial and religious profiling. Some of the common errors in the list have been names of children, misspelled names and similar or identical names. Even lawmakers, including the late Senator Ted Kennedy, have mistakenly been placed on the listwhich automatically leads to inclusion on the No Fly List as well. Unfortunately, once individuals are put on the list, theres no due process or standard procedure for requesting removal, protesting inclusion or receiving explanation for being on the list. Considering that there are known inaccuracies, I believe it is dangerous to pass legislation recommending that we follow the lists guidance alone. While its an easy political talking point, the listas it currently existsis an imperfect tool capable of inappropriately and unconstitutionally jeopardizing the Second Amendment rights of innocent Americans. And while not widely reported, the list is already a factor taken into consideration by ATF when issuing gun permits. Further, this legislation would not have caught those responsible for the ISIL-applauded attack in San Bernardino because neither of the two terrorists involved were included on the watch list. While the current terrorist watch list is defective and often inaccurate, I certainly favor improving the compilation and accuracy of the watch list to identify threatening individuals. But that is what we should be doing first in the form of discussions, hearings and serious legislative proposals. I believe the last thing we should be doing right now is rashly attaching the demonstrably defective terrorist watch list to legislation that impacts law-abiding citizens.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/statnews-how-top-republican-became-champion-nih,STAT: How a Top Republican Became a Champion for the NIH,2015-12-11,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"STAT News - David Nather A year ago, when Tom Cole was announced as the new chairman of the powerful House panel that funds medical research programs, he was no expert on medical science. The Oklahoma Republican was well known in Congress for his political savvy and his ties to the GOP leadership. An affable, laid-back lawmaker with a pragmatic streak, Cole was an ally of John Boehner, then the House speaker, and a skilled operative. He had run the GOP organization in charge of reelecting House Republicans, and was the chief of staff at the Republican National Committee in 2000. But no one would have named Cole as a particularly influential lawmaker on health care. Now, however, as the head of the House Appropriations subcommittee on labor, health, and human services, Cole is one of the most important Republican advocates of medical research. Hes also one of the key reasons that the National Institutes of Health is probably about to get a big boost in funding for the first time in 12 years. That proposed increase is part of a huge spending bill to keep the federal government running after its funding runs out on Friday. The bill is tied up right now with fights over other issues, so Congress is set to pass a short-term extension to keep the government open into next week. But if those fights can be resolved, NIH is almost certain to end up with more money anywhere from $1 billion to $2 billion more than last year. Over the past year, Cole gave himself a crash course in medical research and public health. He visited the NIH campus in Bethesda, Md., in January and spent hours talking to Director Francis Collins and the leaders of some of the individual institutes. He flew to Atlanta in February to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He also talked with medical research experts from his home state and with lobbyists from some of the most vocal disease advocacy groups, including the Alzheimers Association, which helped convince him to include a $300 million increase for Alzheimers research in his bill. Cole is candid about how much influence the Alzheimers advocates had on his thinking: We just adopted the proposal of the Alzheimers advocates because we thought it made a lot of sense. The personal side But Cole also had two important personal experiences that helped open his eyes to the impact that serious diseases can have on peoples lives. His father, John Cole, had Alzheimers disease, he said serious enough that the father was institutionalized in a veterans nursing facility for the last 12 years of his life. And Coles wife, Ellen, has multiple sclerosis, a disease she has struggled with for more than 20 years. Cole insisted he hasnt let his familys experiences influence the amount of funding he is steering toward specific diseases, or medical research in general, as the House subcommittee chairman. When he brings up Alzheimers, he mostly talks about it in pure dollar-and-cents terms. Hes interested in how much health care spending will rise as retiring baby boomers develop the disease, and how much money the federal government could save if a cure can be found arguments that sound remarkably similar to the ones used by the Alzheimers advocates. I am cognizant of the fact that you cant allow the things that have touched you personally to drive your decision making, Cole said in an interview. Alzheimers, to me, makes a lot of sense just from everything I know about entitlement spending and the baby boomers and the aging of America the statistics are pretty clear. Its also clear, though, that Coles experiences have provided him with a more personal frame of reference for what people with serious diseases, and their caregivers, go through. We ought to be doing this because its the right thing to do, Cole said of the proposed Alzheimers increase. And Ive watched the human consequences of this disease inside my own family, what it did to my father, what it did to my mom as both a caregiver and then a spouse, what it did to the whole family. When a Texas woman wrote to him about her husbands diagnosis with the disease, he said, it was a sign that the extra Alzheimers research money would be meaningful to people like her. This woman was in an extraordinarily difficult moment of her life. I watched my mother go through that, Cole said. I understand what that means, when someone you love and spent your life with is now going to be taken away from you one day at a time, literally, as their personality is just stripped away, and their memories lost, and everything else. And even though Cole didnt propose an increase in research funding for multiple sclerosis, he acknowledged that its something thats obviously very personal to me. His wife has progressive MS, which, of the two major types, is the harder one to treat. Its the kind that doesnt have flareups just a slow, steady deterioration. Cole said he thinks that precision medicine individualized therapies based on a patients genetic profile may hold the key here. But again, I dont pretend to be an expert in MS. All I am is an expert in watching my wife deal with it. Shes done that exceptionally well. Its very slow and gradual. I mean, she still can drive a car, but she cant walk any distance - she has to have a walker and things like that, Cole said. Shes gotten excellent care but its a hard disease. Its a very, very hard disease. Crash course in medical science There have been other prominent Republicans who have called for an increase in NIH funding after more than a decade of backsliding, notably Newt Gingrich, the former House speaker who helped launch the doubling of the agencys budget between 1998 and 2003. But Cole, as the subcommittee chairman, was in a unique position to do something about it. During his visit to NIH, Cole brought several of his House colleagues along. The group talked with Collins, the NIH director, about how NIH sets its priorities, distributes funds, and develops its strategic plan. Hes a very modest fellow, Collins said of Cole, and, therefore, probably underplayed the level of sophistication he might have already had. But he certainly acquired a lot more in a short time. Collins recalled that Cole was particularly impressed and engaged during a visit to the NIH Vaccine Research Center, and especially during his discussion with Nancy Sullivan, the biodefense research section chief who had been working to develop an Ebola vaccine since the 1990s. The discussion was timely, since it came right after the height of the outbreak in Africa and the scare about the Dallas Ebola patient. He asked a lot of great questions about that in terms of, how do you actually go about taking a scary disease like this and turning it into an effective vaccine? Everything from very basic immunology to how do you design clinical trials, Collins said. Cole also developed an appreciation for the importance of federal medical research funding in conversations with Oklahoma medical researchers, and learned not to assume that private support would take care of all of their needs. He has become a more forceful defender of the role of public funding than he was at the beginning, said Stephen Prescott, president of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. He puts this legitimately in the category of an investment and not a cost. Cole also had a close working relationship with his Senate counterpart, Roy Blunt of Missouri, a former House colleague who now heads that chambers subcommittee on health funding. Blunt is also a big booster of NIH funding, and his version of the spending bill pushed for even more money than Coles. But Cole has a tougher audience. House Republicans, to a greater extent than Senate Republicans, are perpetually at the mercy of combative Tea Party supporters who want to cut government spending, not increase it. Thats the audience Cole and his allies will have to satisfy before the final spending bill can pass. Closing the sale Cole acknowledged that the estimated savings if an effective Alzheimers treatment can be found $220 billion in the first five years, with 60 percent going to Medicare and Medicaid is an argument he has to use with green-eyeshade Republicans. Yet Cole says the Republicans on his subcommittee were actually easy to sell on a funding increase for NIH. It was the Democrats who took more convincing to back a big increase, Cole said not because they didnt like the idea, but because they had so many other funding priorities that were competing with it. I remember talking to one of my Democratic colleagues [who] made the point that We have different priorities. And I said, No, we dont have different priorities. We just have fewer priorities. To you guys, everythings a priority, Cole recalled. One of the Democratic priorities, however, was a big one: funding to implement Obamacare, which Coles original bill would have cut off. Cole is, after all, still a Republican, and his party is still fighting President Obamas health care law. That fight has to get resolved before Obama would sign the funding bill into law, and as of now, Democrats say, it still hasnt been resolved. Cole saw medical research funding as a rare bipartisan goal that would allow Republicans and Democrats to get past those Obamacare battles, as well as the other fights over social issues that happen every year. Still, officials at the Alzheimers Association, the group he consulted on funding for that disease, said he wasnt immediately sold on an increase. He pushed for evidence that the medical science was far enough along to make good use of extra funds. He wanted to know, from a science-driven perspective, if there were new resources, could they be used well? said Robert Egge, the associations chief public policy officer. It helped their case, he said, when NIH released a detailed proposal this summer that outlined the milestones that could be achieved with a $323 million increase for Alzheimers research. On a cost-reward basis, is it worth it? Yeah, it really is, Cole said. I mean, if anything, we should be doing more than we proposed in our bill. But I think youve got to build capacity over time and go at this step by step. Online: StatNews",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/newsok-house-votes-take-feds-out-red-river-border-decision,The Oklahoman: House votes to take feds out of Red River border decision,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Oklahoman - Chris Casteel Ignoring a veto threat, House Republicans pushed through a bill Wednesday that would require a private survey to determine the Oklahoma-Texas border and mandate the sale of about 30,000 acres of public land along the Red River. The bill, authored by several House members from Texas, was approved by a vote of 253-177, with all five members from Oklahoma in support. The legislation may not get a Senate vote, given the White House opposition. Rep. Mac Thornberry, a Texas Republican, said the U.S. Bureau of Land Management was attempting to claim land along the Red River that was in private hands in Texas. The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 1923 decision, laid out a process for how the Oklahoma-Texas border would be determined as the river shifted. The river runs along about 116 miles of the border, lawmakers said. Both states and the federal government have abided by the high court's decision for decades but the Bureau of Land Management was now redefining the boundary most relevant to Texas landowners, Thornberry said. He called it a ""federal land grab"" that would deprive property rights to private landowners who have been utilizing and paying taxes on the land. Farm organizations in Texas and Oklahoma support the bill, as does a national cattle ranchers group. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., argued against the bill, calling it a ""land grab by the state of Texas"" that could deprive the Kiowa, Comanche and Apache tribes of revenue from oil and gas production along the border. If Texas wants to challenge the federal government's land survey of the border, it should do so in court, McGovern said. Before passing the bill, the House approved an amendment by Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, that would give the three Oklahoma tribes far more involvement in the sale of any public land associated with the bill. The White House issued a veto threat on Tuesday, saying the legislation would ""divest the Secretary of the Interior of responsibility as surveyor of record for the United States, and transfer lands out of federal ownership without ensuring a fair return to the taxpayer."" Also, the White House said, the bill ""would require the secretary to delegate her authority for determining federal estate to a state agency, would be counter to nearly 100 years of settled law and could reduce mineral revenue opportunities for the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache Tribes and the State of Oklahoma."" Online: The Oklahoman",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/implementing-gao-and-oig-recommendations-could-save-billions-in-govt-waste,Implementing GAO and OIG Recommendations Could Save Billions in Gov't Waste,2015-12-10,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.10.15 Implementing GAO and OIG Recommendations Could Save Billions in Gov't Waste Hearing Highlights Success of Auditing Offices and Great Potential for Further Savings for Taxpayer WASHINGTON, DC The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, under the chairmanship of Senator James Lankford (R-OK), today held a hearing to examine the government efficiency and cost-saving recommendations from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the federal agency Offices of Inspectors General (OIGs), the primary auditing offices of the federal government. Specifically, the hearing highlighted the billions of dollars that have been saved by implementing these recommendations, and the billions more that could be saved from recommendations that have not been implemented by agencies. With a massive $19 trillion federal debt and a half-a-trillion dollar deficit, the federal government must identify and eliminate inefficiencies, duplication and wasteful spending wherever they exist, said Lankford. The Government Accountability Office and Offices of Inspectors General do great work studying and finding opportunities for savings, and some of them have been highlighted in my own waste report Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball. GAO saved taxpayers $74 billion last year; and has saved half-a-trillion dollars since 2003. However, approximately 20 percent of the GAO recommendations, and billions more in savings, are still unaddressed. We cannot ignore obvious solutions to our deficit. Multiple Members of Congress, including Senators Jeff Flake and Dan Coats and Rep. Steve Russell, have highlighted areas of government waste, but these GAO and OIG reports have also made a strong case for specific areas of duplication and needed reforms. Congress and the Executive Branch should do more to implement OIG and GAO recommendations to help address Washington's out-of-control federal spending. Since 2003, GAO's work has resulted in over 1/2 trillion dollars in financial benefits and about 17,000 program efficiency reforms. According to a report, about 81% of GAO recommendations have been implemented between 1983 and 2008. Since 1990, GAO has regularly issued a High Risk List' that identifies federal programs that are especially vulnerable to fraud, waste, and mismanagement. Unfortunately, only one-third of the items on the list have been addressed in 25 years. During his opening statement, the Honorable Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of GAO said, Since fiscal year 2010, GAO's work has resulted in over $330 billion in financial benefits and over 8,000 program and operational benefits. In fiscal year 2015 alone, GAO's work yielded $74.7 billion in financial accomplishmentsa return of about $134 for every dollar invested in GAO. Michael Horowitz, Inspector General of the Department of Justice, said, OIGs recover substantial funds as a result of their investigative work.Together, the recommendations and investigative recoveries of the IG Community result in significant improvements to the economy and efficiency of programs across the government, with potential savings totaling approximately $46.5 billion in fiscal year 2014. CLICK HERE to read the hearing opening statements and view the hearing video. CLICK HERE to view video of Senator Lankford's opening statement and questions and answer period. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-passage-of-the-every-student-succeeds-act,Inhofe Praises Passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act,2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Praises Passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act Wednesday, December 9, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) todaypraised the bipartisan passage of S. 1177, the Every Student Succeeds Act, the legislative update to the No Child Left Behind law, which expired in 2007. This measure passed by a vote of 85-12. The Every Student Succeeds Act is long overdue and the largest step weve taken toward giving the power over our childrens education back to the states in 25 years said Inhofe. The Obama Administration has become a national school board in recent years, pushing liberal policies like Common Core. This bill ends that practice and ends Common Core, allowing Oklahoma to sets standards and accountabilities for Oklahomans. It leaves federal bureaucrats out of the picture. I am also pleased that an amendment I sponsored with Sen. Booker is incorporated into the final version of the bill. This amendment will help improve the future of some of the most vulnerable in our education system, homeless and foster youth, by reporting on graduation rates on state and district report cards. Education is not one size fits all and this legislation refocuses education standards back to local communities and their leaders, teachers and parents who know our children the best. Background: S. 1177 Every Student Succeeds Act reforms the outdated No Child Left Behind by: Ending the Common Core mandate. Ending the Secretary of Education's ability to require states to obtain waivers from the federal government to continue receiving funding without more burdensome federal requirements. Empowering states to establish accountability systems instead of the federal government. The accountability systems will be state-designed and meet minimum federal parameters, but the federal government is prohibited from determining or approving state standards. This reform will allow states to determine the best way to hold their teachers and school districts accountable to delivering results. The Senate passed their version of the bill July 17, 2015 by a vote of 81-17. The bill passed out of conference November 19, 2015 by a vote of 38-1. The bill reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act through fiscal year 2021. In 2014, Oklahoma was forced to prove that the state met national standards to obtain this flexibility; the Obama Administration tried to use this leverage to force Oklahoma to adopt Common Core. Senator Inhofe led the delegation letter to the U.S. Department of Education for reinstatement of the waiver. Soon after, the Administration relented when Oklahomas own standards were certified by the State as college- and career-ready. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-supports-bill-to-repeal-no-child-left-behind-expand-state-role-in-education,"Senator Lankford Supports Bill to Repeal No Child Left Behind, Expand State Role in Education",2015-12-09,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.09.15 Senator Lankford Supports Bill to Repeal No Child Left Behind, Expand State Role in Education WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today supported the Every Student Succeeds Act (S. 1177), which replaces No Child Left Behind and returns education decisions for students back to parents, teachers, local school boards, and state officials. The bill eliminates the heavy-handed, Washington-based approach of No Child Left Behind, which forced more than 42 states, including Oklahoma, to operate under waivers from the Department of Education. After years of bureaucratic top-down federal education policy, Congress has finally agreed on a plan that is more student-focused, not Washington-focused, said Lankford. Because of this legislation, Oklahomans will no longer have to beg for yearly waivers from the federal government to decide upon our own state educational standards, and we will not have to worry about students losing instructional time to prepare for a federal test. This bill isn't perfect, but it puts the choice of education back in the hands of the people that know bestparents, teachers, school boards and state leaders. Parents are the primary educators of their children and we should continue to find ways to prioritize our families and our schools. Lankford released a video discussing his support for the ESSA. The bill passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support of 85-12. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/governing-way-regular-order,Governing by Way of Regular Order,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"With just a few short weeks left in the year, I am pleased to report that lawmakers on both sides of the aisle in both chambers of Congress are working together to find common ground on issues that matter to the American people. In fact, last week alone brought with it legislative victories that proved the federal government can function under regular order--even when it is divided. First, the U.S House of Representatives passed legislation to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and also fix glaring nationwide problems in the education system that have prevented many students from making the grade. Negotiated by conferees in the House and Senate, the ESEA Conference Report specifically repeals the significant shortfalls of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), which greatly increased the federal governments role in K-12 education across the country after it became law. While well-intentioned at the time of its passage, NCLB has instead led to a decline in learning and academic readiness since it was signed into law in 2002. In place of the excessive federal intervention ushered in by NCLB, the ESEA Conference Report allows states and local education leaders to develop criteria and maintain responsibility for measuring the success of students and schools, addressing failures and filling learning gaps. It prohibits a federal mandate requiring states to follow Common Core standards and protects private and home schools from needless federal involvement. The legislation also makes information available to parents about school performance and charter and magnet school programs, so they can have a more active role in selecting the best education for their children. Second, both chambers passed and sent legislation to the presidents desk that invests in our nations roads, bridges and rails. At its core, the legislation shows commitment to a safe, efficient and well-maintained infrastructure. The long-term measure offers greater certainty to projects at the state and local level, helps move people and products and keeps our economy strong and vibrant. Commonly known as the Highway Bill, the Conference Report for this measure authorizes funding for five years--the longest timeframe set out in years. While it isnt perfect and I am concerned about its use of funding mechanisms that are unrelated to the transportation system, I still believe it is a worthwhile compromise that reflects the best interests of the American people. As legislative work for the year continues to wind down and especially as lawmakers consider legislation to fund the government this week, I am hopeful that we can continue the responsible momentum of coming to agreement in a timely manner rather than dangerously governing crisis by crisis.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-supports-changes-visa-waiver-program,Cole Supports Changes to Visa Waiver Program,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015. The legislation relates to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which currently has 38 participating countries and uses background information shared by those countries with the United States for screening individuals seeking entry and short-term travel to America. The bill passed today by a vote of 407-19 andreforms VWP by making participating countries also share counterterrorism and relevant intelligenceincluding biometric informationabout potential visitors to the United States. If deemed necessary, it gives the United States the ability to suspend country participation in VWP and deny VWP status to those who have recently traveled to high-risk countries, like Iraq and Syria. Without question, the American people deserve the utmost diligence in preventing acts of terrorism by visitors to the United States, said Cole. Clearly, there are real adjustments that must be made to the Visa Waiver Program to ensure we adequately screen potentially threatening individuals and discontinue partnerships with countries not gathering or sharing critical intelligence. I am pleased that the House strengthened the requirements for partners and qualifications for participants in the Visa Waiver Program and showed that the safety of our own citizens remains the highest priority. ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://russell.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/russell-locks-horns-president-over-gun-control,Russell locks horns with president over gun control,2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Steve Russell,R000604,russell.house.gov,,,legacy,"FBI stats show violent crimes down last two years OKLAHOMA CITY The terrorist shootings in San Bernardino, Calif., prompted U.S. Rep. Steve Russell to deliver a strong pro-gun message 48 hours before President Barack Obama demanded tougher gun control laws. During a Friday evening interview, Russell told Red Dirt Report, Now is not the time to talk about disarming our citizens or the terrorists win. Russell contends terrorist acts are occurred at soft targets where victims are not allowed to defend themselves with guns. Were not having these episodes in Dallas or Oklahoma, he said. We have a God-given right to keep and bear arms just like having a free press or religious liberty. ISIS is for disarming America. Even when these incidents do happen in places like Oklahoma City such as the woman who was beheaded, the owner of the business used his shotgun to shoot the assailant. It could have been much worse. On Sunday, the president called for stricter gun control laws and eliminating the sale of assault rifles to the general public. Obama said it is too easy for people who want to harm Americans to buy these types of guns. Congress should act to make sure no one on a no-fly list is able to buy a gun. What could possibly be the argument for allowing a terrorist suspect to buy a semiautomatic weapon? This is a matter of national security, the president said. Obama said it should be more difficult to buy powerful assault weapons like those used in the San Bernardino attacks that killed 14 people. After the presidents speech, Russell issued a comment on Facebook. While I applaud the president for finally calling out a dangerous ideology that has spread through Islam as a cult of death, I am saddened that he called on Congress to take away the right of our citizens to defend themselves; has asked for authorization on the use of force he already has; and is tightening visa waivers only after Congress has pressured him to do so, he said. Russell understands the pressure mass killings create for elected officials and the call for action by those who support gun control. The impact of this violence is more heightened than at any time in history, he said. If you look at the gun death statistics, youll see that number is down if you exclude suicides. Despite popular opinion, gun violence is not increasing. FBI crime statistics show that gun violence was higher 20 years ago. The FBI reported in 2014 that the figure for gun background checks 21,093,273 hit a record level for 2013. At the same time, violent crimes in 2013 dropped 4.4 percent when compared with 2012 numbers. The FBI also reported the violent crime rate for 2014 dropped 1 percent. Russell also was disappointed Obama did not speak about a way to accommodate the disenfranchised Sunni-Arab in the diplomatic effort. While I appreciate the presidents strong statements on combatting discrimination and no religious tests for which Americans should have our liberties, I am not encouraged that the president has a capable strategy to defeat ISIS or protect the American people, Russell said through his statement on Facebook. Democrats have proposed a universal background check on potential gun owners, but Russell countered that policy already exists. This is really about more gun control, the congressman said. They dont want more background checks. They want our guns. A terrorist wont pass a background check anyway. Refugees, visa waivers During Fridays interview with Red Dirt Report, Russell said the controversial refugee issue is narrow in scope because there are fewer refugees than immigrants. There is a huge difference between refugees and people immigrating to America, he said. Russell made those comments based on remarks governors from 30 states have made in connection with Syrian refugees fleeing that war-torn country. Several governors, Republicans and Democrats, have vowed to stop Syrian refugees from relocating in their states. However, some governors have backed down since states have no control over the federal governments refugee relocation program. Some of the controversy could be settled once Congress and the president agree to provisions in a visa waiver program, which is used by 38 other countries. Residents from those other countries can come to the U.S. for 90 days, but you have to be able to meet certain higher standards such as the biometric passports Great Britain uses. Application standards would be higher as well. Its one of those things you have to meet to come to the U.S, Russell said. Russell also defended a House vote he switched in connection with a refugee issue known as the SAFE Act which would clamp down on Syrian refugees entering the U.S. After giving an impassioned speech on the House floor that condemned the xenophobic attitude of congressman, Russell voted against the bill. Later, Russell switched his vote in favor of the bill after being surrounded by his colleagues who assured him his vote would give the bill a veto-proof majority. Before changing his vote, Russell demanded a seat at the table on all future discussions on this issue. Russell told Red Dirt Report the SAFE Act will not be the final legislation and that the veto-proof majority will provide the House with leverage when negotiating with the Senate. Russell is now a member of a bipartisan refugee task force that is developing recommendations which should be submitted in January to the full House. Russell, a retired Army lieutenant colonel who served for more than 20 years, gave the example of an Iraqi interpreter who served with the U.S. military as a potential refugee. We dont want to turn away interpreters who worked with U.S. special ops, he said. We need to be standing on principles that we do the right thing for the republic. Oil and Turkey Media reports have suggested recently that ISIS-controlled oil is being shipped from Turkish ports, butRussell doesnt believe officials in that country are condoning those actions. Is there black marketeering going on? Absolutely. There is a 100-mile segment along the border that is open. But I think its unfair to suggest that its being endorsed by our NATO ally Turkey, he said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-says-securing-vwp-secures-nation,"Congressman Russell says, Securing the VWP Secures the Nation.",2015-12-08,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Steve Russell,R000604,russell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Today, the House passed H.R. 158, the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015, by a vote of 407-19. Presently, 38 countries citizens can travel to the U.S. through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and thus can gain access to the U.S. more easily than citizens from non-VWP countries. As is law now, all applicants to the VWP are approved or denied after a background check, but the current process heavily relies upon the screening process of the host country, some of whom do not share all of their counter terrorism data with the United States. The Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015 enhances U.S. security by enforcing new laws that would make VWP countries strengthen their own security screening and counter terrorism information sharing with the U.S. H.R. 158 would also enact more stringent screening of anyone who has traveled to terrorist hotspots in the Middle East before allowing them entry into the United States. Countries that fail to screen travelers against ITERPOL databases, or share counter terrorism information would lose their VWP status. Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) spoke about his vote in favor of H.R. 158 saying: I was very happy to see the discussion move toward the real threat that terrorists are exploiting by focusing on the bigger problem of obtaining legal visas. It has been through the deliberative process of Congress that we have seen this shift, and it is bringing good results. It is easier and faster for our enemies to travel from the Middle East, or even Europe, legally into the country than it would be for them to wait out a multi-year refugee process. This bill, while not perfect, addresses many of the concerns we have about security when screening travelers from all over the world. At the same time, we can ensure that people visiting the U.S. for tourism or business are still able to do so.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/kgou-rep-tom-cole-war-authorization-end-year-legislation,"KGOU: Rep. Tom Cole On War Authorization, End Of Year Legislation",2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"KGOU - Jacob Mccleland The U.S. Congress if wrapping up the year with several key bills. Last week, the House passed a rewrite of the No Child Left Behind law, and the Senate sent a highway bill to President Obamas desk. On todays show well talk with Republican Congressman Tom Cole. The veteran lawmaker from Oklahoma spoke with KGOUs Jacob McCleland on November 24 in his Norman office. Some excerpts: McCleland: Youve noted in the past for a while now that you want Congress to debate authorizing war against ISIS. Do you think a war authorization debate is more crucial now than ever? Cole: I absolutely do. Ive never doubted, frankly, that weve allowed the administration to exercise war-making authority without appropriate Congressional oversight. The Constitution is pretty clear about who has the ability to declare war. Its not the President of the United States. Hes operating under the assumption that the authorizations given to George W. Bush in 2001 and 2002 cover this situation. I dont think they do. Nobody in that time frame had any idea wed be at war in Syrian. ISIL didnt even exist. If the authorizations are indeed that broad, then the President could take you to war any time, any place he chooses to without Congressional authority. I also think theres a lot of Congressional dodging going on here - that is, people want to be free to criticize the President without putting themselves on the line. I think you ought to be able to listen to the debate, cast your vote and come home and explain it. Thats what you get paid to do. Ive been frankly disappointed that we havent had more members willing to do that. McCleland: Now that the details of the Trans Pacific Partnership are out, its a 6,000 page document. Have you had a chance to go through it? Cole: I have not had a chance to read it. I have gotten some supporting material from the U.S. special representative for trade who negotiated it. Theres still a couple of reports that are due from various agencies. So I dont expect Congress will get to this until next year in any serious kind of way. There havent been any hearings. At some point I certainly will read the documentation that I have been given plus the treaty itself and listen to the debate. But I think were some months away from that. McCleland: Have you been able to formulate any views on this might be something you would support yet? Cole: No, its a little early to do that. And again, as you point out, its a several thousand page document. Until I get in it a little bit more deeply, I want to be careful about taking any definitive position. I will point out, historically I have been in favor of free trade so these are not votes that are difficult for me to cast as long as I think its a good deal. And I certainly supported giving the President the Congressional authority that he needed to negotiate an up-or-down deal. McCleland: (Donald) Trumps immigration stance has drawn some sharp criticism from Latino groups. Does it concern you that candidates like Trump are turning Latino voters away from the GOP? Cole: Well, look. I think Donald Trump is a hes running as a Republican. Hes been on all sides of all kinds of issues and he hasnt always been a Republican. So well see how he fares over the course of the campaign. I think its much more important to look at somebody whos actually in office than somebodys whos aspiring to be in office. So somebody like a Paul Ryan who I think is pretty thoughtful about this and who I think has laid out a set of principals in the past is a much more meaningful figure since he is the Speaker of the House as opposed to any presidential candidate in defining who and where the Republican party is on the issue. Online: KGOU",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-remembers-pearl-harbor,Congressman Russell Remembers Pearl Harbor,2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Steve Russell,R000604,russell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today, Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) offered this statement, in remembrance of the attack on Pearl Harbor, on December 7, 1941: Seventy-four years ago, President Roosevelt declared this day would be a day that will live in infamy. As we remember the more than 2000 brave souls who lost their lives, and all those who valiantly fought and survived the Japanese onslaught, we must also take up their determination as we fight the war on terror. The attack on Pearl Harbor came out of the blue, and it took us by surprise, but today's foe is right before us. The ""Greatest Generation"" responded to the call, united as a country against a vicious and brutal enemy and fought until victorious no matter how long it would take. We should learn from their example and stand united as a country until we defeat the radical Islamic, jihadi, death-cult ideology that seeks to destroy our way of life. Remember Pearl Harbor. Remember 9/11. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/senator-lankford-in-bartlesville-examiner-enterprise-social-security-a-promise-that-isnt-being-kept,Senator Lankford in Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Social Security: A Promise that Isnt Being Kept,2015-12-07,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.07.15 Senator Lankford in Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Social Security: A Promise that Isn't Being Kept When I took the oath of office in January to be the next U.S. senator for Oklahoma, I made a commitment to represent our great state and our values in Washington, D.C. While Oklahomans do not agree on many issues, most Oklahomans are very protective and very skeptical of Social Security. We know years ago the federal government made a promise to America's seniors. We also know that, for decades, individuals have paid taxes into the trust fund to support their own retirement and to provide an emergency backup in case of disability. Now it is time to keep that commitment. The Social Security Disability Trust Fund has been in trouble for years, but Congress has not passed a reform to protect the most vulnerable in our nation. The Disability Fund is designed for individuals who cannot work anywhere in our economy. But, instead of protecting the vulnerable, the truly disabled have been pushed to the back of the line by clever attorneys and endless appeals, which have overloaded the system and driven the program to the edge of insolvency. Three years ago, my office started writing a solution to protect the Disability Trust Fund and reform the program. For years, we have interviewed people, researched ideas and held Congressional hearings. We released a set of solutions that would protect the disabled, stabilize the program, stop the rapidly growing fraud and get more of the disability money to the disabled, instead of to the bureaucracy. When Congress finally had a moment to protect and reform the disability program a few weeks ago, it chose to simply transfer funds from retirement Social Security and put in place small patches on the disability program to carry it seven more years. I voted against this legislative patch and spoke out for our point of view. We can do better than this, and we must. Seven years from now, the problem will be worse. This is the same issue we face in retirement Social Security. Americans know that in the decades to come, Social Security cannot pay all of its obligations. Retirement Social Security is solvent for the next two decades, but now is the time to start planning for the next generation. I am 47 years old. When I reach retirement age, 20 years from now, Social Security will not be solvent enough to pay its full promised benefit to my generation. The question is simple, but the answers are tough. How can we stabilize Social Security for the decades to come and protect everyone in and near retirement so that they face no changes to the program? People in and near retirement have planned for years the Social Security contract cannot change now. That is why it was important for Congress to make sure the cost of Medicare did not go up this year, when there was no cost-of-living increase in the Social Security formula. With our slow economy, this is the third time in five years that Social Security has had no cost of living increase. This is another issue that must be addressed. Every single congressman and senator from Oklahoma understands these issues well. We all have parents, friends and neighbors on Social Security. The seven people who represent our state in Washington D.C. are all passionate about our state and the best way to protect our seniors, the disabled and our future. As we work through the solutions and the political realities, I would encourage anyone with specific ideas to contact our offices and share your thoughts. There are enough challenges in retirement instability of Social Security should not be one of them. ### By: Senator James Lankford Source: Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://russell.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/congressman-steve-russell-talks-gun-laws-isis-communication-women-combat,"Congressman Steve Russell talks gun laws, ISIS communication & women in combat",2015-12-06,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Steve Russell,R000604,russell.house.gov,,,legacy,"OKLAHOMA Republican Congressman Steve Russell takes a break from meet and greets to join the Flashpoint panel. Russell talks about keeping our rights during mass shootings likes San Bernardino. He alsomentions thatpoliticians are just as concerned about gun laws as the everyday citizen, so they discuss background checks and other variables in purchasing firearms. The FBI says the San Bernardino shooters were radicalized. Russell talks about his disagreements with allowing ISIS to have open communication on the internet and other ways to take down the terrorist state. The panel discusses the issue of women in combat, as well as allowing Syrian refugees in America. Mike Turpensays Congressman Steve Russell is very ""statesman-like.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/news9-oklahoma-lawmakers-weigh-gun-safety-bill,News9: Oklahoma Lawmakers Weigh In On Gun Safety Bill,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"News9 - Alex Cameron One day after a mass shooting took the lives of 14 people in San Bernardino, CA, a gun-control measure intended to help keep suspected terrorists from getting access to guns is defeated in Washington, D.C. The measure, offered by Sen. Diane Feinstein, (D) California, Thursday afternoon as an amendment to a health care bill, is an exact duplicate of a House bill that was referenced by President Obama in his reaction to this latest shooting. ""We have a no-fly list where people can't get on planes,"" Obama said in an interview Wednesday afternoon, ""but those same people who we don't allow to fly could go into a store right now in the United States and buy a firearm, and there's nothing that we can do to stop them -- that's a law that needs to be changed."" Some in Congress have been trying to change that law now for several years, but claim the powerful gun lobby has stood in the way. The legislation has been around since 2007, but was re-introduced in February of this year, with both Democrat and Republican sponsors, as H.R. 1076, The Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2015. The measure would give the U.S. Attorney General the discretion to deny the transfer or sale of a firearm to someone who is on the FBI's Terrorist Watch List. Such a law, it appears, would not have helped prevent Wednesday's mass shooting, since it doesn't seem the shooters were on any watch list. But Obama and the bill's supporters feel, as the nation looks at ways to reduce gun violence, in general, this is a reasonable step Congress could take. Two weeks ago, News 9 reached out to all seven members of Oklahoma's Congressional delegation, requesting they give their respective position on the legislation. Congressmen Russell and Cole, and Senator Lankford were the only ones to respond to the request. Rep. Russell, (R) 5th District, says the measure could jeopardize the rights of law-abiding citizens ""That's a problem, because now, on suspicion, it would hand the government broad power to prohibit your ability to protect yourself under the second amendment,"" said Russell. ""I have issues with that."" Rep. Tom Cole, (R) 4th District, provided this statement: ""While well intentioned, this bill is a paper tiger. If the Attorney General is aware of individuals engaging in terrorist activities on American soil, those individuals should be in jail. They ought not be free to buy groceries, let alone guns."" A spokesperson for Lankford, Aly Beley, provided this statement today, at about the same time Sen. Feinstein was offering her amendment: Senator Lankford wants to keep guns out of the hands of terrorists, but this legislation brings up a constitutional issue that has not been resolved. Our basic Constitutional rights can only be taken away through due process, not through a federal bureaucrat list. As much as Senator Lankford wants to prevent gun violence, he also wants to protect Constitutional processes. To reduce gun violence, Lankford believes we must address our culture of violence, mental health issues and radicalization. Feinstein's amendment was defeated 45-54. It needed 60 votes to pass. Both Lankford and nhofe voted against the measure. It's estimated there are more than a million people on the watch list right now. According to data from the General Accounting Office, since 2003, more than 2,000 people on the watch-list have been able to legally purchase guns in the United States. Online: News9",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/newsok-congress-approves-massive-highway-bill-more-34b-oklahoma,"The Oklahoman: Congress approves massive highway bill, with more than $3.4B for Oklahoma",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Oklahoman - Chris Casteel Congress gave strong bipartisan approval Thursday to a $305 billion highway bill that Oklahoma lawmakers praised for providing certainty to state officials planning critical road and bridge projects. The bill, which President Barack Obama is expected to sign soon, will set the nation's surface transportation policy for the next five years and provide a boost in funding for highways and mass transit. Oklahoma will receive an estimated $3.4 billion over the five years for roads and bridges and another $240 million for transit. In the House, the bill was approved 359-65. Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Tulsa, was the only one of the five Oklahomans to oppose the bill. The Senate approved the bill 83-16. Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa, helped write the bill and voted for it. Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City, opposed the legislation. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, said, The importance of investing in the roads, bridges and rails utilized by all Americans cannot be overstated. At its core, the legislation shows commitment to a safe, efficient and well-maintained infrastructure, and this long-term measure offers greater certainty to projects at the state and local level, helps move people and products and keeps our economy strong and vibrant. Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-Westville, one of the House negotiators on the legislation, said Oklahoma will receive nearly $300 million more under the bill than it would have under the current allocation formula. The bill includes a provision written by Mullin to prevent the removal of church and civic group signs that are too large under federal regulations. State highway departments have more pressing things to do than be forced by the federal government to enforce the size of church and civic group signs, Mullin said. I have been working hard to fix this problem, which was first brought to my attention by constituents and Oklahoma state legislators, and I am thrilled that we are almost across the finish line. Mullin praised a provision sought by Oklahoma officials to allow road work to commence on bridges badly in need of repair even if barn and cliff swallows, which nest in bridges, are present. Over 200 million trips are taken every day across failing bridges. We need to make sure repairs are made in a timely and efficient manner, so human lives are protected, Mullin said. Lankford objected to a portion of the bill's funding and to the renewal of the Export-Import Bank, which was included in the legislation. Tea party conservatives have complained that the bank is a form of corporate welfare. ""When the good transportation policy was connected to the finance portion of the bill, unfortunately, the bill did not meet basic budget standards,"" Lankford said. ""The Strategic Petroleum Oil Reserve was tapped to pay a portion of the cost, but the bill assumed oil would sell for $100 a barrel, when the actual current value is closer to $42 a barrel. The bill moves billions of dollars from the Federal Reserve surplus, which typically goes toward debt reduction, but will now go toward highway costs. ""Our nation needs a good highway construction and maintenance plan, but our nation also needs good budgeting and debt reduction. Unfortunately, the (highway bill) does not do both."" Inhofe, who has worked for more than a decade on this and other highway bills with Sen. Barbara Boxer, issued a joint statement with the California Democrat. ""We couldn't be more proud of the overwhelming vote today, because this legislation is essential for jobs, for our safety by rebuilding our roads and bridges and for our economic standing in the world,"" they said. Online: The Oklahoman",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/newsok-most-oklahoma-house-members-support-education-bill,NewsOK: Most Oklahoma House members support education bill,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"NewsOK - Chris Casteel Four of the five U.S. House members from Oklahoma voted for the education bill meant to replace the much-criticized No Child Left Behind Act. The Every Student Succeeds Act passed the House on Wednesday night by a vote of 359-64. Reps. Tom Cole, R-Moore; Frank Lucas, R-Cheyenne; Markwayne Mullin, R-Westville; and Steve Russell, R-Choctaw voted for it. Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Tulsa, voted against. The bill is expected to be approved by the Senate and signed by the president this month. Cole said, ""While well-intentioned at the time of its passage, No Child Left Behind has clearly led to a decline in learning and academic readiness. ""I am encouraged by the action taken to correct flaws that have led to gaps in student achievement. By limiting the federal governments excessive role in education, returning greater control to states, keeping local educational leaders involved in the system and helping parents choose the best place for their children to learn, I believe we can ensure every student in America is set up to succeed."" Bridenstine voted for the original House bill because he thought it moved federal education policy in the right direction. But he said the final version written by House and Senate negotiators ""missed the opportunity to return control of our childrens education to where it belongs: states, local school districts, and ultimately, parents. He said the bill maintains federal testing and still requires states to intervene in schools underperforming by federal metrics. The White House praised the bill, saying it: - Ensures accountability ""by guaranteeing that when students fall behind, states redirect resources into what works to help them and their schools improve, with a particular focus on the very lowest-performing schools, high schools with high dropout rates, and schools with achievement gaps."" - Reduces ""the often onerous burden of testing on students and teachers, making sure that tests dont crowd out teaching and learning, without sacrificing clear, annual information parents and educators need to make sure our children are learning."" - Provides more children access to ""high-quality preschool."" The National Governors Association issued a statement saying ""Governors congratulate the House for passing ESSA with broad bipartisan support. This marks an historic moment in ensuring childrens future success in the nations schools. We now call on the Senate to follow suit and swiftly pass this piece of landmark legislation. Online: NewsOK",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-supports-conference-report-highway-bill,Cole Supports Conference Report for Highway Bill,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Conference Report for the Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. The legislation provides authorization for five years of funding to maintain and improve the nations infrastructure, streamlines surface transportation programs, encourages innovation within the system and ensures the highest level of safety and efficiency for roads, bridges and rails. The importance of investing in the roads, bridges and rails utilized by all Americans cannot be overstated, said Cole. While this transportation bill isnt perfect and I am particularly concerned about its funding mechanisms that seem unrelated to the transportation system, I still believe that is a worthwhile compromise that reflects the best interests of the American people. At its core, the legislation shows commitment to a safe, efficient and well-maintained infrastructure, and this long-term measure offers greater certainty to projects at the state and local level, helps move people and products and keeps our economy strong and vibrant. I am glad that two Oklahomans were actively involved in the crafting of this bill. Certainly, this compromise would not be possible without the indispensable leadership of Senator Jim Inhofe, both as chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and vice-chair of the Conference Committee that negotiated the legislation. In the House, I am pleased that Congressman Markwayne Mullin could also weigh in as a conferee and help mold the legislation, concluded Cole. ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-votes-replace-no-child-left-behind,Cole Votes to Replace No Child Left Behind,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Every Student Succeeds Act or ESEA Conference Report. The bill addresses and repeals the shortfalls of No Child Left Behind, which was signed into law in 2002 and greatly increased the federal governments role in K-12 education across the country. The legislation passed this week seeks to scale back the federal governments role in K-12 education by limiting the authority of the Secretary of Education, eliminating the federal accountability system and other unsuccessful programs, reducing unnecessary testing and prohibiting a federal mandate requiring states to follow Common Core. Instead, the bill allows states and local education leaders to develop criteria and maintain responsibility for measuring the success of students and schools, addressing failures and filling learning gaps. The legislation makes information available to parents about school performance and charter and magnet school programs, so they can have a more active role in selecting the best education for their children. It also protects private and home schools from needless federal intervention. I am very proud of this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that fixes glaring nationwide problems in our education system that have prevented many students from making the grade, said Cole. Without question, education is one of the most important building blocks for success, and access to quality learning directly impacts development and potential. While well-intentioned at the time of its passage, No Child Left Behind has clearly led to a decline in learning and academic readiness. I am encouraged by the action taken to correct flaws that have led to gaps in student achievement. By limiting the federal governments excessive role in education, returning greater control to states, keeping local educational leaders involved in the system and helping parents choose the best place for their children to learn, I believe we can ensure every student in America is set up to succeed. Certainly, this bill is a major achievement eight years coming and eight years overdue. And I am particularly pleased that it was shepherded by the strong, relentless leadership of my close friend, Education and Workforce Chairman John Kline, concluded Cole. ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=614,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Votes to Enhance American Energy Security,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,bridenstine.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Bridenstine voted for H.R. 8, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act. The bill passed 249 to 174. Secure, reliable, and affordable energy is crucial to our economy and national security, said Bridenstine. I am pleased the House of Representatives passed legislation to expand markets for American energy while eliminating several barriers to production. Bridenstine continued, H.R. 8 includes a significant provision drawn directly from the Cruz-Bridenstine American Energy Renaissance Act, a comprehensive energy bill I introduced in both the 113th and 114th Congresses. The Gosar/Bridenstine amendment to H.R. 8 which included this provision was unanimously approved, limiting frivolous and costly environmental lawsuits that block energy development. In addition, the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act: Lifts the ban on exporting crude oil Expedites the process for exporting natural gas Simplifies permitting for new pipelines Limits duplicative studies that delay energy projects Establishes a Strategic Transformer Reserve to increase the United States ability to protect the electric grid The biggest obstacle to the American energy renaissance is Washington, DC. This legislation will cut regulatory red tape and allow energy development to expand. I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this legislation and send it to the President. -- 30 --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-hails-senate-passage-of-obamacare-repeal-planned-parenthood-defunding,"Inhofe Hails Senate Passage of Obamacare Repeal, Planned Parenthood Defunding",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Hails Senate Passage of Obamacare Repeal, Planned Parenthood Defunding Thursday, December 3, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) todayvoted in favor of H.R. 3762, Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act. This bill would repeal key components of Obamacare and defund Planned Parenthood for one year. This measure passed by a vote of 52-47. The passage of a bill to repeal Obamacare is a key victory for this Congress, said Inhofe. Since its disastrous roll-out, I have listened to heartbreaking accounts of how Obamacare has negatively impacted middle-class Oklahoma families. President Obama made many promises about how Obamacare would lower healthcare costs and improve the economy, yet five years later premiums and deductibles have only increased, workers hours have been cut, and the religious liberty of many has been threatened. Because of Obamacare, Oklahomans will see their healthcare premiums rise 35.7 percent next year, which is the largest increase in the nation. Repealing Obamacare is the first step to replacing this disastrous law with a new one that allows real health insurance markets to develop without the heavy hand of Washington getting in the way. I am also proud that this bill protects innocent lives by defunding Planned Parenthood. Protecting the life of the unborn is among our most important responsibilities. With severe allegations that Planned Parenthood profited from harvested fetal tissue, it is appropriate to defund the organization and redirect the money to community health centers, where women have even greater access to healthcare than what is provided by Planned Parenthood. I applaud my colleagues for taking this step. Background: H.R. 3762, as modified by the Senate, repeals key components of Obamacare, including: The Individual Mandate The Employer Mandate The Medical Device Tax The Cadillac Tax The Medicaid Expansion Over $1 trillion in Obamacare taxes Obamacare Subsidies H.R. 3762 also defunds Planned Parenthood for one year and redirects this funding toward the more than 9,000 community health centers, which are better equipped to provide for womens health needs than the only 700 Planned Parenthoods nationwide. Though facing a sure veto from the president, passing this reconciliation bill to repeal Obamacare and defund Planned Parenthood is important to demonstrate that the Republican controlled Congress is serious about dismantling the legacy of President Obama. Earlier this year, Blue Cross Blue Shield notified about 40,000 Oklahomans that they will no longer offer their current plan and that policy holders will be moved to other plans in the two other networks in the state. At the same time, many other insurance companies are dropping out of the Affordable Care Act market altogether. In October, the Department of Health and Human Services reported that Oklahomans with plans on the exchange would face an average premium increase of 35.7 percent next year, the highest in the nation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-statement-on-fast-act,Senator Lankford Statement on FAST Act,2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.03.15 Senator Lankford Statement on FAST Act WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement after voting against the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act conference report. The bill passed by a vote of 83-16. The FAST Act transportation bill maintains many of the highway reforms from previous years and builds on those programs by beginning the transition to more state control of highway construction.The new block grant structure for the Surface Transportation Program is a positive step for local decision-making and efficiency.The highway bill, for the first time in over a decade, extends the program for five years, allowing advanced contracting and planning for major projects. Oklahoma will benefit from the included reforms of the migratory bird requirements, which will allow year-round bridge construction.The FAST Act also gets the federal government out of the business of deciding what signs rural Oklahomans can put up on the edge of town, like churches, service organizations or the FFA.One of the Federal Fumbles waste examples, that our team recently noted, was the Amtrak subsidy for passenger food; the FAST Act finally requires accountability in that program. Finally, significant reforms in the permitting process for national infrastructure projects was passed to streamline the extensive and unpredictable permitting process.Oklahoma should be proud of the good transportation policy negotiated by Senator Inhofe in the FAST Act. When the good transportation policy was connected to the finance portion of the bill, unfortunately, the bill did not meet basic budget standards.Most of the bill's cost were not offset with realistic pay-fors.The Strategic Petroleum Oil Reserve was tapped to pay a portion of the cost, but the bill assumed oil would sell for nearly $95 a barrel, when the actual current value is closer to $42 a barrel.The bill moves billions of dollars from the Federal Reserve surplus, which typically goes toward debt reduction, but will now go toward highway costs. Most of the spending in the highway bill is in the first few years of its passage, but almost all of the pay-fors in the bill are nine or ten years away from now, which means most of the savings will never happen. Our nation needs a good highway construction and maintenance plan, but our nation also needs good budgeting and debt reduction.Unfortunately, the FAST Act does not do both. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-votes-to-repeal-obamacare-provide-more-health-care-options,"Senator Lankford Votes to Repeal Obamacare, Provide More Health Care Options",2015-12-03,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.03.15 Senator Lankford Votes to Repeal Obamacare, Provide More Health Care Options WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today voted in support of the Restoring Americans' Health Care Freedom Reconciliation Act (HR 3762), which repeals Obamacare and limits federal funding for organizations that perform abortions, like Planned Parenthood. The bill passed by a vote of 52-47. Five years ago, President Obama made big promises to the American people, said Lankford. He promised Americans that they could keep their health care plan, and he promised lower health care costs; he promised lower premiums, and lower co-pays. Since the passage of Obamacare, these broken promises continue to frustrate families. In Oklahoma, many residents have lost their doctor and health plan, and their rates will increase by as much as 35 percent next year. Obamacare costs Oklahomans and all Americans more and denies patients the quality care they deserve. We should reject the Washington, DC mandates and return the authority for health care management to the states. We can do better. During debate, Lankford offered a Health Care Compact amendment (#2877), which would give states the option to join a pilot program that gives them the freedom to regulate health care within their borders. Lankford spoke about this amendment, Planned Parenthood and Obamacare during a floor speech yesterday. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=605,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Opposes Federal Control of Education,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,bridenstine.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, Congressman Jim Bridenstine voted against the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which would replace No Child Left Behind. The bill passed 359 to 64.Bridenstine said, ESSA expands the role of the federal government by creating a program for pre-school managed by the Department of Health and Human Services and expanding after school programs. No Child Left Behind was a seriously flawed law that greatly increased federal control of education. I was disappointed that the Every Student Succeeds Act missed the opportunity to return control of our childrens education to where it belongs: states, local school districts, and ultimately, parents. ESSA also maintains several troublesome aspects of current law: Maintains the federal testing burden Requires states to intervene in schools underperforming by federal metrics Allows federal education spending to continue to grow Forces states to develop standards that conform with federal guidelines I voted for the House version of this bill because that legislation, while not perfect, moved education policy in the right direction by allowing funding to follow students to the school of their parents choice (portability), allowing parents to opt their students out of federally mandated testing, and shortening the timeframe in which Congress must next examine education policy. ESSA strips these crucial provisions, the Congressman explained.I believe that the best education for our children is not one dictated by politicians and bureaucrats in Washington, DC. We should return control of education to those who know the needs of students the best. Therefore, I opposed ESSA. -- 30 --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/govt-watch-groups-applaud-sen-lankfords-federal-fumbles-report,Gov't Watch Groups Applaud Sen. Lankfords Federal Fumbles Report,2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.02.15 Gov't Watch Groups Applaud Sen. Lankford's Federal Fumbles Report WASHINGTON, DC Nonpartisan government watch and taxpayer protection groups are speaking out in favor of Senator James Lankford's new federal waste and solutions report, Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball, which was released on Monday. Here is what they're saying: Citizens Against Government Waste Praises Sen. Lankford's Federal Fumbles Report The report not only provides details about each extravagant expenditure, it also reveals how to recover the ball with specific proposals to eliminate the waste. CAGW President Tom Schatz said, Sen. Lankford should be applauded for taking the handoff from Sen. Coburn and moving the ball down the field so that taxpayers can finally score a few touchdowns in the ongoing fight against wasteful spending. Taxpayers Protection Alliance: Senator Lankford Continues Tradition of Exposing Government Waste The Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) is encouraged to see Sen. Lankford stake out his own claim to be the voice for speaking out against government waste. Sen. Lankford's report is a great way to start a new chapter in the fight against government waste in Congress. And, the next time a member of Congress or bureaucrat says that there is no waste to cut, show them Sen. Lankford's report. Committee For A Responsible Federal Budget: Lankford Publishes Federal Fumbles Lankford examines federal programs, agencies, and regulations to come up with 100 ""fumbles"" that he thinks could be corrected in order to enhance efficiency and cut government waste while streamlining the essential services that government can and does provide. Not only does Lankford provide descriptions of each misstep, he also proposes a solution for each of them. Included in the report are examples of not only waste, fraud, and abuse, but also of budget gimmickry and tax non-compliance. National Taxpayers Union: Lankford Report: Waste and Over-Regulation Costing Taxpayers Freshman Senator James Lankford (R-OK) scored a touchdown for taxpayers with the release of his Federal Fumbles report detailing 100 ways the government dropped the ball. The report tackles wasteful spending and costly federal regulations, both of which increase the size and burden of government, eroding our prosperity. For lawmakers looking to take action, the report goes beyond simply listing these fouls against taxpayers, laying out potential solutions. Let's hope this report is an annual initiative that grows shorter with Congressional action. Institute to Reduce Spending: A Touchdown for Spending Watchdogs: Senator Lankford Introduces Federal Fumbles' Whether it's federal regulations stifling the use of therapy llamas for children and the elderly, the $67.9 million the Bureau of Land Management is spending on wild horse management, or the $1.2 million grant to the National Science Foundation to teach robots how to assemble fashionable outfits, a detailed solution accompanies each example of egregious waste of taxpayer money. Senator Lankford noted that an informed public, better able to pressure lawmakers, is critical to efforts to cut wasteful spending. Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs: Senator Lankford Releases Federal Fumbles As we work to highlight the wasteful spending here in Oklahoma, we're thankful Senator Lankford is tackling this issue at a national level. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-senator-lankford-affirms-state-role-in-health-care-calls-for-obamacare-repeal-defunding-planned-parenthood,"VIDEO: Senator Lankford Affirms State Role in Health Care, Calls For Obamacare Repeal, Defunding Planned Parenthood",2015-12-02,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.02.15 VIDEO: Senator Lankford Affirms State Role in Health Care, Calls For Obamacare Repeal, Defunding Planned Parenthood Lankford: In Oklahoma, the health care rates next year go up on average 35% CLICK HERE to view the video WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate today in support of the Restoring Americans' Health Care Freedom Reconciliation Act, which will repeal Obamacare and defund Planned Parenthood. Lankford also spoke in support of his own Health Care Compact amendment (#2877). The amendment would give Americans more health care choices by allowing states, like Oklahoma, to join a compact pilot program that gives them freedom to regulate health care within their state. Below is the full transcript from the speech: Mr. President, I've been able to sit in and listen to the debate today. Bringing forward a bill that would do two simple things. It would remove funding from the single largest provider of abortions in the country, an organization that has recently sold the body parts of children for the highest bidder. And we would deal with one of the main issues that I face every single day in my state, as people who struggle under the effects and the harmful effects every day of the Affordable Care Act, which has proven to be neither affordable nor caring to many people in my state. Let me say some of the things I've heard recently. That this is all about going after women's health. As a very proud husband of a very beautiful lady and a proud dad of two beautiful daughters, and as a son of a breast cancer survivor, this has nothing to do with going after women's health, nor demonizing women, nor the war on women, nor all the other accusations that I've recently heard. This is not about protecting a, what I heard called a lifesaving health care organization, where 325,000 children died in it last year. This is about a simple thing: Children. Now in the past, back in the old days, they used to identify just tissue as tissue. And the wart on your skin or other tissues on your body were expendable. And it was just tissue. So why does it matter? But now, not like in the past, because in the past people used to think that way. But now science is able to look inside the womb and is able to count ten fingers on a child and is able to watch a child suck its thumb, able to count ten toes on that child, is able to look inside and take a sample and see that that child has different DNA than the mom and different DNA from the dad. To be able to look inside the womb and see a unique fingerprint that's different than the mom's fingerprint, that's different than the dad's fingerprint. And we understand something different now. Because in the past there was a belief that was just tissue. Now we understand that's not tissue, that's a child. And as Americans, we believe in a simple thing -- life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It's been what we have been all about from the beginning. This is not some attack on women's health. This is millions of voices rising up around the nation and saying we're better than this as a nation. Why would we continue to supplement the death of children? Why would we do that? Can we be better than that? In the days ahead, I firmly believe that we're on the right side of history, those of us who stand up for children and for those who cannot speak for themselves. The most innocent and vulnerable in our society need our protection. Just because they're small and just because you can't see them doesn't mean they're not valuable and they can be thrown away. These are children we're talking about. Little girls, little boys. And we think it's important that someone in this country speaks out for them. Now, I have heard of late that those of us who speak for life should be quieter because there are irrational people in the country that would attack a Planned Parenthood clinic. Can I just reinforce to you, Mr. President, no one who speaks for life goes and takes a life. No one who speaks for the life of children runs out and takes the life of adult, and says that that's justifiable. It's not justifiable. It's horrific. But just like those individuals who speak tenaciously against religion shouldn't be silenced because there is a shooting in a church and saying people that are anti-faith should suddenly have no voice in America because an irrational person shoots someone in a church. It is the same that individuals who speak out for the life of children shouldn't suddenly be silenced by being screamed down because an insane person does a shooting in a clinic. Both of them are wrong. It's a reasonable thing for us to be able to ask a single question -- can we as a nation start a conversation again about children with ten fingers and ten toes, and unique DNA, and life and promise. Can someone speak out for them? I think we can. This conversation today is also about the Affordable Care Act. Its promises and what's actually occurred. There is no question that we have major health care delivery issues in America. There is no question we have major insurance issues in America. That has been that way for a while and it needs desperate resolution. My state, like many other states, started stepping into this. Democratic governor from my state led the way in a legislature in 2004 to pass something called Insure Oklahoma, to start the process in our state, to say what can we do to try to help the most vulnerable in our state? How can we help provide some supplement to what's going on in the plan? We received waivers around Medicaid. Started working through a process both for those that are employed and not employed, they'll provide that safety net for those individuals. It was a very successful plan until the Affordable Care Act was passed. And then the waivers were removed from our state and those individuals under that plan lost their plan and had to change to another one. In fact, I had some of those individuals approach me and say, I know this is a plan that is provided by our state. It will be grandfathered into the Affordable Care Act, won't it? I got to tell them no, it won't. We have been denied on that. It's remarkable to me as we deal with these two topics side-by-side how some of the opponents of life would say we want freedom of choice, we want big government out of our lives, but when we get to health care delivery, the bigger the government, the better. We want less choice. We don't want states to have the option to do that. We don't want businesses to be able to choose how they can do that. We don't want individuals to be able to have that choice. We want big government to step into people's lives in their health care delivery and tell them how it's going to be done. It's fascinating to me to be able to see those two juxtaposed all of a sudden. Get government out of our lives but get more government into our health care. So now what do we do? In 2010, President Obama in his State of the Union address made this statement. This is his statement. ""By the time I'm finished speaking tonight, more Americans will have lost their health insurance. Millions will lose it this year. Our deficit will grow, premiums will go up, co-pays will go up, patients will be denied the care they need, small business owners will continue to drop coverage altogether. I will not walk away from these Americans and neither should the people in this chamber."" It's an interesting statement based on what actually occurred then after the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was actually passed. Which is another issue to me. It's interesting to me how this is called Obamacare or the Affordable Care Act. Almost no one calls it the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, when that was originally its name. For some reason, Patient Protection has been dropped from our vernacular when this bill is discussed. So he made this statement -- ""More Americans will have lost their health insurance."" I already referenced how we had thousands of Oklahomans lose their health care coverage as soon as the Affordable Care Act went into place because they were under Insure Oklahoma. That coverage was lost for them. We now have fewer options in Oklahoma for health care. We have Blue Cross/Blue Shield that began notifying 40,000 Oklahomans it will no longer offer the Blue Choice provider network to individuals. Community Care of Oklahoma, a Tulsa-based company offering health maintenance organization plans, has notified the federal government it plans to drop out of the Affordable Care Act market. Global Health, another Tulsa-based HMO insurer said it has already notified Oklahomans it is leaving the Affordable Care Act market. Assurant Health, a Wisconsin company who has also covered Oklahomans, has now notified the government it is leaving the health care coverage area. United Healthcare, the new participant in Oklahoma's Affordable Care Act market, has announced details -- has not announced the details of the plans it will offer but a state official said its rates would be competitive. Well, that will be interesting because in Oklahoma, the rates next year go up on average 35%. Next year. That's not some projected number. That's the actual number rates will increase in my state, 35. It's interesting to me that yesterday on this same floor I heard arguments back and forth about the cost of living increase and the need for individuals that are in a vulnerable position under social security, they are receiving social security, need that help for a cost of living increase. I completely understand the dynamic of that. But at the same time individuals who would support a cost of living increase for social security recipients don't seem to bat an eye when people in my state have health insurance increases of 35% next year. Do you know how difficult that is to cover a 35% health care premium increase? The president said premiums will go up while he's speaking in 2010. I will tell you in 2016 premiums under the plan that he put into place will dramatically go up in my state. The president said while he was speaking in 2010 the co-pays will go up unless we don't do something. The editorial board of a great newspaper ""The Oklahoman"" in Oklahoma, November 30th, said numerous reports have noted that policies sold through Obamacare exchanges increasingly rely on very high deductibles with limited provider networks. For someone with a major illness such as cancer, these policies are still beneficial, but for relatively healthy people, the deductibles are so high there is little functional difference between being uninsured and insured when it comes to an impact on your personal finances. I cannot tell you the number of Oklahomans that I have talked to that have said this one thing to me -- I have insurance because the law requires me to do it, but it's so expensive, I cannot use it. So I literally pay for something because I'm forced to, but I can't actually use it on a day-to-day basis because the co-pays are so high. I hear the same thing from doctors and hospitals. Hospitals were told that their charity care would go down because everyone would be forced to have insurance. Here is what I actually hear from the hospitals in Oklahoma. Their charity care has gone up, all of them. Their charity care and their write-off has gone up because now their individuals walk into those hospitals, say I have insurance, get the bill and realize how high their payment will be, and they realize I cannot pay it. So their charity care has actually gone up. The statement was patients from president Obama in 2010, patients will be denied the care that they need. Let me give you an example. On June 4th of this year, there was a highlight of Kaylene Richter, a 4-year-old girl who was denied coverage for a prescription she needed for asthma under the marketplace. Loss of choice, loss of competition in my state. Instead of more options, we have fewer options. Doctors' offices are selling-out because physicians can't seem to make ends meet, there are so many requirements on them and they are selling out as private practice, going into larger hospital practices. Hospitals are actually having to take in diagnostic facilities. Hospitals are taking care of individual physician practices. Hospitals are combining with other hospitals. We see instead of a large number of great competition happening, we see a smaller number of hospitals, a smaller number of entities, each of them larger and larger to be able to sustain that. We've even seen that nationally in the insurance market. Because of what is happening in the Affordable Care Act, it's pushing out insurance around the country. And this great statement of it's not government-controlled health care, it's insurance. Well, right now Anthem, Signa, Aetna, and Humana are all going through a combining process. Where those four insurance companies that are national large-scale companies realize they cannot make it under the Affordable Care Act and they're merging into one giant company, to see if they can make it as a giant company. Fewer options, fewer choices, centrally controlled health care. How do we turn this back? Well, I would tell you in some ways you can't. Democrats that pass this and the President have succeeded in permanently changing health care in America. Those individual physicians that used to practice individual medicine all over the country that have now merged into larger hospitals, you don't undo that. Those individuals that were going to go into medical school but chose not to now, you don't undo that for a generation. These insurance companies that all combined into large groups, you don't undo that. The diagnostic facilities that are going out of business and merging with large hospitals, you don't just quickly undo that. They have succeeded at permanently changing health care delivery in America. So the challenge is now how do we help in the days ahead? What do we do? Let's say some things can be done, we can continue to provide greater options, but the first thing that we can do is stop the hemorrhaging. First, do no harm. First, engage and try to help the people that are affected by this. I've offered amendment in this bill. This is something called the health care compact. It allows individual states that want to be able to manage their health care to be able to manage the health care in their state. This may seem like a crazy idea except it's done in every single state right now already. Every single state already has a Medicaid process. They already have a health care authority. They already make decisions. Those are severely limited by federal regulations, but that structure is already in place to take care of the most vulnerable in our nation. The health care compact would allow states to be able to broaden their authorities and to be able to do what needs to be done to be able to take care of the individuals in their state like my state has tried so hard to do with insure Oklahoma and other options to be made available to people in my state that are being forbidden by the federal government. This would open that back up, [and] would allow that competition. I can assure you every time I speak to smaller rural hospitals in my state, they cannot get the attention of C.M.S. and the federal government because they're small and they're rural and people in D.C. don't know where they're located and they don't have a big enough lobbying voice. They are just another one of those community hospitals out there. That doesn't happen if they're interacting with people in my state. Because of those health care parameters are being set by people in Oklahoma City and our state capital, they know every small rural hospital. They know the dynamics and the difficulties there. They're not last in line. They are a part of the family. Allowing individual states to be able to make health care decisions through health care compacts that actually allows that state to be able to manage health care in their state is a tremendous asset. My state has asked for that. Eight other states have asked for that. It's not an unfair request. It's something that we should make available to states that choose to do that. Now, will every state choose to do that? No, probably some states would want the federal government to be able to manage some of their health care. Those states are free to able to do that. But for states that want to be able to have that choice, allow them to have the freedom to be able to do that. If they have the structure to be able to fulfill the needs in their state, why would we forbid it? Why in the world would we say that those of us in Washington, D.C. know and care more for Oklahomans than Oklahomans? When people in DC say that we know more about people in that state than the people in that state. I think we're misguided in that. This can be done different. What are we up against? We're up against real people who really face real issues. And it's been incredibly difficult for them to be able to walk through the Obamacare transition. This is not about patient protection. And it's been far from affordable, as prices continue to go up. Let me just read one story from my state. A lady who lives in a rural area in my state. This has been one of the toughest areas. The affordable care act assumes everyone lives in New York City or some metropolitan area. Welcome to the rest of America. Not everyone lives in big urban settings. This is one of those folks. She lives in a rural area of -- not too far but a good distance from Oklahoma City. She said she sold some land recently -- by the way, she is on the health care exchanges. She sold some land recently, which you do in rural America, that made her income go up significantly for that one year of one land sale. She said the marketplace doesn't see it as a one-year thing. And so they take all the information about her subsidies on that before taxes, so it raised her freedom $43 to $400. She said she's going to try to figure out a way to be able to manage that. Then she says this. Why does she have to pay so much for a plan that's not even useable in her area? No one will take her insurance and providers are dropping it because they're not getting paid. She has to now travel all the way to Oklahoma City so she can find care at all. All she's looking for is an affordable option and people in her area that will actually take it. It's one thing to say it's providing an option. It's another thing to say you can actually access that option. You know, we can do better as Americans. This is a conversation we should have. Let's have it. Let's talk about a better way to be able to do this. This is not about fixing something. This is about a transition that's happened in health care in America and it needs to be corrected. We can never go back to where we were. There's been too much permanent damage in the system. Now, it's a matter of what can be done that's best for people, not what's best for the federal government. But what's best for the people of our state. Let's do it. I'd encourage the adoption of my amendment. And I would encourage the adoption of this reconciliation package that's before for our nation in this body, in the days ahead. With that, I yield the floor. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-oklahoma-provisions-in-fast-act,Inhofe Praises Oklahoma Provisions in FAST Act,2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Praises Oklahoma Provisions in FAST Act Tuesday, December 1, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today announced provisions benefiting Oklahoma in the bicameral, bipartisan agreement for the surface transportation reauthorization conference report. The conference bill introduced today by Inhofe and U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) will receive a vote in the House in coming days followed by the Senate. The current authorization for the highway program expires Friday, Dec. 4 at midnight. With a fully-funded long-term reauthorization bill, Oklahoma will receive more than $3.6 billion in new transportation funding, making this the largest single infrastructure investment in Oklahomas history, said Inhofe. The long-term certainty provided by this five-year bill will end the costly practice of short-term extensions, which have cost Oklahomans more than $122 million since the last long-term bill I authored expired in 2009. These short-term extensions have long frustrated state and local governments, business owners and contractors who I have worked with to restore and modernize Oklahomas aging interstate and more than 1,300 bridges in need of serious repair or replacement. Passing a long-term highway bill has been my top priority as chairman of the Senate EPW committee, and Ive been pleased to work alongside my colleagues to make this historic piece of legislation a reality. This bill will provide the long overdue investments needed to put America back on the map as a place to do business. The Fixing Americas Surface Transportation (FAST) Act will benefit Oklahoma in many ways and has received support from leaders across the state. The FAST Act is a five-year bill dedicated to improving the nations surface transportation infrastructure, benefiting our roads, bridges, transit systems, and rail network. The bill reforms and strengthens transportation programs, while refocusing them on national priorities, providing long-term certainty and more flexibility for states and local governments, streamlining the project approval processes, and maintaining a strong commitment to safety. The following provisions in the FAST Act will directly benefit the state of Oklahoma: Apportionment: Under the FAST Act, Oklahoma will receive roughly $693 million the first year the legislation is enacted and growing by inflation thereafter. In 2005, Senator Inhofe authored a highway reauthorization bill that ensured Oklahoma was no longer a donor state to the Highway Trust Fund. The FAST Act continues to guarantee that Oklahoma receives its gasoline taxes for Oklahoma roads and bridges. Bridges: Oklahoma state and local governments will have more allocated funding for bridges both on and off the National Highway System, so Oklahoma can continue to address the many bridges across the state that are in need of repair or replacement. National Freight Program: Establishes a freight program, which provides funds to improve goods movement, reducing costs and improving performance for businesses and individuals. Under this program, Oklahoma will receive about $18.5 million in the first year after the legislation is enacted that will be dedicated to improving freight corridors and associated assets allowing for local businesses and farmers to transport products and materials more efficiently, cutting down costs for them and their consumers. Nationally Significant Freight and Highway Projects (NSFHP): In addition to the National Freight Program, Oklahoma through the NSFHP will be able to compete for funding to address major projects of high importance to a community, a region, or the country. This will provide much needed funding for projects that are too big to get off the ground due to constraints on traditional funding. In addition, NSFHP has a rural set-aside and equitable geographic distribution of funds. This will ensure a balance of where federal dollars are directed, making sure rural projects see the light of day as well as the major projects that will greatly benefit the national economy. Natural Gas provisions: Provides for the designation of natural gas fueling corridors to identify the needs and most vital locations for such fueling infrastructure. Oklahoma will be able to nominate facilities to be included in the corridors to be chosen by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. In addition, natural gas vehicles can be included as an authorized vehicle in HOV lanes if a state chooses to limit HOV lanes to designated vehicles. The bill also instructs EPA to modify its automobile regulations so that manufacturers of natural gas vehicles are provided with identical regulatory incentives as those manufacturers of electric vehicles. Furthermore, the bill includes a limited truck weight exemption for natural gas commercial vehicles to put them on an even competitive level with trucks that have lighter diesel engines. Tribal transportation program: Grows the program by $15 million in the first year, starting at $465 million and growing by $10 million each year thereafter. Decreases program management and oversight and project-related administrative expenses related to the tribal transportation program from 6 percent to 5 percent, so, more money can be used on roads and bridges. Increases the set-aside for high-priority tribal bridges from 2 percent to 3 percent. Authorizes a General Fund appropriation for a major project grant program for transportation projects on facilities owned by federal land management agencies or tribes. Establishes a tribal transportation self-governance program at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Environmental streamlining: Builds on the streamlining provisions Senator Inhofe helped negotiate in the last highway reauthorization bill, MAP-21. Environmental streamlining will allow for the review, permitting, and approval processes to be conducted more efficiently, saving Oklahoma time and money when undertaking projects. Common sense migratory bird exemption: The FAST Act includes a common-sense exemption from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, with safeguards, to allow reconstruction of bridges that are in a serious or worse condition, without adversely impacting bird populations. This provision will help Oklahoma repair the 1,363 bridges in the state that are in serious condition. Electricity Reliability provision: Eliminates conflicts between federal energy agency emergency orders issued to utilities to ensure electricity reliability and those utilities compliance with environmental laws and regulations. The section amends the Federal Power Act to clarify that when a utility is under an emergency directive to operate, it would not be deemed in violation of environmental laws or regulations or subject to civil or criminal liability, or citizen enforcement actions, as a result of any actions taken that are necessary to comply with a federally issued emergency order. Federal Crop Insurance: The FAST Act removes the cuts to the federal crop insurance program contained in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 passed by Congress earlier this year. These cuts would have reduced competition and the quality of service delivered by the private sector in support of individual farmers and ranchers, farm suppliers and processors. Restoring funding ensures the federal crop insurance program remains an affordable and effective tool for farming communities in Oklahoma and across the nation to manage risk in the face of seasonal weather uncertainty. Service club, charitable association, or religious service signs: Grandfathers existing service club, charitable association, or religious service signs in all states with a size of 32 square feet or less. To view the legislative text as reported out of conference, click here. To view the explanatory statement, click here. To view Oklahoma specific information and numbers, click here. The Oklahoma endorsements of the FAST Act are as follows: Sen. Jim Inhofe understands the critical need for a federally supported trade and travel network. He has been a staunch and vocal advocate for federal transportation infrastructure investment in Congress for three decades and is once again leading a bipartisan charge for a renewed and long term highway bill. The FAST Act greatly improves the investment and the policies that are in current law and will allow the states to work more efficiently in administering the federal program. I applaud the Conference Committee for coming together to bolster our national infrastructure investment levels, roll back unnecessary regulations and administrative burdens and keep our country viable. Gary Ridley, Oklahomas Secretary of Transportation The Department is extremely grateful for the relief from the one size fits all Cliff Swallow regulatory provisions of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The nesting habits of the Cliff Swallow regularly impedes our progress in rehabilitating or replacing the more than 1,300 bridges in Oklahoma that are in serious or worse condition. The flexible, common sense approach defined in the new highway bill will minimize the government red tape delays that place the protection of this non-threatened and prolific species above the safety of the traveling public. The efficiency of our bridge construction operations will increase and the end result will be safer, higher quality and more timely infrastructure improvements to the benefit of Oklahoma and the nation. Mike Patterson, executive director for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation The new Highway Bill will help our Nation return to one of the basics of our highway systemmoving freight. Upon completion of the interstate highway system authorized under the 1956 Highway Trust Bill, our country began emphasizing ancillary transportation items to include recreation with the development of such things as bicycle paths. It now, however, is critically important for us to move back to developing highway infrastructure to insure that we can move freight in a timely, efficient manner. This is critically important to inland, international seaports like our Tulsa Port of Catoosa that offers year round multi-modal freight services through truck, rail, and barge for an ever growing cargo volumecurrently over 2 million tons per year. Since barges cannot go door to door, we must have adequate rail and roadways to deliver and/or receive products to and from barges. This is vitally important to the 70 industrial clients located here at the Port employing over 4,000 people. Our thanks to Senator Inhofe for leading our Nation back to the basics of furthering the development and maintenance of our roadway system in his capacity as Chairman of the Environment and Public Works Committee. Bob Portiss, port director of the Tulsa Port of Catoosa In Norman, weve seen the benefits that come from a long term highway and transportation re-authorization bill. The railroad underpass east of the intersection of Robinson and Flood Streets is a direct result of such legislation and we applaud and support Sen. Inhofes efforts to again bring forward a long term highway bill. Prior to having the underpass, emergency responders often faced the possibility of being stopped by a slow moving train while rushing to and from Norman Regional Hospital less than a mile away. This is no longer a concern as traffic moves smoothly under the railway, alleviating congestion and easing the concerns of the emergency workers who respond when time is of the essence. In addition, Norman has benefitted greatly from safety enhancements and congestion mitigation on Interstate 35 and State Highway 9. Traffic delays have been reduced significantly and fewer citizens have been injured in traffic collisions. Steve Lewis, city manager for the City of Norman Road builders across Oklahoma are ready to roll up their sleeves and get back to work building our infrastructure. From the recent ramp closures on the crumbling I-44 Belle Isle Bridge in Oklahoma City to the rehabilitation of I-244 in Tulsa, our infrastructure is in perilous condition. Recently, the weather in Oklahoma has exposed an even greater need for a long-term funding solution for our nation's roads and bridges. With this new highway bill, we will be able to better plan for Oklahomas future, resulting in an infrastructure system that can safely network our nation. We commend and congratulate Sen. Inhofe for his tireless drive to forge a sustainable solution. His actions will not only build Oklahoma but will spur the economy and, most importantly, keep our families safe while traveling. Thank you, Sen. Inhofe, for making Oklahoma's roads and bridges a top priority. Bobby Stem, executive director of the Association of Oklahoma General Contractors Our nations transportation infrastructure is critical to our economic health and the reauthorization of the highway bill could not be more important. It was vital to an Oklahoma City project, the reconstruction of I-40 in Central Oklahoma City, that replaced a damaged, obsolete bridge with a safe freeway with a longer lifespan. Stable funding will allow communities across the nation to see these same improvements so that businesses can transport goods and travelers can move safely to their destinations. Roy Williams, president of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber Our transportation system is integral to growth and development of counties everywhere. I commend Senator Inhofe for his efforts on this highway bill as it will enhance the foundation of infrastructure in Tulsa County. John Smaligo, Jr., chairman of the Tulsa County Board of Commissioners Crop insurance is a vitally important risk management tool for Oklahoma producers and we praise Sen. Inhofe for supporting this issue. Terry Detrick, president of American Farmers & Ranchers Senator Inhofe has been a tireless champion of the need for and importance of investment in our nations infrastructure. The multi-year surface transportation re-authorization bill is critically important to providing stability and predictability in transportation funding and builds on the MAP-21 reforms with streamlining and flexibility features that will help to accelerate project delivery. We are encouraged that the action of the Conference Committee will spur attention on the too often delayed but most timely issue of transportation funding. Senators Inhofe leadership in this effort is to be commended. Rich Brierre, executive director of INCOG We must have a long-term highway reauthorization bill because the nations highway and infrastructure system is the foundation of commerce, not just for the strength of our business but more importantly for our customers livelihoods. And in no uncertain terms, the number one concern we hear from our customers -- both professional truck drivers and traveling families -- is for safety on our countrys roadways. Tom Love, founder and executive chairman of Loves Travel Stops The new five-year highway bill meets America's pressing needs for modal and intermodal transportation infrastructure. Through the university transportation centers (UTC) program, this legislation also mobilizes nationwide talent to educate the future workforce, create new knowledge, and develop valuable technologies for current and future transportation systems. As a regional UTC, the Southern Plains Transportation Center (SPTC) is committed to continuing research and teaching made possible by the highway bill. SPTC is based in Oklahoma and inclusive of universities in all five states of Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas). Dr. Tom Landers, Dean, University of Oklahoma Gallogly College of Engineering Oklahoma agriculture relies on the safety and strength of our roads and bridges. Its simple; our farmers and ranchers cannot provide food for the world without dependable transportation infrastructure. The FAST Acts freight program will improve access to grain elevators and other agricultural facilities, helping farmers get their products to market more efficiently.By removing cuts to the federal crop insurance program, the FAST Act also helps protect farmers whose very livelihood depends on weather and economic conditions. Were thankful for Sen. Jim Inhofes work to protect our vital roads and bridges, and his continual support of agriculture. Tom Buchanan, president of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau NGVAmerica applauds Senator Inhofes continued leadership to put more clean-burning natural gas vehicles on our roads. This legislation will help move the ball forward in expanding the use of American-made natural gas as a mainstream transportation fuel. 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. Senator Inhofes legislation incorporates smart market based incentives for manufacturers who produce natural gas vehicles. Matthew Godlewski, president of NGVAmerica We greatly appreciate Senator Inhofes inclusion of the balanced, common sense provision to resolve conflicts between environmental requirements and grid reliability demands. It is important to know that when a reliability threat exists, utilities can have confidence that their responsive actions will not expose them to unfair liability under the growing number of federal, state and local environmental rules. Paul Renfrow, OG&E vice president of Public Affairs Electric cooperatives are grateful that the final Highway Bill includes language from S. 848 and H.R. 1558 that allows co-ops to keep the lights on in an emergency without fear of fines and citizen lawsuits. Jeffrey Connor, interim CEO, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association OMPA would like to thank Senator Inhofe for his efforts in securing the reliability of the electric grid. It is critical for the economies of Oklahoma and the United States that we maintain a reliable electric system in the face of these regulatory challenges. David Osburn, general manager of the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority Senator Inhofe is a longtime advocate of safe and efficient transportation systems which are essential to economic development and national defense. It is vital that we join Senator Inhofe in supporting this highway bill which is so important to the future of Native Americans and all Oklahomans. Bill Anoatubby, governor of the Chickasaw Nation Oklahomas Electric Cooperatives appreciate the amendments made to the final Highway Bill by Senator Inhofe. The amendments protect utilities and ultimately consumers from expensive penalties and citizen law suits for temporarily falling out of compliance with an environmental regulation during times of emergency power restoration. Chris Meyers, general manager of the Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives The language contained in Title F Section 61002 provides critically important protection to utilities, generators and transmission operators, that when faced with conflicting obligations, can now be assured that efforts to protect reliability of electric service and the grid can be accomplished in emergencies, without the risk of adverse impacts and liability from regulatory agencies or third parties. It seems inherently in the public interest to ensure that a party is not obligated to make a decision about whether it must violate reliability standards and risk disruption of vital electric service to the public, or violate environmental regulation and be faced with resulting liability for its decision. This provision is a common sense approach to resolving such conflicts in the public interest. Brian Hobbs, vice president, Legal & Corporate Services, Western Farmers Electric Cooperative It seems extremely timely to see this type of positive legislative progress, especially as Oklahomas cooperatives begin to restore service from the latest ice storm where thousands of consumers were impacted. Gary Roulet, CEO of the Western Farmers Electric Cooperative Im encouraged to see Congress moving forward on a long-term highway bill that will increase funding for tribal transportation programs and give our transportation department the tools they need to build and maintain the roads and bridges within our 14-county jurisdiction. I particularly applaud Chairman Inhofe for his work on this important legislation, and thank him for helping spearhead a bill that will benefit not only Cherokee Nation citizens, but all travelers in northeast Oklahoma. John Baker, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill Roads and infrastructure in the Choctaw Nation are vital to continued success and economic growth. We appreciate Sen. Inhofes leadership nationwide and to Oklahoma to move this legislation forward. We applaud the bipartisan efforts to provide continuity in highway funding through this 5 year authorization.Gary Batton, Choctaw Nation of OklahomaChief Were pleased that Congress will act to ensure reliable electric service by resolving the conflict created for utilities when presented with the impossible choice of following environmental laws or implementing an emergency order of the federal government to provide electricity during emergencies. The conflict is real and potentially costly to Oklahoma consumers. We appreciate Senator Inhofes leadership in addressing this important issue.Stuart Solomon, CEO Public Service Company of Oklahoma ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/video-senator-lankford-talks-govt-waste-federal-fumbles-on-the-senate-floor,"VIDEO: Senator Lankford Talks Govt Waste, Federal Fumbles on the Senate Floor",2015-12-01,2015,2015-12,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"12.01.15 VIDEO: Senator Lankford Talks Gov't Waste, Federal Fumbles on the Senate Floor CLICK HERE to view the video WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate tonight about America's massive federal debt and government waste. Lankford also discussed his recently released government waste and solutions report, Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball. The report highlights examples of wasteful or duplicative spending, along with burdensome regulations but also offers policy solutions to each of the problems. Below is the full transcript from the speech: When you're home, the television is on, phone starts to ring, your dog is at the back door barking, kids need help doing homework, occasionally you can forget dinner is on the stove. But if you forget about it too long, your house patches on fire, and that's going to be a problem. You can get distracted with a lot of things and suddenly miss out on something that's really important. Our nation is dealing with a lot of issues right now -- terrorism, immigration, dealing with banking issues and our economy, education, transportation, and I do have a concern that we have forgotten, this year, we still have $450 billion in deficit and $19 trillion total in debt hanging over our heads. Now, if we were in any state in America and we were faced with that, the legislative branch would work and would make hard decisions and would balance their budget. Every single state at the end of their legislative session comes to a balanced budget. But we don't. We just overspend. It's happened now so many times consecutively, its built up to $19 trillion in debt. Now, I don't have an easy way to articulate $19 trillion in debt, but let me give you a picture of that. We just passed earlier this year a ten-year budget plan that over the next ten years would get rid of our $450 billion in deficit and would slowly work that down within ten years back to balance. Good! So let's do a hypothetical. Let's say we finish out that path, we actually get back to balance in ten years, and then year 11, we do really well. We have a $50 billion surplus. Year 11, a $50 billion surplus. It's a good surplus. Here's my question for you, Mr. President. How many years in a row would we have to have that $50 billion surplus? How many years in a row would we have to do that before we paid off our debt? The correct answer, as you're doing math in your head, is 460 years in a row. If we had a $50 billion surplus 460 years in a row, we could pay off our debt. It's not going to happen, is it? We're in a bad spot. And my fear is that we're distracted, and we're not focusing on something that will come back and bite us. So what do we do about that? I would ask if we could do the first thing. Can we at least agree that this is a problem and that we should actually work to balance our budget? At least have that as the common ground that we can agree on in this body and say we need to get back to a balanced budget. Then we need to begin to pay this down and start that process. To approach this in a way that I think can develop real solutions, to find common ground areas but to begin with that one simple principle. So what we have done in our office is to come up with a list. We affectionately call it the Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the federal government has dropped the ball, and to identify areas that we see waste; we see duplication; and quite frankly, we see some regulations that are well outside the purview of the federal government many of them that slow down the economy and drive up the cost to consumers. These Federal Fumbles aren't an exhaustive list, this is not everything. This is just our list. We took some from multiple agencies and multiple entities. As we pulled this list together, we encouraged this. This is our to-do list. We encourage other offices to start theirs. So at least we could have a common ground sense of let's get back to the balance and let's actually all work together to identify something with our own office to find out ways that we can deal with some simple things. How are we wasting taxpayer dollars? What programs are rife with fraud? What duplication and inefficiency is out there? Where are we over-regulating that raises the costs of goods and services for consumers? And, how does the government actually have processes in place that deceive taxpayers and add debt to their families? When we talk through this, we had a common agreement on our team. We're not going to just identify problems. We're going to actually work together and find a solution. Our issue and our conversation has been simple. If I'm back home in Oklahoma, I can sit around at the coffee house and I can visit over breakfast with folks and we can talk about all the problems. But when I get back in this room, we can't just explain about the issues. We have to fix those. That's our job. And we spend a tremendous amount of time just complaining about the issues as if fixing it comes from somewhere else. So we take all 100 of these issues and say here's the problem, here's the solution we would propose. If people had different ideas and different solutions, bring them, but let's agree at least these things should be resolved. Some of them are small, some of them are large, but we simply ask the question how do we fix this? I would say several things with that. One is we've got to fix our budgeting process the way we make decisions about it. The way these cute little terms in our budgeting process like CIMPs, Changes in Mandatory Programs. It's a cute term, but the problem is it's $11 billion of debt that's added every year and everyone pretends it's not there. It's not real. There is this fund called the Crime Victims Fund. This fund is applied to go directly to what it says to crime victims, but it's actually not used for crime victims. $11 billion each year, in fact, the same $11 billion each year is used as an offset for additional spending, but the money never actually moves out of that account. It just stays there. We pretend we were going to spend it and actually spend it somewhere else and then next year do the same thing again. It's deceptive. We've got to stop that. That adds deficit and debt onto families by a deceptive tactic. We have a thing called the Corporate Payment Shift. This one's fun as well. Corporate Payment Shift assumes that money would come in and that money would be spent and we have a ten-year budgeting window. We moved it in the very last month to year ten plus one month. Moved it just slightly out of the budget window, but say we're going to spend it and actually go ahead and spend it anyway. If we had a budget that was ten years and one month, it would be out of balance, but if we put that little corporate payment shift in there, on paper it looks fine. For reality, it doesn't work. So we identify that as one of the fumbles that we have as a government. Something that we have obviously got to fix. Basic oversight will help that, but it's also this body making a decision on how we actually budget. We also walked through a lot of areas that we just identified things that the federal government spends money on that we thought were rather unique that we would spend money on those things and may need some oversight. How about a $43 million gas station, natural gas filling station that was put in in Afghanistan? $43 million to do one natural gas filling station. Now that that station is in place, it's not being used at all. It is a $43 million waste. How about the Academy Awards? A pretty ritzy event. The academy awards, they are choosing to build a museum, a $250 million museum, actually, and the federal taxpayer is kicking in $25,000 of that. Why in the world are we kicking in $25,000 into a $250 million? Do we believe at some point they couldn't raise that last $25,000, and so we had to kick in a federal connection to it? I would disagree. One of my favorites is the fact that we just spent almost $50,000 to study the history of tobacco use in Russia. I am still looking for the national security implications of why we just spent $50,000 to study cigarette use in Russia. The national parks service spent $65,000 doing a study on what happens when you turn on a light in dark areas to bugs. Now, I could ask anyone in this chamber that's ever been out in the woods what happens if you turn on a light in a rural area, what do bugs do? They fly at it. But we spent $65,000 trying to investigate that. The VA in Arkansas wanted to put solar panels to show they had green energy in this area. Many VA centers around the country are doing this. The particular one in Arkansas put them on, put them on the wrong spot, relocated them, spent $8 million total just in installation for their solar panels. Any guess on how long those solar panels will have to run continuously before they pay off the cost of installation? How about almost 40 years? They will have to run continuously before they just pay for the cost of installation. That's not green energy. That's just waste. How about a challenge like this this -- Social Security Administration and the definition for social security disability is you cannot work in any job in the economy. You're only eligible for social security disability if you cannot work in any job in the economy. But there are individuals that receive both social security disability, which by definition means you cannot work, and they receive unemployment insurance, which by definition means you're looking for a job. You should not be able to get unemployment insurance and social security disability insurance at the same time. They violate the definitions between the two. Even the President of the United States agrees with that. Yet we have not been able to get that done. That's a fumble. We spent $374,000 as American taxpayers studying the dating habits of senior adults. Studying the dating habits of senior adults. Can someone help me with the national security implications for that? Why we spent $374,000 studying the dating habits of senior adults? We also created what's called the Ambassador's slush fund. The Ambassador's cultural fund from the state department, $5 million -- almost $6 million -- is designed to be able to help us give money away to do construction in other areas. We've done projects like building a welcome grotto into a Buddhist temple in China, which I find the ultimate irony. If any church in America said we want to be able to add on a welcome center on to our church, we would forbid the use of taxpayer dollars for that. But in China, we literally borrowed money from them, gave it to our state department so they could build a welcome grotto into a Buddhist temple back in China. I'm not sure that's a great idea. The State Department also has a Twitter account called Think Again, Turn Away. It's to discourage people from joining jihadi movement. Think Again, Turn Away. Any guess on how much Americans spent for a Twitter account? That one Twitter account with 23,000 followers, we spent $5 million for. $5 million to maintain a Twitter account. I am very confident that there are multiple teenagers at home that could help us run that for a lot less than the price. Mr. President, I'd like to ask unanimous consent that I extend for a couple more moments. The presiding officer: Is there objection? Without objection. Mr. Lankford: Let me mention just a couple more. Mr. President, I have a real concern that our Social Security Administration is not sharing what's called the Death Master File. That may seem like a macabre comment there, but what happens is, if we don't share the Death Master File, then we don't know in other agencies when to pull off a Social Security Number off the record. So Social Security recognizes that a person passed away, but the IRS doesn't so that's still a live Social Security Number to them. Meaning someone could get that Social Security Number, file, get a work permit, even vote and register, all sorts of things can be done under that number. We have 6.5 million people, according to our government, that are over 112 years old. 6.5 million people. That's quite a few. Actually, in the world, there are less than a hundred. But according to our government, we have 6.5 million and those numbers are being abused. And I can't even get into multiple issues, but let me just mention one more on this list on waste. We identified what many Americans already know -- Social Security Numbers are being stolen and used to file fraudulent tax forms. And many Americans in the coming months will file their taxes only to get notification from the IRS, someone's already filed under this number already. It's infuriating to them and it's billions of dollars in loss to the federal taxpayer. The IRS knows how to fix this. We list out the solutions on this. We've got to actually implement this. We have to be able to protect the taxpayer and to protect individuals from identify theft being stolen. That is a fumble, but it's fixable and we need to do it. I haven't even gotten into some simple things like the school lunches. Ask any teenager what they think of the school lunches at this point and the new regulations. Or Waters of the U.S. and how even the corps of engineers doesn't even want to implement the new E.P.A. rule. How the fiduciary standard is causing chaos among retirees and individuals wanting to get retirement advice. Or rural banks and how they want to be able to give out loans for mortgages, but can't in many rural areas of America. There are solutions to these. And it's our responsibility to be able to work through the process to solve this. With $450 billion in deficit spending and an economy that continues to slow down, this body needs to determine what is our job and do it. And it would be my encouragement in the days ahead Mr. President, that we actually achieve that. That in the days ahead, we speak of what we got solved for the American people rather than pretending we're eating breakfast back home with some friends complaining about the problems. It's time for us to fix them. With that, Mr. President, I yield back. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/compassion-caution-and-resolve,Compassion with Caution and Resolve,2015-11-30,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"In response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, thousands of refugees have fled the violence, terrorism and oppression directed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ISIS). Without question, this flood of refugees into Europe and their potential resettlement into the United States calls for compassion, but our handling of the crisis also demands that we exercise serious caution. Certainly, I believe that most Syrian and Iraqi refugees are seeking to escape ISILs extreme jihadism and senseless violence. However, I remain concerned about the safety of American citizens if these refugees are accepted in large numbers under the current screening and surveillance system. As we learned after ISILs attacks in Paris, the organization will clearly use whatever means necessary to spread its influenceeven having its fighters pose as refugees. Unfortunately, I fully expect ISIL will continue to use the refugee crisis to send out terrorists, infiltrate western nations and pick up recruits to spread more violence around the world. When opening Americas doors to refugees, we need to ensure that ISIL loyalists dont come along with those legitimately fleeing war and persecution. Before resettling any individuals in search of safe haven, we must prioritize the security of American citizens. And those responsible for the safety of the American people must be willing to say they are confident that refugees pose no threat to our countys citizens. Recently, in response to the increasing influence of ISIL and the terrorist organizations suspected exploitation of refugees, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act. While this legislation halts admission of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States, its important to understand that the SAFE Act wouldnt prevent these individuals from eventually seeking refuge in our country. Instead, it simply requires that improvements be made to the vetting process before taking refugees in, which includes greater scrutiny during background checks and requires top U.S. security officials to independently verify that any individual resettled in our country poses no security threat to America. I believe that these higher standards for vetting are the responsible and appropriate thing to do, and it rightly reassures the American people that our compassion will not be wrongly extended to persons who thirst for violence and aim to destroy us. Fortunately, acceptance of refugees is not the only way to show American compassion or, considering geographical distance alone, even the best way. In fact, we are already extending a helping hand through humanitarian aid both public and private, and I certainly expect the same generosity to continue in the future. However, we should always remember that the refugee crisis isnt going away. In order to stop the flood of refugees from the Middle East, ISIL must first be contained and ultimately defeated. Unfortunately, as long as this terrorist organization is allowed to gain ground in Iraq, Syria and other surrounding countries, refugees will be forced to leave their homes and flee to neighboring countries, Europe and North America. I believe that the best long-term assistance we can provide is in demonstrating strength in our resolve to destroy this despicable enemy responsible for the atrocities against humanity. Having seen what ISIL is capable of, I hope that President Obama will recognize the fact that his so-called strategy isnt working. In order to protect ISILs innocent victims abroad and our own citizens at home, we must waste no time in destroying this vicious enemy.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/jackie-kouri-alzheimers-disease-everyones-challenge,Tulsa World: Alzheimer's disease is everyone's challenge,2015-11-30,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tulsa World - Jackie Kouri Everyone with a brain is at risk of developing Alzheimers disease. Its that simple, and that dire. Some 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimers with a crushing 500,000 new cases added every year. Taking even more than precious memories and identities, Alzheimers is taking lives, killing more people than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined, a guaranteed death sentence every single time. Alzheimers is the sixth leading cause of death and is unmatched in the scale of its devastating human and economic impact, yet is the only disease in the top 10 causes of death with no way to prevent, cure or even slow it. While death rates of all other major diseases have significantly decreased over recent years, deaths from Alzheimers have skyrocketed by 71 percent. Women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimers in alarming ways. Women in their 60s are twice as likely to develop Alzheimers in their lifetime as they are to develop breast cancer. Nearly two-thirds of those with Alzheimers 3.2 million Americans are women. And almost two-thirds of all Alzheimers and other dementia caregivers nearly 10 million Americans are women. The economic toll of Alzheimers is staggering. Already the most expensive disease in America, Alzheimers costs are set to soar exponentially like no other disease. In 2015 it costs our nation $226 billion to care for people with Alzheimers, a cost of nearly $17.5 million per hour to American taxpayers. An onerous two-thirds of that cost is borne by Medicare and Medicaid, with nearly one in every five Medicare dollars spent on Alzheimers. By 2050 with the aging of 76 million baby boomers, it will grow to one in every three Medicare dollars with the nations total cost skyrocketing to $1.1 trillion. Americas bankruptcy is in the making from this single disease. November is Alzheimers Disease Awareness Month, and the Alzheimers Association is committed 24/7 to being the brains behind saving yours. A treatment delaying Alzheimers onset by just five years means that in 2050 5.7 million Americans expected to develop Alzheimers would not and America would save $367 billion with Medicare saving its share of those billions. The worlds scientists say this can happen with a $2 billion federal research investment compared to the current $586 million. A $2 billion investment that is calculated to be recouped in the first three years after a treatment is available not a bad return on investment. This year could be momentous because Alzheimers Association voices are being heard on Capitol Hill through leadership right here in Oklahoma. Republican Rep. Tom Cole, Fourth District, is chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the National Institutes of Health, which in turn funds federal Alzheimers research. Through Coles leadership, the Appropriations Committee passed $300 million in new Alzheimers research funding without exceeding budget limits overall. The Senate followed suit with a $350 million proposal. If Congress follows Coles recommendation and passes the funding, it will include the largest of three consecutive annual increases for Alzheimers research. If signed into law, this will dramatically change the Alzheimers research landscape by fueling a new round of innovative studies. Oklahoma Reps. Jim Bridenstine, Frank Lucas and Cole, plus Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford, are committed cosponsors of important federal Alzheimers legislation for which we are profoundly grateful. Alzheimers numbers are overwhelming and imbalanced. You can help change those numbers: 1. Reach out to your federal legislators asking them to support at least $300 million in increased funding for Alzheimers research. 2. Go to alz.org and click Join the Cause to lend your voice in a number of ways. Meanwhile, make use of the Alzheimers Associations array of no-charge programs for yourself or loved ones at alz.org. Together we can elevate Alzheimers to the national priority it demands. This column is the first part of the Tulsa Worlds Aging Oklahoma series, a look at the social and personal challenges of the aging baby boom generation. Jackie Kouri lives in Tulsa. She is a member of the national board of directors for the Alzheimers Association, the largest private funder of Alzheimers research. Online: Tulsa World",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/advisory-senator-lankford-to-release-government-waste-report-today,ADVISORY: Senator Lankford to Release Government Waste Report TODAY,2015-11-30,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.30.15 ADVISORY: Senator Lankford to Release Government Waste Report TODAY WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) will release his federal government waste and solutions report at a press conference today, November 30 at the U.S. Capitol. The report, entitled, Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball, will highlight examples of wasteful or duplicative spending, along with burdensome regulations, but will also offer a policy solution to each of the problems. The Office of Senator Lankford released two short videos on social media this month to preview the release of the football themed-report. CLICK HERE and HERE to view the videos. CLICK HERE for an embargoed copy of the report. The report will be embargoed until 12:00pm ET (11:00am CT). WHAT: Senator Lankford Press Conference to Release Federal Fumbles Gov't Waste Report WHEN: Monday, November 30, 12:00pm ET (11:00am CT) WHERE: Senate Radio-Television Gallery Studio, S-325, U.S. Capitol VIDEO: The press conference will be LIVE on C-SPAN and livestreamed on the Senator's YouTube page HERE. For more information, or to request a copy of the report, contact D.J. Jordan or Aly Beley via phone (202-224-5754) or email atDJ@lankford.senate.gov and Aly_Beley@lankford.senate.gov. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-releases-waste-report-federal-fumbles-100-ways-the-government-dropped-the-ball,Lankford Releases Waste Report: Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball,2015-11-30,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.30.15 Lankford Releases Waste Report: Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball WASHINGTON, DC During a press conference today, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released a federal government waste and solutions report. The report highlights examples of wasteful or duplicative spending, along with burdensome regulations but also offers policy solutions to each of the problems. Lankford's report, entitled, Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball, will serve as guide for his office to work with federal agencies and departments to turn the waste highlighted in the report to solutions over the next year. CLICK HERE for high-resolution photos from the press conference. CLICK HERE to view the full video of the press conference from YouTube. CLICK HERE to clip the video from C-SPAN. Excerpts: On the need for the Federal Fumbles waste report: The concern is that we are going to lose our focus on debt and spending. There are a lot of national issues that we're facing right now. All of them are very important to us. The debt issue still remains one of those primary issues that has to be resolved and it can be resolved. There's this belief, that it (debt) is so large it's difficult to take on, and it's not fixable. It is fixable. So, what I want to have is some way we can lay a plan in place and we can start to identify some of these issues. On our current pace, let's say we are actually to put into place the budget we have and actually fulfill it. That means in ten years from now we'd be back to balance. We would go from, about $450 billion in deficit spending this year to balanced budget in ten yearsIf we had a $50 billion surplus in the eleventh year, if we did that, we would have to continue to do it every year for the next 460 years to pay off our debtNow, let's just say we balanced it next year. If we balanced it next year then it's only a measly 380 years that we have to have a $50 billion surplus. I think we're losing track of how difficult this is really going to be long term and what needs to be done. On the focus for the Federal Fumble waste report: The fumble book that we haveisn't just waste.It's also areas where the federalgovernment has violated itstrusted responsibilities: wasted taxpayer dollars; programs that are ripe withfraud; duplication andinefficiency; over regulatingthat raises the cost ofgoods and services; for theconsumers and government processes that deceivestaxpayers and adds to thefamily's debt responsibility.With each of these issues, we alsolay out a solution We also highlight some exampleswhere we think the governmentis already addressing some of theseissues.This is not just a matter ofall complaints and nosolutions.There are some things that arehappening correctly.For instance, some of theduplication reports that theGAO has put out for severalyears, we have made some progress on that duplication. The Department of Justice, just in the past couple of years, has cut theirconferencing budget by 2/3 and they are to becommended for that. So this is our to-do list.This is what our office plansto work on in the days ahead.This is not just us and whatwe're trying to do.We're encouraging everyoffice to take this on as well.It's find your own list andlook for the common ground and let's tryto get some of these things done. Examples from the report highlighted by Senator Lankford: Some of these areobvious issues we've faced for along time, like the earnedincome tax credit.It continues to be the largestarea of fraud in the federalgovernment year after year.It's almost $18 billion infraud just for this year.That year after year is on thehigh list of something we needto be able to evaluate as a government. The death master file is another one. Senator Tom Carper has laid outa bill saying: 'why can't thesocial security administrationbe able to share thisinformation with otherentities?'We have millions of socialsecurity numbers that arehanging out there that thosesocial security numbers are thenvulnerable for fraud, intowaste, individuals voting onthose, individuals getting jobson those, individuals filingfalse tax reports on those. That should be resolved, that can be resolved butwe're losingbillions of dollars in theprocess. Some of my other favorites that are out there: the National Park Service did astudy on what do bugs do whenyou turn on the light in a darkrural place.Every person in rural Oklahomacan tell you what bugs do whenyou turn on the light in a darkplace.Some of these are commonsensethings we need to be able toevaluate.Why are we doing this? For the regulations we focusedon several things.We focused on what the federalgovernment should do and notdo.This is not an anti-regulationpiece but some of theseregulations do have realeffects on Americans.The Waters of the United Statesrule, the courts have alreadystopped it.The Corps of Engineers havealready said they don't want toimplement this rule.It will be an issue that willcost Americans billions ofdollars. What's happening with communitybanks right now, and what'scalled the Qualified Mortgage Piece, coming out of Dodd-Frankhas real effect in ruralAmerica.It is very difficult to get a homeloan.In urban areas, there aremultiple different banks anddifferent entities that can do home loans.In rural America, there'susually one or two and if youmake it hard, you make it veryhard for individuals in rural America to be ableto get that. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/in-the-news/senator-washington-times-the-freedom-to-bow-our-heads-and-pray-in-public,Senator Lankford in The Washington Times: The freedom to bow our heads and pray in public,2015-11-29,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.29.15 Senator Lankford in The Washington Times: The freedom to bow our heads and pray in public Telling grieving families that our thoughts and prayers are with them in times of tragedy or hearing people say God bless the United States of America at the end of a speech are common. They are part of our American tradition. Culturally, it is acceptable to talk about prayer, and even ask God for his blessings in public settings, but what if it goes a step further? What if we actually pray in public closing our eyes and bowing our heads where others can see? Is that still free in America? The recognition of faith has been integral in the formation of America. From our nation's earliest documents like the Mayflower Compact and Declaration of Independence, to the first act of Congress in 1774, calling on a pastor to open its sessions with prayer, to annual observances like the National Day of Prayer, America prays. In 2001, we saw Members of Congress gather on the steps of the Capitol following the horrific events of 9/11, singing God Bless America. Individuals from all across the country came together at prayer vigils following tragic shootings in Newtown, Connecticut and Charleston, South Carolina. The hashtag #PrayForParis has united people from around the world following this month's terrorist attacks in Paris, France. As President Clinton said in his 1999 National Day of Prayer Proclamation, Americans have united in prayer for those who died or were harmed, for the comfort and peace of their families, for the wisdom to heal our society, and for the strength to overcome such tragedies. Prayer in times of tragedy is not only accepted, it has become expected. If we can pray publicly in times of tragedy, can we also pray in good times as well? When is it OK to show a public expression of faith? Since 2008, a high school football coach in Bremerton, Washington, prayed on the field at the conclusion of the game, thanking God for his team and for keeping the players safe. Initially, the coach walked to the middle of the field alone, but later, some students voluntarily joined him. For this public display of prayer, he was placed on administrative leave. Without question, if a coach kneeled on the sideline to pray for a hurt player, no one would criticize. But this coach chose to pray in good times and bad. Can a society pick and choose which times and places for public prayer is acceptable? Why is praying in the midst of tragedy celebrated and encouraged, while praying in the midst of joy or thanksgiving condemned and threatened? Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. This provision of the Constitution has been interpreted to mean there is a wall of separation between church and state. This is true, even as Jefferson acknowledged, that the church should be protected from undue government interference in the ability to carry out one's faith. However, the wall was never intended to keep faith out of the public square. Yet, over 200 years after the founding of a nation built on religious freedom, America has become afraid of public expressions of faith, such as prayer. The separation of church and state doesn't mean the two entities should be separate at all cost it means one entity cannot rule over the other. This is what makes America great, but in respecting those choices, we should not err on the side of removing all public displays of faith simply because there are those in this country that choose not to practice a faith. Freedom of worship is confined to a place and time, while freedom of religion our actual right allows us to practice a lifestyle of faith, including public prayer. The free exercise of faith is a fundamental human right, not something that can only be invoked in times of tragedy. This year, in his National Day of Prayer proclamation, President Obama said, In America, our Nation is stronger because we protect the fundamental right of all peoples to practice their faith how they choose, to change their faith, or to practice no faith at all, and to do so free from persecution and discrimination. To that, I say Amen. The question is does our nation's actions match these words? ### By: Senator James Lankford Source: The Washington Times",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/cole-op-ed-tulsa-world-helping-worlds-refugees-and-keeping-america-safe,Cole Op-Ed in Tulsa World: Helping the world's refugees and keeping America safe,2015-11-28,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Tulsa World - Congressman Tom Cole If you have followed the news even remotely over the past two years or so, coverage of the Middle East has documented an escalating conflict due to the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in the region. The terrorist organizations senseless acts of violence, terrorism and oppression have uprooted many individuals and families and even reduced communities to rubble. Whatever the plight of these Syrian and Iraqi refugees that has caused them to flee, the mass exit from their homes and countries is a very real crisis that must be handled carefully by America and our allies in the days ahead. While I dont doubt that many refugees are genuinely trying to escape the volatile situation in the Middle East and seeking safe haven for their families, I remain skeptical about accepting them in large numbers into the United States under the current screening and surveillance system. Unfortunately, in wake of the recent Paris attacks, it is evident that ISIS seeks to spread its influence through heinous and senseless acts of terror far beyond the area it occupies. Considering that one of the Paris attackers posed as a refugee from Syria when he entered Europe, we know that ISIS will continue to use the refugee tragedy and any other means necessary to smuggle terrorists into other countries, infiltrate western society and pick up recruits to spread more violence around the world. Without question, we must be certain that isnt allowed to happen in the United States when opening our doors to refugees. Our first obligation and duty is to keep American citizens safe and prevent terrorists from wreaking havoc in the United States. Therefore, we must adequately anticipate, prevent and answer threats to our national security. Especially having seen what is capable of happening in Paris and Beirut by this evil enemy and after ISISs downing of a Russian airliner, I believe that U.S. security officials have an obligation to verify that any individuals resettled on American soil pose no risk to the safety of our citizens. Last week, in response to the increasing influence of ISIS and the terrorist organizations suspected exploitation of refugees, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act to halt admission of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States. Speaker Paul Ryan explained, If our law enforcement and intelligence community cannot verify that each and every person coming here is not a security threat, then they shouldnt be allowed in. Right now, the government cant certify these standards, so this plan pauses the program. Its a security test not a religious test. This reflects our values. Its important to understand that the SAFE Act doesnt prevent refugees from ever seeking safe haven in our country. Rather, it requires that, before we accept them into our country, improvements be made to the refugee vetting process, including extra scrutiny during background checks. It also requires the FBI Director, Secretary of Homeland Security and Director of National Intelligence to independently verify and vow that any individual resettled in our country poses no security risk to America. I believe that these higher standards for vetting are the responsible and appropriate thing to do. It reassures the American people that our compassion will not be wrongly extended to persons who thirst for violence and want to destroy us. I reject the notion that the only way to express the values and compassion of America is by allowing upwards of 10,000 refugees into our country. We have already demonstrated our willingness to lend a helping hand by sending generous humanitarian aid both public and private, and I expect such generosity to continue in the months ahead. Unfortunately, the refugee crisis is a worsening symptom of the overarching problem: ISIS is not contained. As long as the terrorist organization is allowed to gain ground in Iraq and Syria, refugees will continue to flee and seek safe haven elsewhere. If we truly want to help these people who are being driven away from their homelands, the United States needs to exercise strong resolve in containing and ultimately defeating enemies at the source of the conflict. But that demands a clear strategy from the Obama administration. Online: Tulsa World",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/joint-op-ed-hill-taking-care-native-children,Joint Op-Ed in The Hill: Taking care of Native children,2015-11-25,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Hill - Reps. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) In recent years and especially in the past months, there has been sensationalized news coverage about the controversial adoptions of Native American children into non-tribal families or their placement into foster care. Given the unfortunate coverage and several heartbreaking cases, its important to think back on how we got here and remember the centuries of injustice that Native families have faced. For much of the nations history, the United States has had a difficult and challenging relationship with Indian Country. Indeed, there have been dark chapters that both sides would prefer to forget and never wish to repeat. One of those longest chapters involved the forcible and heartbreaking separation of Native American children from their families and their tribal heritage. Prior to the passage of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in 1978, it had become apparent that Native American children were systematically being taken from their homes and either put up for adoption or placed in foster care. The rate at which Native American children were taken was especially alarming to tribal nations that depend on their youth to preserve a truly unique heritage. Further, the disproportionate rate of these separations raised suspicions that they were based less in decisions about the well-being of children and perhaps more about separating youth from their tribal culture. In a repeat of the forced boarding school era, tribal nations were once again being told that to save their children, they had to be removed from their communities and cultures. When Congress passed ICWA, it was meant to solve a very real identity problem for Native American children, help loving families stay together and also prevent unnecessary holes in tribal communities. But most importantly, it soughtand still aimsto ensure children live in the environment where they are best cared for and most loved. Certainly, tribal nations care deeply for their youth and the continuation of a special heritage to them, and ICWA is meant to help the majority of Native American children and youth stay connected with that heritage. However, there are circumstances when that is not possible, either with the absence of a willing guardian in the tribe or due to an abusive living environment. In such cases, ICWA provides guidance and requirements for legal separations, including private adoptions and foster care placements. But similar to the Hague convention that regulates international adoptions, ICWA encourages tribal nations to make a reasonable effort to facilitate a tribal adoption firstpreferably with a family member. As with any matter involving the safety of our nations children, everyone wants a simple and certain solution. As legislators, we must ensure that ICWA continues to serve the best interests of Native American children and prevent their safety from being jeopardized. The hope is that Native American children can safely remain with their tribe and be brought up to know and appreciate their important heritage. We should be careful about the language we use and the laws we put forward, and ultimately, when interpreting or revising ICWA, we should reflect on what is best for Native American children. Cole has represented Oklahomas 4th Congressional District since 2003. He sits on the Appropriations; the Budget; and the Rules committees. McCollum has represented Minnesotas 4thCongressional District since 2001. She sits on the Appropriations Committee. Cole is a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. He and McCollum serve as co-chairs of the Native American Caucus in the House. Online: The Hill",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://russell.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/rep-steve-russell-offers-refreshing-counter-keep-them-out,Rep. Steve Russell offers refreshing counter to 'keep them out',2015-11-24,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Steve Russell,R000604,russell.house.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Rep. Steve Russell offers no apology to those in his party who are disappointed in his take on the Syrian refugee crisis. Unlike so many Republicans, Russell doesn't want the United States to begin turning these refugees away as a result of the recent terror attacks in Paris. I've angered people on both sides on this issue. I don't care, Russell, R-Choctaw, said last week in an interview with The Oklahoman. I've been defending this republic since I was 18. There are times you have to have the moral courage to stand on our liberties. During the interview, Russell offered a refreshing contrast to the rhetoric and fear-mongering that has emanated from members of both major political parties, but especially from Republicans. Some Oklahoma state legislators have called for taking steps to ensure no Syrian refugees wind up in this state. These reactions followed the disclosure that a Syrian passport was found near one of the perpetrators of the ISIS-led attacks in Paris. The Obama administration has committed to accepting 10,000 Syrian refugees in the next year. Republicans want President Barack Obama to pull the plug on that plan for now. On Thursday, Russell spoke forcefully on the House floor against a Republican bill requiring more screening before Syrian and Iraqi refugees can be admitted. The next day, he initially voted against the bill, but then switched and voted in favor, helping give Republicans a veto-proof majority. That move was part of some horse trading in which House leadership got the vote it wanted in exchange for Russell being among those members at the table as this issue is hashed out further. The House bill, he noted, doesn't represent the end of the road on this issue but only one step. A former Army Ranger, Russell said he has lived among Sunni Arab Muslims and has watched them die fighting ISIS. I've watched them be eliminated. They're intelligent. They're educated. They don't want this, he told us. And if we cannot be an America that promotes people having freedom and determination, we've lost our way and the terrorists have won. Russell makes the point that the current vetting process for refugees is extensive, and involves numerous agencies among them the International Office of Migration, the U.N. High Commission on Refugees, the FBI, along with the departments of state, defense and homeland security. Biographical and biometric checks are included, along with searches to determine whether terrorist ties are evident. In the past four years, Russell noted, about 1,900 of those refugees who have fled Syria have been placed in the United States (only three have come to Oklahoma since 2012, all of them in Jenks, according to Gov. Mary Fallin's office). The congressman is advocating further discussion about the best way forward, instead of knee-jerk overreaction. We need to make sure we're secure, but I've said the only thing that should have a blindfold is Lady Justice with a pair of scales, Russell said. We don't need to have the Statue of Liberty with a blindfold and a stiff-arm, or perhaps another gesture. We don't need that. And he added this: Let's have the discussions, let's do it with civility and let's look at the facts. Let's find a way to properly vet and secure our country, but let's not ever find a way where we think we should turn away those fleeing tyranny. Here's hoping his colleagues on Capitol Hill will follow that advice.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/advisory-senator-lankford-to-release-government-waste-report-monday,ADVISORY: Senator Lankford to Release Gov't Waste Report Monday,2015-11-24,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.24.15 ADVISORY: Senator Lankford to Release Gov't Waste Report Monday WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) will release his federal government waste and solutions report at a press conference next Monday, November 30 at the U.S. Capitol. The report, entitled, Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball, will highlight examples of wasteful or duplicative spending, along with burdensome regulations, but will also offer a policy solution to each of the problems. The Office of Senator Lankford released two short videos on social media this month to preview the release of the football themed-report. CLICK HERE and HERE to view the videos. WHAT: Senator Lankford Press Conference to Release Federal Fumbles Gov't Waste Report WHEN: Monday, November 30, 12:00pm ET (11:00am CT) WHERE: Senate Radio-Television Gallery Studio, S-325, U.S. Capitol VIDEO: The press conference will be livestreamed on the Senator's YouTube page HERE. For more information, or to request a copy of the report, contact D.J. Jordan atDJ@lankford.senate.gov. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/american-tradition,An American Tradition,2015-11-23,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"In the United States of America, we have a longstanding tradition of coming together each year on Thanksgiving to recognize and reflect upon our many blessings. While some years produce a great deal of trials and hardship, its important to remember that there is never a shortage of things for which to be grateful. Like most, I cant help but remember the first feast where the Pilgrims celebrated a bountiful harvest with Native Americans after rocky beginnings and heartbreaking losses. The resilience of the Pilgrims in dire circumstances and their providential partnership with Native Americans still reminds us of Gods perfect provision. Im also struck by a story more than two centuries after that first Thanksgiving at Plymouth. Even though President George Washington issued a proclamation for Americans to observe a day of thanks in 1789, it was President Abraham Lincoln who reaffirmed the need for a day of collective gratitude to be celebrated on the same day each year across every state. While most states independently designated days for citizens to give thanks for their good fruits and fortune, it was President Lincoln who acted on making Thanksgiving an annual coordinated effort nationwide. This action came in response to a letter he received from Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor who had long advocated for the holiday to permanently become ""an American custom and institution."" Its interesting to observe that Thanksgivingto this day one of our most unifying American traditionswas made permanent when our nation was plagued by great uncertainty, uneasiness and what were feared irreconcilable differences. In fact, Lincolns Thanksgiving proclamation came just a month and a half before delivering his famous Gettysburg address halfway through the Civil War. This year, Thanksgiving comes in the midst of growing unrest and acts of terror around the world and subsequent feelings of uneasiness in our own country. As you spend time with family, friends and loved ones, I hope youll take a moment to call to mind and thank God for the abundance of blessings we have as a free nation. But I also ask you to join me in saying a special prayer for the safety of our nation and allies, wisdom for those leading and protection over those risking their lives to defend and preserve our precious freedoms.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/fortune-syrian-refugees-bill-paul-ryan-carves-out-winning-path-republicans,"Fortune: With Syrian Refugees Bill, Paul Ryan Carves Out Winning Path for Republicans",2015-11-20,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Fortune - Steven T. Dennis Paul Ryans on a roll. The new House speaker set Democrats back on their heels this week with a proposal to hit the pause button on the U.S. acceptance of Syrian refugees, even as he forcefully put down anti-Muslim sentiment on his partys right flank. The vote total on the Syrian refugee bill was notable 289 in favor effectively a veto-proof majority unless President Barack Obama can persuade more Democrats to hold the line. Two Republicans expected to back the bill did not vote. And it would be enough to override the president unless every missing Democrat showed up and voted yes. That amounts to a rare bipartisan rebuke of President Barack Obama, who had spoken forcefully against Republican fear of Syrian widows and orphans. Only two Republicans opposed Ryans gambit, in a show of unity that had become increasingly rare under John Boehners reign. The Democratic defections came despite a full court press from White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, who assured lawmakers that refugees already go through a thorough and extensive background check process to ensure American security. The measure faces an uphill road in the Senate. Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said it will not pass. The White House has recovered from setbacks before notably when Obamas own party abandoned him earlier this year on fast-track trade authority, which ultimately became law. But as a governing move, Ryans push for a third way on Syria refugees may give his party a blueprint for a more successful governing style, provided Ryans flock continues to back him. The restless House Freedom Caucus lined up behind the bill and, for once, the storyline will be about Democratic disarray instead of Republican infighting. Thats what a new speaker can bring. Paul has done a great job in a week or so that hes here. Hes brought the conference together, said Rep. Scott Garrett, R-N.J., a member of the Freedom Caucus. Ryan also stood up to the forces of intolerance in his own party rebuking a push by Sen. Ted Cruz and some conservative media outlets and talk show hosts to limit the accepted cohort of Syrian refugees to Christians, as well as calls on the broader right to restrict Muslim immigration to the U.S. in general. Thats not who we are, Ryan told Sean Hannity Wednesday night on Fox News when asked about restricting Muslim immigration. Ryans early strength could lower the odds of a government shutdown, something neither he nor Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wants. Right now, the strategy is to put separate bills on President Obamas desk to defund Planned Parenthood, repeal much of Obamacare, and, now, potentially the Syria refugee issue as well. That could be a way to avoid holding up the entire budget over hot-button issues that have brought Congress to the brink and over the brink into a shutdown in the past. Republicans need to learn there are limits to what Ryan will be able to accomplish, said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla. I dont think shutting down the government is an acceptable tool, Cole said. Weve broadly moved the country to the right, but we cant get as far as we would like absent a Republican president. Online: Fortune",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-supports-safe-act,Cole Supports SAFE Act,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after he supported H.R. 4038, the American Security Against Foreign Enemies (SAFE) Act of 2015, which passed the House by a vote of 289-137. In response to the increasing influence of ISIL/ISIS and the terrorist groups suspected exploitation of refugees fleeing the escalating conflict in the Middle East, this legislation halts admission of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into the United States until the vetting process is strengthened. The bill recommends improvements to background checks and requires that the FBI Director, Secretary of Homeland Security and Director of National Intelligence independently verify that any individual resettled in the United States does not threaten the safety of American citizens. Our first obligation and duty is to keep American citizens safe and prevent terrorists from wreaking havoc in the United States, said Cole. Given the recent attacks in Paris and considering that one of the attackers posed as a refugee from Syria when he entered Europe, it is clear that ISIL will use the refugee tragedy and any other means necessary to smuggle terrorists into other countries in order to commit crimes against humanity. Without question, we must be certain that isnt allowed to happen in the United States when accepting refugees. While I dont doubt that many refugees are genuinely fleeing the Middle East for safe haven from ISILs violence, our security officials also have an obligation to verify that any individuals resettled on American soil pose no risk to the safety of our own citizens. Until the system is adequately improved and strengthened, it is safer for all concerned to delay refugees from entering the country. ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/radcliffe-institute-sliver-full-moon-not-full-moon-yet,"Radcliffe Institute: A Sliver of a Full Moon, but Not the Full Moon Yet",2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Radcliffe Institute For Advanced Study Hardvard University - Pat Harrison Mary Kathryn Nagle wrote the play Sliver of a Full Moonwhich will be read today at the Radcliffe Institutebecause Native leaders asked her to. Nagle, an attorney and citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, was approached by tribal leaders in early 2013 who asked her to interview Native women survivors and share their stories. They were trying to explain to peopleincluding Congressional lawmakerswhy tribal governments needed their jurisdiction restored on Indian lands. A 1978 Supreme Court ruling, in Oliphant v. Suquamish Indian Tribe, had stripped tribes of criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians on tribal land. One result of this ruling was that when non-Indian men sexually assaulted Native women on Indian land, tribes did not have the authority to prosecute the assailant, and these incidents were occurring more and more frequently. Nagle began to contact Native women who had survived these attacks and had testified before Congress in the effort to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which included provisions pertaining to the restoration of tribal jurisdiction to protect Native women. In February 2013 Nagle was setting up interviews with the women survivors. Then all of a sudden, she says, VAWA passed the House. She was surprised. I interviewed Congressman Tom Cole, and I asked him, How did this come to be? Hes a Republican from Oklahoma, but hes also a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. Essentially, he told me he got a group of Republican Congressmen together and said, Look, I know that the party leaders say you should vote against tribal jurisdiction, but heres why I think you should vote for it. So the House ended up accepting the bill. Passage of the bill in the House required 218 votes in favor, and it passed by a vote of 286 to 138.While the play was no longer needed to convince Congress to pass the bill, it was still important for other reasons. The play has become a vehicle to educate people about the legal issues when it comes to tribes and jurisdiction over non-Indians, which are extraordinarily complicated, Nagle says. Even to American Indian lawyers who grow up talking about this and learning about it."" Sliver of a Full Moon dramatizes the plight of Native women who were abused by letting us hear their personal stories. Actors play some of the charactersan actor plays Congressman Tom Cole, for examplebut the women who testified before congressional leaders play themselves. The survivors who will be part of the play at Radcliffe are Lisa Brunner of the White Earth Ojibwe, Diane Millich of the Southern Ute Tribe, Billie Jo Rich of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians , and Nettie Warbelow, of the Athabaskan, from the Native Village of Tetlin. The director, Betsy Theobald Richards, like the playwright, is a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. While Sliver of a Full Moon is a tale, in Nagles words, of resistance and celebration, there is more to do. She would like to see the decision in Johnson v. MIntosh, the 1823 Supreme Court case that says Indians cannot claim legal title to their own lands, overturned. She would also like to see Oliphant overturned. We had a Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 that overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, but we havent had that kind of progress when it comes to federal Indian law. Nagle is eager to present the play at Harvard because, she says, the future leaders of the United States come out of Harvard. My hope is to educate the members of that community about federal Indian law and how it has and has not failed to progress. Online: Radcliffe Institute",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://lucas.house.gov/frankly-speaking/refugee-issue-calls-serious-and-deliberate-action,Refugee Issue Calls for Serious and Deliberate Action,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Frank Lucas,L000491,lucas.house.gov,,,legacy,"The terrorist attacks in Paris have shaken France and its allies. We grieve for the lives lost and pray for the recovery and healing of those injured or otherwise impacted. This tragedy is a grave reminder that we cannot waiver in the face of Islamic extremism. It comes as no surprise that ISIS was behind the coordinated attacks that took the lives of at least 129 individuals and injured more than 350 others. And we cannot blind ourselves to the fact that this is far from an isolated or rare instance. Just the day before, a suicide attack in Beirut took 43 lives and in the previous month a terrorist bombing killed over a hundred people who gathered for a peace rally in Turkey. Unfortunately, President Obamas foreign policy strategy leading up to this point has been indecisive and ineffective. Contrary to what the president has told us, ISIS is far from contained. What may have started as a regional conflict has begun to spill into the western world. In Iraq and Syria, ISIS continues to murder thousands of innocent Christians and Muslims alike and with these latest attacks has explicitly set its sights on western democracies. They recently released a video claiming Washington, D.C. as their next target. We are beginning to witness the consequences of the terrorist organizations unfettered growth in Syria and Iraq. Their widespread and indiscriminate violence has destabilized vast portions of the Middle East and has triggered a mass exodus of refugees. While our country has a strong record of providing asylum to those fleeing war and oppression, the recent influx of refugees from Syria presents a unique challenge, as ISIS looks to exploit our compassion to inflict more damage. The White House has remained tone deaf on this issue. In light of the recent events, President Obama still stands by his call to bring at least 10,000 Syrian refugees into the United States over the coming year. Of course, Americans are left wondering why the president has a plan to resettle Syrian refugees but has laid out no vision or strategy to defeat ISIS the unmistakable source of this crisis. I believe we should take a step back and get a grip on this issue because we cannot afford to get it wrong. We should halt all incoming Syrian refugees to ensure terrorists are not infiltrating the refugee populations. The State Department and Department of Homeland Security are tasked with screening thousands of potential refugees. I think its appropriate we review this vetting process in order to make sure it is entirely thorough. No one can be allowed to fall through the cracks. Right now, the president cannot honestly make that guarantee. Thats why I am supporting legislation that will stop the entry of refugees from Syria until Congress can assess these programs. Anything short of completely dismantling ISIS and its stranglehold on the Middle East will have no lasting impact. Until the president can lay out an acceptable strategy to do this, we must take any and all necessary steps to protect ourselves at home. Our national security is on the line.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=593,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Supports SAFE Act,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,bridenstine.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today, I voted for H.R. 4038, the American SAFE Act. While this is a good first step, it does not go far enough. Senior FBI and Homeland Security officials have testified to Congress that its impossible to fully screen prospective refugees for terrorist affiliation, especially those coming from disintegrated states and failed governments. Further, the American SAFE Act limits such ""enhanced"" screenings solely to Iraqi and Syrian refugees. This provisionignores the fact that ISIS has affiliatesacross the Middle East, North Africa, andSouthwest Asia and plans to smuggle terrorists in through our broken southern border. Just yesterday, Honduras arrested five Syrians using stolen Greek passports. We should suspend refugee admissions until Congress has sufficient assurances to restart the program. Along with over 60 of my colleagues, I signed a letter to Speaker Ryan demandingthat the impending trilliondollar omnibus spending bill include a provision which suspends refugee program funding.I am also drafting an omnibus rider to defund the Office of Refugee Resettlement, an agency which is unaccountable toCongress andhelps resettle illegal aliens. We are under no obligation to importpossibleterrorists to replay the Paris attacks in America. Consistent with U.S. security interests, the best way to help refugees fleeing ISIS is to (1) rapidly defeat ISIS and (2) resettle the maximum number of refugees in the safest areas closest to Syria and Iraq. For the cost of resettling one refugee in the United States, we can resettle 12 refugees in other countries. The United States should help the most people using our limited refugee resettlement resources. We should pause refugee admissions into the United States and redirect resources toward resettling refugees in third-party countries closer to their homes. -- 30 --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://russell.house.gov/media-center/editorials/top-10-reasons-bipartisan-bicameral-proposal-replace-no-child-left-behind,"Top 10 Reasons the Bipartisan, Bicameral Proposal to Replace No Child Left Behind Benefits Oklahoman Students",2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Steve Russell,R000604,russell.house.gov,,,legacy,"1. Places new and unprecedented restrictions on the authority of the Secretary of Education. The agreement ends the Secretarys ability to impose requirements on states and schools through executive fiat and ends the era of conditional waivers. 2.Prohibits the Secretary of Education from forcing or coercing states into adopting Common Core. No agent of the federal government including the Secretary can interfere with the right of states to develop or change its own set of standards. 3.Ends the era of federally-mandated high-stakes testing. The agreement empowers parents by continuing annual assessments in reading and math, but it also eliminates the federally-mandated high-stakes strings attached to these assessments. 4.Eliminates the federally-mandated one-size-fits-all accountability system. The agreement repeals the overly punitive federal accountability system known as Adequate Yearly Progress or AYP and restores to state and local leaders the responsibility for holding schools accountable. 5.Repeals 49 ineffective and duplicative federal programs. The agreement helps clean up a confusing maze of K-12 education programs and requires the Secretary to reduce the size of the federal bureaucracy accordingly. 6.Provides states and schools new funding flexibility. The agreement establishes a block grant with existing federal dollars that states and school districts can use to fund priorities set at the local level. 7.Holds the line on no new pre-k programs. Instead of creating a new pre-k program, the agreement relocates to the Department of Health and Human Services an existing program using existing resources to promote better coordination and alignment across state and federal pre-k initiatives. 8.Prohibits the use of federal education dollars to fund abortions. This is the first time federal education law will include a clear prohibition on the use of education dollars to fund abortion services. 9.Offers parents more school choice. The agreement supports the replication of highquality charter schools and improves the magnet school program. The agreement also empowers eligible states to let funds follow students to the schools they attend, rewarding excellent schools that enroll students who are harder to serve. 10.Provides a four year authorization of the law. A top priority for leading conservatives, a more limited reauthorization will ensure the next President has an opportunity to continue this effort to reduce the federal role and restore local control in k-12 education.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-details-plan-defeat-isis-and-addresses-syrian,Congressman Russell Details Plan to Defeat ISIS and Addresses Syrian Refugee Policy,2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Steve Russell,R000604,russell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) spoke on the House floor to call on the President to lead the worlds fight against ISIS and for America to take a thoughtful, deliberative approach rather than a knee-jerk reaction of fear towards the Syrian refugees. Excerpts as prepared: What the President can do to fight ISIS: Whatever the Presidents political advantage, whatever the supposed cost saving, whatever the heartfelt conviction of why some believed abandonment was the optimum course of action, it has instead created a political nightmare, and has bled more treasure and lives than any estimates our continued presence might have caused. Moreover, it has sickened the hearts of world humanity to see civilization taking such punishment from savages when a quiver of options have been available to shoot at the heart of the problem. America has the capacity, the intelligence and the goodwill to rally the nations. But it cannot be a unitary effort. It must be collective. It cannot be a defensive effort. It must be offensive to blunt further attack. As President Hollande of France was saying, Enough is enough, President Obama proceeded to tell America and the world what the attacks on Paris were notand what our actions would not be. Mr. Speaker, this Congress and the American people need rather to hear what the attack was and what our actions will be to make them stop. The President, distracted by his ideological efforts on climate, has failed to see that the world is on fire. But the people of our great Republic have not failed to see it. They are calling on us to stand with France and say, Enough is enough. What should be our immediate actions? How about some of this: Cripple Raqqa. It is clear it is the symbolic center of ISIS power. The Presidents cabinet says, We are worried about collateral damage and civilian casualties. News flash! The most humane thing we can do to end the suffering of hundreds of thousands of people is to cripple what ISIS draws its strength from. Destroy their infrastructure. Hammer their electricity capacity and drop their transmission lines. Eliminate their cell towers where they draw their communications capacity. Destroy the bridges on their roads of ingress and egress. Hammer the oil refining installations they possess and fund themselves withwe have the ability to rebuild them later but ISIS would be diminished financially by their loss. Put a different way, the most humane thing we can do to protect civilians is to disrupt ISIS immediate ability to advance and recruit. And if the US leads, others will stand shoulder to shoulder. We need our president to lead. What every American can do: Now lets talk about immediate counter messaging. Here is where EVERY American can help. American news stations and newsprint can join the fight by not putting ISIS produced videos and imagery on American networks as B-Roll on our newscasts and in articles in our newspapers! Replace it rather with cross-hairs and explosions of their defeat or show the world their acts of barbarity and the human suffering they have created for their own people. Use that for B-Roll. America must stop aiding and abetting these evil savages that use our free press, our laws and our protections to destroy ours. Americans, write your local news stations and tell them to stop! The Refugee Crisis: America is a lamp that lightens the horizon of civilized and free mankind. The Statue of Liberty cannot have a stiff arm. Her arm must continue to keep the torch burning brightly. If we use our passions, anger and fear were to snuff out her flame by xenophobic and knee-jerk policy, the enemy wins. Period. America protects her liberty and defends her shores not by punishing those who would be free. She does it by guarding liberty with her life. Americans need to sacrifice and wake up. We must not become them. They win if we give up who we are and even more so without a fight. We guard our way of life by vigilance. We must be watchful. We have to have each others back and be alert to dangers around us. We must speak up when we see something unusual. By maintaining who we are amidst the threat, amidst the hatred, amidst the trials, we win. Patrick Henry did not say give me Safety or give me Death! He said Give me Liberty. You can view a complete transcript of prepared remarks here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-says-liberty-must-not-lose-out-terror,"Congressman Russell says, Liberty must not lose out to terror.",2015-11-19,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Steve Russell,R000604,russell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Today, the House voted on H.R. 4038 The American SAFE Act that would require that Syrian and Iraqi refugees being admitted into the United States to be unanimously cleared by the directors of DHS, FBI, and the NSA. Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) spoke about his vote on H.R. 4038: Todays vote was an especially hard one for me to take. It is difficult not to help all in need, especially running from a humanitarian crisis like we see in Syria and Iraq. We must continue to find a way to save those who run from savagery and barbarity. This bill should only be used as a vehicle for discussion with both chambers so that we may protect our country, but more importantly, find a way to protect the liberties that make us who we are as a people. This bill will hopefully start that discussion. Let us continue to pray for all who have been harmed by ISIS. H.R. 4038 The American SAFE Act passed by a vote of 289 to 137. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/members-call-president-halt-acceptance-refugees,Members Call on President to Halt Acceptance of Refugees,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after he was one of 110 House members who sent a letter today urging President Barack Obama to halt admission of refugees from Syria and Iraq to the United States until the vetting and monitoring process is improved and strengthened in order to keep Americans safe from potential terrorist threats. This letter comes in response to the series of terrorist attacks waged by ISIL/ISIS in Paris over the weekend and after media reports that one of the terrorist attackers posed as a refugee from Syria when he entered Europe. In the midst of these developments, President Obama plans to admit thousands of Syrian refugees into the United States. While I dont doubt that many refugees are genuinely fleeing the volatile situation in the Middle East and seeking safe haven for their families, I remain leery of accepting them into the United States under the current screening and surveillance system, said Cole. Unfortunately, in wake of the Paris attacks, it is clear that ISIL seeks to spread its influence through heinous and senseless acts of terror far beyond the area it occupies. In that evil effort, it is increasingly obvious that these terrorists will use whatever means necessary to do soeven posing as refugees to terrorize the rest of the world. First and foremost, we must protect the lives of Americans by adequately anticipating, preventing and answering threats to our national security. Given recent events and reports of ISILs rapidly spreading presence, it is unacceptable for President Obama to risk the safety of our nations citizens by accepting refugees under the current system. Not only must we improve and strengthen the process, but it is imperative that the United States have strong resolve in containing and ultimately defeating the enemies at the source of the conflict. That calls for a clear strategy from the Administration, concluded Cole. Full version of the letter to President Obama is available here. Excerpts from the letter are included below: We cannot ignore that, despite your claims, the recent attacks in Paris and the suspected bombing of a Russian airliner, demonstrate that the threat of ISIS is not contained to Syria and Iraq. The United States has a proud tradition of opening its arms to those in need. However, the current conflict raging in the Middle East is unique and we cannot be certain that all individuals seeking refuge from the conflicts in Syria and Iraq pose no threat to Americans. We urge your immediate action to suspend those admissions until effective vetting and monitoring processes are established that ensures the safety of the American people. ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=591,LAWMAKERS CALL FOR TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF ALL RESETTLEMENT SERVICES,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,bridenstine.house.gov,,,legacy,"Representatives Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Lamar Smith (R-Texas), and Brian Babin (R-Texas) are calling for a temporary suspension of Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) resettlement funding for all refugees, as well as individuals not in a legitimate lawful status. The lawmakers approach includes but also extends beyond refugee services for Syrian, Iraqi and other refugees and reflects the need to examine the resettlement of potential special interest aliens who are crossing our Southern border. The lawmakers are currently crafting language to address the issue for inclusion in an omnibus spending bill. The Members argue that congressional action to protect American citizens from Islamic State terrorists must acknowledge vulnerabilities in our overseas vetting process as well as our domestic security vulnerabilities. Islamic State terrorists can just as easily pose as illegal aliens crossing our southern border as they can refugees fleeing a war torn country overseas. The Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety was recently asked whether Islamic State terrorists had infiltrated the Southern border. He responded, Individuals that come across the Texas/Mexican border from countries with a known terrorism presence and the answer to that is yes.1In April, a Judicial Watch report cited a Mexican Army officer and police inspector who asserted that ISIS was operating training bases in close proximity of the U.S. Southern border.2Another report from August 2014 advised that social media traffic indicated ISIS was planning to infiltrate the Southern border in order to carry out a terrorist attack.3 ORR has failed to submit annual reports in a timely manner as required by section 413(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, despite being directly involved in the resettlement of thousands of illegal aliens who have crossed our Southern border over the past few years. Further, ORRs budget has grown exponentially from approximately $750 million in FY2012 funding to over $1.5 billion currently. Repeated attempts by Members of Congress to conduct legitimate oversight of this entity have been met by delays, obstruction and a failure to produce information. The vetting and resettlement processes associated with services for refugees and aliens not in a legitimate lawful status must be re-examined in order to address threats from all potential access points. Accordingly, all resettlement services should be temporarily suspended. If Congress funds ORR without such restrictions, Congress will be providing the President the funds to carry out his refugee resettlement efforts in full both from countries overseas as well as through the resettlement of illegal aliens at the Southern border. The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) was established by the Refugee Act of 1980. It operates within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). According to ORRs FY2013 Annual Report, its mission is to link these newly-arrived populations to key resources to maximize their potential in the U.S., and to become integrated and successful members of American society. ORR has settled more than three million refugees from seventy different countries since it was established. 1. Kellan Howell, Texas top cop: Islamic State terrorist might cross southern border. Washington Times, October 6, 2015. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/oct/6/steven-mccraw-texas-top-cop-islamic-state-terroris/ 2. Edmund DeMarche, ISIS operating base few miles from Texas border, group warns. Fox News, April 16, 2015. http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/04/16/isis-reportedly-operating-base-few-miles-from-texas-border/ 3. Jana Winter, Online Posts Show ISIS Eyeing Mexican Border, says law enforcement bulletin. FoxNews, August 29, 2014. http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/08/29/online-posts-show-isis-eyeing-mexican-border-says-law-enforcment-bulletin/ -- 30 --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/oklahoma-congressmen-ask-va-appoint-full-time-okc-va-director,Oklahoma Congressmen Ask VA to Appoint Full Time OKC VA Director,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Steve Russell,R000604,russell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5), along with Congressmen Tom Cole (OK-4), Markwayne Mullin (OK-2), and Jim Bridenstine (OK-1), sent a letter to VA Secretary Robert McDonald requesting that Dr. Gerald K. Darnell be made the full time Director of the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center. For the past year, Dr. Darnell has held the position of Acting Director, but has been given limited authority in that capacity. The Oklahoma City VA serves more than 300,000 veterans, over 70,000 of whom are disabled. Congressman Russell stated, We owe our veterans the best that we can possibly give them. While Dr. Darnell has done an admirable job as Acting Director, I believe that he cannot devote all he can to the worthy veterans he cares for without the full administrative powers he would have as a full time Director. This is an easy fix, and one that would benefit so many veterans who gave so much for this country. It is time to give something back. You can read the signed letter here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-praises-senate-commerce-committee-markup-of-pbor2,Inhofe Praises Senate Commerce Committee Markup Of PBOR2,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Praises Senate Commerce Committee Markup Of PBOR2 Wednesday, November 18, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) thanked the Senate Commerce Committee for concluding a markup of the Pilots Bill of Rights 2 (PBOR2) today and praised the adoption of an amendment authored by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) to further improve and address the legislation's third class medical certification provision.While markup had concluded on the legislation, the committee did not have aquorumat the end of its business meeting in order to vote on final passage. Iwelcome Sen. Joe Manchins amendment to the Pilots Bill of Rights 2 that was adopted in the Senate Commerce Committee during markup of my legislation,said Inhofe.This amendment has my full support as it further improves the third class medical provision.Currently, FAAs medical certification process is bureaucratic, burdensome and discourages pilots from disclosing and treating medical conditions that could impact their ability to fly.With this amendment, the billprovides a new medical certification process for qualified and trained pilots that encourages a robust dialogue between pilots and their personal physician. It requires pilots to complete a medical education course every two years and be treated by their physician for any medical diagnosis that could impact their ability to fly. In short, this bill reforms the medical certification process for general aviation pilots in a way that will increase pilots knowledge of risk while demanding robust treatment of identified conditions.I want to thank Senator Thune for holding the markup and Senator Manchin for his partnership, hard work, and support on this bill. This bill addresses some of the most important issues presently facing pilots and the general aviation community, andwith 68cosponsors,I expect this bill to continue making progress in the Senate. Manchins amendment made the following changes that were supported by Inhofe: In order to qualify for the new third class medical certification, every new pilot will be required to first obtain a medical evaluation in line with current FAA practices. Existing pilots will automatically qualify for the new certification process under most circumstances. This ensures all pilots have a baseline evaluation of their health and a verification of their existing medical recordsa one touch medical assessment using the current FAA process. In addition, pilots qualifying for the new policy will need to do the following: Complete every two years a new online medical education course that includes information related to warning signs for serious medical conditions, mitigation strategies for medical conditions, and the impacts of over-the-counter and prescription medications and their interplay with an individuals flight capabilities.This course takes aviation safety further than any existing medical requirement for the general aviation community. Pilots will need to maintain a record of their online course certification in the logbooks. Have regular examinations, at least every four years, by a qualified physician and receive the appropriate care and treatment for any diagnosed medical conditionboth at the outset and over the long term. Should an individual fail to be under the care and treatment of a qualified physician, they would not be able to maintain the privilege of the new certification process. Pilots will need to maintain a record of their physician visits and a certification of any care and treatment as directed by a doctor in the logbooks. As part of their certification of any needed ongoing medical care, pilots will also certify their understanding ofFAAs existing prohibition on operating an aircraft in the event of a medical deficiency. If a pilot who qualifies for the new third class medical certificationis clinically diagnosed with a severe mental health disorder, a severe neurological disorder, or a severe cardiovascular condition, the pilot would be required to go through FAAs special issuance process one time to receive medical clearance to fly again, ensuring FAAthe opportunity to review the medical documentation, order additional tests as necessary, and make a determination on medical clearance.Once a pilot has received an initial medical clearance to fly from FAA, that individual would be able to once again exercise flying privileges under the new third class medical certification process. Due to the unique nature of mental health and neurological disorders, individuals with severe mental health or neurological diagnoses, who have already successfully completed the special issuance process, will need to certify every two years that they remain under the care and treatment of their specialist. In addition, that individual will no longer qualify for the new third class medical certification if their medical specialist determines their condition has deteriorated to the point that they are no longer fit to fly. Lastly, if an individuals drivers license is revoked for any health related reason, the third class medical certification will be revoked. The Manchin amendment also directs FAA to expand the number of medical conditions that are included in the Conditional AMEs Can Issue program to find ways to streamline the current process for obtaining a special issuance medical certificate. On Feb. 26, Inhofe introduced thePilots Bill of Rights 2, legislation that wouldreformthe third class medicalcertificationfor recreational pilots and broaden the protections provided in the original Pilots Bill of Rights authored by Inhofe and signed into law in 2012.At the time of this release, S.571 had68cosponsors, surpassing a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. Statements of support for PBOR2 include: On behalf of the 2,700-plus pilots represented by the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP), I write today to express our support for your legislation, the Pilots Bill of Rights 2 (PBR2). As co-chairs of the Congressional Pilots Caucus, you continue to keep issues that affect professional and recreational pilots at the forefront of the Congressional consciousness. Your work on PBR2, which is highlighted by efforts to extend the due process rights of all certificate holders facing FAA investigation or enforcement action as well as enhancing the Notice to Airmen Improvement Program, is a perfect example of your proactive leadership on behalf of the pilot community,said Pedro Leroux, president of the NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots (NJASAP). We sincerely appreciate Sen. Inhofe for his support of our nations professional pilots. Our career security is vulnerable to a wide range of factors frequently beyond our control. This bill would provide necessary balance to administrative proceedings and other venues in which pilots face potential certificate denial, suspension or revocation,said Capt. Keith Wilson, president of the Allied Pilots Association. Time and again, Sen. Inhofe has served as a tireless advocate for professional pilots. He understands the unique challenges that pilots face, with S.571 providing yet another example of his thoughtful pragmatism. We urge Sen. Inhofes fellow lawmakers to approve this legislation promptly,said Capt. Paul Jackson, president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association. General aviation has been losing an average of 6,000 pilots per year over the past 10 years. Manufacturing of new piston powered aircraft in the United States has fallen drastically, and this critically important amendment includes provisions that will help general aviation move in a positive direction and provides common sense safety protections to pilots,said 17 aviation organizations in a letter to the Commerce Committee in support of the modifications. The introduction of the Pilots Bill of Rights 2 is great news for the general aviation community and we are grateful to Sen. Inhofe for putting forward this legislation that would do so much to help grow and support general aviation activity. Pilots have already waited too long for medical reform, so were particularly pleased to see it included in this important measure. We will actively work with Congress to build support for this legislation that is so vital to the future of GA and the 1.1 million jobs that depend on it, said Mark Baker, president of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). Sen. Inhofe and the other bipartisan co-sponsors in the Senate and House understand the importance of providing for the fair and equitable treatment of all airmen by introducing the second Pilots Bill of Rights, and we appreciate their work to move these important measures forward. Aeromedical reform is an urgent need that is overwhelmingly supported by our members and other recreational pilots. We also strongly support the common-sense provisions ensuring due process for airmen in enforcement cases and liability protections for designees conducting important aviation safety activities once exclusively handled by the federal government,said Jack Pelton, chairman of the board for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). I applaud Sen. Inhofe forhis bipartisan leadership in introducing the Pilots Bill of Rights 2. This legislation includes much-needed, common-sense reforms for the general aviation community. It is critically important that the third-class medical issue is resolved quickly, and this bill sends a clear message to the bureaucracy to get it done. Additionally, in this time of rapid communications technology, it is unacceptable that the NOTAM system remains brokenthis bill will help to fix it. Finally, the liability protections offered to volunteer pilots in this bill are extremely important to the nation as general aviation continues to provide transportation for cancer patients, wounded veterans, and other citizens requiring assistance to access needed medical care,said Pete Bunce, president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-inhofe-lankford-applaud-senate-passage-of-national-adoption-month-resolution,"Senators Inhofe, Lankford Applaud Senate Passage of National Adoption Month Resolution",2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Inhofe, Lankford Applaud Senate Passage of National Adoption Month Resolution Wednesday, November 18, 2015 WASHINGTON, DC The U.S. Senate today passed a resolution, co-sponsored by Oklahoma Senators Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and James Lankford (R-OK), that supports the goals of National Adoption Month and National Adoption Day. November is National Adoption Month and November 21 is National Adoption Day. I am always proud when Congress comes together in support of adoption, said Inhofe. ""Since 2000, National Adoption Day has helped raise awareness and further educate people across the nation of the number of children who are in need of a forever family. As a result, more than 40,000 children have been adopted on National Adoption Day, which is remarkable when you take a moment to think of the tremendous impact that it has on the individual lives of each child and our society as a whole. My family has witnessed first-hand the blessings of adoption through my granddaughter Zegita Marie, and I remain committed to advancing bipartisan policy solutions to help children in America and across the world find a permanent and loving home. There is no substitute for a safe and stable family to the health and well-being of children, said Lankford. Adoption provides a safe and loving home to many vulnerable children, and Im glad the Senate can affirm adoption and the millions of Americans who have taken this step. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) are the original sponsors of this National Adoption Month resolution. Inhofe and Lankford are members of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, which works on issues pertaining to children in need of permanent homes, children in the foster care system, and domestic and international child welfare. Inhofe is the former Chairman of the Coalition. As the resolution notes, there are currently more than 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, with more than 100,000 ready to be adopted.In 2014, more than 22,000 youth aged out of foster care, reaching adulthood without being placed in a permanent home. CLICK HERE to read the full text of the resolution. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-votes-to-disapprove-clean-power-plan,Senator Lankford Votes to Disapprove Clean Power Plan,2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.18.15 Senator Lankford Votes to Disapprove Clean Power Plan WASHINGTON, DC Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today voted on two resolutions of disapproval of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed Clean Power Plan, a rule to force states to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants. Senator Lankford co-sponsored both resolutions. Once again, the EPA has far overreached their authority to regulate power generation, said Lankford. The EPA does not have the authority to impose federal carbon mandatesthat authority lies with Congress. With the continued ligation from states to stop this rule, the Clean Power Plan is clearly not a path supported by the American people. It's time for the EPA to stop pushing a political agenda, and start listening to Americans and our need to maintain affordable, reliable energy resources without forced regulations. Recently, Senator Lankford spoke on the Senate floor to advocate for a pro-growth energy policy and the negative ramifications of the Obama Administration's misguided energy policy. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-inhofe-lankford-applaud-senate-passage-of-national-adoption-month-resolution,"Senators Inhofe, Lankford Applaud Senate Passage of National Adoption Month Resolution",2015-11-18,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.18.15 Senators Inhofe, Lankford Applaud Senate Passage of National Adoption Month Resolution WASHINGTON, DC The U.S. Senate today passed a resolution, co-sponsored by Oklahoma Senators Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and James Lankford (R-OK), that supports the goals of National Adoption Month and National Adoption Day. November is National Adoption Month and November 21 is National Adoption Day. I am always proud when Congress comes together in support of adoption, said Inhofe. ""Since 2000, National Adoption Day has helped raise awareness and further educate people across the nation of the number of children who are in need of a forever family. As a result, more than 40,000 children have been adopted on National Adoption Day, which is remarkable when you take a moment to think of the tremendous impact that it has on the individual lives of each child and our society as a whole. My family has witnessed first-hand the blessings of adoption through my granddaughter Zegita Marie, and I remain committed to advancing bipartisan policy solutions to help children in America and across the world find a permanent and loving home. There is no substitute for a safe and stable family to the health and well-being of children, said Lankford. Adoption provides a safe and loving home to many vulnerable children, and I'm glad the Senate can affirm adoption and the millions of Americans who have taken this step. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) are the original sponsors of this National Adoption Month resolution. Inhofe and Lankford are members of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, which works on issues pertaining to children in need of permanent homes, children in the foster care system, and domestic and international child welfare. Inhofe is the former Chairman of the Coalition. As the resolution notes, there are currently more than 400,000 children in the U.S. foster care system, with more than 100,000 ready to be adopted.In 2014, more than 22,000 youth aged out of foster care, reaching adulthood without being placed in a permanent home. Last week, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin launched the Oklahoma Fosters Initiative, a campaign to recruit more foster and adoptive families for Oklahoma foster children. After the launch, Lankford said, Foster children often go through a lot, so we must step up and care for the 11,000 children in our state's foster system and make sure they have a stable environment to grow and thrive. To address many of the poor outcomes associated with the foster care experience, and to prevent the age out' crisis, we must work together to provide families for Oklahoma children. Other states have seen success with initiatives like this, and I'm hopeful that we can drastically reduce the number waiting children by encouraging adoption, stable foster care, and healthy reunification. CLICK HERE to read the full text of the resolution. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-supports-tribal-labor-sovereignty-act,Cole Supports Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 511, the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act of 2015. This legislation reaffirms the exemption of tribal governments from the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), upholds tribal sovereignty and protects self-governance on tribal lands. When Congress passed NLRA in 1935, it excluded all federal, state and local governments from regulationan exemption that was also extended to tribal governments. In 2004, however, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that tribal governments were no longer subject to the same exemption and commercial activity could be regulated. Like federal, state and local governments, tribal governments should not be subject to the National Labor Relations Act, said Cole. In keeping with 69 years of past precedent, I am pleased that the House supported legislation to right the misguided policy that has threatened tribal sovereignty. The Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act not only restores authority previously afforded to tribes, but it symbolizes a United States that respects the ability and right of tribes to govern effectively on their own lands. Cole managed the combined rule for H.R. 511 and H.R. 1737 on the House floor. Video of his opening remarks is available here. Excerpt from his opening remarks is below: Practically every county and city in this country has a golf course. Most states have a lottery. The National Park Service operates hotels. Many cities operate convention centers. All of these activities are not regulated under the NLRA. It should be the same with tribes. ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/us-sens-jim-inhofe-james-lankford-join-those-criticizing-obamas-refugee-position,"The Oklahoman: U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe, James Lankford join those criticizing Obama's refugee position",2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Oklahoman - Chris Casteel Echoing the concerns of many Republican officeholders, Sen. Jim Inhofe said Monday that no more Syrian refugees should be allowed into the United States until Congress has reviewed the process for screening them. Accepting refugees is an important and historical practice of our nation, but the Syrian refugee situation is atypical due to ISIS's attempts to exploit the crisis and concerns over the validity of Syrian passports, said Inhofe, R-Tulsa. We saw this danger first hand with Ahmad Al Mohammad who participated in the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and whose passport and fingerprints matched a person who passed through Greece as a Syrian refugee. Inhofe's comments came as Gov. Mary Fallin and governors in more than a dozen states told the Obama administration they don't want to accept any of the refugees because of the attack in Paris on Friday. The Islamic State, also known as ISIS and ISIL, has claimed responsibility for killing 129 people and injuring dozens more in coordinated attacks in the French capital. The great unknown' Sen. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City, was among the Republicans who criticized the Obama administration in the wake of the attacks, saying there was no strategy to defeat the Islamic State. On Fox News, Lankford said, We have this plan coming from the administration to strike them and find some way to limit them, but not to actually get rid of them. We have to be able to meet them, and that's what is the great unknown. The number of fighters that are ISIS fighters wouldn't fill up most American football stadiums. This is not a large group of individuals, but they're tenacious, and they rule with absolute terror. At a news conference in Turkey on Monday, President Barack Obama rejected the notion of refusing Syrian refugees, saying they are victims of terrorism. And when I hear folks say that, well, maybe we should just admit the Christians but not the Muslims; when I hear political leaders suggesting that there would be a religious test for which a person who's fleeing from a war-torn country is admitted, when some of those folks themselves come from families who benefited from protection when they were fleeing political persecution that's shameful, the president said. That's not American. That's not who we are. We don't have religious tests to our compassion, he said. Inhofe also called for enhanced border security, saying, One ISIS terrorist entering our country through whatever means will enable that cancer to grow and will directly threaten our homeland and its people. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore, reiterated his stance that Congress should approve an authorization of war. ""Considering the despicable violence caused by the terrorist group and the innocent blood on its hands, we must have an effective plan to combat ISIL that is offered by the president, approved by Congress and supported by the majority of Americans,"" Cole said. ""Anything less would be an injustice to those who volunteered to risk their lives to serve in the line of duty."" Online: The Oklahoman",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-defends-tribal-sovereignty,Congressman Russell Defends Tribal Sovereignty,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Steve Russell,R000604,russell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Today the House of Representatives debated and voted on H.R. 511 the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act. HR 511 amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide that any enterprise or institution owned and operated by an Indian tribe and located on its lands does not fall under the jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). This legislation is intended to preserve tribal sovereignty and provide statutory clarity with respect to NLRB jurisdiction over tribal enterprises. Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) spoke on the House floor to offer his support saying, Really, this whole matter in this discussion is pretty simple. Article 1, Section 8: Congress shall have the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes. Explicit language in the Constitution that we all defend and that I have defended since I was 18. It is the purview of this Congress not the rule makers of the National Labor Relations Board to regulate commerce. This nation must continue to recognize the rights of Indian tribal sovereignty. And this Congress must uphold the Constitution and sovereign treaties with those tribes. Those opposed to this bill say that it will take away the rights of workers. As a Representative from Oklahoma, whose 5th district has more than 13% Native Americans, our largest minority, our constituents know that the actions of the rule makers will take away the rights of sovereign tribes. Congress must restore these rights with the passage of this bill. H.R. 511 The Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act passed by a vote of 249-177. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-congressman-russell-issues-wakeup-call-isis,ICYMI Congressman Russell Issues Wakeup Call on ISIS,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Steve Russell,R000604,russell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Monday evening, Congressman Russell (OK-5) appeared on The Tipping Point with Liz Wheeler on One Americas News Network. Congressman Russell issued a wakeup call to America, because we are at war with Wahhabist, Jihadist Islam. On the Presidents plan to combat ISIS: We must stop these acts of barbarity, and what we need to hear from the President is not what he is not going to do, and what this not is, what we need to hear is what he is going to do. And, Ive got some suggestions. Here is a couple: Raqqa, the city where its the center of gravity where these attacks were planned, we need to drop leaflets and tell them they have 96 hours and we need after that time we need to hit every electrical power grid station. Drop every bridge in the area. Hit their water supply. Hit their, what they need for daily living, ingress and egress routes. We dont level the city, but we make it untenable. We hit every cell tower that promotes their cell phone coverage or internet. We knock those things out. We can do that right now. But instead, we hear the President talking about his strategy has not changed. Well, we are going to continue to see this type of violence, and it is going to land on our own shores, because of these policies. To those who say we should have never gone into Iraq to begin with: That is like saying we abandon the criminal neighborhood that crime will improve. What an absurd notion. People say we should have never gone into Iraq, well here is a wakeup call, we should never have abandoned it. We turned it around. As veterans we turned it around. We had a stable government with free elections, we had a force there that was a stabilizing force. Because of a status of forces agreement and no diplomatic or economic pressure by the President he abandoned Iraq, and now for the want of a few thousand American troops that could have prevented the nascent attacks that ISIS was doing, it has grown into an abscess it has grown into a festering sore all of the Middle East. On what the media can do: Quit promoting and showing ISIS propaganda video. Quit using it for b-roll, quit putting it the background. You want to have a picture of ISIS up there? Then show them under the crosshairs of our jets or under our bombs Why are we promoting through our free speech, our free press, our lawful system and allow them to abuse it so they can kill innocent men, women and children dining at cafes or watching a concert. We need to wake up. Congressman Russell also addressed his latest Waste Watch. Watch the entire interview here. You can review all three editions of Waste Watch here. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/joint-hearing-reveals-information-security-failures-at-the-secret-service,Joint-Hearing Reveals Information Security Failures at the Secret Service,2015-11-17,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.17.15 Joint-Hearing Reveals Information Security Failures at the Secret Service WASHINGTON, DC The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, under the chairmanship of Senator James Lankford (R-OK), and the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency, under the chairmanship of Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), held a hearing today to examine recent internal security breaches at the U.S. Secret Service. Hearing witnesses included: Joseph Clancy, Director of the U.S. Secret Service; John Roth, Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security; and Joel Willemssen, Managing Director of Information Technology at the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The Subcommittee discussed a pattern of federal agency data breaches, as well as a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) report on U.S. Secret Service employees that alleged violations of the Privacy Act, DHS policy, and Secret Service policy. The OIG discovered a practice of accessing personal records of Americans on an internal Secret Service database. In addition to illegally accessing the information, some Secret Service employees may have disclosed protected employment records to the media. Today's hearing revealed a disappointing culture at the Secret Service that reflects a total disregard for privacy, which appears to be occurring in other agencies, as well, said Lankford. The security violations against private citizens are very serious and should be a wake-up call to Congress and the American people. Cybersecurity and privacy are some of the biggest national security issues in today's world, and yet our federal agencies are failing at security protocols. Dozens of Secret Service individuals have been disciplined, but more must be done to ensure a culture of respect for privacy. In light of recent failures at the Secret Service, OPM, the VA, and the Social Security Administration, federal agencies must demonstrate a plan to protect the millions of Americans whose private information is housed on government databases. CLICK HERE to read the hearing opening statements and view the hearing video. CLICK HERE to view video of Senator Lankford's opening statement and question and answer period. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/terrorist-enemies-must-be-defeated,Terrorist Enemies Must Be Defeated,2015-11-16,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Over the weekend, the world was shaken by a series of devastating terrorist attacks that claimed dozens of innocent lives in Paris. Reportedly carried out by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ISIS), the senseless attacks demonstrate that these terrorists are becoming bolder and more violent by the day, intending to terrorize and harm all of humanity. Given the escalating conflict in the area occupied by ISIL in the Middle East, the recent attacks against our French ally and the threats surfacing against America, it is critical that swift and decisive action be taken to destroy this barbaric enemy. As the extent of American intervention is determined in the days and months ahead, lawmakers and President Obama must be on the same page. Before the heartbreaking situation unraveled in Paris, President Obama had announced the need for American combat operations and continuation of air strikes in Syria and Iraq. However, as charged by the Constitution, Congress is the branch of government that holds war-making power. While the president serves as commander in chief and is meant to offer a clear strategy for defending the United States when and wherever threats arise, any recommended military action must be authorized by both chambers of Congress before it is enacted. So far, no such authorization for the use of military force (AUMF) has been brought up for debate and consideration in either chamber of Congress. I believe that is a mistake capable not only of jeopardizing the power of the legislative branch of government but further damaging Americas perceived strength to our friends as well as our enemies. Now especially in light of the attacks that occurred in Paris, I believe it is past time for Congress to weigh in. Earlier this month, I joined with colleagues on both sides of the aisle in sending a letter to urge newly elected Speaker Paul Ryan to prioritize consideration and debate of an AUMF. All 35 lawmakers wrote in the letter, Congress can no longer ask our brave service men and women to continue to serve in harms way while we fail in carrying out our constitutional responsibility in the area of war and peace. We urged Speaker Ryan to direct the committees of jurisdiction to draft and report out an AUMF as soon as possible. If Congress continues to do nothing to check the presidents recommended course of action, it will further empower him to wage undeclared, unconstitutional war. I am hopeful that our chamber will soon debate legislation that appropriately deals with the threat posed by ISIL, and I hope that the Senate joins in taking similar action. Considering the despicable violence caused by the terrorist group and the innocent blood on its hands, we must have an effective plan to combat ISIL that is offered by the president, approved by Congress and supported by the majority of Americans. Anything less would be an injustice to those who volunteered to risk their lives to serve in the line of duty. Far too close to home, Oklahomans are still grieving the loss of one of our own killed by ISIL. Unquestionably a true hero, Master Sgt. Joshua L. Wheeler was tragically killed last month during a U.S.-Iraqi joint mission to free 70 hostages held captive by ISIL in Iraq. His selfless sacrifice cannot be in vain. Neither can we or will we forget the attacks in Paris. Instead, it must be followed by strong American resolve to destroy the barbaric terrorist enemy. Unfortunately, it is clear that our country cannot avoid this conflict. Further delay in taking real and thoughtful action only allows ISIL to grow stronger and threaten more innocent lives. Something must be done, but both the legislative and executive branches of our government must be united in the effort.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://bridenstine.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=585,Congressman Jim Bridenstine Hails Passage of the SPACE Act,2015-11-16,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Jim Bridenstine,B001283,bridenstine.house.gov,,,legacy,"Today the House concurred with the Senate amendment to the Spurring Private Aerospace Competitiveness and Entrepreneurship (SPACE) Act of 2015. The bill passed unanimously from both houses and now goes to the President for signature. HR 2262 is designed to facilitate a pro-growth business environment for the commercial space industry. The legislation includes, in entirety, a bill sponsored by Congressman Jim Bridenstine, HR 2261 the Commercial Remote Sensing Act, relating to licensing private remote sensing space systems. Bridenstine also contributed a section enabling training of commercial space flight participants in space support vehicles. Congressman Bridenstine commented, We already rely on commercial space for so much, and this industry will continue to expand in the coming years. We will soon see worldwide internet coverage, utilization of space resources, improved communications and remote sensing technologies, and more. We must make sure that Congress does not do anything that could stifle this world-changing industry. That is why this Act is crucial. Bridenstine has been recognized as one of the top five leaders in space by SpaceNews. In their annual list of worldwide Space Industry Game-Changers, the Congressman was noted for his legislative initiatives. Speaking on the floor of the House, Bridenstine said, The most important aspect of this legislation is the extension of the moratorium on regulations for commercial human spaceflight, allowing time to create a regulatory environment based on real data, not speculation. Other provisions will allow American space companies to remain competitive against international companies and enable private companies to explore and mine celestial resources. The Congressman also addressed provisions he worked to include in the bill and the Senate retained in the final version: Sec. 116 was an amendment I offered in committee to the original version of H.R. 2262 to require a GAO report on the role of space support vehicles in the commercial space industry, with recommendations to relieve regulatory and statutory barriers to the services these vehicles offer. People will need to be trained to fly, and vehicle designs will not stay static. Additionally, Title II of this bill incorporates H.R. 2261, the Commercial Remote Sensing Act, bipartisan legislation I introduced with Congressman Ed Perlmutter of Colorado. This title sets metrics to give Congress a picture of the workload facing the Department of Commerce when licensing remote sensing activities and any issues preventing them from meeting statutory deadlines. Title II recognizes the importance of seeking input from industry representatives. This legislation is crucial as industry expands beyond traditional remote sensing and as Congress starts to update the statutes governing these activities for the first time since the 90s. -- 30 --",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-calls-for-pause-in-us-acceptance-of-syrian-refugees,Inhofe Calls for Pause in U.S. Acceptance of Syrian Refugees,2015-11-16,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Calls for Pause in U.S. Acceptance of Syrian Refugees Monday, November 16, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), today released the following statement calling for a pause in the United States acceptance of Syrian refugees until Congress can thoroughly review the Obama administrations vetting process: In light of the attacks in Paris, I call on the Obama administration to put a pause in accepting Syrians as refugees into the United States until Congress can review and conduct appropriate oversight of the State Departments vetting process. Accepting refugees is an important and historical practice of our nation, but the Syrian refugee situation is atypical due to ISISs attempts to exploit the crisis and concerns over the validity of Syrian passports. We saw this danger first hand with Ahmad Al Mohammad who participated in the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and whose passport and fingerprints matched a person who passed through Greece as a Syrian refugee. With ISIS releasing a video on Monday vowing its next attacks on America, this is clearly not a time for the Obama administration to increase, much less expedite, refugees being brought to our soil. As the Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said, We dont obviously put it past the likes of ISIL to infiltrate operatives among these refugees. Furthermore, the Obama administration must better secure our dangerously porous borders. One ISIS terrorist entering our country through whatever means will enable that cancer to grow and will directly threaten our homeland and its people. Prior to the Obama administration adjusting its policies on Syrian refugees, Inhofe sent a letter to the president on Sept. 25 calling for a stronger vetting process of Syrian refugees and for prioritization of orphaned children and persecuted religious minority groups. In the letter, Inhofe emphasized that ultimately the Obama administration must put forward a comprehensive strategy in the region to provide a permanent, long-term solution to the refugee crisis. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-lankford-speak-on-senate-floor-in-recognition-of-master-sgt-joshua-wheeler-,"Inhofe, Lankford Speak on Senate Floor in Recognition of Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler",2015-11-16,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe, Lankford Speak on Senate Floor in Recognition of Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler Monday, November 16, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford (R-Okla.) tonight spoke together on the Senate floor in recognition of Master Sgt. Joshua L. Wheeler of Roland, Okla., who was killed on Oct. 22 during a special operations raid in Iraq that led to the release of 70 individuals being held hostage by ISIS. Click here to view video of both Inhofe and Lankfords speeches Wheeler will be laid to rest Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery. Excerpts: Delivered by Inhofe: Josh was the epitome of a selfless and patriotic soldier.Mr. Lance Hunter, Sgt Wheelers friend of 30 years, said that Josh was the kind of person who would stop and help a stranger change a tire on the side of the road and always dedicated himself to challenges, 110%. When he enlisted, I knew he would go as far as he could go. He was made to be a soldier. And a soldier he was.During his career, Master Sergeant Wheeler had earned a humbling 11 Bronze Stars including four with valor devices and countless other medals.He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for his actions during the raid on the ISIS prison.He is a true American hero We are safe and our country is secure because of Josh and all our service men and women.We must continue our unwavering support for them.I extend our deepest gratitude and condolences to Joshs family.And I am honored to pay tribute to this true American hero who volunteered to go into the fight and made the ultimate sacrifice of his life for our freedom.It is my sincere hope that his family takes solace in knowing that their husband, father, brother, grandson and friend is a true American hero and will never be forgotten. Delivered by Lankford: Master Sergeant Wheeler was the best of the best. He was one of the most highly trained warriors in the entire Department of Defense. Master Sergeant Wheelers sacrifice exemplifies the highest virtue in defense of his family, friends and nation. When the Kurdish attack on the prison where the hostages were being held was stalled, Master Sergeant Wheeler responded. He could not watch the Kurdish forces face the attack without help. He would not allow those men inside the facility to face execution when he could help them escape. Master Sergeant Wheeler breached the wall. He engaged the enemy. The full force of the attack came directly at him, and he saved the day and six dozen men. Good men stand up to such evil. They don't allow it to grow and multiply. We honor Master Sergeant Wheeler's sacrifice and tenacious commitment to confront evil. We humbly thank his family for the sacrifice they made, so that we all may live in a more peaceful world. Our nation cannot say thank you loud enough or long enough to his family. May God bless Josh's family. May his boys grow up to be men who remember their dad's love for them and our nation. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-statement-on-governor-fallins-call-to-suspend-syrian-refugee-program,Senator Lankford Statement on Governor Fallin's Call To Suspend Syrian Refugee Program,2015-11-16,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.16.15 Senator Lankford Statement on Governor Fallin's Call To Suspend Syrian Refugee Program WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement on Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin's call to suspend the acceptance of Syrian refugees into the United States in the wake of the deadly terror attacks in Paris. ""Millions of peaceful Syrian families have been forced to flee for their lives from religious and ethnic brutality. The small contingent of ISIL fighters rule over many villages in Syria and Iraq with ruthless vengeance. America has historically accepted thousands of refugees each year, but the refugees fleeing from Syria cannot be vetted the same as refugees fleeing from Central Africa or Central America; the unique risk is much higher. Until Congress and the American people can understand the detail of the background checks, the final selection process, and the strength of the security procedures, it is reasonable to suspend the movement of Syrian refugees to the United States. Currently, it takes over 18 months to vet a single refugee coming to the United States. To delay and evaluate the process does not significantly affect the program, but it does provide an additional layer of security for American families."" The brutal violence from ISIL has contributed to a major Syrian refugee crisis in the region. For several decades, America has helped refugees who are escaping tyranny, including persecuted Christians.On October 21, Senator Lankfordcalled on the Obama Administration to ensure a stringent vetting process to verify the backgrounds of refugees. CLICK HERE to read that letter to Secretary of State John Kerry. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senators-inhofe-lankford-speak-on-senate-floor-in-recognition-of-master-sgt-joshua-wheeler,"Senators Inhofe, Lankford Speak on Senate Floor in Recognition of Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler",2015-11-16,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.16.15 Senators Inhofe, Lankford Speak on Senate Floor in Recognition of Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler CLICK HERE to view the video WASHINGTON, DC Senators Jim Inhofe and James Lankford tonight spoke together on the Senate floor in recognition of Master Sgt. Joshua L. Wheeler of Roland, Oklahoma, who was killed on Oct. 22 during a special operations raid in Iraq that led to the release of 70 individuals being held hostage by ISIS. Wheeler will be laid to rest Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery. Excerpts: Delivered by Inhofe: Josh was the epitome of a selfless and patriotic soldier. Mr. Lance Hunter, Sgt Wheeler's friend of 30 years, said that Josh was the kind of person who would stop and help a stranger change a tire on the side of the road and always dedicated himself to challenges, 110%. When he enlisted, I knew he would go as far as he could go. He was made to be a soldier. And a soldier he was. During his career, Master Sergeant Wheeler had earned a humbling 11 Bronze Stars including four with valor devices and countless other medals. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart for his actions during the raid on the ISIS prison. He is a true American hero We are safe and our country is secure because of Josh and all our service men and women. We must continue our unwavering support for them. I extend our deepest gratitude and condolences to Josh's family. And I am honored to pay tribute to this true American hero who volunteered to go into the fight and made the ultimate sacrifice of his life for our freedom. It is my sincere hope that his family takes solace in knowing that their husband, father, brother, grandson and friend is a true American hero and will never be forgotten. Delivered by Lankford: Master Sergeant Wheeler was the best of the best. He was one of the most highly trained warriors in the entire Department of Defense. Master Sergeant Wheeler's sacrifice exemplifies the highest virtue in defense of his family, friends and nation. When the Kurdish attack on the prison where the hostages were being held was stalled, Master Sergeant Wheeler responded. He could not watch the Kurdish forces face the attack without help. He would not allow those men inside the facility to face execution when he could help them escape. Master Sergeant Wheeler breached the wall. He engaged the enemy. The full force of the attack came directly at him, and he saved the day and six dozen men. Good men stand up to such evil. They don't allow it to grow and multiply. We honor Master Sergeant Wheeler's sacrifice and tenacious commitment to confront evil. We humbly thank his family for the sacrifice they made, so that we all may live in a more peaceful world. Our nation cannot say thank you loud enough or long enough to his family. May God bless Josh's family. May his boys grow up to be men who remember their dad's love for them and our nation. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/press-release/cole-responds-tragedy-paris,Cole Responds to Tragedy in Paris,2015-11-14,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement in response to a series of tragic terrorist attacks across Paris. I am deeply grieved by the senseless acts of terror against the French people. Americans are unfortunately all too familiar with the unbelievable shock, horror and permanent scars caused by terrorism. During this dark time for our French allies, our most sincere thoughts, prayers and support remains with them today, tomorrow and in the difficult days ahead. ### Contact: Sarah Corley (202) 225-6165",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://russell.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-russell-releases-statement-paris-attacks,Congressman Russell Releases Statement on Paris Attacks,2015-11-14,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Steve Russell,R000604,russell.house.gov,,,legacy,"Del City, O.K. Congressman Russell (OK-5) released the following statement following the terror attacks in Paris on Friday: ""Yesterday's horrific attacks are a continued reminder that we must be vigilant against those who seek to commit acts of terror. While there is much to be done to continue to hunt down all who are responsible, immediately let us pray for the victims, their families, and all who are affected by these terrible events."" ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-statement-on-terrorist-attacks-in-paris,Inhofe Statement on Terrorist Attacks in Paris,2015-11-14,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe Statement on Terrorist Attacks in Paris Saturday, November 14, 2015 WASHINGTON U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement regarding Fridays terrorist attacks in Paris, France, which ISIS has claimed responsibility: My prayers are with the city of Paris and all who have been impacted by this act of evil. The United States stands with the people of France, with our close friends in Europe, and with our allies around the world. What took place on Friday was an act of war. To defeat terrorist organizations like ISIS, it will require the United States and our allies to be more unified in responding to the reality that we are and remain at war with radical extremists. Pinprick responses in the Middle East over the past few years and lack of overall strategy is failing. Unless the United States and our allies recognize this,we will all remain vulnerable to another 9/11 in the United States, another 7/7 in London, another 11/3 in Madrid or another 11/13 in Paris.We must seize this wake-up call to assess and improve our intelligence collection capabilities with our partners and allies around the globe. The United States must also stop retreating from its global responsibility to lead, which has created a vacuum that has been filled by the likes of ISIS and others. We must secure our borders and fully screen those who want to enter our country. Most importantly, we must better fund our military to provide for our national defense, which the Obama administration has hollowed out to the point we are not able to carry on our historical responsibilities around the world and here at home. We cannot afford to put political correctness ahead of the security of America. Radical Islamist groups have not only killed a large number of Westerners and attempted to wreck our sense of security, but they also have senselessly murdered tens of thousands of Middle Easterners and displaced hundreds of thousands more in recent years. We cannot just degrade or contain extreme terrorist organizations like ISIS. Its time the United States and the international community stands unified to defeat them. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senators-press-white-house-for-increased-transparency-on-guantanamo-detainees,Senators Press White House For Increased Transparency On Guantanamo Detainees,2015-11-13,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senators Press White House For Increased Transparency On Guantanamo Detainees Friday, November 13, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today join Sens. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Michael Rounds (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tim Scott (R-SC) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), in sending a letter urging President Obama to adhere to his own promise of increasing transparency, a commitment on which the administration has fallen short when it comes to detainees at Guantanamo and their transfer to other countries. When a detainee is transferred, the only specific information released by the Department of Defense is the detainees name and the name of the country to which the detainee will be transferred, wrote the Senators. The administration does not provide any information regarding the detainees previous terrorist activities and associations, previous assessments of the detainees risk level to the U.S. and our allies, or behavior while in detention. The administration does not provide even the most basic information regarding arrangements with the country that has agreed to receive the detainee. As a result, Americans are left in the dark regarding the detainees potential membership in al Qaeda or its affiliates, terrorist training, or previous hostile actions against U.S. troops. The American people, and often many of their representatives in Congress, do not even know if the detainee will be detained or released once they are transferred. Without this information, it is difficult for Americans to accurately assess the wisdom of transferring these detainees, the Senators continued. With 30% of former Guantanamo detainees confirmed or suspected of reengaging in terrorist activity, this lack of transparency with the American people is not acceptable. After asking a number of questions, they wrote, Any argument that this information cannot be declassified safely and provided to the American people creates the appearance that the administration does not want the American people to know the truth about the detainees at Guantanamo and those being transferred to other countries. The full text of the letter is available by clicking here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-letter_-november-13,Lankford Letter - November 13,2015-11-13,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.13.15 Lankford Letter - November 13 CLICK HERE for the November 13, 2015 Lankford Letter. Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-releases-second-federal-fumbles-tease-video,"Senator Lankford Releases Second ""Federal Fumbles"" Tease Video",2015-11-13,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.13.15 Senator Lankford Releases Second ""Federal Fumbles"" Tease Video OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released a second video to tease the release of his upcoming federal government waste and solutions report entitled, Federal Fumbles: 100 ways the government dropped the ball. The report will highlight examples of wasteful or duplicative spending, along with burdensome regulations, but will also offer a policy solution to each of the problems. Today's video previews a wasteful program at the National Science Foundation that researches the dating habits of single adults over the age of 60. Lankford released a preview video last week about taxpayer spending for Silent Shakespeare plays. CLICK HERE to watch the video ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-statement-on-france-terror-attacks,Senator Lankford Statement on France Terror Attacks,2015-11-13,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.13.15 Senator Lankford Statement on France Terror Attacks OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today made the following statement on the multiple terror attacks in France: Today's terrorist attacks in France are a grave tragedy. We stand with the French people as they contain the situation and assess the massive loss of life. Unfortunately, this is sadly reminiscent of the Charlie Hebdo attacks in January. While we do not yet know who is responsible, this attack has all the hallmarks of Islamic extremist terrorism. We must all stand up to the evil of terror those who threaten freedom in America and abroad must be defeated. We do not accept their violence or their views; we reject their tactics, and we remind them of our resolve. We are again reminded of the work our Intelligence community does here in America to keep us safe. The brave men and women in our military, law enforcement, and the intelligence community continue to work hard to protect us from similar terror threats every day. Senator Lankford is on the Intelligence Committee and Homeland Security Committee. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/senator-lankford-applauds-launch-of-oklahoma-fosters-initiative,Senator Lankford Applauds Launch of Oklahoma Fosters Initiative,2015-11-12,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,,,legacy,"11.12.15 Senator Lankford Applauds Launch of Oklahoma Fosters Initiative OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today applauded Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin for launching the Oklahoma Fosters Initiative, a campaign to recruit more foster and adoptive families for Oklahoma foster children. I applaud the new Oklahoma Fosters Initiative to recruit more foster and adoptive families for our children who are in the foster care system, said Lankford. Foster children often go through a lot, so we must step up and care for the 11,000 children in our state's foster system and make sure they have a stable environment to grow and thrive. In America, about 250,000 children enter the foster care system every year many of these children will reunite with their families but many will remain in foster care, or even age out' of the foster system. There is no substitute for a safe and stable family to the health and well-being of children. To address many of the poor outcomes associated with the foster care experience, and to prevent the age out' crisis, we must work together to provide families for Oklahoma children. Other states have seen success with initiatives like this, and I'm hopeful that we can drastically reduce the number waiting children by encouraging adoption, stable foster care, and healthy reunification. Oklahoma Fosters is a statewide campaign to unite state, tribal and local governments, businesses, nonprofits and the faith-based community to address the high numbers of foster children in Oklahoma. Interested Oklahomans can learn more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent by visiting the Oklahoma Fosters website at www.OklahomaFosters.com and clicking on Foster Care & Adoption for information on being a foster or adoptive parent. They also can call the foster parent hotline at 1-800 376-9729. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, there are about 400,000 children in the American foster care system, of which about 100,000 children are in foster care waiting to be adopted. Each year, more than 20,000 children age out' of foster care without being adopted at all. According to data on foster children who age out' of the system, more than one in five will become homeless after age 18; only 58 percent will graduate high school by age 19; and fewer than 3 percent will earn a college degree by age 25. Seventy-one percent of young women who age out are pregnant by 21 years old. The month of November is National Adoption Month. Lankford serves on the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, and worked for 14 years in student ministry before being elected to Congress in 2010. Earlier this year, Lankford cosponsored the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act (S.667) to ensure that faith-based child welfare service providers remain able to provide foster care and adoption services in line with their sincerely held religious beliefs. Lankford also supported passage of the Adoptive Family Relief Act (S.1300), which allows the U.S. Department of State to waive fees for adoptive families who must continually renew the visas for their adopted children who remain unable to travel to the United States. ### Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/ada-news-us-rep-tom-cole-weighs-pipeline,Ada News: U.S. Rep. Tom Cole weighs in on pipeline,2015-11-11,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ada News - Eric Swanson President Barack Obamas decision to block the Keystone XL pipeline project doesnt stand up under scrutiny, U.S. Rep. Tom Cole said Tuesday. Every study weve had indicates that its safer, cheaper and more efficient to use the pipeline than to transport the oil or by rail or by truck, the Oklahoma Republican said. And its also diplomatically insulting to a country (Canada) thats one of our very best friends in the world, a dependable ally that weve fought with together for a hundred years in different parts of the globe. Cole stopped by The Ada News in between speaking to a group of community bankers and talking to government students at East Central University. Later in the day, he was scheduled to speak at a ceremony marking the one-year anniversary of the death of Pre-Paid Legal Services founder Harland Stonecipher. Coles comments on the Keystone pipeline came less than a week after Obama killed the project, saying approval would have undermined his credibility on climate change. The announcement ended a seven-year political fight that started in September 2008, when TransCanada, the company behind the pipeline, sought a permit for the project. As originally envisioned, the pipeline would have run from Canadas tar sands through Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska, then connected with existing pipelines to carry more than 800,000 barrels of cure oil a day to specialized refineries on the Texas Gulf Coast, the Associated Press reported last week. The State Department had jurisdiction over the project because it would have crossed a U.S. border. Over the past seven years, the project became a symbol of the larger debate over climate change. Supporters claimed the pipeline would have created jobs and reduced the United States reliance on Middle Eastern oil, according to the AP. Meanwhile, opponents said pipeline leaks could possibly pollute underground aquifers that are a key source of water for Great Plains farmers. Cole said Obamas decision to block the pipeline was designed to please environmental activists who have opposed the project for years. I think the president did it for patently political reasons, he said. This shows how much in the sway of the environmental community that he is. This is all about they dont want to develop any carbon-based energy. Cole said he supports efforts to develop new sources of energy, such as wind power, but he does not think the United States will abandon fossil fuels anytime soon. Online: Ada News",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z http://cole.house.gov/ada-news-late-harland-c-stonecipher-be-honored-today-ada,Ada News: The late Harland C. Stonecipher to be honored today in Ada,2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,,,legacy,"Ada News A host of dignitaries will be on hand today, along with family and friends, to honor the late Harland C. Stonecipher, one of Ada's biggest movers and shakers, on the one-year anniversary of his death at a public reception from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the LegalShield Corporate Office, One Pre-Paid Way, Ada. Rep. Tom Cole, Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby, Sen. Susan Paddack, Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak, East Central University officials and LegalShield executives will honor Harland C. Stonecipher by declaring Nov. 10th as Harland C. Stonecipher Day. Doors open at 3:45 p.m. and the presentation begins at 4 p.m. at LegalShield Corporate Office LegalShield Lobby, Founders Gallery. Dignitaries and LegalShield executives will talk about Harland C. Stonecipher Day and the impact Stonecipher had in creating a solution that creates equal access to equal justice and ensures ones identity is theirs and theirs alone. Oklahomans will celebrate the accomplishments, legacy and memory of Harland C. Stonecipher, who did so much in his lifetime for the city of Ada. Stonecipher grew up in Centrahoma and attended Tupelo Schools before being the first in his family to attend college. He graduated from what was then East Central State College in Ada in 1959. In 1969, he was involved in an automobile accident, which even though was not his fault, nearly left him in financial ruin. It was then that he created Pre-Paid Legal Services in 1972, which is now LegalShield. Today, LegalShield, continues Stoneciphers mission by providing legal protection to more than 3.7 million individuals and identity monitoring and restoration services to more than a million people across North America. Stonecipher often commented he wouldve given up on the company if he had known how broke he was, but with the help of his wife, Shirley, he saw his idea grow from a single-room operation to being listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Stonecipher felt strongly about keeping his company in his home state and in rural Oklahoma as he believed his staff had a work ethic he wouldn't find anywhere else. The company, now with offices in Ada, Antlers and Duncan, Richardson. Texas, and New York, N.Y., has more than 700 employees and sold for more than $650 million in 2011.In 2000, Stonecipher helped pen his own story, The Pre-Paid Legal Story, and shared the history of his company and his vision of affordable legal protection for everyone. He was named Ernst &Youngs Southwest Master Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002. That same year, he accepted the Line in the Sand award from the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce in recognition of Pre-Paid Legals stand against frivolous lawsuits. In 2005, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reappointed Harland Stonecipher to a two-year term on its 100-person board of directors. In 2006, he was named as the Distinguished Entrepreneur of Oklahoma. His alma mater, East Central University, recognized him as Distinguished Alumnus in 1987. He and Shirley would later bestow a gift to the university leading to the naming of the Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business. Online: Ada News",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.inhofe.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/inhofe-nelson-introduce-bill-to-provide-ct-colonography-screening-under-medicare,"Inhofe, Nelson Introduce Bill To Provide CT Colonography Screening Under Medicare",2015-11-10,2015,2015-11,Republican,House,OK,James Inhofe,I000024,www.inhofe.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Inhofe, Nelson Introduce Bill To Provide CT Colonography Screening Under Medicare Tuesday, November 10, 2015 WASHINGTONU.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) todayintroducedS. 2262, legislation that would provide coverage under Medicare for CT (virtual) Colonography (CTC) screening. More than two years ago,a virtual colonoscopy saved my life,said Inhofe.When my friend Gen. Tom Stafford advised me to get this procedure done, I never imagined that it would alert me of other health conditions. With this advanced procedure becoming more accessible nationwide, it is time for Medicare to provide this as an option in order to encourage early, preventative screening. Colorectal cancer and other forms of cancer knows no political party, and weshould take steps like this to promote early detection, which will enable many to be successfully treated and cured from this disease. Early detection is key when it comes to treating cancer,said Nelson.So giving seniors access to a quicker and less invasive way to screen for symptoms is just common sense. According to the National Institutes of Health,in 2010 medical costs associated with colorectal cancer topped $14 billion, second only to breast cancer.According to the American Cancer Society (ACS),Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer diagnosed in United States and the third leading cause of cancer death even though it has a 90 percent cure rate with early detection.Morethan 140,000 Americans are diagnosed with CRC every year, and nearly 50,000 men and women die due to late detection. In 2008, ACS, backed by the American Gastroenterology Association (AGA), and the American College of Radiological (ACR), recommended CTC as a front line screening exam for colorectal cancer screening for all people over the age of 50. Currently, in 31 states and Washington, D.C., commercial insurance carriers reimburse for CT colonography in accordance with the American Cancer society guidelines. This legislation is supported by the American College of Radiology, Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance and the Colon Cancer Alliance. It is a tragedy that on average one hundred Americans die each day from colon cancer when at least 90 could be saved with timely screening. It is vital that we have access to CT Colonography as a screening option for those who cannot, or will not have a colonoscopy. I applaud Senator Inhofe for his leadership on this effort,said Eric R. Hargis, chief executive officer for the Colon Cancer Alliance. Colorectal cancer is almost always treatable if found early by screening and the cost to screen and prevent the disease is exponentially less than to treat cancers not found until advanced stage. Passage of S. 2262 can help save lives and reduce screening exam costs,""said Judy Yee, MD, chair of the American College of Radiology Colon Cancer Committee. We appreciate Senator Inhofes continued support for CTC and look forward to working with him throughout the coverage process for this lifesaving screening exam,said Peter Weems, director of policy for the Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA). ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z