url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1543,Congressman Josh Brecheen's 2025 Highlights,2025-12-29,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 29, 2025

Congressman Josh Brecheen's 2025 Highlights

Washington, DC–As we reach the conclusion of Congressman Brecheen's third year in office, here's a recap of the top highlights from the year.

Top Bills Introduced

Healthy SNAP Act of 2025 -- this legislation would exclude certain junk foods from being purchased with SNAP benefits.

USA First Act -- this legislation would transfer any unobligated funds previously appropriated to USAID to the Disaster Relief Fund under FEMA.

DRIVE Act -- this legislation would prohibit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from mandating speed limiters on vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) above 26,000 pounds.

Energy Freedom Act -- this legislation would repeal the more than 20 green energy tax subsidies created or expanded by the Biden Administration's Inflation Reduction Act.

Top Oversight Activity

Congressman Brecheen led 134 Republican Members of Congress in a public commitment to monitoring the treatment of religious and ethnic minorities in Syria, ensuring that the sanction repeal conditions found in the NDAA are upheld. Fox News wrote an exclusive on the statement. A copy of the full statement is available here.

Congressman led a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting a criminal investigation into the activities of Biden Administration Special Counsel, Jack Smith, and his grave violation of the Fourth Amendment during Operation Arctic Frost. The Blaze wrote an exclusive on the letter. A copy of the full letter is available here.

By the Numbers

Miles Traveled by our Staff for Visits, Meetings, Events, Speaking Engagements, and Town Halls: 85,137

Constituent Letters Responded To: 21,544

Visits, Meetings, or Events with Constituents, Businesses, and Community Leaders by our Field Representatives: 5,921

Commendation Letters Mailed: 1,521

Constituents Assisted with Casework: 571

Speaking Engagements by our Field Representatives: 120

Media Interviews by Congressman Brecheen: 106

In-Person Town Halls: 20

Telephone Town Halls: 1

Press Inquiries: kate.bryan@mail.house.gov

###

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House Values Action Team Statement on Christian Persecution in Nigeria

November 4, 2025 | Posted in News Hits",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:40Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-hails-passage-speed-act,Bice Hails Passage of SPEED Act,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the SPEED Act, major bipartisan energy permitting reform legislation. The bill updates the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), modernizing the federal permitting process to advance President Trump’s energy abundance agenda while continuing responsible environmental stewardship. Specifically, this legislation establishes a 150- day deadline for filing claims against a project, sets minimum review times for government agencies to complete environmental assessments and impact statements, and limits the scope of major federal actions to which NEPA would apply.

Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:

“Many people are unfamiliar with how bureaucratic and outdated our current permitting system has become. Over the past few decades, review times for environmental impact statements have skyrocketed. In fact, some projects take more than four and a half years, longer than it takes to get a college degree. These delays prevent many energy projects from moving forward and make countless more economically unviable, ultimately increasing what you pay at the pump and your utility bills. The SPEED Act will modernize NEPA, streamlining the permitting process and returning the statute to its original purpose, lowering costs for American consumers.”

Contact: Wesley Harkins

Phone: (202) 225-2132",1,2026-05-15T06:17:41Z,2026-05-15T06:18:51Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-supports-legislation-lower-health-care-premiums,Bice Supports Legislation to lower Health Care Premiums,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.- Today, Congresswoman Stephanie Bice supported the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. The bill lowers premium costs through cost-sharing reduction payments. It also expands access to Association Health Plans, allowing small business owners to come together and purchase affordable health coverage for their employees. This bill brings needed transparency to the system, requiring pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to provide detailed pricing information on prescription drugs to empower small businesses to negotiate better deals and ultimately lower drug costs. Finally, the legislation protects small businesses from costly regulatory overreach.

Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:

“The Affordable Care Act is unaffordable, has produced perverse incentives, and was designed as a steppingstone to move the country toward a single-payer health care system controlled by the federal government. This has escalated in recent years, with insurance premiums increasing for every American. These government mandates and regulations have increased costs all the while lining the pockets of big insurance companies, whose profits have skyrocketed by 230%. Put simply, health insurance has become unaffordable and we need solutions.

“The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act incentivizes workers to sign up for employer sponsored insurance and reduces premiums by expanding risk pools, allowing small businesses to come together to help employees. It is worth noting that in 2017, 196 House Democrats, many of whom are still in office, signed a letter supporting these exact same provisions. So we must ask, what has changed? This legislation seeks to lower costs by bringing much needed transparency to the cost of prescription drugs. It also requires pharmacy benefit managers to provide employers with detailed reporting on prescription drug spending, including rebates.

""The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act gives Oklahomans a choice. This legislation will lower costs, estimating a reduction in premiums of 11% for ALL Americans, not just those utilizing the temporary Covid-era enhanced subsidies. These solutions are a first step that will help drive down insurance costs, seeking to make health care more affordable.”

Contact: Wesley Harkins

Phone: (202) 225-2132",1,2026-05-08T05:46:43Z,2026-05-08T05:48:09Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-votes-favor-lower-health-care-premiums-all-americans-act,Cole Votes in Favor of the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act:

“The underlying issue here is this: the Affordable Care Act is not affordable,” said Congressman Cole. “President Obama and the Democrats created a program Americans cannot afford, that works for big insurance companies, instead of patients, and that is filled with waste, fraud, and abuse. Now, as a result, House Republicans are trying to fix what has been broken through the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act.”

“In stark contrast with the Left’s irresponsible proposal to extend Covid-era subsidies on top of the subsidies Obamacare already offers, this Republican solution offers a more productive and long-term fix to the healthcare crisis. Through five critical reforms, our legislation will broaden insurance options for employers, workers, and families, which will, in turn, drive down health insurance premium costs by at least 11 percent starting January 1, 2026,” said Congressman Cole.

“At the end of the day, the American people deserve a health care system that puts them and their pocketbooks first – and this legislation does just that. I am proud to have voted in favor of this bill today, and I hope to see it move through the legislative process and be signed into law,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4141,"Hern Votes to Increase Healthcare Options, Lower Costs",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01) voted to pass the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, legislation that improves coverage options, expands patient choice, increases transparency and competition in the healthcare system, and lowers costs for all Americans.

The package includes Rep. Hern’s Choice Arrangement Act, which makes it easier for employers to offer healthcare coverage through tax-advantaged funds and provides more options for Americans to choose a healthcare plan that works best for them.

“Healthcare has become unaffordable for everyone,” said Rep. Hern. “All Americans – whether they’re on the exchange, an employer-sponsored plan, Medicare, or Medicaid – deserve better choices and lower premiums. This bill is a crucial step toward lowering prices, increasing transparency, and putting individuals in the driver’s seat when selecting their healthcare plan. These are real solutions to the skyrocketing costs driven by the Unaffordable Care Act that have left too many Americans behind.

“I’m proud that my Choice Arrangement Act was included in this package. By helping small businesses offer healthcare options, we strengthen employer-based coverage, increase access to plans, and empower Americans to be in control of their healthcare decisions.”

Prior to the bill’s passage, Rep. Hern spoke on the House Floor in support of the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. Click here to watch.

###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-votes-favor-national-defense-authorization-act-0,Cole Votes in Favor of National Defense Authorization Act,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Last night, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. This legislation authorizes $900.6 billion for our nation’s national defense in order to build a ready, capable, lethal fighting force to deter our adversaries and protect our country. After voting in favor of the bill, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“Peace through strength. This is a concept that has long been the foundation of American foreign policy. Furthermore, during this time when we are constantly facing threats from state sponsors of terror, foreign terrorist organizations, and other adversaries, peace through strength is a strategy we must continue to apply,” said Congressman Cole.

“Last night, I cast my vote to do just that. The Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA will revitalize the defense industrial base and defense acquisition system to ensure our warfighters are equipped with the latest technology and investment vehicles, restore lethality and warrior ethos to our military, secure America’s borders, strengthen strategic deterrence, improve servicemember quality of life, build the overmatch we need to deter the Chinese, and more – all while saving the taxpayers nearly $20 billion through cuts to woke DEI policies at the Department of War,” said Congressman Cole.

“The United States House of Representatives has now made it crystal clear: our brave men and women in uniform are prepared and will not allow terrorists or our adversaries to win,” said Congressman Cole.

Oklahoma Wins in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act:

Prohibits the availability of funds for contract termination or production line shutdown for the E-7A Wedgetail aircraft.

Prohibits E-3 retirement without a plan submitted to defense committees ensuring no capability gaps or until E-7s are procured.

$9.3 million in design funds for Fort Sill’s Automated-Aided Instruction Building.

$15 million for Bomber Agile Common Hangar at Tinker Air Force Base.

$54 million for a Child Development Center at Tinker Air Force Base.

$10 million for E-7 Squad Operations Center at Tinker Air Force Base.

Other Wins in the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act:

Secures a 3.8 percent pay raise for our troops.

Fully funds the Golden Dome, F-47, submarines, and warships.

Revitalizes the defense industrial base by growing manufacturing jobs in America.

Supports Department of Homeland Security border security efforts.

Promotes energy independence and new nuclear power technology.

Ends Left-wing ideology, wokeism, and DEI in the military and DoW.

Advances efforts to revitalize American shipbuilding.

Prepares our military for a potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific.

###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-supports-passage-ndaa,Bice Supports Passage of NDAA,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.- Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation fulfills an agenda of “Peace Through Strength” and builds off last-year’s work which focused on improving the quality of life for our service members. It also reorients our military towards its core mission, being a lethal and effective fighting force that can protect our nation. The FY26 NDAA also focuses on reforming our slow, outdated, and broken acquisition system.

Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:

“I was proud to support this year’s National Defense Authorization Act. This bipartisan legislation codifies fifteen of President Trump’s executive orders and includes more than thirty legislative proposals requested by this Administration. Not only does this year’s NDAA focus on increasing the quality of life for our servicemembers, it also contains provisions that will reduce burdensome red tape and streamline the development and delivery of next generation capabilities that our warfighters need to keep pace with near-peer adversaries like China and Russia. Ultimately, this legislation supports our troops, protects our national security, and ensures our warfighters have the resources they need to be an efficient fighting force with cutting edge technologies.”

Specific Provisions within the NDAA

Increases troop pay by 3.8% for all servicemembers

Supports Rep. Bice’s initiative to protect military parental leave and make it more flexible for servicemembers

Provides resources for National Guard troops stationed at the southern border

Prohibits the closure of the E-7A Wedgetail production line

Contains 17 provisions from the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, which Rep. Bice serves as a Commissioner on, including:

Requiring the Department to develop a biotechnology strategy to govern the national security implications of emerging biotechnologies

Establishing a Biotechnology Management Office

Establishing new biotech leads across the intelligence agencies

Expanding intelligence gathering about China’s efforts to advance its own biotech interests

Authorizes funding for essential military construction projects and expands logistics capabilities in the Indo-Pacific to bolster our forces

Contact: Wesley Harkins

Phone: (202) 225-2132",1,2026-04-25T05:38:36Z,2026-04-25T05:40:21Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4140,Hern Backs FY26 National Defense Authorization Act,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after voting to pass the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

“The FY26 NDAA affirms our commitment to securing peace through strength around the world under our Commander-in-Chief, President Trump. We’re refocusing our military on meritocracy, readiness, and deterrence to ensure we are the most lethal fighting force in the world. Our troops make incredible sacrifices, which is why this year’s NDAA also improves servicemembers’ quality of life through a 3.8% pay raise and improving housing, education, and childcare for military families. I look forward to sending this critical piece of legislation to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.”

###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4139,Hern Bill Protecting Children from CCP Propaganda Passes House,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Hern’s (OK-01) PROTECT Our Kids Act passed the House. This bill prohibits federal education funding for any elementary or secondary school that continues to host a Confucius Classroom – a Chinese language or cultural program that is supported by the CCP. Schools will be notified of these new requirements and given guidance for how to comply. This legislation is only concerned with programs funded or supported by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and does not include language programs in schools that do not partner with the CCP.

“Congress has done the work to crack down on CCP propaganda and Confucius Institutes at our universities,” said Rep. Hern. “It’s time we do the same for our elementary and secondary schools. My PROTECT Our Kids Act ensures that no taxpayer dollars go to K-12 schools that continue to allow CCP-funded programs designed to brainwash our children. This is commonsense legislation, and I’m proud to have it advance out of the House.”

Prior to its passage, Rep. Hern spoke on the House floor in support of the PROTECT Our Kids Act. Click here to watch.

Read the full bill text here.

###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/recapping-our-legislative-week,Recapping our Legislative Week,2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.-After the record long, Democrat-driven shutdown, the House advanced major pieces of legislation to address energy, crime, and deregulation.

Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:

“The U.S. House of Representatives remains committed to unleashing American energy production, cutting burdensome and unnecessary regulation, and protecting Americans from violent crime. A huge piece of this is the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act, which moves the LNG export permitting process away from political appointees and places it with neutral experts at FERC. This protects American energy producers from the kind of political interference we saw under President Biden, who froze LNG export permits and threatened thousands of jobs. Together, with other deregulation efforts, these bills are meaningful steps toward strengthening American energy security.

“The House also advanced strong public safety legislation to combat crime, especially in our Nation’s capital. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, violent crime is down 22 percent, carjackings are down 83 percent, and homicides are down 29 percent.

“This was a productive legislative week, and I am encouraged by what we were able to accomplish. I will continue fighting for Oklahoma’s families, for American energy dominance, for safer communities, and for greater transparency in the government.”

Congresswoman Bice spoke on the House Floor in support of H.R. 1949. Her remarks can be viewed here.

Background:

H.R. 1949 the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act- Lifts restrictions on the import and export of natural gas and streamlines the permitting process by getting rid of the requirement for the DOE to authorize exports and giving FERC total authority over the approval process, facilitating American energy dominance and lowering costs.

H.J. Res. 13- Overturns the ban on oil and gas leasing across 1.16 million acres in ANWR, an area with an estimated 10.4 billion barrels of recoverable oil.

H.J. Res. 130- Reverses the freeze on future coal leasing in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin, protecting jobs and more than 260 million dollars in projected federal revenue.

H.J. Res 80- Blocks the plan that shut off twelve million acres in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska from future development.

H.R. 3109 the REFINER Act- Directs the Department of Energy to examine refinery capacity, identify risks, and recommend steps to strengthen America’s refining sector.

H.R. 5107 the CLEAN DC Act- Rolls back harmful parts of the 2022 DC policing law that limited officers and weakened accountability, restoring commonsense tools law enforcement needs.

H.R. 5214 the DC Cash Bail Reform Act- Ends dangerous “zero bail” practices by requiring pre-trail detention for violent offenders and reinstating cash bail for those who threaten public safety.

Contact: Wesley Harkins

Phone: (202) 225-2132",1,2026-04-17T05:47:03Z,2026-04-17T05:48:33Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-announces-2026-military-academy-nominations,Cole Announces 2026 Military Academy Nominations,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 18, 2025 | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced the names of the 2026 Service Academy Nominees from Oklahoma’s Fourth District, who will be considered for a full offer appointment to either the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or the U.S. Naval Academy.

The congressional nomination process for these academies is highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated for academic performance and standing, including class rank, SAT/ACT scores, and school records. Other criteria considered by Congressman Cole and the recommendation panel include athletics, physical fitness, extracurricular activities, recommendations, and leadership potential. Upon congressional nomination, students become eligible for consideration to receive an appointment to the service academy (or academies) to which they applied.

“The want to serve our country in uniform is deserving of all our respect,” said Congressman Cole. “I am honored to recommend these distinguished young men and women from the Fourth District for appointment to one of our nation’s esteemed military academies. They are truly so impressive and, regardless of what path they end up taking, I am sure that each one of them have bright futures ahead of them.”

The list below includes the names and high school information of the students, as well as the academies to which they have been nominated. Many of the students received nominations to multiple academies. Note that applications are still being considered by the selection committee for admission at the various academies.

U.S. Air Force Academy

Jax Birth – Ardmore High School

Julianna Chesnut – Rush Springs High School

Braden Evans - MacArthur Senior High School

Brandon Heckethorn – Lone Grove High School

Christopher Hilz – Lawton High School

Jonah House – Lone Grove High School

Tessa Inman – Lindsay High School

Simon Marchesano – Moore High School

Jakob Reece - Epic Charter School

Ezekiel Stoda – Blanchard High School

Nathan Walls – Blanchard High School

Gregory Williams – Norman North High School

Nicklas Wolfgram – Bridge Creek High School

United States Merchant Marine Academy

Julianna Chesnut – Rush Springs High School

Joseph McCormick – McCormick Home School

U.S. Military Academy at West Point

Julianna Chesnut – Rush Springs High School

Jesse-Anne Oberle – Seton Home Study School

Ezekiel Stoda – Blanchard High School

Gage Streater – Byng High School

U.S. Naval Academy

Jax Birth – Ardmore High School

Julianna Chesnut – Rush Springs High School

Christopher Hilz – Lawton High School

Stephen Kerl – Midwest City High School

Simon Marchesano – Moore High School

Joseph McCormick – McCormick Home School

Gracie Ragland – Byng High School

Ezekiel Stoda – Blanchard High School

Gage Streater – Byng High School

Nathan Walls – Blanchard High School

Gabriel Ward – Mount Saint Mary Catholic High School

Gregory Williams – Norman North High School

###",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1516,Congressman Josh Brecheen Announces Service Academy Nominees,2025-11-13,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen announced the students from Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District who have been nominated to the United States Service Academies.

United States Naval Academy

Hudson Pollard (Checotah, OK)

United States Military Academy

Max Cunningham (Locust Grove, OK)

United States Air Force Academy

Cannon Ysbrand (Bokoshe, OK)

Michael Robertson (Claremore, OK)

United States Merchant Marine Academy

Brian Jones (Owasso, OK)",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:39Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-votes-reopen-government,Cole Votes to Reopen the Government,2025-11-13,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C.- Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of reopening the government:

“History reminds us that shutdowns never change the outcome — only the cost paid by the American people. This Democrat-led crisis proved just that. Minority Leaders Jeffries and Schumer have inflicted real pain across the nation for weeks. And for what? The funding extension we passed today reflects our position from the start. Democrats manufactured chaos, delayed paychecks, and disrupted vital services — only to end up exactly where Republicans, President Trump, and the American people said we should be all along. Forty-three days later, they gained nothing but the damage they caused: missed paychecks, lapsed nutrition assistance, stalled programs, and shaken public trust. Today, that ends. We have reopened the government, restored stability, and will continue the hard work of delivering full-year appropriations through a transparent, line-by-line process. I hope Democrats remember this lesson: true courage is taking responsible action for the nation even when politics makes it inconvenient,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-votes-end-democrat-shutdown,Bice Votes to End Democrat Shutdown,2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.- Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on legislation which put an end to the government shutdown. This package includes a clean continuing resolution which funds the government through January 30, 2026, as well as three appropriations bills which provide full fiscal year funding for Agriculture, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. These bills will ensure SNAP, WIC, and the VA are operating at full capacity through the end of the Fiscal Year.

Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:

“Today, I voted to end the Democrat driven shutdown, the longest in history. This legislation responsibly reopens the government, fully funds three appropriations bills, and ensures that all federal employees who have been forced to work without pay will receive compensation. The last 43 days has been horrible for the country, and sadly it was all avoidable. Democrats chose to hold the American people hostage for political purposes. It is also important to note that every Democrat who voted against this legislation voted against providing funding for veterans, farmers, and rural communities. Legislation to keep the government open should have been passed weeks ago.”

Contact: Wesley Harkins

Phone: (202) 225-2132",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1527,Congressman Brecheen's Statement on Reopening the Government,2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington–Today, Congressman Brecheen released the following statement regarding his vote to reopen the government.

""Today, I voted to end the Schumer Shutdown and reopen the government. The continuing resolution (CR) that 216 of my Republican and 6 of my Democrat colleagues and I voted for will largely maintain current funding levels through January 30th, 2026. We also passed three appropriations bills tied to the CR—MilConVA, Agriculture, and Legislative Branch. While CRs are never optimal, this was a necessary step for reopening the government, keeping spending as low as possible, and resuming the process of passing the annual appropriations bills,"" said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

Press Inquiries: kate.bryan@mail.house.gov

###",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:39Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4137,Hern Votes to Reopen Government,2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after voting for the amended Continuing Resolution (CR) to end the Democrat-led shutdown and reopen the government:

“For 43 days, Democrats in Congress held government funding hostage at the expense of the American people. Back on September 17th, House Republicans passed a clean CR to keep the government open. Since then, we have remained committed to having an open government so our troops and federal employees can receive their paychecks, SNAP recipients can put food on their tables, and efficient air travel can be restored. Passage of today’s CR ends the disastrous Democrat Shutdown, and now House Republicans can get back to work delivering real results for hardworking families.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1520,Congressman Brecheen on Securing Our Border,2025-11-10,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington--Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen released a statement on our increasingly secure border.

""Under the Biden Administration, there were 2.9 million nationwide illegal alien encounters during last year alone. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem's leadership, this number has reach a sixth month low with US Border Patrol agents releasing ZERO illegal aliens back into America. This is great news!!!"" said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

Congressman Brecheen Releases Statement Against Democrat Plan to Fund Illegal Alien Healthcare

September 30, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases

Congressman Brecheen Echos DHS Message to Illegal Aliens

July 29, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases

New York Post | Op-Ed: How ‘charities,’ funded by your tax dollars, helped break immigration law

July 15, 2025 | Posted in News Hits

Congressman Brecheen Statement on Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Deportation

April 17, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:39Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1517,Congressman Brecheen Cosponsors Impeachment Articles Against Judge Boasberg,2025-11-05,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington—Today, Congressman Brecheen released a statement regarding cosponsoring Articles of Impeachment against radial Judge James Boasberg.

""I believe it is crucial for Congress to take every legal action available to restore the American people's faith in our justice system. This begins with getting rid of the radicals who take advantage of their positions within the Courts,"" said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

To read the Articles of Impeachment, click here.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:39Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-statement-passing-former-vice-president-dick-cheney,Cole Statement on the Passing of Former Vice President Dick Cheney,2025-11-04,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after hearing that former Vice President Dick Cheney passed away:

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney. While we did not always agree on everything, Cheney was a man I worked with on and off for over forty years in politics and government.

“Dick Cheney was a controversial and often divisive political figure, but he was deeply loyal to his family, his country, his political party, and his conservative convictions. As a former Secretary of Defense, Cheney was a proud and effective proponent for the United States military. He always believed that American leadership was indispensable in a dangerous and chaotic world.

“Even though Cheney served with distinction in the House of Representatives, he was a proponent of a strong and active executive branch. As Gerald Ford’s Chief of Staff, George H.W. Bush’s Secretary of Defense, and George W. Bush’s Vice President, he urged the presidents he worked for to robustly use their constitutional powers at home and abroad – and more often than not they followed his advice.

“Dick Cheney was a friend to Oklahoma. When he headed up Haliburton, a company originally founded and headquartered in Duncan, Oklahoma, he saw to it that the company gave generously to the construction of the dome on Oklahoma’s capital building – a project conceived and spearheaded by former Governor Frank Keating.

“During my own fiercely contested first race for Congress, Cheney and former President George W. Bush were at the height of their political popularity. At President Bush’s instruction, Cheney flew to Oklahoma City and personally campaigned for me alongside Governor Keating. This is something I will never forget, as it made a difference in a contest that was fought hard and close.

“I extend my deepest sympathy to Vice President Cheney’s beloved and brilliant wife, Lynn, and to the entire Cheney family. They have lost a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Additionally, America has lost a great patriot who championed American exceptionalism at home and on the world stage. May Dick Cheney rest in peace,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1499,Oklahoma Delegation Statement Regarding SNAP Funding and Be a Neighbor Support Services,2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"On Saturday, November 1st, 2025, approximately 700,000 Oklahomans will not receive their SNAP benefits. Despite falling into the category of mandatory funding, due to the government shutdown, SNAP contingency funds are not legally available to cover SNAP costs.

We understand that this abrupt pause to SNAP funding may impact many of our constituents, and we wish to assist you during this time. To this end, we recommend that anyone struggling with food scarcity utilize the Oklahoma Human Services’ Be a Neighbor program. Be a Neighbor was started by Governor Stitt in 2018 to help Oklahomans with their food, clothing, and housing needs by providing a comprehensive database of local organizations equipped to support families.

The Be a Neighbor database is simple to use–select your county, choose ‘Food,’ and then select from the list of relevant organizations provided. For any individuals, churches, and organizations wanting to provide support (donations of food, money, &c.) to SNAP beneficiaries, you can use the database to advertise the resources you are able to provide.

To date, every member of the Oklahoma delegation has voted to reopen the government. We urge the left in the Senate to support Republicans’ clean CR so SNAP funding can resume, furloughed federal employees can receive pay, and the government can reopen.

For access to the Be a Neighbor website, click here.

To see the official Oklahoma Delegation statement, click here.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:38Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1496,Congressman Josh Brecheen Leads Letter Requesting Investigation into Operation Arctic Frost,2025-10-22,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen and over 20 lawmakers sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting a criminal investigation be launched into the activities of Biden Administration Special Counsel, Jack Smith, and his grave violation of the Fourth Amendment during Operation Arctic Frost.

The Blaze wrote an exclusive on the letter, which you can read here.

Congressman Josh Brecheen stated, ""the Biden Administration used Operation Arctic Frost to target its political opponents by authorizing covert surveillance on elected members of the Republican Party. We cannot let the Biden Administration and Special Counsel Jack Smith get away with this direct violation of the Constitution.""

Brecheen was joined by US Representatives August Pfluger (R-TX), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Tim Burchett (R-TN), Tony Wied (R-WI), Michael Rulli (R-OH), Mary Miller (R-IL), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Brian Babin (R-TX), Ronny Jackson (R-TX), Addison McDowell (R-NC), Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Keith Self (R-TX), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Jimmy Patronis (R-FL), Russell Fry (R-SC), John McGuire (R-VA), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Mark Harris (R-NC), Greg Stube (R-FL), Wesley Hunt (R-TX), Mike Collins (R-GA), John Rose (R-TN), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), and Andrew Clyde (R-GA).

Background: President Biden's Department of Justice ran a covert operation, known as ""Arctic Frost,"" to spy on nine Republican Members of Congress. During Operation Arctic Frost, the FBI had direct access to these Members' phone records and locations. Under the Fourth Amendment, American citizens, including our elected officials, are protected against such unwarranted searches and seizures. This protection was violated by the FBI at the direct order of Jack Smith.

A copy of the full letter is available here.

Press Inquiries: kate.bryan@mail.house.gov",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:38Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-attends-turning-point-usa-event-university-oklahoma,Cole Attends Turning Point USA Event at the University of Oklahoma,2025-10-21,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Norman, OK – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after attending Turning Point USA’s event at the University of Oklahoma:

“Charlie Kirk truly believed in the importance of civil discourse and public debate. When Charlie visited college campuses, he was there to respectfully engage with students - no matter their political views – and find mutual understanding with one another. I was really looking forward to welcoming him to the University of Oklahoma for what would have been a stop on his ‘Prove Me Wrong’ tour,” said Congressman Cole.

“However, while the event was not originally what it was supposed to be, it still amplified Charlie’s message. It honored his legacy though speeches on faith and hope for the future. It proved that civil discourse and free speech are still very much alive and well. It spread Charlie’s strong conservative views and reminded everyone to not back down from their beliefs,” said Congressman Cole.

“I thank the University of Oklahoma and Turning Point USA for welcoming me to attend this event. It was a privilege to have the opportunity to honor Charlie, and I look forward to seeing Turning Point continue to spread his mission, as I am sure that is what Charlie would have wanted,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-congresswoman-bice-withholds-her-pay-during-shutdown,Release: Congresswoman Bice Withholds Her Pay During Shutdown,2025-10-15,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – On September 30th, Congresswoman Bice submitted a letter requesting that her pay be withheld during the government shutdown. During the course of the government shutdown, federal employees are either furloughed or forced to work without pay. Congresswoman Bice will continue to withhold her pay until the government reopens.

Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:

“I refuse to receive compensation while pay for tens of thousands of Oklahomans is held hostage by Senate Democrats. House Republicans have done their part by passing a clean continuing resolution to keep the government open. While President Trump is working to ease the burdens of this shutdown, we cannot afford to play political games with the paychecks of my hardworking constituents. Senate Democrats must reopen the government.”

Contact: Wesley Harkins

Phone: (202) 225-2132",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-statement-hostage-release,Cole Statement on Hostage Release,2025-10-14,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement following the news of the release of the Israeli hostages:

“While history and experience has taught us to be cautious about positive developments in the Middle East, today is no doubt a historic and joyous day for both America and Israel. After watching Israeli families finally embrace their loved ones who had been held hostage for over two years, we have real reason for hope - and that hope is based on the incredible leadership and kept promises of President Trump, Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio, Ambassador Huckabee, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and the entire administration. They negotiated the release of the hostages, laid out a path forward, and brought the leading powers of the region together at the negotiating table for the first time in decades. It is truly an achievement of historic magnitude and significance. It demonstrates the powerful notion of peace through strength, proving that when the United States has strong leadership, the world is safer,” said Congressman Cole.

“Today, we celebrate the hostages being reunited with their loved ones and this remarkable achievement. However, we will not forget those who did not survive Hamas’ evils on October 7th. The United States of America continues to stand with our great ally, Israel, and for the pursuit of peace in the region,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-continues-stand-israel,Cole Continues to Stand with Israel,2025-10-07,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, on the second anniversary of Iran and Hamas’ evil attack on Israel, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement:

“Today marks two years since the violent October 7th aggression against our great ally, Israel. Hamas and Iran’s inexcusable violence resulted in the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust, resulting in the death of over 1,200 innocent people. It was just pure evil – and, sadly, Israel is still fighting for its right to survive to this day,” said Congressman Cole. “So, today, as we remember this solemn day, we honor those who were killed, pray for the safe return of every hostage, continue to stand with Israel, and thank President Trump for his efforts to secure long lasting peace in the region.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/americans-are-paying-price,Americans are Paying the Price,2025-10-06,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Last week, and every day since, Senate Democrats have vote to irresponsibly shut down the United States government – and the American people are paying the price.

The impact of this is real. A government shutdown means pain, risked livelihoods, and throwing the entire nation into chaos and uncertainty. It means the paychecks of some of our nation’s finest, like our military men and women, law enforcement, border patrol, and FAA employees, are halted. During the middle of hurricane season, it jeopardizes flood insurance. It cuts off nutrition support for low-income mothers and children in need. It furloughs and risks the jobs of federal employees throughout Oklahoma at Tinker Air Force Base, Fort Sill Army Installation, the FAA training center, Kerr Water Labs, the National Weather Center, and so much more. It threatens healthcare services, as federal health agencies are limited and the funding needed to process grants that support rural hospitals cannot be processed. It delays vital services for veterans, who we owe so much to. It jeopardizes our energy dominance and our national security.

These are not hypothetical consequences. These are very real, and every day families will bear the burden.

I authored the clean, nonpartisan continuing resolution that Democrats rejected and continue to reject day after day. It keeps the government open and working for the American people. Moreover, as the author, I can guarantee you I know exactly what is in the legislation: no partisan provisions, no poison pills, no political gimmicks. It really is just a short-term, responsible extension of government funding.

My House Republican colleagues and I got our job done by passing my continuing resolution. Yet, my Democrat friends on the other side of the Rotunda continue to abandon the most basic duty of public service: keeping the government working for the people.

So, today, as I have every day and every year, I encourage them to put the American people first and join us in voting to keep the government open.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-democrats-shut-government-down,Release: Democrats Shut the Government Down,2025-10-01,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.- At 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, October 1st, the United States government has officially shut down. Two weeks ago, House Republicans passed a clean short-term continuing resolution to keep the government open and allow the House and Senate to finish the appropriations process. The House Appropriations Committee has passed all twelve appropriations bills out of committee.

Only one Democrat voted for it, even though this continuing resolution mirrors the same extensions that the vast majority of Democrats voted to support 13 times previously. House Republicans, Senate Republicans, and the White House are united in support of a clean, short-term CR to keep the government open.

Government shutdowns cost the taxpayers millions and have negative impacts on the economy. This is especially detrimental to thousands of Oklahomans who work or contract with the federal government. During a shutdown, our service members, TSA agents, CBP officers, and countless others could go unpaid.

Congresswoman Stephanie Bice issued the following statement:

“I am extremely frustrated we are heading into a government shutdown, a situation which was totally avoidable. This funding extension is nearly identical to numerous ones that Democrats have supported in the past, proving they would rather play games and hold the pay of millions of Americans hostage. By refusing to move our short-term funding bill forward, they are forcing a harmful and unnecessary shutdown that will cause instability for Oklahomans in my congressional district and across the country. This is not responsible governing; Washington should be providing stability, not chaos. I will continue fighting for solutions that put people first and keep the government functioning.”

Additional Actions Taken by Congresswoman Bice:

Co-sponsored the Pay Our Troops Act for FY26: ensures our service members, including those serving in the Coastguard, continue to be paid in the event of a government shutdown.

Co-sponsored the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act of 2026: Provides salary and expenses for the Department of Homeland Security personnel during a government shutdown

Contact: Wesley Harkins

Phone: (202) 225-2132",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1504,Congressman Brecheen on the Schumer Shutdown,2025-10-01,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"This morning, at 12:01am, FY25 funding ran out.

“Let me be clear: House Republicans did our job and passed a clean continuing resolution (CR) to prevent a shutdown. Despite voting over ten times for a CR in the last several years, Democrats are now shutting down the government and have introduced legislation asking for $1.5 trillion in new spending to reopen it. This is ridiculous and would cost every taxpayer approximately $9,300 (or $3,100 for every man, woman, and child in America, depending how you divide the cost)!!!” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

The Democrats’ plan to reopen the government includes legislation that would:

Repeal $50 billion from the rural hospital fund that Republicans passed in June;

Fund trans surgeries on the taxpayer’s dime; and,

Allow illegal aliens to receive taxpayer-funded free healthcare.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:38Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1518,Congressman Brecheen Releases Statement Against Democrat Plan to Fund Illegal Alien Healthcare,2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington—Today, Congressman Brecheen released a statement opposing the Democrats' alternative measure for keeping the government open.

""Democrats demanding an extra $1.5 trillion to keep the government open is ludicrous. Under this plan, Democrats would remove Medicaid's legal verification status requirement and provide a total of $200 billion hard-earned American tax dollars to subsidizing illegal alien healthcare. We must prioritize Americans over those who have broken the law,"" said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

To see a breakdown of this $200 billion, click here.

Congressman Brecheen on Securing Our Border

November 10, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases

Congressman Brecheen Echos DHS Message to Illegal Aliens

July 29, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases

New York Post | Op-Ed: How ‘charities,’ funded by your tax dollars, helped break immigration law

July 15, 2025 | Posted in News Hits

Congressman Brecheen Statement on Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Deportation

April 17, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:37Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4130,Hern Announces New Communications Director,2025-09-30,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) announced this week the hire of Ashley Haines to serve as Communications Director.

Haines comes to the Hern office with experience on Capitol Hill, previously serving as Press Secretary for Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) and Communications Director for Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03).

Haines will serve as Communications director for Congressman Hern’s office and the House Republican Policy Committee.

Chief of Staff Cameron Foster said, “Effectively communicating the significance of the issues the American people face and articulating the importance of the solutions Congressman Hern and his House colleagues develop is a great responsibility. Ashley brings a wealth of experience to and ability to this vital role in Congressman Hern’s office.”

Communications Director Ashley Haines said, “It is an honor to join Congressman Hern's office and support his work on behalf of Oklahoma's First District. I am eager to amplify his policies that deliver real results for the American people and strengthen our nation through solution-oriented leadership.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-remembers-legacy-charlie-kirk,Cole Remembers the Legacy of Charlie Kirk,2025-09-22,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement following Charlie Kirk’s memorial service in Glendale, Arizona:

“Charlie Kirk was a good man. He was a dedicated Christian, who allowed his faith to guide him in all he did. He was a true patriot who loved the United States of America with all his heart. He believed in strong family values and was a devoted husband to his wife, Erika, and father to his two children. He was a leader and mentor to many with the talented ability to connect with the American people, particularly the youth, through his public speaking skills and successful conservative nonprofit, Turning Point USA.

“Charlie believed in the importance of civil discourse and public debate. When Charlie visited college campuses, he was not there to give speeches and presentations. Instead, he was there to respectfully take questions from students – no matter what side of the political aisle they were on – and try to find understanding of one another. In fact, I was looking forward to welcoming Charlie to my district this fall, as he was scheduled to be at the University of Oklahoma in Norman on October 16. Now, we unfortunately won’t get that opportunity.

“Yet, it was in this exact setting, while he was in the literal act of public dialogue, that Charlie was assassinated. It is just sick, tragic, and harrowing. It fills me with grief, not only for his family, friends, and Turning Point USA colleagues, but for our entire nation, as political violence of any kind is never acceptable and, quite frankly, is un-American.

“I have full faith in Director Kash Patel, the FBI, and Utah law enforcement as they actively work to bring justice to Charlie Kirk. However, we, as Americans, should also honor his legacy by engaging in genuine civil debate with those on the other side of the aisle, allowing faith and strong family values to guide us in our lives daily, spreading Charlie’s strong conservative message, and by coming together as a nation to fight back against the evil that exists in this country.

“I am confident that we will overcome this dark chapter. In the meantime, please join me in praying for the soul of Charlie Kirk, his family, his friends, his fans, and our country. May Charlie Kirk rest in peace,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-votes-keep-government-open-and-avoid-government-shutdown,Cole Votes to Keep the Government Open and Avoid a Government Shutdown,2025-09-19,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of his legislation, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2026, which will keep the government open and serving the American people:

“Today, my House Republican colleagues joined me in taking responsible action to keep our government open and working for the nation. Keeping the lights on is not a partisan issue – and this clean, short-term funding extension reflects that. By acting in good faith to prevent the chaos of a shutdown, we are preserving stability for families and communities, protecting the real progress already made on appropriations bills, and strengthening our position to complete the Fiscal Year 2026 process responsibly,” said Congressman Cole.

“The contrast with Democrats on this is telling. They tried to hijack a simple government funding extension with a partisan grab bag of unrelated provisions – demanding $1.5 trillion in new spending just to keep the government open for four weeks. It is wrong and they know it. House Republicans rejected that approach and chose stability, discipline, and results instead,” said Congressman Cole.

“I am very proud to have voted to keep the government open and serving the American people today, and I remain committed to completing the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process through regular order,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-introduces-legislation-reaffirm-tribal-trust-land-agreements,Cole Introduces Legislation to Reaffirm Tribal Trust Land Agreements,2025-09-15,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK), along with Reps. Betty McCollum (D-MN), Mike Rogers (R-AL), and Jared Huffman (D-CA), introduced H.R. 5257, the Tribal Trust Land Reaffirmation Act. This legislation would address the Supreme Court’s 2009 Carcieri v. Salazar decision by reaffirming that all current land put into trust on behalf of a federally recognized tribe by the Department of the Interior (DOI) is officially reaffirmed as trust land.

After introducing the legislation, the members of Congress released the following statements:

“This decision has caused uncertainty and resulted in heavy legal and administrative burdens for tribes and the federal government, putting millions of dollars’ worth of trust land in legal limbo,” said Congressman Cole. “The Tribal Trust Land Reaffirmation Act will help alleviate this egregious wrongdoing and restore stability for federally recognized tribes that have land in trust. I am thankful to my good friends and allies to Indian country, Reps. McCollum, Rogers, and Huffman, for their collaboration on this legislation and continued efforts to right this wrong.”

“All federally recognized Tribal Nations deserve the assurance that land they have had placed into trust will be honored. Trust land is vital for Tribes to restore their homelands and to meet their communities’ needs for housing, healthcare infrastructure, agriculture, and other resources,” said Congresswoman McCollum. “The Tribal Trust Land Reaffirmation Act will strengthen self-governance by removing the threat and burden of lawsuits that have challenged the trust land of tribes recognized after 1934. Congress must honor our federal trust and treaty responsibilities by passing this legislation to reaffirm the legitimacy of all land placed into trust for all tribal nations.”

“I am proud to join my friend and colleague, Chairman Tom Cole, in introducing this legislation,” said Congressman Rogers. “These lands are currently in a state of legal flux, and passage of the Tribal Trust Land Reaffirmation Act will bring needed certainty to our tribes.”

“All federally recognized tribes deserve to have equal access to economic development opportunities that come with taking land into trust. The disastrous Carcieri decision threw a wrench into this system, pitting tribes against each other and creating a never-ending spiral of litigation,” said Congressman Huffman. “I'm glad be working alongside Rep. Cole, my colleagues, and our many tribal partners to right this wrong, and we won't stop until this bill becomes law.”

Background:

As a result of the Indian Removal Act signed into law by President Andrew Jackson in 1830, many Native American Tribes were forcibly removed from their land and relocated to unknown areas that provided them with little to no opportunity to prosper.

Then, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Congress authorized placing tribal lands into trust with the federal government. On the contrary to the unknown lands, trust lands offered Tribes the ability to rebuild their communities by expanding economic opportunities and provide for their fellow Tribal members. For example, Tribal communities often use trust lands to produce energy, grow crops, build schools, housing, and hospitals for their communities, and more. Additionally, trust land gives Tribes access to certain tax credits and contracting opportunities that generate public and private partnerships that lead to increased jobs and services for both Tribal and non-Tribal communities. In fact, Tribal nations are often the largest employers and health service providers in their areas.

Yet, unfortunately, in Carcieri v. Salazar in 2009, the Supreme Court ruled that the Secretary of the Interior’s authority to take land into trust is limited to only those tribes “under federal jurisdiction” as of 1934, the year Congress enacted the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA). This decision upended 75 years of federal precedent, causing damaging consequences for Tribes, as it created two different classes of Indian Tribes: those that can have land in trust and those that cannot. An unfortunate result of this decision stemmed opportunities for litigation to be brought against Tribes challenging the legitimacy of their trust land. This has resulted in heavy legal and administrative burdens for both Tribes and the federal government.

Ever since the 2009 Supreme Court decision, Rep. Tom Cole, in coordination with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle, has introduced or helped lead legislation to fix this detrimental decision, protect tribal sovereignty, and alleviate the federal government from frivolous lawsuits and burdensome, time-consuming protocols for trust land applications.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1514,Thoughts and Scriptures to Mull Over,2025-09-12,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"It has been a difficult week for our country. Despite hatred, murder, and violence making headlines, we’re all resolved that good will triumph over evil!

As you know, on Wednesday, September 10th, 2025, a gunman assassinated Charlie Kirk during a speaking event at Utah Valley University. Charlie was only 31 years old and left behind a precious family that includes his wife and two young children.

As we process Charlie's death, as well as the death of Iryna Zarutska and the homicide of an elderly couple from Oklahoma, we must consider what these acts of evil mean for us as a country. We have to look up. There is a quote by Charles Spurgeon that hangs on my office wall that I have stared at a few times this week: ""You cannot cast out Satan by Satan, nor correct error by violence, nor overcome hate by hate. The conquering weapon of the Christian is love.""

Our country is in the middle of a physical struggle as well as a spiritual battle that is occurring in our hearts. On the physical front, our government must ensure that public safety, the rule of law, and freedom of speech continue to be advanced without retreat or fear. As the Proverb reminds us, “The wicked man flees though no man pursues, yet the righteous are as bold as a lion.”

As Charlie Kirk often reminded us, self-governance is key to our U.S. form of government. Charlie often quoted President John Adams, who, in 1798, wrote to the Massachusetts Militia saying: “We have no Government armed with Power capable of contending with human Passions unbridled by morality and Religion. Avarice, Ambition, Revenge or Gallantry, would break the strongest Cords of our Constitution as a Whale goes through a Net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

Charlie rightly knew that the limited government that our Founders handed us only works if it is in tandem with the self-governance of our personal actions. This week has shown us how self-governance is under attack from the lack of virtue in personal conduct. This is why spiritual inventory must be renewed in our country.

While fighting on the spiritual front as individuals, we must continue to speak the truth in love. Real love cannot be without truth, and real truth cannot be absent from love. (See below…1 Corinthians 13:1-8)

I pray that Charlie's death acts as a turning point for our nation, that our culture will take personal inventory, and that starts in each individual heart (including my own). Below are some scriptures I have been mulling over that I hope are valuable to you in your personal reflections:

1 John 4:20

If someone says, ""I love God,"" and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.

1 John 3:15

Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

Matthew 5:43-48

You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Romans 13:1-5

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience' sake.

1 Corinthians 13:1-8

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away.

Galatians 5:7-9; 13-26

You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, ""You shall love your neighbor as yourself."" But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one.

Ephesians 4:14-15; 18-20; 30-32

As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. But you did not learn Christ in this way? Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Ephesians 6:11-19

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel.

Matthew 5:21-22

You have heard that the ancients were told, 'You shall not commit murder' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.

James 3:8-18

But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh. Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Quote by Charles Spurgeon

“For us to hate those who are in error, or talk of them with contempt or wish them ill, or do them wrong, is not according to the Spirit of Christ. You cannot cast out Satan by Satan, nor correct error by violence, nor overcome hate by hate. The conquering weapon of the Christian is love.”",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:37Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-house-passes-stop-illegal-entry-act,Release: House Passes Stop Illegal Entry Act,2025-09-11,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.- Today, the United States House of Representatives voted to pass Rep. Bice’s bill H.R. 3486, the Stop Illegal Entry Act, This legislation increases penalties for aliens who illegally enter or reenter the United States, seeking to discourage migrants from coming to the U.S. illegally and keeping criminal aliens who disregard federal immigration law out of American communities. Congresswoman Bice introduced the legislation with Congressman Brad Knott (NC-13) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has a companion bill in the United States Senate. The White House supports the legislation and issued a Statement of Administrative Policy stating that his advisors would recommend that he sign it into law.

Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:

“The Biden Administration let over 10 million illegal immigrants into the country and failed to prosecute those who defied U.S. immigration law. These individuals included people from countries designated as state sponsors of terror, with 400 illegal aliens on the Terrorist Watch List being encountered at the border. We must deter future illegal immigration and give our law enforcement and border patrol officers the tools they need to hold dangerous criminals accountable. This is why I was proud to see my colleagues vote to pass the Stop Illegal Entry Act. This legislation increases penalties for illegal aliens who re-enter the United States, as well as those in the United States who have committed felonies. President Trump has delivered on his promise to secure the border, but we have more work to do to safeguard and protect our communities. This is another step in the right direction.”

Speaker Johnson’s Statement on Passage of the Stop Illegal Entry Act:

“President Trump’s bold actions to secure our border have demonstrated deterrence is an effective method of prevention, and the Stop Illegal Entry Act delivers the enforcement measures necessary to help strengthen law and order at our border. This legislation includes commonsense provisions that impose serious penalties on those who repeatedly and deliberately violate U.S. immigration law – especially violent criminal aliens. By targeting repeat offenders and imposing harsh penalties on violent felons who re-enter after deportation, this bill defends the rule of law and sends an unmistakable message: if you break our laws, there will be severe consequences. Criminal illegal aliens have no place in this country, and House Republicans are committed to uphold the integrity of our laws.”

Congressman Knott issued the following statement:

“As a federal prosecutor, I encountered illegal alien criminals who repeatedly reentered the United States after deportation to continue committing crimes against Americans. This pervasive trend will continue, causing endless harm, unless we implement serious deterrents targeting this class of dangerous criminals. The Stop Illegal Entry Act closes that loophole by enabling efficient convictions with strong penalties whenever an illegal immigrant commits a felony or attempts to come back into the country after deportation. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and urge the Senate to get this bill on President Trump’s desk quickly.”

Bill Summary:

The Stop Illegal Entry Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act accordingly:

Any illegal alien who is convicted of a felony (state OR federal) shall face a minimum sentence of 5 years in federal prison.

Any illegal re-entry warrants up to 10 years in prison regardless of criminal history.

Any illegal re-entry after a felony conviction and deportation faces 10 years to life in prison.

Contact: Wesley Harkins

Phone: (202) 225-2132",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-remembers-september-11-2001-2,"Cole Remembers September 11, 2001",2025-09-11,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement in remembrance of the tragedy that occurred in the United States of America on September 11, 2001:

“On September 11, 2001, our nation was forever changed when the United States was struck by horrific acts of terror at the World Trade Centers in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and a field in Pennsylvania. Today, on the anniversary of this tragic day, I pause to remember and honor the 2,977 innocent lives lost too soon, the loved ones they left behind, the courageous first responders who acted with extraordinary bravery that day and continue to serve, the survivors who live with trauma to this day, and the countless Americans who came together in the face of tragedy to support one another,” said Congressman Cole.

“September 11, 2001 is a day I will truly never forget. While our country was deeply shaken, America itself was not broken. In the face of tragedy, we demonstrated resilience, unity, and strength – showing the world that even in our darkest hour, the United States will endure. That truth remains just as powerful today and every day,” said Congressman Cole. “So, as we remember and reflect on this horrific day, let’s do so with respect for those we lost, hope for a better future, and love for this great country we call home.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4127,Hern Commends Longtime Communications Director,2025-09-11,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement on the departure of longtime Communications Director Miranda Dabney. Dabney will join the House Appropriations Committee as Communications Director under Chairman Tom Cole (OK-04) next week.

“Since my first day in office, Miranda Dabney has served Oklahoma’s First District with unwavering dedication,” said Rep. Hern. “Over nearly seven years, her invaluable contributions have been the cornerstone of our team’s success. I am immensely proud of her achievements and confident that her career will continue to thrive.”

Dabney joined Hern’s staff in November 2018 after he was sworn in to serve the remainder of former Rep. Jim Bridenstine’s term and has led his communications team ever since. She formerly worked for the National Republican Congressional Committee and the Tulsa World, and she is an alumnus of the University of Tulsa and Lincoln Christian School in Tulsa.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-votes-favor-fiscal-year-2026-national-defense-authorization-act,Cole Votes in Favor of Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act,2025-09-10,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) voted in favor of the National Defense Reauthorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026. This legislation authorizes $862.6 billion for our nation’s national defense, in order to build a ready, capable, lethal fighting force to deter our adversaries and protect our homeland. After the legislation passed the House of Representatives, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“During this time when our nation is facing so many threats from our adversaries, protecting our nation’s defense must remain a top priority. Today, I cast my vote to do exactly that. The Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA fundamentally reforms the defense acquisition system to equip our troops with needed capabilities in the quickest, most cost-effective manner, restores lethality and the warrior ethos to the military, secures America’s borders, improves servicemember quality of life by supporting the Trump Administration’s pay raise for our military members, builds and maintains the overmatch needed to deter China, and more – all while saving the taxpayers over $20 billion at the same time,” said Congressman Cole. “Today, Congress sent a clear message to the world: the United States stands strong, and our men and women in uniform stand ready to defend our nation.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4128,Hern Introduces Legislation to Protect Small Businesses,2025-09-10,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) introduced the American Franchise Act (AFA) today with Democrat co-lead Representative Don Davis (NC-01). The legislation provides stability for the franchise model of small business by aligning federal statute with longstanding precedent and National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) policy.

“As one of the few franchisees in Congress, I understand how damaging an ever-changing joint-employer rule is to the franchise business model,” said Rep. Hern. “I'm pleased that we were able to come together in a bipartisan effort to create legislation that safeguards small businesses and individuals working to achieve the American Dream across the country.”

The AFA has the support of the International Franchise Association.

“This legislation recognizes that franchisees are small businesses, and their independence must be protected by federal law,” said Matt Haller, IFA President and CEO. “The American Franchise Act allows franchisors to properly support their franchisees – who are often first-time business owners from all walks of life – without the fear of an overly broad joint employer standard undermining the unique benefits of the franchise relationship. On behalf of America’s 831,000 franchise small businesses, we are grateful that the decade-long uncertainty around joint employer policy can finally come to an end.”

In the past, ever-changing ‘joint employer’ rules have put franchise business owners on a regulatory rollercoaster, due to a fundamental misunderstanding of the franchise business model. This has resulted in 376,000 lost job opportunities and a 93% spike in costly litigation.

The American Franchise Act would give small, family franchise businesses the certainty they need by clarifying that franchisors are only “joint employers” if they possess an exercise substantial and immediate control over essential terms and conditions of employment, like hiring workers, firing workers, setting wages, and disciplinary action.

The AFA recognizes that while franchisors set and enforce uniform standards to protect their brand and ensure consistency, franchisors and franchisees remain independent employers.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4129,Honoring the Life of Charlie Kirk,2025-09-10,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern released the following statement after the tragic death of Charlie Kirk.

“Political violence is meant to silence the voice and will of the people. Rest assured, anyone who has heard of Charlie Kirk, knows that the movement he inspired will never let the evil actions of a coward stop the advancement of civility, liberty, and patriotism that he helped ignite,” said Chairman Hern.

“Charlie was a faithful Christian and a principled patriot who often engaged with people he disagreed with in a productive and passionate way. He supported spirited, but peaceful, debate and played an important role in recruiting young voters to the conservative movement. Political violence was the complete opposite of what Charlie professed, yet it has become commonplace in America today. It is inspired by people who hate liberty, who despise freedom, and who will attack anyone who brings decency and time-tested values back to our culture.”

Chairman Hern continued, “As a believer, I am comforted that Charlie is now with His Creator and that he lived a life of purpose in his years spent here on earth. Our hearts and prayers need to be focused on lifting up Charlie’s beautiful family and loved ones that he leaves behind.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-votes-favor-fiscal-year-2026-energy-and-water-appropriations-bill,"Cole Votes in Favor of Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, Unleashing American Energy Dominance",2025-09-04,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"September 4, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026 passed the U.S. House of Representatives:

“America’s prosperity begins with energy. The Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations Act unleashes American energy dominance, lowers costs for families and businesses, and restores confidence in our grid. Energy strength is national strength – fueling jobs, innovation, and resilience in every community – and no longer will traditional energy sources be punished for being affordable and reliable. This bill also makes a historic commitment to critical mineral production, securing the resources America needs to reduce dependence on adversaries and power the technologies of tomorrow. United States safety and security are further prioritized through modernizing our nuclear deterrent and safeguarding technology from the CCP and other hostile regimes. Further, it backs vital investments in water infrastructure, ports, and flood control that protect communities and keep commerce moving,” said Congressman Cole. “Under Subcommittee Chairman Fleischmann’s leadership, this measure makes it clear that America will lead with strength built on abundant domestic energy and resources, and I am proud to have supported this bill and an America First energy future.”

Key Provisions in the FY26 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

Champions America’s nuclear deterrent and strengthens national security by:

Allocating nearly $20.7 billion for the continued modernization of the nuclear weapons stockpile and infrastructure and over $2 billion to support the U.S. Navy’s nuclear fleet.

Prohibiting the sale of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the Chinese Communist Party.

Preventing the purchase of technology and telecommunications equipment from China and other adversaries.

Codifies President Trump’s executive actions by prohibiting funding for DEI and Critical Race Theory programs and ending federal censorship of free speech.

Restores American energy dominance, drives down energy costs, and facilitates economic growth by:

Supporting one of the largest investments focused on mining production technologies for critical minerals extraction in decades, reducing reliance on foreign sources.

Robustly funding small modular reactor and advanced reactor demonstration projects, as well as increasing funding for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, to achieve the Trump Administration’s goal to expand nuclear energy capacity to 400 gigawatts by 2050.

Facilitating the efficient transport of goods and commodities through improvements and maintenance of America’s ports and waterways.

Ends wasteful government spending, including:

Eliminating the Biden-era Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations.

Providing no funds for the Office of Energy Justice and Equity.

Refocusing applied energy technology program funding to ensure taxpayer resources are directed to the highest priority research and development efforts.

Provisions Congressman Cole Secured for Oklahoma in the FY26 Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

$25 million for distributed wind technologies to support research activities that lead to lower costs and increased deployments of distributed wind systems for rural homes, farms, and other applications

15% of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management directed towards research and development funds, which will build off research being done at the University of Oklahoma on natural gas, enhanced oil recovery, water treatment, and reservoir improvements

$75 million for the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, which provides technical assistance, direct and remote education, policy research and analysis, and financial assistance to Indian tribes, Alaska Native Village and Regional corporations, and Tribal Energy Resource Development organizations

$6.3 million for the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program to support tribal investment in energy-related projects and expand economic development opportunities on tribal lands

$20 million for competitively awarded, multi-disciplinary research centers that will help with tornado preparedness, complimenting research conducted at the National Weather Center and NOAA in Norman

$9.3 million for the Risk Based Data Management System, which assists state regulatory agencies in the oversight of oil and natural gas drilling and production operations, which the state of Oklahoma highly utilizes

Funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a national assessment and working group to conduct 10 feasibility studies of Managed Aquifer Recharge, which will enhance research already being done at the Oka’ Institute housed at East Central University in Ada

$4.43 billion for construction, operations, and maintenance through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help construction projects and operations on the McClellan-Keer Arkansas River Navigation System

###

Issues:Energy & Environment",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4120,"Hern, Sewell Introduce Home Health Stabilization Act",2025-09-04,2025,2025-09,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Representatives Kevin Hern (OK-01) and Terri Sewell (AL-07) introduced the Home Health Stabilization Act of 2025, legislation to create a more sustainable payment system for Medicare Home Health Agencies (HHAs) to ensure patients have access to rehabilitative care that helps them recover and stay out of hospitals.

HHAs have suffered multiple setbacks in recent years, putting a strain on the nurses, therapists, and home health aides who serve beneficiaries. Since 2020, over 1,000 home health agencies have closed, and nearly one-third of patients referred to home health care from hospitals are unable to receive services. This legislation pauses the funding reductions that have been happening over the last several years to give Congress and the industry time to develop a better, more sustainable payment system.

“Home health is a lifesaver for millions of seniors and their loved ones, especially in rural states like Oklahoma, where hospitals and nursing facilities may be hours away,” said Rep. Hern. “Slashing home health payments not only undermines access to this critical benefit, but it also drives up overall Medicare costs by forcing patients into more expensive care settings. This bill ensures seniors can get the care they need at home, while protecting taxpayers from wasteful spending.”

“Home health services are a lifeline for so many Alabama seniors and people with disabilities, allowing patients to receive the treatment they need in the comfort of their own homes,” said Rep. Sewell. “The impending cuts to the Medicare home health program will leave lasting negative impacts on patients and their families. It is imperative to prevent such cuts from taking effect, which is why I am proud to sponsor the Home Health Stabilization Act of 2025.”

The Home Health Stabilization Act has earned the support of industry leaders.

Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge, said, “Home health agencies deliver critical services that help older adults in healthcare recovery or ongoing aging in place. The deep cuts in Medicare fee-for-service payment currently proposed threaten beneficiaries’ access to care and all providers’ viability–and may have a disproportionate impact on our nonprofit and mission-driven provider members by eroding their ability to serve as safety net partners, to accept complex referrals, and to maintain essential community services. We appreciate that Representatives Hern and Sewell recognize both providers’ need for relief from these looming reductions and the importance of older adults’ and families’ ability to continue to access care. This legislation relieves payment pressure, short-term, and ensures the time needed to work toward a sustainable solution. We wholeheartedly support it and appreciate the leadership of Representative Hern and Representative Sewell on this critical issue.”

Dr. Steve Landers, the CEO of National Alliance for Care at Home, said, “With CMS proposing over $1.135 billion in home health payment cuts for 2026, essential care for millions of Americans is on the line. While CMS must reverse course and correct its calculations, given what’s at stake for Medicare beneficiaries and the overall function of the Medicare program, Congress cannot stand still. The Alliance celebrates the exceptional leadership of Representatives Kevin Hern (R-OK) and Terri Sewell (D-AL) who today introduced the Home Health Stabilization Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that would halt home health cuts in 2026 and 2027 and provide time for CMS and Congress to work with stakeholders to correct methodological errors, combat fraud, and strengthen access to home health at this critical moment for our health systems.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:10:29Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-congresswoman-stephanie-bice-welcomes-nih-director-oklahoma-city,Release: Congresswoman Stephanie Bice Welcomes NIH Director to Oklahoma City,2025-08-29,2025,2025-08,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Oklahoma City, OK – Today, Congresswoman Stephanie Bice hosted National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya in Oklahoma City for a series of visits highlighting medical research and innovation breakthroughs.

The visit included tours of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF), Stephenson Cancer Center, OU Health Sciences Center, and Dean McGee Eye Institute — all of which showcase advancements in medicine and research taking place in Oklahoma.

“It was an honor to welcome Director Bhattacharya to Oklahoma,” said Congresswoman Bice. “Our state is driving change in the medical and biotech fields, with researchers and institutions making meaningful progress every day. With 322 active projects and $150 million in NIH funding across Oklahoma, we’re committed to building on this momentum and delivering real results for patients and families.”

At OMRF, Director Bhattacharya and Congresswoman Bice learned about labs focused on autoimmune disease, aging, and genetics research. OMRF currently manages 65 active NIH-funded projects valued at over $40 million. Last year OMRF received $49 million in NIH funding.

“When people think about medical research, they often don’t realize that OMRF is one of the world’s leaders in studying conditions like aging and autoimmune diseases. Or they may not know that our work has led to life-changing drugs and tests for conditions like sickle-cell disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis,” said OMRF President Dr. Andrew Weyrich.

“Thanks to the NIH, the U.S. stands at the center of the world’s biomedical research stage. With leaders like Dr. Bhattacharya and congressional champions like Representative Bice, we are poised to continue making groundbreaking discoveries that improve people’s lives.”

The Stephenson Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center in Oklahoma. During the visit, the delegation discussed advancements in clinical trials, cancer care innovations, and community health outreach. Stephenson is ranked in the top 2% of U.S. cancer centers and currently leads the nation in patient enrollment for clinical trials.

“We are thrilled to welcome Director Bhattacharya to the University of Oklahoma and showcase the incredible momentum we've built as the state’s leading academic health system,” said Gary Raskob, Senior Vice President and Provost, OU Health Sciences. “Partnership is essential to create lasting change for Oklahoma, and today's visit demonstrates our shared commitment with the NIH to advance discoveries, expand access, and improve lives across our state for generations to come.”

To conclude the visit the group also toured the Dean McGee Eye Institute (DMEI), where they discussed NIH-funded research in vision science and toured clinical and training programs. DMEI benefits from NIH funding and is nationally recognized for excellence in ophthalmology and vision research.

""It is an honor to have the Director of the NIH visit the Dean McGee Eye Institute to see first-hand the value of federal grant dollars at work. We appreciate the support of Dr. Bhattacharya and Representative Stephanie Bice and their efforts to improve the quality of life for our state and our nation."" said R. Michael Siatkowski, MD, MBA CEO of the Dean McGee Eye Institute.

“I am honored to have visited state of the art research facilities with Representative Bice” said NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya. “New innovations stemming from research here in the fields of aging biology and cancer will aid in the effort to Make America Healthy Again. I am proud of the investment in the NIH IDeA program that supports institutions such as OU and OMRF. These institutions show that great science is happening all around the nation!”

Contact: Wesley Harkins

Phone: (202) 225-2132",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-statement-after-receiving-association-independent-research-institutes,Cole Statement After Receiving Association of Independent Research Institutes 2025 Public Service Award,2025-08-28,2025,2025-08,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Norman, Oklahoma – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after being awarded the Association of Independent Research Institutes 2025 Public Service Award:

“Medical research is essential to strengthening health care, developing new treatments and cures, combatting diseases, improving the well-being of Americans, and saving more lives. This is why, as former Chairman of the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations subcommittee, working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, we increased funding for medical research at the National Institutes of Health by nearly 50 percent in just seven years,” said Congressman Cole.

“In Oklahoma, we have two institutes that are members of the Association of Independent Research Institutes: the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and the Laureate Institute for Brain Research. Both conduct life-changing biomedical research.

“Biomedical research is an issue I am extremely passionate about, and I will always advocate for robust funding to discover new treatments and cures to better the health of the American people and ensure future generations are free of today’s diseases and chronic conditions.

“It is truly an honor to be awarded the 2025 AIRI Public Service Award, and I want to thank the Association of Independent Research Institutes for all of the important work they do to improve the health of our nation.”

#",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:57:50Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-nsceb-commissioners-visit-oklahoma-city-highlight-states-leadership,Release: NSCEB Commissioners Visit Oklahoma City to Highlight State’s Leadership in Biotechnology and National Security,2025-08-21,2025,2025-08,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Oklahoma City, OK – Tuesday, NSCEB Commissioners, including Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05), joined Oklahoma biotech leaders and state officials in Oklahoma City to highlight the state’s growing role in the national biotech industry.

“It was my honor to have the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology in Oklahoma City,” said Congresswoman Bice. “As a commissioner, I have been focused on highlighting the growing bioeconomy in our state and advocating for policies that strengthen our national security.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1477,Congressman Brecheen Announces August In-Person Town Halls,2025-08-15,2025,2025-08,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen announced the following in-person town halls on the One Big Beautiful Bill during the month of August. Constituents are invited to attend, share their thoughts, and ask questions on policy issues impacting Oklahoma and our nation at large.

Congressman Brecheen has so far held 106 in-person town halls since his first term in office, visiting every county in Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District.

If you are a member of the media and would like to attend any of the in-person town halls, please RSVP to Edie Guy at edie.guy@mail.house.gov.

Schedule (all times Central):

Monday, August 25:

8:00am - 9:00am

McAlester Town Hall

Downtown 312

312 E. Choctaw Ave.

McAlester, OK 74501

10:00am - 11:00am

Checotah Town Hall

Jim Lucas Checotah Public Library

626 W. Gentry Ave.

Checotah, OK 74426

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Muskogee Town Hall

Muskogee Civic Center

Room D

425 Boston St.

Muskogee, OK 74401

2:00pm - 3:00pm

Wagoner Town Hall

Wagoner Community Building

102 N. Jefferson St.

Wagoner, OK 74467

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Bartlesville Town Hall

Tri County Tech

Event Center

6101 Nowata Rd.

Bartlesville, OK 74006

Tuesday, August 26:

8:00am - 9:00am

Nowata Town Hall

Nowata City/County Library

West Room

224 S. Pine St.

Nowata, OK 74048

10:00am - 11:00am

Vinita Town Hall

Craig County Fairgrounds & Community Center

Ketchum Room

915 E. Apperson Rd.

Vinita, OK 74301

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Miami Town Hall

Miami Civic Center Banquet Room

129 5th Ave. NW

Miami, OK 74354

2:00pm - 3:00pm

Grove Town Hall

Grove Community Center

Room 7

104 West 3rd Street

Grove, OK 74344

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Pryor Town Hall

Graham Community Center

6 N. Adair Street

Pryor, OK 74361

Wednesday, August 27:

9:00am - 10:00am

Okmulgee Town Hall

Okmulgee American Legion Post 10

730 W. 6th St.

Okmulgee, OK 74447

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Claremore Town Hall

Claremore Conference Center

Will Rogers South Ballroom

1400 W. Country Club Rd.

Claremore, OK 74017

2:30pm - 3:30pm

Tahlequah Town Hall

Tahlequah Public Library

Carnegie Room

120 S. College Ave.

Tahlequah, OK 74464

4:30pm - 5:30pm

Stilwell Town Hall

Adair County Historical Museum & Train Depot

83065 Highway 59

Stilwell, OK 74960

6:30pm - 7:30pm

Sallisaw Town Hall

Wheeler Event Center

103 N. Wheeler Ave.

Sallisaw, OK 74955

Thursday, August 28:

8:00am - 9:00am

Poteau Town Hall

Donald W. Reynolds Community Center

105 Reynolds Ave.

Poteau, OK 74953

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Idabel Town Hall

Museum of the Red River

Mary H. Herron Community Conference Center

812 E. Lincoln Rd.

Idabel, OK 74745

2:00pm - 3:00pm

Hugo Town Hall

Choctaw County Public Library

703 E. Jackson St.

Hugo, OK 74743

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Atoka Town Hall

Atoka County Library

279 E. A St.

Atoka, OK 74525

6:00pm - 7:00pm

Durant Town Hall

Bryan County Fairgrounds

Clay Jones Community Center

1901 S. 9th Ave.

Durant, OK 74701",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:36Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1501,Now Accepting Service Academy Nomination Applications,2025-08-15,2025,2025-08,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"The office of Congressman Josh Brecheen is now accepting service academy nomination requests.

The honor of attending a service academy comes with the obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.

Members of Congress may nominate candidates for appointment to four of the five U.S. service academies: U.S. Military Academy (USMA), West Point, NY; the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Annapolis, MD; the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), Colorado Springs, CO; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), Kings Point, NY. The fifth service academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA), New London, CT, does not require a congressional nomination for appointment.

Completed application packets must be received in the Claremore office by 5:00 pm October 17, 2025. Send all requested information to: The Honorable Josh Brecheen Service Academy Nomination Board 223 W Patti Page Blvd Claremore, OK 74017.

For more information and to apply, please click here.

Press Inquiries: kate.bryan@mail.house.gov",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:36Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-mourns-passing-former-oklahoma-governor-george-nigh,Cole Mourns the Passing of Former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh,2025-07-30,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after former Oklahoma Governor and longtime politician George Nigh passed away at the age of 98:

“It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of an Oklahoma political legend, former Governor George Nigh. Nigh served as Governor of Oklahoma on four separate occasions, two short stints when others left the office early followed by two full terms from 1979-1987. He also served four complete terms as Oklahoma’s Lieutenant Governor, several terms in the state House of Representatives, and five years as President of the University of Central Oklahoma in the 1990’s.

“A talented public speaker, Nigh was a gifted politician, a gregarious and tireless campaigner, and an upbeat and optimistic leader. It was impossible not to like George Nigh and respect him as a person. Indeed, he may well have been the most personally popular political figure in Oklahoma history. He did not win every race he ran, but he was always a gracious loser and, more often, a magnanimous winner — two qualities that Oklahoma voters and political opponents appreciated.

“Nigh had a quick and easy wit. When I told him on one occasion that he had been the speaker at both my high school graduation in 1967 and the ceremony where I was awarded my Ph.D in 1984, he immediately quipped, ‘I hope I didn’t use the same jokes twice!’ Then, when I reminded him that I had been his opponent’s deputy campaign manager in 1982 — an election in which my candidate became the only Republican gubernatorial nominee in Oklahoma history to lose all 77 counties — Nigh had a quick retort. ‘At least I helped you set a record that no one can break,’ he said with a grin.

“George Nigh and I belonged to different political parties and had some sharp political disagreements over the years. However, I always respected his personal decency, his sunny disposition, his commitment to public service, and his deep love for the people and the state of Oklahoma. I join his many friends and admirers in mourning the passing of a good man and a great Oklahoman,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1525,Congressman Brecheen Echos DHS Message to Illegal Aliens,2025-07-29,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington—Today, Congressman Brecheen issued a statement echoing the Department of Homeland Security's message to every illegal alien who has entered America.

""I a grateful to President Trump and Secretary Noem for their leadership removing dangerous illegal aliens from our country. These criminals have preyed on innocent Americans for far too long and are now being hunted by justice."" said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

To see DHS's original message, click here.

Congressman Brecheen on Securing Our Border

November 10, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases

Congressman Brecheen Releases Statement Against Democrat Plan to Fund Illegal Alien Healthcare

September 30, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases

New York Post | Op-Ed: How ‘charities,’ funded by your tax dollars, helped break immigration law

July 15, 2025 | Posted in News Hits

Congressman Brecheen Statement on Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Deportation

April 17, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:35Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1522,Congressman Brecheen's Statement on President Trump's July 7th Executive Order on Green Energy,2025-07-22,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington—Today, Congressman Brecheen released a statement on President Trump's July 7th executive order on green energy.

""So proud of President Trump's Administration in working to fix American energy after the super majority of Americans and members of Congress felt betrayed by Murkowski slipping in a last-minute Senate provision in the OBBB specific to green energy. A major part of the hesitation on the OBBB when it came back to the House 48 hours later was due to Murkowski's inserted change. A few days later, President Trump thankfully issued an executive order to address abuse specific to wind and solar projects.

This Administration is moving the ball forward in alignment with most Americans who are tired of watching their tax dollars subsidize projects that should stand on their own. This deficit driving activity is unfair as it takes from the many to give to the few. I am happy that the White House won't take that for an answer!"" said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

For more background reads on this topic, click here and here.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:35Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4116,Hern Mourns Heritage Founder Ed Feulner,2025-07-19,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement mourning the loss of Ed Feulner, founder of the Heritage Foundation and the Republican Study Committee.

“Ed Feulner remains one of the great heroes of conservatism,” said Chairman Hern. “His work has strengthened and inspired the conservative movement for more than 50 years. I’m eternally grateful for his impact on Capitol Hill with the Republican Study Committee. Congress, and my own career in the House, would not be the same without him. We mourn the loss of a truly incredible American.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-votes-restore-american-military-strength,Cole Votes to Restore American Military Strength,2025-07-18,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Early this morning, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act, which funds the United States Department of Defense:

“America’s military ensures that the call of duty never echoes unanswered. The Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act reflects that same unwavering commitment to our national security and the heroes in uniform who defend it. This bill ensures our troops can deter, fight, and win. It includes strategic investments that restore military strength, accelerate innovation, and reinforce peace through strength. The bill also bolsters U.S. industrial supply chains, delivers next-generation weapons and assets, and includes a well-earned pay raise for our troops. Each allocation in the Defense Appropriations Act upholds the warrior ethos, restores deterrence, and ensures our forces remain unmatched,” said Congressman Cole. “I am proud to have supported this bill, as it ensures an America First defense.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1523,Congressman Brecheen Statement on Rescissions,2025-07-15,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington—Today, Congressman Brecheen released a statement on President Trump's Rescissions package.

""The must-pass recessions package strips over $9 billion from the federal budget by removing spending on wasteful green energy projects, anti-American DEI, biased radio broadcasting stations, and LGBT indoctrination. We must restore fiscal sanity and pass recessions now!"" said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

Congressman Josh Brecheen Introduces the Expedited Transparency Act

March 18, 2026 | Posted in Press Releases

Congressman Josh Brecheen's 2025 Highlights

December 29, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases

Congressman Josh Brecheen Announces Service Academy Nominees

November 13, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases

House Values Action Team Statement on Christian Persecution in Nigeria

November 4, 2025 | Posted in News Hits

House Values Action Team Statement on Democrats Prolonging Shutdown for Leverage

October 28, 2025 | Posted in News Hits",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:35Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-votes-favor-final-passage-one-big-beautiful-bill-act,"Cole Votes in Favor of Final Passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act",2025-07-07,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 3, 2025

CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the final Reconciliation bill, also known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill, which will codify President Trump’s agenda:

“Last November, the American people gave Washington a mandate when they overwhelmingly voted for change. Seventy seven million Americans made it very clear to us that they wanted a secure border, the resurgence of American energy dominance, lower taxes, a lethal military focused on warfighting instead of woke initiatives, and a more efficient federal government that roots out fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars – essentially the platform that President Trump ran on,” said Congressman Cole.

“Now, within about the first six months of the Trump Administration, Congress has delivered on these promises. By passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act through both the House and Senate, we will secure our border and finally complete our border wall, unleash our domestic energy potential, and make generational investments in our national security. This legislation makes the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts permanent, providing lasting relief to families, workers, and small businesses and protecting the average taxpayer from the largest tax hike in history,” said Congressman Cole.

“Despite the dishonest fearmongering campaign being pushed by Democrats and the far-Left media, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will strengthen, secure, and sustain Medicaid by reestablishing it as a program that provides vital healthcare to the most vulnerable Americans and stopping the subsidization of illegal immigrants and competent adults who are just choosing not to work,” said Congressman Cole.

“Now, this legislation is heading to the White House, where I look forward to seeing President Trump sign it and officially deliver the result the American people voted for,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-bice-supports-one-big-beautiful-bill,Congresswoman Bice Supports One Big Beautiful Bill,2025-07-03,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.- After voting to support H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill, Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:

“H.R. 1 is about delivering real support to hardworking Americans. Whether you're an oil field worker, a server, a working mom, or an hourly employee putting in overtime, this legislation will benefit you. The One Big Beautiful Bill prevents a massive tax hike on businesses and families across Oklahoma by preserving the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It also supports workers by removing taxes on tips and overtime pay, focusing on Oklahomans who help our state grow and thrive. In addition, this legislation strengthens national security by funding Border Patrol agents and physical infrastructure along our southern border. Finally, it unleashes American energy independence, by reducing barriers to permitting, ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy for families throughout Oklahoma and across the nation.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1502,"Congressman Brecheen Votes ""Yes"" on the One Big Beautiful Bill",2025-07-03,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Brecheen voted ""yes"" to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill.

The Congressman issued this official statement:

""After a long night working with the White House and leadership, I voted yes to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill after I was convinced our efforts would result in the best possible outcome.

We had major concerns going into this week after the Senate reversed several conservative provisions we fought for in the House version of the bill, including major deficit and spending cuts and priorities like ending the Green New Scam.

Some of these changes were created by the parliamentarian, others were not. These changes were of grave concern to me.

While today’s bill is not perfect, after days of prayerful consideration and examination of the facts, I ultimately came to the conclusion it was the best bill we could politically achieve after meeting with the President, the Vice President, and their team. The explanation of the problem of going back to the Senate for further changes—and how that would have only made the bill worse because the liberals of the conference would extract more liberal concessions, not conservative concessions—resonated with me.

The House Freedom Caucus fought to make this bill better at every stage—and we succeeded. We secured transformational wins for fiscal responsibility, border security, energy independence, welfare reform, and tax relief. We secured significant commitments on continuing to move the ball forward on the American First agenda, and thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the work to dismantle the swamp’s agenda isn’t finished—it’s just getting started.""

Press Inquiries: edie.guy@mail.house.gov",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:35Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4113,"Hern Votes for One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, Codifying the Trump Agenda",2025-07-03,2025,2025-07,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after voting in support of HR 1, the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act. This legislation codifies key pillars of President Trump’s agenda.

“It took an incredible amount of work to get this bill across the finish line, starting several years ago with field hearings, stakeholder meetings, and a lot of research into niche tax policy,” said Rep. Hern. “The result is a bill that everyone can be proud of. This legislation keeps the 2017 tax cuts in place, adds additional tax cuts for working families and senior citizens, strengthens the military, protects small businesses, secures our border, combats human trafficking and drug smuggling, and will make America strong and safe again.”

Rep. Hern continued, “Working on legislation of this scale and importance has been the highlight of my Congressional career. We couldn’t have done this without the leadership of President Donald Trump. His vision for a brighter future and his compelling and charismatic campaign are the reasons we have the legislative majorities to pass this bill.”

Included in HR 1 are multiple bills and policies previously introduced by Rep. Hern.

The WIRED Act, which Rep. Hern introduced with then-Senator JD Vance, was modeled after a successful policy enacted at the state level in Oklahoma. The policy was modified in this final bill to be a 1% tax on remittances out of the country.

Rep. Hern’s priority of full expensing for structures was included in the final bill. This allows factories and other manufacturing facilities to expense the construction costs of building new facilities on U.S. soil, helping to onshore manufacturing and bring jobs back to the U.S.

Rep Hern’s Education and Workforce Freedom Act expands tax-advantaged 529 accounts to allow K-12 students from public, private, religious, or home school settings to use those funds. It also allows the funds to be used for licensing and credentialing expenses, modernizing our tax code to meet the demands of the American workforce. The legislation also adds new categories of qualified 529 expenses: curriculum, books, online resources, tutoring, educational therapies for students with disabilities, dual enrollment fees for college courses, and exam costs.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T14:40:33Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=4112,Hern Applauds G7 Agreement on OECD Global Tax Deal,2025-06-26,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement in support of the G7 global tax agreement. Hern led the House Ways and Means Committee’s Global Competitiveness Task Force last Congress, with a key focus on international tax.

“Thanks to President Trump and Secretary Bessent’s leadership on the world stage, we are moving in the right direction to protect American tax sovereignty and American multinationals,” said Rep. Hern. “This is an issue I’ve been working on for more than three years, meeting with OECD officials both in Paris and in DC to stress the importance of Congress’ role in any tax agreement involving our country. The Biden Administration stubbornly advanced the unpopular Pillar 2 plan despite bipartisan objections from Congress.”

Hern continued, “Today’s announcement is a tremendous step forward. America First does not mean America Alone. Good tax policy at the international level can lift us all, without penalizing American taxpayers.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-bice-supports-military-construction-and-veterans-affairs,Congresswoman Bice Supports Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act,2025-06-25,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.- Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on their first appropriations bill, H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This legislation includes $452.64 billion for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and $18 billion for military construction and family housing, an increase over FY25 funding levels. This is the first of the twelve appropriations bills to be considered on the House floor and the Appropriations committee continues working to pass the remaining bills out of committee for floor consideration

Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:

“Under the leadership of Chairman Cole, the House passed the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. As a member of this subcommittee, I am focused on fully funding veterans’ health care, benefits, and programs and supporting our military families. This bill also reflects the priorities of the Trump Administration by protecting the Second Amendment rights of veterans and preventing funding for DEI initiatives and gender affirming care. I look forward to continuing the appropriations process and working to responsibly fund the federal government.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-votes-support-military-families-and-fully-fund-veterans-health-care,Cole Votes to Support Military Families and Fully Fund Veterans Health Care,2025-06-25,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:

“Today’s bill puts service and strength first – supporting U.S. veterans, military families, and base readiness. The Fiscal Year 2026 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill fully funds veteran health care and benefits, marking enhanced investments under President Trump. It strengthens the quality of life for the troops and their loved ones through housing and childcare resources. It reaffirms our commitment to peace through strength by providing for military base infrastructure and readiness efforts,” said Congressman Cole.

“In conclusion, this bill reflects the promise we owe our heroes – past and present. In every respect, by passing this legislation, we are upholding America’s values by honoring those who have served and those who still stand ready to defend our freedom,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-statement-iran-strike,Cole Statement on Iran Strike,2025-06-23,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Contact: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement regarding U.S. airstrikes in Iran:

“Tonight’s focused actions are about preventing a lethal weapon and war. After giving every chance to negotiate a solution, President Trump has ended years of appeasement that has emboldened the Iranian regime and its evil mullahs, the leading state sponsor of terror. It was an important and absolutely necessary step to neutralize a direct nuclear threat to regional and world peace and stability. This targeted action, only at nuclear sites, dramatically reduces risk to America, our troops, and our steadfast ally, Israel. The United States will always stand resolutely against terrorism and aggression. The Iranian regime has been disingenuous and unreliable - we've had no choice but to act. In face of threats, you will be met with strength – because that is how peace is kept. There is no greater force for freedom and stability than the U.S. God bless our troops and a mission that returns them, and keeps them, home,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1459,Congressman Josh Brecheen Leads Letter to EPA Asking for Answers on Negative Effects of Mifepristone Abortion Pill,2025-06-18,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen (R-OK), Senator James Lankford (R-OK), and over 20 lawmakers sent a letter to the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lee Zeldin inquiring about the full negative effects of the chemical abortion drug mifepristone, specifically on its potential contaminant effects on America’s water supply.

The Daily Wire wrote an exclusive report on the letter, which you can read here.

Congressman Josh Brecheen stated, “Abortion is one of the defining evils of our time. The Biden-Harris administration worked tirelessly to promote this evil, repeatedly lying about the ‘safety’ of the abortion pill and ignoring legitimate concerns about mifepristone’s widespread availability.

We recognize that the greatest tragedy of every abortion is the murder of the innocent. But we are also concerned that activist bureaucrats overlooked real public health risks posed by mifepristone in their crusade to expand abortion access.

With chemical abortion now the most common abortion method in America, the public deserves answers about how these potent hormone disruptors affect our water supply and contribute to our nation’s rising infertility rates.

We are grateful to work alongside an administration that recognizes the sanctity of life, as well as the importance of public health. We urge the EPA to use this opportunity to seriously review the contaminant effects of mifepristone.”

Senator James Lankford stated, “Federal regulators are rightfully eager to study the health effects of many chemicals in our water and septic systems, but they haven’t examined the environmental and public health risks of chemical abortion drugs like mifepristone in those same systems. Scientific research on the health effects of water sources where there are trace amounts of a chemical that is designed to end the life of a child in the womb should not be controversial.”

In support of the letter, Students for Life Action President Kristan Hawkins said, “Great leaders ask hard questions, making this letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) vital for consideration by the new Trump Administration. The Biden-Harris Administration recklessly used COVID to justify allowing No Test, Online Distribution of Chemical Abortion Pills, never checking whether the chemically tainted blood, placenta tissue, and human remains now flushed into our waterways by the hundreds of thousands was harming the environment. You don’t have to be pro-life to be concerned about endocrine disruptors in our waterways, potentially impacting our water safety, harming endangered species & our food supply, and perhaps even multiplying the rate of infertility. The Pro-Life Generation proudly stands with Rep. Josh Brecheen and Sen. James Lankford and all who joined this effort to make sure that America has crystal clear water by demanding that the EPA test what’s in the water.”

Brecheen and Lankford were joined by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (WY), Bernie Moreno (OH), and Jim Banks (IN), along with Representatives Andy Harris (R-MD), Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Kat Cammack (R-FL), Chip Roy (R-TX), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Brandon Gill (R-X), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Michael Guest (R-MS), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Eli Crane (R-AZ), Ben Cline (R-NC), Mary Miller (R-IL), Mark Harris (R-NC), Barry Moore (R-AL), Riley Moore (R-WV), Sheri Biggs (R-SC), and Eric Burlison (R-MO).

Background:

President Biden’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deregulated mifepristone, allowing pregnant women to receive this chemical abortion drug by mail delivery, without an in-person doctor visit. Since then, the number of abortions using mifepristone has grown dramatically, accounting for over 60% of all abortions in the United States. The increased use and disposal of mifepristone may increase levels of harmful chemicals in our water system due to the drug’s high levels of endocrine disruptors.

A copy of the full letter is available here.

###",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:34Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1457,Congressman Josh Brecheen Reintroduces Patriotism Not Pride Act,2025-06-17,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Patriotism Not Pride Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer resources to promote Pride Month or any event with a similar theme. The bill also prohibits the display of flags representing gender identity or sexual orientation by agencies on federal property.

“Our national flag is a symbol of the enduring principles that define our nation. When federal institutions display flags or use funding to promote destructive ideologies, it undermines the dignity of all Americans,” said Congressman Brecheen.

“Symbols matter. As our culture continues to decline in our country across all political lines, we chose to reintroduce this bill to reaffirm our commitment to truth, even when it is unpopular,” he added.

Daily Signal’s George Caldwell wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which is available to read here.

Original co-sponsors: Representatives Mary Miller, Glenn Grothman, Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, Mike Collins, and Anna Luna.

###

, Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Patriotism Not Pride Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer resources to promote Pride Month or any event with a similar theme. The bill also prohibits the display of flags representing gender identity or sexual orientation by agencies on federal property.

“Our national flag is a symbol of the enduring principles that define our nation. When federal institutions display flags or use funding to promote destructive ideologies, it undermines the dignity of all Americans,” said Congressman Brecheen.

“Symbols matter. As our culture continues to decline in our country across all political lines, we chose to reintroduce this bill to reaffirm our commitment to truth, even when it is unpopular,” he added.

Daily Signal’s George Caldwell wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which is available to read here.

Original co-sponsors: Representatives Mary Miller, Glenn Grothman, Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, Mike Collins, and Anna Luna.

###

, Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Patriotism Not Pride Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer resources to promote Pride Month or any event with a similar theme. The bill also prohibits the display of flags representing gender identity or sexual orientation by agencies on federal property.

“Our national flag is a symbol of the enduring principles that define our nation. When federal institutions display flags or use funding to promote destructive ideologies, it undermines the dignity of all Americans,” said Congressman Brecheen.

“Symbols matter. As our culture continues to decline in our country across all political lines, we chose to reintroduce this bill to reaffirm our commitment to truth, even when it is unpopular,” he added.

Daily Signal’s George Caldwell wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which is available to read here.

Original co-sponsors: Representatives Mary Miller, Glenn Grothman, Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, Mike Collins, and Anna Luna.

###

Washington, D.C. – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 17, 2025 – Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Patriotism Not Pride Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer resources to promote Pride Month or any event with a similar theme. The bill also prohibits the display of flags representing gender identity or sexual orientation by agencies on federal property.

“Our national flag is a symbol of the enduring principles that define our nation. When federal institutions display flags or use funding to promote destructive ideologies, it undermines the dignity of all Americans,” said Congressman Brecheen.

“Symbols matter. As our culture continues to decline in our country across all political lines, we chose to reintroduce this bill to reaffirm our commitment to truth, even when it is unpopular,” he added.

Daily Signal’s George Caldwell wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which is available to read here.

Original co-sponsors: Representatives Mary Miller, Glenn Grothman, Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, Mike Collins, and Anna Luna.

Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Patriotism Not Pride Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer resources to promote Pride Month or any event with a similar theme. The bill also prohibits the display of flags representing gender identity or sexual orientation by agencies on federal property.

“Our national flag is a symbol of the enduring principles that define our nation. When federal institutions display flags or use funding to promote destructive ideologies, it undermines the dignity of all Americans,” said Congressman Brecheen.

“Symbols matter. As our culture continues to decline in our country across all political lines, we chose to reintroduce this bill to reaffirm our commitment to truth, even when it is unpopular,” he added.

Daily Signal’s George Caldwell wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which is available to read here.

Original co-sponsors: Representatives Mary Miller, Glenn Grothman, Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, Mike Collins, and Anna Luna.

###

Today, Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Patriotism Not Pride Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer resources to promote Pride Month or any event with a similar theme. The bill also prohibits the display of flags representing gender identity or sexual orientation by agencies on federal property.

“Our national flag is a symbol of the enduring principles that define our nation. When federal institutions display flags or use funding to promote destructive ideologies, it undermines the dignity of all Americans,” said Congressman Brecheen.

“Symbols matter. As our culture continues to decline in our country across all political lines, we chose to reintroduce this bill to reaffirm our commitment to truth, even when it is unpopular,” he added.

Daily Signal’s George Caldwell wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which is available to read here.

Original co-sponsors: Representatives Mary Miller, Glenn Grothman, Brandon Gill, Paul Gosar, Mike Collins, and Anna Luna.

###",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:34Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-bice-supports-rescission-package,Congresswoman Bice Supports Rescission Package,2025-06-12,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.- The Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-344) sets up a process through which an administration may request that Congress rescind previously appropriated funds. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to eliminate $9.4 billion in unobligated spending at the State Department, USAID, CBP, and other programs. In total, there were 22 rescissions.

Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:

“The United States is on an unsustainable fiscal path with the national debt nearing $37 trillion dollars. This is why I voted for the rescission package, which seeks to codify DOGE’s mission to root out waste, fraud, and abuse. The United States should not be spending nearly a million dollars on electoral reform and voter education in Kenya, a million dollars for voter ID in Haiti, $500,000 for electric buses in Rwanda, or $643,000 for LGBTQ programs in the Western Balkans.”

“I also want to address funding for the Corporation of Public Broadcasting. This rescissions package will not affect emergency alert systems, which are vital for states like Oklahoma. While NPR plays a crucial role locally, this rescission package only targets 1% of their federal dollars. Furthermore, for too long, NPR has promoted left-wing narratives and have funded left-wing causes in violation of the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967. Political bias should not exist in government funded broadcasting.”

Contact: Wesley Harkins

Phone: (202) 225-2132",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-votes-favor-rescinding-wasteful-spending,Cole Votes in Favor of Rescinding Wasteful Spending,2025-06-12,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after co-sponsoring and voting in favor of the Recissions Act of 2025, which rescinds $9.4 billion of wasteful spending identified by President Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE):

“Responsible governance means prioritizing fiscal sanity and holding Washington accountable. Just as everyday Americans make tough choices and cut costs, so should the government,” said Congressman Cole.

“This rescissions package is part of that objective, as it will advance accountability and save hard-earned tax-payer dollars. It is another step in fulfilling the promise President Trump and House Republicans made to the American people – to change the trajectory of our fiscal glide path and restore discipline across federal agencies,” said Congressman Cole.

“I commend Majority Leader Scalise’s work and willingness to hear various perspectives on this proposal. Taken as a whole, this effort reflects a shared understanding that the status quo cannot remain, and I am steadfast in my support of advancing that comprehensive mission. This is just the start, as we will continue to reevaluate federal spending and target investments where they are needed most,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3109,Hern Votes to Cut Wasteful and Fraudulent Spending,2025-06-12,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01) voted in favor of HR 4, a rescissions package eliminating over $9 billion of previously appropriated funds.

“A country that’s $37 trillion in debt needs to make tough fiscal decisions,” said Chairman Hern. “This isn’t easy, which is why President Trump is the only president in the last 25 years to submit a rescissions request to Congress. Cutting spending is difficult, but allowing our deficits to continue to grow is much worse. We’re never going to right this ship without making tough decisions, which is why I’m thankful for the stalwart leadership of President Donald Trump.”

This proposal rescinds $9.4 billion in previously appropriated funds, designated for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) within the Department of State, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the United States Institute of Peace, and other international assistance programs.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-secures-145-billion-disaster-recovery-american-communities,Cole Secures $1.45 Billion in Disaster Recovery for American Communities,2025-06-11,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Through his legislation, The American Relief Act, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) secured about $1.45 billion for the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program. This disaster recovery funding will be used by American communities that received major disaster declarations due to hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms and flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters occurring in 2023 or 2024. After the EDA money was announced, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“As a lifelong Oklahoman, I know just how much destruction natural disasters, like tornadoes, can cause. In fact, just last year, the towns of Sulphur and Marietta in Oklahoma’s Fourth District were devastated by tornadoes. Now, with this EDA grant funding, communities will be able to not only rebuild but also plan for long-term recovery and future resiliency,” said Congressman Cole.“I look forward to seeing this funding being put to good use and I thank President Trump and Secretary Lutnick for their commitment to helping Americans.”

How to apply for assistance:

If you are a state, local or tribal government, an economic development district, a higher education institution, an economic development organization, a public or private non-profit working with local government, or a public-private partnership for public infrastructure you are an eligible applicant for this disaster supplemental grant program.

Additionally, projects must be located in, primarily serve, or demonstrably benefit one or more communities in areas that received a major disaster designation occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024. You can check eligibility here.

Readiness and implementation grant applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or a Notice of Funding Opportunity is canceled.

Industry Transformation grant applications are due Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 5:00 pm Eastern Time.

Applications must be submitted online through the EDA’s portal. You can find the portal here. The required materials are detailed in Section D.2 of the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

Please stay tuned for future announcements as additional disaster assistance is released and available to Oklahomans.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/release-congresswoman-bice-supports-local-communities,Release: Congresswoman Bice Supports Local Communities,2025-06-10,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.- Recently, the city of Seminole was notified by the Environmental Protection Agency that funds requested by Congresswoman Bice in the FY 2023 Appropriations Bill have been awarded. These funds will be used for a new water tower replacement. This is an upgrade from the previous tower which was constructed in the 1930s and will drastically increase water quality and capacity for the community in Seminole.

Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:

“Working on the Appropriations Committee gives me the opportunity to upgrade and expand critical infrastructure needs in our communities. This water tower project will ensure that the Seminole community can continue to expand and grow while having access to reliable, safe water. I will continue to advocate for towns throughout the Fifth Congressional District of Oklahoma.”

Mayor Cory Crabtree issued the following statement:

""Congresswoman Bice has been a champion for our citizens and our community. She spent quality time with our people after the May 2022 tornado and sympathized with the adversity we were facing. Out of those challenges the Congresswoman responded in a big way to relieve a major challenge. This water tower is critical to sustain our community and it ensures we have the opportunity to continue our growth.""

City Manager Steve Saxon issued the following statement:

""I'm not sure words can describe how grateful we are for what Stephanie Bice has done for us. We are lucky to have such a stateswoman representing us in Congress. This water tower will serve Seminole for decades. Making this kind of generational investment represents what good governance can look like.""

Contact: Wesley Harkins

Phone: (202) 225-2132",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-welcomes-dod-secretary-pete-hegseth-house-appropriations-defense,Cole Welcomes DoD Secretary Pete Hegseth to the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee,2025-06-10,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), along with Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41), welcomed Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee for an oversight hearing. After the hearing, Cole released the following statement:

“We are living in a time of significant global uncertainty. The threats facing America are diverse and evolving and therefore demand a strong, agile, and effectively funded Department of Defense. As Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, it is a priority of mine to do this by not only ensuring that our troops are fully equipped, trained, and prepared to meet any challenge, but also addressing the modernization of our military capabilities in a time when the nature of war is constantly shifting with new technologies,” said Congressman Cole.

“It was a great pleasure to welcome Secretary Hegseth to the Subcommittee today, as I am committed to working with him to ensure a strong defense. At the very least, we owe it to our brave men and women in uniform,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-votes-put-american-small-businesses-first,Cole Votes to Put American Small Businesses First,2025-06-06,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) voted in favor of a series of small business bills, including H.R. 2931, the Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act, and H.R. 2966, the American Entrepreneurs First Act. After voting for these bills, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“As a proud Oklahoman, I am constantly inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit and can-do attitude of Oklahoma workers and small businesses, which employ more than half our state’s workforce. Therefore, as the Representative for the Fourth District, I will always support policies that strengthen American small businesses and the economy as a whole. In voting in favor of H.R. 2931, which ensures SBA employees do not encounter violent, illegal aliens, and H.R. 2966, which guarantees that illegal aliens are not taking small business loans away from law-abiding American businesses, I am doing just that,” said Congressman Cole. “I am proud to have voted in favor of these pieces of legislation this week, as I will always do all I can to protect hardworking Oklahomans.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:34:38Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3108,"Hern Introduces Bill to Tax Third-Party Litigation Funding, Curb Frivolous Lawsuits",2025-06-02,2025,2025-06,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) introduced HR 3512, the Tackling Predatory Litigation Funding Act to the House of Representatives this week, addressing the out-of-control third-party litigation funding (TPLF) market and providing much-needed relief for the middle class and curbing frivolous lawsuits. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) is leading the companion bill in the Senate.

""Third party funders shouldn't be allowed to meddle tax-free in the American legal system,” said Rep. Hern. “Frivolous lawsuits have gotten out of control in recent years, largely because of these third-party funders fueling a market that is ballooning. Taxing these third-party entities will limit unmeritorious lawsuits and provide economic relief to the middle class.""

“Predatory litigation financing allows outside funders, including foreign entities, to profit off our legal system, driving up costs and delaying justice,” said Senator Tillis. “This legislation will bring much-needed transparency and accountability by taxing these profits and deterring abusive practices that undermine the integrity of our courts.”

TPLF allows investors, including questionable and foreign entities, to fund U.S. lawsuits tax-free, fueling a $15 billion market that is projected to reach $30 billion in just five years. TPLF incentivizes frivolous litigation, questionable trial lawyer tactics, and a “tort tax” costing consumers thousands of dollars annually.

The Tackling Predatory Litigation Funding Act will tax TPLF profits at the highest individual income tax rate (37%) plus 3.8%. The tax will only apply to third-party funders of lawsuits with formal financing agreements and does not apply to lawyers or parties directly involved in the case. Deals under $10,000 or simple loans are excluded from the tax.

The policies included in this legislation are supported by a coalition of 18 consumer, free-market, and taxpayer organizations, including the American Consumer Institute, Americans for Tax Reform, National Taxpayers Union, Taxpayer Protection Alliance, Advancing American Freedom, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, and more.

You can see the full bill text here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T01:08:28Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-passage-one-big-beautiful-bill,Bice on the Passage of One Big Beautiful Bill,2025-05-22,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Bice voted in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill, legislation which helps unleash American energy, provides tax cuts to Oklahoman families and businesses, and helps President Trump fully secure our border, and safeguard our country. This legislation, which is being considered as part of reconciliation, now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:

“The One Big Beautiful Bill is an opportunity to extend tax relief for Oklahomans, preventing them from facing a nearly $1200 tax hike next year. This legislation supports families, finishes President Trump’s border wall, and provides additional resources to further secure and safeguard our nation. While this process has been long, I appreciate all the thoughtful debate and will continue engaging with my colleagues as we move forward.”

The legislation will:

Keep the Border Secure- Make the largest investment in border security in a generation; finish the border wall; and give our border patrol agents and immigration enforcement agencies the resources they need to detain and deport illegal aliens.

Grow Our Economy & Cut Taxes- Prevent the largest tax increase in American history; eliminate taxes on tips and overtime; provide tax relief for seniors, job creators, small businesses, and farmers

Make Our Government More Efficient- Reduce the size and scope of government; root out waste, fraud, and abuse; bring bloated and inefficient programs back to their initial intent; and enact historic savings to put our nation on a sound fiscal trajectory

Restore America’s Energy Dominance- Empower American energy producers; dismantle burdensome Green New Deal regulations; reform the permitting process; and boost our energy security",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-congratulates-2025-ok-04-congressional-art-competition-winners,Cole Congratulates 2025 OK-04 Congressional Art Competition Winners,2025-05-22,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Oklahoma – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Oklahoma’s Fourth District:

Lillian Dai of Norman, Oklahoma has been named the first-place winner. Dai attends Norman North High School and studies art under her teacher, Sheila Hunter. For the Congressional Art Competition, Dai submitted a piece titled “Outside World,” which is a colored pencil drawing of a girl troubled by her mundane responsibilities and reminded of her own exhaustion merely by the things in her room. The drawing will be brought to Washington, D.C. and hang in the United States Capitol Building for an entire year.

“I am thrilled to congratulate Lillian on being selected as the Fourth District’s overall winner for the 2025 Congressional Art Competition,” said Congressman Cole. “Her colored pencil drawing is unique, intriguing, and very colorful. It is clear that Lillian is very talented, and I am sure she has a bright future in the arts ahead of her.”

When asked about her artwork, Dai said, “My artwork for the Congressional Art Competition is inspired by the common emotions and feelings that both I and my peers at high school typically feel as we take on harder classes and have increased responsibilities. It is not uncommon for us to spend late nights working. Exhaustion mingles with imagination, as we dream of a new environment or situation that will allow us a break. The indigo shadows envelop her form, reminding her of the work she needs to put in to accomplish her dreams, but for a moment the illumination of the fantastical scenery in her cup gives her the chance to daydream the world outside her room.”

“Lillian has made significant strides in the art world during her high school career. This year, she garnered notable recognition by winning two silver keys, a gold key, and a gold medal for her exceptional drawings in the Scholastic Art and Writing competition. In addition to her recent achievements, Lillian secured second place in last year’s Congressional Art competition and is proud to represent Oklahoma's 4th district this year. As her mentor, I have thoroughly enjoyed assisting Lillian in preparing for various art competitions and exhibitions. She shows a remarkable understanding of composition and color; her colored pencil pieces take many dedicated hours to complete. I eagerly anticipate her continued growth as an artist in her upcoming senior year,” said Hunter, Norman North High School Art Teacher.

In addition to naming Lillian the winner, two runner-up winners were named through a “People’s Choice” contest online, which was conducted through Congressman Cole’s social media channels and website with votes collected over the course of a week. Out of the 1,112 votes cast, artwork by Katelyn Estes and Emily Shields received the most. Both students’ artwork will be displayed in Congressman Cole’s Oklahoma office for the next year.

“Every year, so many accomplished high school students from across the Fourth District submit beautiful pieces of artwork to my office for consideration for the Congressional Art Competition. While only one piece can make its way to D.C., I think it is only right to recognize the other gifted artists by holding the People’s Choice competition. Congratulations to Katelyn and Emily for being selected as this year’s second and third-place winners. I am excited to have their beautiful art hanging in my Oklahoma office for the next year,” said Congressman Cole.

Katelyn Estes, the second-place winner, resides in Stratford, Oklahoma and attends Stratford High School, where she studies art under her teacher, Shea Meyer. For the contest, she submitted a piece titled “All Sass, All Heart,” which is a pencil drawing of a barrel horse turning around barrel with the rider partly visible.

“This drawing was inspired by my barrel horse, Jaz. She gives everything she has every time we race, and I wanted to reflect that in this piece – along with the bold, sassy personality that makes her who she is. That’s why I titled it All Sass, All Heart – Jaz,” said Estes.

“Katelyn is a great student. She works hard and takes any advice that I give to her and applies it to her work. She not only works in class, but she works on projects at home, especially when she is trying to get something done for a show or contest. I wish I had a class full of students like her. I am very proud of all she has accomplished so far, and I look forward to what she will do in the future,” said Meyer, Stratford High School Art Teacher.

Emily Shields of Purcell, Oklahoma is the third-place winner. She attends Purcell High School, where she studies art under her teacher, Jon Corea. For the Congressional Art Competition, Shields submitted artwork titled “Before the Storm,” which is an acrylic painting of a wild stallion observing the “calm before the storm” sunset in the Wichita Mountains while standing in a valley of Indian Paintbrushes.

When asked about her artwork, Shields said, “I was inspired by all of the incredible western paintings I see with the massive, golden storm clouds on the horizon. Those paintings always invoke such a sense of foreboding in me while also being breathtaking. I also wanted to include a homage to Oklahoma and my mother who loves Indian Paintbrushes. Overall, this painting was one of the first I have encouraged myself to see through to the end, and I am pleasantly satisfied with the results.”

“Emily is a remarkably talented and driven young artist. Her dedication to her craft is evident in the intense focus she brings to each piece she creates. Whether she's working with bold colors, intricate details, or exploring new techniques, Emily consistently produces work that is thoughtful, expressive, and technically strong. Her creativity and commitment to improvement have always impressed me, and I continue to be amazed by the quality and originality of her artwork,” said Corea, Purcell High School Art Teacher.

For information on the Congressional Art Competition, click here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-votes-favor-one-big-beautiful-bill-act,"Cole Votes in Favor of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act",2025-05-22,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the House Republican Reconciliation bill, also known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill, which will codify President Trump’s agenda:

“Last November, we were given a clear mandate by 77 million Americans who voted for change. The American people overwhelmingly voted for a secure border, the resurgence of American energy dominance, strong national security, an extension of the Trump tax cuts, and a more efficient federal government that roots out fraud, waste, and abuse of taxpayer dollars. Now, today, in passing this Reconciliation bill, House Republicans have codified President Trump and the American people’s full agenda,” said Congressman Cole.

“This legislation will deliver resources to secure our border and complete the border wall, make generational investments in America’s defense, and unleash our domestic energy potential, which will lower costs, create jobs, and protect national security. It will provide permanent tax relief for families, workers, and mom-and-pop businesses by making the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent and protecting the average taxpayer from a 22 percent tax hike,” said Congressman Cole.

“Despite the lies that dishonest Democrats engaging in fearmongering are spreading, the One Big, Beautiful Bill will actually strengthen, secure, and sustain Medicaid by reestablishing Medicaid as a program that provides vital healthcare to vulnerable Americans and stopping the subsidization of illegal immigrants and capable adults who are just choosing not to work. Therefore, this is not Republicans cutting Medicaid. It is common-sense policy that will simply root out waste, fraud, and abuse within the program,” said Congressman Cole.

“I am proud to have voted for the Republican Reconciliation legislation today, as it fulfills the promises we made to the American people, and I encourage the United States Senate to help us to deliver the result that the majority of Americans voted for,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3106,"One Big, Beautiful Bill Passes the House",2025-05-22,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01) celebrated the passage of the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act in the House of Representatives this morning.

“President Trump and the American people gave us a clear mandate; today we delivered,” said Rep. Hern. “While Democrats have been demagoguing and fearmongering, spreading lies about what this legislation does or doesn’t do, Republicans have been working hard to deliver real relief to working families and small businesses. I am proud of the work we did on this legislation, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”

Here are Rep. Hern’s remarks during floor debate.

Included in the legislation were several priorities previously introduced by Rep. Hern, the WIRED Act and the Education and Workforce Freedom Act.

Previously introduced as HR 6817, the WIRED Act establishes a fee on certain remittance transfers out of the country to target cartel activity and help fund border security. Last Congress, Rep. Hern led the House bill, and then-Senator J.D. Vance led the Senate version of the bill. The legislation is based on a similar policy enacted by the State of Oklahoma.

“Republicans are delivering on President Trump’s agenda, and I’m proud to see my legislation included,” said Rep. Hern. “This bill was originally inspired by successful legislation happening right here in Oklahoma. I was able to take this great idea that our state legislature enacted and work with now-Vice President Vance to scale it up to the federal level. We must be using every tool at our disposal to combat the cartels.”

The Education and Workforce Freedom Act, previously introduced as HR 8915, expands tax-advantaged 529 accounts to allow K-12 students from public, private, religious or home school settings to use those funds. It also allows the funds to be used for licensing and credentialing expenses, modernizing our tax code to meet the demands of the American workforce.

“Any parent will tell you that they know what’s better for their kids than the government,” said Rep. Hern. “Parents should be allowed to use their 529 tax-advantaged accounts to get their children the education they deserve, according to their individual needs. Including this provision in our One Big, Beautiful Bill puts us one step closer to a stronger education system and better outcomes for students of all backgrounds.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-conducts-hearing-secretary-state-marco-rubio,Cole Conducts Hearing with Secretary of State Marco Rubio,2025-05-21,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) and Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-26) led a budget hearing on the Department of State, where they collected testimony from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. After the hearing, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“Peace through strength is not a matter of chance. It is the result of effective policy, national focus, and marshaling resources to where they drive the maximum impact – and the America First agenda advances that critical doctrine. Under the Trump Administration, weakness and the detrimental policies of the previous administration will no longer harm our nation. U.S. taxpayer dollars will not be funneled to extreme agendas and initiatives that have undermined trust in foreign assistance programs. The Trump Administration has been clear about a new path forward, and I thank and support Secretary Rubio for his efforts to reorganize and streamline State Department operations to better integrate programs with our nation’s diplomatic and strategic objectives,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-secures-funding-historic-areas-affected-natural-disasters,Cole Secures Funding for Historic Areas Affected by Natural Disasters,2025-05-21,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Through his legislation, The American Relief Act, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) secured $50 million in competitive grant funding for the Historic Preservation Fund. This funding will allow areas, such as Historic Downtown Sulphur Commercial District, to be able to reconstruct and rehabilitate resources that were damaged or destroyed by natural disasters occurring in 2023 and/or 2024. After securing the funding, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“As a lifelong Oklahoman, I know just how much devastation and destruction natural disasters, like tornadoes, can cause. This past Spring, multiple tornadoes devastated parts of my district, including the Town of Sulphur and its Historic Downtown Commercial District. Therefore, today, I am proud to announce that $50 million secured in my legislation is now available to apply for to help rebuild and support the local downtowns, businesses, and historic areas that have been crushed,” said Congressman Cole. “As the representative for the Fourth District of Oklahoma, I will always ensure that I am fighting for my local communities, and I look forward to seeing this funding be put to good use.”

How to apply for assistance:

Entities will be able to apply for two types of funding needs – preservation and capacity.

PRESERVATION:

For this grant, eligible applicants are state governments, city of town governments, county governments, Native American tribes, certain nonprofits, special district governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, independent school districts, Native American tribal organizations, and private institutions of higher education. The funding can be used for construction and rebuilding efforts of Historic Preservation Funding sites that have incurred damage in a natural disaster in 2023 and/or in 2024.

To apply for the emergency supplemental historic preservation fund for preservation needs, click here. The application period is now open and will close on July 15, 2025.

CAPACITY:

For this grant, eligible applicants are nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status, Native American tribes, and state governments. This funding can be used for capacity building, completing compliance requirements, survey, planning, and design.

To apply for the emergency supplemental historic preservation fund for capacity needs, click here. The application is now open and will close on June 12, 2025.

Please stay tuned for future announcements as additional disaster assistance is released and available to Oklahomans.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-davids-announce-congressional-native-american-caucus-vice-chairs-119th,"Cole, Davids Announce Congressional Native American Caucus Vice Chairs for the 119th Congress",2025-05-20,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro , Zac Donley

Washington, D.C. – Today, Co-Chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus, Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congresswoman Sharice Davids (D-KS), announced the new Vice Chairs of the Caucus. Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) will serve as the Republican Vice Chair and Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) will serve as the Democrat Vice Chair.

After selecting the Vice Chairs, the Representatives released the following statements:

“I am excited to welcome Representatives Begich and Stansbury to the leadership team of the Congressional Native American Caucus. With their help, Congresswoman Davids and I will be able to better educate and inform Members of Congress on the unique issues concerning Native Americans and the constitutional rights of tribes. I look forward to all working together on this vital mission, which will improve the lives of tribes across the country” said Congressman Cole.

“It’s an important moment for the bipartisan Congressional Native American Caucus as we welcome Representatives Melanie Stansbury and Nick Begich as new Vice Chairs. Their dedication to Tribal communities and commitment to bipartisan collaboration will help us continue advancing policies that respect Tribal sovereignty and improve the lives of Native people across the country,” said Congresswoman Davids.

“I am honored to be selected as a Co-Vice Chair of the Native American Caucus. Representing Alaska - home to over 200 federally recognized Tribes - I recognize the importance of advocating for the voices of Alaska Natives in Congress and many of the challenges tribal communities face. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to advance lasting solutions that reinforce self-determination and well-being for Native Americans across the nation,” said Congressman Begich.

“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair for the Native American Caucus. It is our duty to ensure that the United States partners with and upholds its trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal Nations. This bipartisan caucus is integral to that work and the fight to protect and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities across the country. I look forward to continuing to do this work in the 119th Congress,” said Congresswoman Stansbury.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1447,"Congressman Brecheen and Congressman Roy Introduce Energy Freedom Act to End Biden's Trillion-Dollar ""Green New Deal"" Tax Subsidies with Senator Mike Lee",2025-05-13,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Background:

Since its enactment in 2022, the IRA has enacted or expanded the Biden Administration’s green energy tax credits, projected to cost taxpayers between $825 billion (CBO) and over $1 trillion in the next decade (Goldman Sachs), and up to $4.7 trillion by 2050 (CATO). These subsidies entice utilities to overbuild unreliable sources of energy, driving up costs and undermining grid stability.

The Energy Freedom Act would:

Eliminate more than 20 green energy tax credits created or expanded by the IRA for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Save American taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade.

Repeal the Inflation Reduction Act’s petroleum tax.

Protect grid reliability and lower consumer energy costs by creating a level playing field for all energy sources.

Close loopholes that allow entities to monetize green energy subsidies.

What will happen if we don't repeal these green energy subsidies?

Wind and solar will displace natural gas on the electric grid. In 2024 alone, solar represented 61% of all new electricity generation in our nation, with more expected this year according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The stability and independence of our electric grid will be put in jeopardy. By the end of this year, wind generation in the U.S. is expected to increase 11% from 2023 because of these green energy subsidies.

American jobs and economic growth will be outsourced to China. It's important to note that the majority of solar components we continue to use are manufactured in China, meaning we are subsidizing Chinese industry.

Estimates project the Inflation Reduction Act will cost between $825 billion—according to the Congressional Budget Office as of January 2025—and over $1 trillion, per analysts at Goldman Sachs, over the next decade.

Representatives Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Scott Perry (R-PA), Warren Davidson (R-OH), Eli Crane (R-AZ), and Barry Moore (R-AL) are the original cosponsors.

Daily Caller wrote an exclusive story on the bill, which you can read here.

Read the full text of this legislation here.

Press Inquiries: darren.dershem@mail.house.gov

###",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:33Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-bice-applauds-president-trumps-signing-her-legislation-overturn,Congresswoman Bice Applauds President Trump’s Signing of Her Legislation to Overturn Burdensome Refrigeration Regulations,2025-05-09,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Bice joined President Donald J. Trump at the White House as he signed her legislation H.J.Resolution 24, into law. The resolution permanently nullifies restrictive Biden-era regulations on walk-in coolers and freezers, which placed significant financial strain on small businesses and highlighted blatant federal overreach.

“Today is a victory for America’s small businesses,”said Congresswoman Bice. “I was honored to stand with President Trump as he signed my legislation into law. From pharmacies and food banks to restaurants and convenience stores, industries that rely on commercial refrigeration will no longer be burdened by this regulation. By overturning this rule, we are protecting economic freedom, preserving consumer choice, and ensuring businesses aren’t forced to bear unnecessary costs. I’m grateful to my colleagues in Congress who recognized the need to act decisively. With the President’s signature, we’ve taken a meaningful step to rein in bureaucracy, keep costs low, and restore commonsense to federal rulemaking.”

The now-signed resolution was introduced by Rep. Bice under the Congressional Review Act to stop the Biden Administration’s Department of Energy’s December 2024 rule, which would have imposed costly new energy efficiency mandates on commercial refrigeration units. The rule, with an estimated compliance cost of nearly $1 billion, was widely criticized by businesses, manufacturers, and consumer advocacy groups for increasing operational costs while delivering minimal energy savings. Rep. Bice’s legislation received bipartisan support in the House, reflecting broad concern over the regulatory overreach.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-applauds-president-trump-historic-us-uk-trade-deal,Cole Applauds President Trump on Historic U.S.-UK Trade Deal,2025-05-08,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement applauding President Trump for his success in negotiating a trade deal between the United States and the United Kingdom, which is our fourth largest trade partner:

“Today, President Trump delivered a historic U.S.-UK trade deal, which every American, no matter political party or ideology, should be happy to see. It will not only provide American companies with unprecedented access to British markets, but it will also bolster our national security. Specifically, this deal will create a $5 billion opportunity for new exports for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and producers, many of which I represent in Oklahoma’s Fourth District, as well as maximize the competitiveness and secure the supply chain of U.S. defense manufactures,” said Congressman Cole.

“Today proves that countries will come to the negotiating table. Congratulations to the Trump Administration, and I look forward to seeing the future trade deals to come,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-conducts-dhs-oversight,Cole Conducts DHS Oversight,2025-05-07,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after he and Subcommittee Chairman Mark Amodei (NV-02) led the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security oversight hearing to collect testimony from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on a range of pressing issues including securing the border, combatting fentanyl trafficking, strengthening personnel recruitment, and protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats:

“In less than 100 days, we watched our southern border go from chaos to closed. The decisive actions and common-sense measures of the Trump Administration have led to a historic turnaround, driving illegal crossings to record lows and ensuring removal of dangerous criminals. President Trump, Secretary Noem, and the rest of his cabinet have delivered on the promise to have the most secure border in modern American history, and our nation is safer as a result. It is imperative that investments for effective border security and enforcement are strong, and I am dedicated to working with the members on the Appropriations Committee and across the Capitol to ensure the Department of Homeland Security is properly resourced,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-rep-bice-houlahan-unveil-pivotal-paid-family-leave-legislation,ICYMI: Rep. Bice & Houlahan Unveil Pivotal Paid Family Leave Legislation,2025-05-05,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Last week, Representatives Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Co-Chairs of the Bipartisan House Paid Family Leave Working Group, held a press conference at the House Triangle to unveil the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act. This legislation consists of two parts: the Paid Family Leave Public Partnerships Act and the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network Act (I-PLAN-Act). This bipartisan legislative package is designed to expand access to paid family leave across the country through state-driven, innovative, and sustainable solutions. The United States remains one of the few developed nations without a national paid family leave policy. While some states have made strides to fill this gap, many American workers still lack access to basic paid leave benefits. This legislation recognizes the innovative work happening in states and provides scalable support, while offering coordination tools to reduce inconsistencies across state lines.

This legislation is the culmination of two years of collaboration between an evenly split group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Alongside Reps. Bice and Houlahan, the working group includes Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Julia Letlow (R-LA), Don Beyer (D-VA), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), and Jimmy Gomez (D-CA).

“As a mother myself, I recognize the challenges and the importance of uplifting working parents so that they do not have to choose between caring for a newborn and a paycheck. The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act empowers states to create their own sustainable paid leave programs through public-private partnerships, while also ensuring coordination and consistency across state lines,”said Representative Bice. We’re not mandating a one-size-fits-all federal program, we’re building a flexible federal strategy that supports state innovation and addresses the real challenges families face today.”

""Today's introduction of a bipartisan paid leave package is monumental. Regardless of party, Americans believe that Congress must act and support efforts nationwide to advance paid family and medical leave. The More Paid Leave for More Americans Act and I-PLAN Act will provide pathways for states to increase access to paid leave, exchange data, and support efforts to streamline best practices and meet the needs of the employees and employers both,”said Representative Houlahan. “I am grateful to the partnership of Rep. Bice and my six other colleagues who join us in this introduction. We still have our work cut out for us, both on these bills and in the continued fight for paid leave for all Americans, but I am determined to keep pushing until we get to the very end and am proud of the immense progress we have made today""

“While the rise in state-level paid family leave laws has provided access to this critical benefit for millions of workers, the distinct requirements of each program present compliance challenges for multistate employers. BPC Action is proud to endorse the I-PLAN Act and the More Paid Leave for More Americans Act to improve the efficiency of existing paid family and medical leave programs, help establish new paid family leave programs, and promote greater uniformity across states. We commend the House Bipartisan Paid Family Leave Working Group, chaired by Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), for their leadership and commitment to addressing this issue that impacts so many Americans,”says Michele Stockwell, president of Bipartisan Policy Center Action.

Bill Information:

1. Title I: The Paid Family Leave Public Partnerships Act:

This three-year pilot program administered by the Department of Labor provides competitive grants to states that establish paid family leave programs through partnerships with private entities. To qualify, states must offer:

At least 6 weeks of paid leave for birth or adoption.

Wage replacement of between 50% and 67% based on income with a maximum benefit amount equal to 150% of the state’s average weekly wage.

A public-private partnership model, such as those used in New Hampshire and Colorado.

Participation in the Interstate Paid Leave Action Network (I-PLAN) for harmonization across states.

2. Title II: The Interstate Paid Leave Action Network Act (I-PLAN Act):

This initiative creates a national framework to help states coordinate benefits, share data, and reduce confusion for workers who live and work in different states. The I-PLAN will:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:49:36Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3103,Trump Budget Plan is a Win for America,2025-05-02,2025,2025-05,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement in support of President Trump’s budget proposal for FY 2026.

“President Trump continues to follow through on the America First Agenda with a budget proposal that makes good on the promises he made to the American people,” said Chairman Hern. “The President’s plan will increase border security funding, unleash American energy production, and protect the American Dream for future generations. It’s a win for America. Thank you, President Trump!”

###

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https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases/lankford-in-the-hill-congress-can-end-government-shutdowns-and-partisan-brinksmanship/,Lankford in The Hill: “Congress Can End Government Shutdowns and Partisan Brinksmanship”,2025-04-23,2025,2025-04,Republican,Senate,OK,James Lankford,L000575,www.lankford.senate.gov,lankford,https://www.lankford.senate.gov/news/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) recently wrote a column in The Hill about his Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025. Read it below or find it in The Hill HERE.

By: James Lankford and Will Burger, senior federal affairs liaison at Americans for Prosperity

Increasingly, Americans are forced to watch the same avoidable drama unfold in Washington: a government shutdown, partisan brinkmanship, and last-minute deals that satisfy almost no one. Federal workers are frustrated with furloughs and missed paychecks. Small businesses that rely on government contracts face constant uncertainty. Federal services are delayed. Markets wobble. Public trust erodes a little more each shutdown.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Congress should pass the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act. Ending shutdown politics is not a partisan victory; it’s a structural reform that serves the long-term interests of the country. It would help restore a functional appropriations process, strengthen Congress’s constitutional role over federal spending and end the stupidity of shutdowns.

Right now, the Department of Homeland Security has been shut down for more than 40 days. TSA officers, Coast Guard personnel, cybersecurity professionals, FEMA staff, customs officials, and federal investigators responsible for fighting drug cartels, human trafficking networks, and child exploitation have been either working without pay or unable to work at all. These are the professionals protecting Americans at airports, ports of entry, and online from cyber threats, they should be supported, not ignored.

The Department of Homeland Security was created after the 9/11 attacks, to ensure the United States never again misses the warning signs that could prevent a tragedy. Yet today, at a time of heightened global tensions and evolving cyber threats, the very department tasked with protecting the homeland is unfunded. That is incompetent governance and irresponsible national security.

Government shutdowns are often described as leverage — tools one party can use to extract concessions from the other. In practice, they harm ordinary Americans far more than political adversaries. The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act addresses this structural flaw directly.

If Congress fails to pass appropriations bills on time, the bill automatically continues government funding at current levels through a temporary continuing resolution and it keeps the congressional negotiations going until they are solved. Under the new law, members of Congress would be required to remain in Washington and continue working seven days a week, until the spending bills are finished. Official travel, recesses and consideration of other legislation would be restricted until the appropriation bills are done. It is as simple as the reality at school of staying after class, if you don’t finish your work.

If the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act passed, federal workers would not suffer the cost of congressional gridlock, members of Congress would suffer the cost. Critical services, from national security operations to airport screening to disaster response, would continue as normal, even as Congress works to complete the appropriations process. This would make a big difference, since the last year all 12 appropriations bills were passed on time was 1997.

Removing the shutdown threat would restore the focus to policy rather than crisis management.

The U.S. faces serious challenges: rising debt, global instability, cyber threats, and growing demands on federal agencies. Addressing those challenges requires a government that can function predictably and responsibly.

The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act will not eliminate partisan disagreement. Nor should it. Robust debate over spending priorities is healthy in a democracy. But manufactured crises damage our republic. We should have serious, even heated, debates to solve our debt and deficit, but federal workers and the American people should be held harmless during the fight.

At a moment when Americans are hungry for evidence that their leaders can still govern responsibly, passing the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act would be a meaningful place to start.

###",1,2026-04-23T05:48:52Z,2026-04-23T05:50:10Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-statement-30th-anniversary-oklahoma-city-bombing,Cole Statement on 30th Anniversary of Oklahoma City Bombing,2025-04-21,2025,2025-04,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – On the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement:

“On April 19, 1995, an awful act of domestic terrorism occurred at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. Today, thirty years later, we remember the 168 precious lives that were brutally taken from us that day and pray for those who still mourn a loved one whose days were cut short,” said Congressman Cole.

“As I reflect on this tragic day, I will also never forget the way our state responded to this horrific event. Oklahoma was launched onto the worldwide stage without any warning. Yet, we responded so strongly, swiftly, and compassionately – one of the many reasons I am proud to be an Oklahoman,” said Congressman Cole.

“In conclusion, today, on the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, we mourn the innocent lives that were prematurely taken from us, grieve with those who lost a loved one on that heartbreaking day, thank our first responders and governing officials who responded so honorably, and stand strong with our fellow Oklahomans. They will not be forgotten,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1440,"Congressman Josh Brecheen Reintroduces The DRIVE Act To Protect Ranchers, Farmers, and Truckers from Government Overreach",2025-04-17,2025,2025-04,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen-Wheelers (DRIVE) Act. This legislation would prohibit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from mandating speed limiters on vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) above 26,000 pounds. The speed limiter rule, originally proposed by the Obama Administration and revived under President Biden, would harm both the agricultural and trucking industries by impacting commercial transport. This rule would impact semi-trucks, grain haulers, large bulk feed trucks, large flatbed trucks, dump trucks, furniture trucks, and other vehicles with a GVWR exceeding 26,000 pounds if they cross state lines.

“Under the Biden Administration, we saw blatant federal overreach that would have required speed limiters set as low as 60 mph for heavy-duty vehicles. I have spent years hauling heavy equipment and materials in a semi. I know from experience that road safety is best maintained by keeping with the flow of traffic as determined by state law—not by a one-size-fits-all mandate from Washington bureaucrats. The DRIVE Act ensures future administrations cannot revive this dangerous rule,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

“OOIDA and our 150,000 members in small business trucking across America thank Representative Brecheen for his leadership in working to keep our roadways safe for truckers and for all road users by fighting to prevent a speed limiter mandate,"" said OOIDA President Todd Spencer.

Read the full bill text here.

Cosponsors: Representatives Mike Bost (R-IL), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Andy Ogles (R-TN), Harriet Hagerman (R-WY), Eric Burlison (R-MO), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Zachary Nunn (R-IA), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Rich McCormick (R-GA), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Brian Babin (R-TX), Michael Cloud (R-TX), David Valadao (R-CA), Pete Sessions (R-TX), and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX).

Group Support: Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, Associated Equipment Distributors, Mid-West Truckers Association, National Association of Small Trucking Companies, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, North American Punjabi Trucking Association, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Towing and Recovery Association of America, Inc and United States Cattlemen’s Association.

Press Inquiries: darren.dershem@mail.house.gov

###",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:32Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1521,Congressman Brecheen Statement on Kilmar Abrego Garcia's Deportation,2025-04-17,2025,2025-04,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington—Today, Congressman Brecheen released a statement responding to liberal outrage on the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

""It's outrageous that Democrats would continue to demand the release of an MS-13 gang member who was illegally in our country and is a citizen of El Salvador. Where is the outrage for the countless Americans who have lost loved ones due to the Biden Administration's reckless open-border policies?"" said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

Congressman Brecheen on Securing Our Border

November 10, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases

Congressman Brecheen Releases Statement Against Democrat Plan to Fund Illegal Alien Healthcare

September 30, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases

Congressman Brecheen Echos DHS Message to Illegal Aliens

July 29, 2025 | Posted in Press Releases

New York Post | Op-Ed: How ‘charities,’ funded by your tax dollars, helped break immigration law

July 15, 2025 | Posted in News Hits",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:32Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-bice-celebrates-passage-next-step-reconciliation-process,Congresswoman Bice Celebrates the Passage of the Next Step in the Reconciliation Process,2025-04-10,2025,2025-04,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Bice voted to continue the process of reconciliation, proposals which seek to provide tax cuts to families and businesses, address our national debt, and support the Administration as they seek to secure the border and safeguard our nation. Today's vote occurred after the Senate amended and supported the House resolution which passed in February. The passage of this resolution allows lawmakers to begin drafting the final reconciliation bill.

“My fellow House Republicans and I are working to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act so that every Oklahoman family will not see a nearly $1,000 tax increase. Americans are counting on us to deliver results, and we need to get this done.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-statement-passage-budget-resolution,Cole Statement on Passage of Budget Resolution,2025-04-10,2025,2025-04,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole released the following statement after voting in favor of the budget resolution:

“Last November, the American people overwhelmingly voted for a secure border, American energy dominance, investment in the defense of America, a more efficient federal government, and an extension of the Trump Tax Cuts. Through the passage of this budget resolution, we will now be able to begin the drafting stage in order to deliver on these promises,” said Congressman Cole. “The American people are counting on us – and, today, we got one step closer to getting the job done!”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-votes-restrict-non-citizens-voting-american-elections,Cole Votes to Restrict Non-Citizens from Voting in American Elections,2025-04-10,2025,2025-04,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require an individual to provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections, as well as remove non-citizens from its voter registration rolls:

“As a result of the previous Administration’s radical open-border policies and lax voter registration laws, more illegal immigrants than ever have the opportunity to vote in federal elections across our nation. It is crucial to the future of America that we do not let this happen – and the SAVE Act does just that,” said Congressman Cole. “This legislation will not only secure our elections but will also stop illegal immigrants from influencing the outcome of our elections. I am proud to have voted in favor of the SAVE Act today, and I hope to see it become law.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3085,Hern Votes to Advance Trump Agenda,2025-04-10,2025,2025-04,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01) voted in favor of the Senate Amendment to H. Con. Res. 14, the budget framework for the reconciliation process. This vote unlocks the next step in reconciliation, where committees of jurisdiction will draft policy language to meet the budget targets.

“Thanks to President Trump, Republicans have this rare opportunity to utilize every lever of the federal government to enact historic legislation that helps Americans and moves our country forward,” said Chairman Hern. “This is what the American people voted for in November. They want Congress to deliver on the America First agenda. The hard part is still ahead of us: crafting the specific policies to both enact President Trump’s agenda and cut wasteful and fraudulent spending across the government. I’m ready to roll my sleeves up and get to work!”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3086,"""It's just common sense!"": Hern Votes for SAVE Act to Protect Federal Elections",2025-04-10,2025,2025-04,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Republican Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01) celebrated the passage of HR 22, the SAVE Act, in the House of Representatives this morning.

The SAVE Act amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require proof of United States citizenship to register an individual to vote in elections for federal office.

“The SAVE Act is simple: only American citizens can vote in our elections,” said Chairman Hern. “It’s not controversial, it’s just common sense! After four years of dangerous open border policies, I’m proud to work alongside the Trump Administration to secure our border and protect Americans from Biden’s failed policies.”

This was a bipartisan vote, with four Democrats voting in favor: Rep. Ed Case of Hawaii, Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, and Rep. Marie Glusenkamp Perez of Washington.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/report-report-national-security-commission-emerging-biotechnology-urges-swift,REPORT: Report: National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology Urges Swift Action to Protect U.S. National Security,2025-04-08,2025,2025-04,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB) delivered its major report and action plan to Congress. Representative Bice (R-OK-05) serves as one of the Commissioners.

The Commission’s top assessment is that urgent Congressional action is needed to bring the full weight of American innovation to bear on the biotechnology challenge and maintain U.S. global leadership in this transformative area.

Read the full report here: www.biotech.senate.gov/final-report

For decades, the U.S. has been the global leader in biotechnology innovation. Now, the Commission finds that the U.S. is dangerously close to falling behind China.

“The United States is locked in a competition with China that will define the coming century. Biotechnology is the next phase in that competition. It is no longer constrained to the realm of scientific achievement. It is now an imperative for national security, economic power, and global influence. Biotechnology can ensure our warfighters continue to be the strongest fighting force on tomorrow’s battlefields, and reshore supply chains while revitalizing our manufacturing sector, creating jobs here at home,” said NSCEB Chair Senator Todd Young (R-IN).

The Commission reports that the United States’ growing dependence on China for numerous critical supply chain elements is a national security vulnerability. Biotechnology can be the key to increasing supply chain security, resilience, and scalability, by allowing the U.S. to control its own access to critical components.

“Technology is not inherently good or bad, but who uses it matters. Biotechnology can have tremendous potential for good or tremendous potential for harm. The Chinese government has made biotechnology a strategic national priority for 20 years. The U.S. must reassert our global leadership to remedy this strategic weakness. We must be the ones driving the standards for how biotechnology is developed and used,”said NSCEB Vice Chair Dr. Michelle Rozo.

The Commission finds that emerging biotechnology is rapidly advancing, and the impact of biotechnology innovation already extends far beyond health, touching industries from agriculture and infrastructure, to manufacturing and defense. The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology is accelerating this impact.

“Biotechnology holds immense potential to transform numerous key sectors of our economy and will create good paying jobs at all skill levels in agriculture, health care, defense, industrial manufacturing, and more. I am proud to be part of this commission that is ensuring the United States maintains our national security and economic competitive advantages as biotechnology grows across industries,”said NSCEB Commissioner Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA).

The Commission reports that biotechnology will drive the next wave of battlefield innovation, used to secure supply chains, enhance readiness, streamline logistics, improve resilience, and counter biological threats before they emerge.

“As emerging technologies transform the national security landscape, both the United States and our adversaries are gaining new capabilities. The United States must take the lead in biotechnology and propel us ahead of China in the 21st century,”said NSCEB Commissioner Representative Stephanie Bice (R-OK-5).

The Commission’s assessment is that the future of American biotechnology leadership is only possible through strategic federal action that encourages innovation by spurring private investment. This includes targeted investments and strategic government reforms to reduce regulatory bottlenecks.

“We must embolden the best and brightest in biotechnology to innovate boldly. American ingenuity is stifled by outdated regulations in this sector. Only Congress can open the door to the American-led biotechnological future,”said NSCEB Commissioner Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA-17).

The Commission’s report lays out six pillars for action and makes 49 recommendations.

Pillar 1: Prioritize biotechnology at the national level

Pillar 2: Mobilize the private sector to get U.S. products to scale

Pillar 3: Maximize the benefits of biotechnology for defense

Pillar 4: Out-innovate our strategic competitors

Pillar 5: Build the biotechnology workforce of the future

Pillar 6: Mobilize the collective strengths of our allies and partners

Background on NSCEB:

The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology is a time-limited, high-impact legislative branch advisory entity whose purpose is to advance and secure biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and associated technologies for U.S. national security and to prepare the United States for the biorevolution. NSCEB published a comprehensive report in April 2025, including recommendations for action by Congress and the federal government. The bipartisan Commission is composed of Congressionally-appointed Commissioners with members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives as well as experts from industry, academia, and government. For more information about the Commission and to view the report, visit biotech.senate.gov.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-bice-senator-lankford-host-oklahoma-commemorative-survivor-tree-dedication,Rep. Bice & Senator Lankford Host Oklahoma Commemorative Survivor Tree Dedication Ceremony,2025-04-07,2025,2025-04,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Representative Bice and Senator Lankford hosted a Commemorative Survivor Tree Dedication Ceremony on the United States Capitol Grounds. As part of this ceremony, a sapling from the Survivor Tree was planted on the Northwest corner of the Capitol Grounds facing the National Mall. This honor tree was in commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing and pays tribute to the 168 lives lost, the survivors, rescuers, and all those impacted by the April 19, 1995, domestic terror attack in Oklahoma City. The event was attended by Members of the Oklahoma delegation, representatives from the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, and individuals who were directly impacted by the bombing.

""The Alfred P. Murrah Building Bombing changed Oklahoma and our nation forever. In the aftermath of this tragic event the state and city came together creating the Oklahoma Standard,” said Congresswoman Stephanie Bice. “Planting a sapling of the Survivor Tree, which is a symbol of hope and resilience for our community, on the Capitol Grounds is an immense honor. The location of this tree will serve as a place for every American to reflect and remember the impact of April 19th, 1995. I look forward to watching the tree grow and having a piece of OKC in Washington.”

“We still feel the pain and loss of April 19, 1995. Each year, we remember the 168 lives lost, those who survived, those who were changed forever, and the heroes who ran toward the devastation,"" said Senator Lankford. ""The Survivor Tree endured the blast and became our symbol of hope. 30 years later, a ‘child’ of the Survivor Tree now stands each day at our nation's Capitol. The living memorial honors the legacy of those we lost and reminds the country of the strength, resilience, and compassion that define the Oklahoma Standard.”

“A tiny seed grown from the Memorial’s Survivor Tree stands as a testament that this seedling will spread its roots and grow at the United States Capitol marking both memory and time. Memory of those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. And time - 30 years later — of how this nation came together and stood united. As we approach this anniversary, may we remember the Day of Darkness and Years of Light,” stated Kari Watkins, President & CEO, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.

“We are so honored to plant this Survivor Tree at the United States Capitol as a symbol of people coming and working together to find common ground,” said Dr. Susan Chambers, Chairman Board of Trustees, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. “It stands here today to bring hope to our city and nation.”

""Nearly 30 years ago, 168 beautiful souls were taken from our community in a horrific tragedy. We will never forget those that we lost and the loved ones they left behind,"" said Senator Mullin. ""We will continue to strive towards the Oklahoma Standard in their honor.""

“On April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City was struck by an unconscionable act of domestic terrorism, shocking the world. 168 precious lives were senselessly taken and hundreds more were left injured and heartbroken. Today, we honor and remember those lives taken, grieve with the families who mourn, and stand strong with our fellow Oklahomans,” said Congressman Cole.

“The resilience of Oklahomans in the aftermath of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing has always inspired me. This commemorative tree on the grounds of our nation’s Capitol is symbolic of that strength and the hope that endures in Oklahoma,” said Congressman Kevin Hern. “Thirty years have passed since 168 lives were cut short, but those souls will never be forgotten. Neither will we forget the selflessness and courage of those who ran toward the smoke, risking their lives to rescue survivors. Our nation honors their legacy.”

“This is an important anniversary to remember, not just for the sheer tragedy of the day, but also for the overwhelming unity that Oklahomans displayed in the aftermath,” said Congressman Frank Lucas. “While we continue to hold that memory in our hearts, today we get a physical reminder in our nation’s capital. Thank you to Congresswoman Bice for making this possible.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:33:40Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-bice-successfully-works-cut-waste-inefficiency-government,Congresswoman Bice Successfully Works to Cut Waste & Inefficiency in the Government,2025-03-31,2025,2025-03,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Congresswoman Bice’s remarks:

Mr. Speaker, this is the Constitution Annotated, or CONAN as it is better known today, weighing eight pounds, fourteen ounces.

Its origins date back to 1797, when Congress passed legislation requiring every member of Congress to be provided with a copy of the Constitution.

These copies were eventually expanded to include Supreme Court case citations. So that members could see which clauses of the Constitution the court used in deciding cases.

But as the number of citations grew by hundreds, the copies became less useful to members because most had no idea what the cases were about and what questions were before the court.

So in 1921, Congress began requiring reprints of the Constitution to include explanatory language that would make sense of the case citations throughout. This format is still used today.

Initially, CONAN was printed every 10 years or so, but by 1970 members began to complain that it was outdated almost as soon as it was printed.

They addressed this by requiring that paper bound supplements to CONAN be printed every two years. And since 1972, that's what we've done. Print a hardbound version of CONAN every 10 years and a paper bound supplement every two.

CONAN obviously has a rich history dating back over 2 centuries. Nothing about HR 1234 erases or changes this history.

The Constitution provides the framework for our government, and understanding that framework and how the Supreme Court has applied it to its decisions over the years is as essential today as it was 200 years ago.

What has changed, however, is the way people get their information. Today, most of us rely on digital sources for the most up to date information, whether it is news, airfares, the weather or Supreme Court case citations.

According to the GPO, the number of print copies of CONAN requested in the House in 2012 by the House, Senate and Joint Committee on Printing was just over 1000. Ten years later, in 2022, the number of requested copies dropped to just 659.

It is no coincidence that this drop in request coincides with the 2019 launch of the digital version of CONAN.

Over the last five years, the CONAN website has become an invaluable resource for individual citizens, schools, libraries, and, of course, Congress. It's received more than 28 million visits since it was created and features hundreds of pages of constitutional analysis and content.

The site is publicly accessible, easy to search, provides links to Supreme Court decisions, and perhaps most importantly, it's updated real time by CRS.

All of this raises the question of why are we wasting taxpayer dollars printing this giant hardcover version of CONAN along with the paper bound supplements when a superior digital version already exists?

According to the CBO, replacing this version of CONAN with the digital version would reduce the Library of Congress's operating cost by four million dollars over the next four years. Four million dollars.

Eliminating the print requirement will also eliminate inefficient use of CRS staff time.

Requiring CRS to spend countless hours formatting and paginating the print version of CONAN does not support the work of Congress, nor does it benefit our constituents.

Mr. Speaker, replacing CONAN, the print requirement, with a digital requirement is a no brainer.

The digital version provides members and other users with the most up to date information and constitutional analysis available at a significant cost savings to taxpayers.

History shows that Congress has consistently taken steps to ensure that CONAN meets the evolving needs of members and other users.

Passing HR 1234 is a logical next step in maintaining CONAN's relevancy and usefulness both to Congress and to the American people.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting HR 1234, and I urge quick action in the Senate. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z
https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1424,Congressman Brecheen Introduces SNAP Reform and Upward Mobility Act with Senator Mike Lee,2025-03-28,2025,2025-03,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen introduced the SNAP Reform and Upward Mobility Act. This legislation would tackle grossly mismanaged SNAP by closing loopholes, expanding work requirements for able-bodied adults, enforcing federal accountability, and giving states more responsibility for program management.

“For decades, the federal government has grossly mismanaged SNAP, loosening eligibility requirements, allowing more recipients to be totally exempt from work requirements, and overseeing massive fraud and abuse. This has created a culture of dependency instead of opportunity. That’s why our office is introducing the SNAP Reform and Upward Mobility Act, a plan to tackle these problems by closing loopholes, expanding work requirements for able-bodied adults, enforcing federal accountability, and giving states more responsibility for program management. I’m grateful to work with Senator Lee to bring much-needed reform to SNAP. It’s time to return to commonsense policies that promote our American values of hard work and individual responsibility,” said Congressman Brecheen.

Daily Caller wrote an exclusive story on the bill, which you can read here.

Read the full bill text here.

Original Cosponsors include Representatives Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and Mike Kennedy (R-UT).

Press Inquiries: darren.dershem@mail.house.gov

###",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:31Z
https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-celebrates-passage-her-legislation-overturn-burdensome-biden-era,Bice Celebrates the Passage of her Legislation to Overturn Burdensome Biden-Era Regulations,2025-03-27,2025,2025-03,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Bice celebrated the bipartisan House passage of her legislation H.J.Resolution 24. The resolution permanently overturns burdensome regulations on walk-in coolers and freezers from the previous Administration. At the tail end of the Biden Administration, the Department of Energy unveiled new regulations that imposed stricter energy efficiency standards on walk-in coolers and freezers. These regulations increase the costs for small business owners and consumers across the nation.

“Today, in a bipartisan fashion, the House acted to overturn more last-minute environmental regulations from the Biden Administration. Walk-in coolers and freezers are essential for pharmacies, convenience stores, food processing facilities, food banks, restaurants, and many other establishments nationwide,” Congresswoman Bice stated. “This regulation, which had an estimated cost of a billion dollars, would have been crippling for businesses throughout the country, especially in rural areas. We must continue to push back against federal overreach, and I appreciate the support of my colleagues on this critical measure.”

“Biden’s regulations limited consumer choice, raised prices, and put unnecessary financial burdens on American businesses and families. House Republicans continue to reverse this regulatory non-sense and lower costs for businesses and families,” Chairwoman McClain said.

“The Biden-Harris Administration placed new and harmful regulations on commercial refrigeration units, yet another example of needless regulation raising prices for businesses and families while failing to provide cost savings or increasing food safety,” said Chairmen Guthrie and Latta. “These Congressional Review Act resolutions are a critical part of our work to eliminate costly and burdensome regulations that failed to serve the American people. Thank you to Congressman Goldman and Congresswoman Bice for your leadership on these important issues.”

Congresswoman Bice Spoke today on the House Floor to Encourage Passage

Congresswoman Bice’s Floor Remarks:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and first, let me say I rise obviously in strong support of House Joint Resolution 24, legislation that I authored, which uses the Congressional Review Act to overturn regulations by the Biden administration.

I was extremely excited this morning to be notified that I have a statement of Administrative policy support from President Trump on this legislation.

In December of 2024, the Department of Energy enacted new energy efficiency standards for walk in coolers and freezers, equipment vital to pharmacies, convenience stores, food processing facilities, food banks, restaurants, and many other establishments nationwide.

These regulations will impose significant financial burdens on small businesses, which will have to absorb major upgrade cost to the meet these new aggressive standards.

At a time when our focus should be on lowering the cost of living for our constituents, it's clear most of these expenses will be borne by consumers in the form of increased prices.

Furthermore, they threaten significant operational disruption for many enterprises that rely on this equipment.

We have heard from many businesses in rural areas which will have to go through extensive structural and electrical upgrades to accommodate the new equipment.

These same businesses have reported that getting their refrigerators and freezers repaired is a process which is already taking too long and expensive, and will become even more so.

For businesses looking to enter underserved markets, this will be another barrier in doing so.

For businesses operating on a narrow profit margin, this could be what sends them under.

Recognizing these detrimental impacts, I fought against the adoption of this rule and expressed my disapproval last year during the public comment period.

Like many of the rules handed down by the Biden Administration, this effort will have a harsh economic impact while failing to achieve its own stated goal.

DOE estimates that the rule would carry a minimum price tag of nearly a billion dollars with minimal energy usage reduction.

My colleague mentioned that it would be a savings of $6 billion / 30 years, but what he didn't mention to you is the cost of new equipment, replacement equipment with these new energy efficiency standards could be 10s of thousands of dollars adding up to billions and billions of dollars that are going to be borne by these businesses.

I'm grateful President Trump has taken the decisive action to halt these rules by having the Department of Energy postponed the effective date of these standards providing breathing room for businesses.

However, more work needs to be done and Congress has a role to play.

My resolution seeks to ensure that these overreaching regulations are permanently overturned.

By doing so, we will protect small businesses from unnecessary compliance cost and preserve the diversity of choice available to consumers.

This action aligns with our broader commitment to rollback burdensome regulations that stifle economic growth and infringe upon individual freedoms.

In fact, according to the National Association of Manufacturers, in 2022, the total cost of regulations is estimated over $3 trillion.

We cannot continue to allow burdensome regulations on every aspect of our lives and our businesses.

I urge my colleagues to support House Joint Resolution 24, legislation that will reduce burdens on businesses and serve in the best interest of the American people.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I yield.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-mourns-passing-wes-watkins,Cole Mourns the Passing of Wes Watkins,2025-03-27,2025,2025-03,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after hearing about the passing of Wes Watkins:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of my dear friend and distinguished public servant, Wes Watkins of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

“Wes was a remarkable man and had a brilliant career in Congress, serving on two of the House’s most powerful committees, the Appropriations Committee and the Ways and Means Committee. Amazingly, he did so first as a Democrat (1977-1991) and then as a Republican (1997-2003). Wes also served as a State Senator in the 1970s and twice ran for Governor of Oklahoma (1990 and 1994), first as a Democrat and then as an Independent.

“Even though they ran against one another in a three-way race, former Governor Frank Keating nominated Wes for a cabinet level position in his first Administration. However, the Democratic dominated State Senate of that era refused to confirm his nomination – but Wes had the last laugh the next year when he reclaimed his old congressional seat as a Republican.

“Wes was the only person in Oklahoma history to carry a congressional seat as a Democrat, as an Independent in his 1994 Governor’s race, and finally as a Republican. No politician was ever as popular in the historic Third District, also known as Little Dixie. Wes Watkins’ remarkable electoral journey both symbolized and propelled Oklahoma’s own political transformation.

“I was privileged to serve as Wes’ lead political consultant in his final three congressional campaigns. I never worked for a more popular figure in a congressional district or a harder working man or a more energetic and effective campaigner than Wes. He was an institution in southeast Oklahoma, serving his constituents ably, honorably, and tirelessly throughout his political career.

“Wes Watkins may have changed political parties, but he never changed his political principles. He also never lost his passion for public service or let down the people he worked so hard to represent.

“Wes Watkins loved three things above all else – his family, the people of Oklahoma, and Oklahoma State University. He served all of them with love, dedication, and genuine distinction.

“The soulmate and cherished partner of Wes Watkins’ life was his beloved wife, Lou. You literally cannot think of one without thinking of the other. Their marriage was truly a match made in heaven.

“I will miss my friend Wes. The people of Oklahoma will miss him more. As one of his television ads once claimed, there simply was ‘no better man.’

“I extend my deepest sympathies to Lou, Wes’ children and grandchildren, and to all of Wes Watkins’ countless friends, former staffers, and admirers. Oklahoma has lost one of its favorite sons, most distinguished public servants, and ardent champions,” said Congressman Cole.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z
https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-secures-economic-assistance-farmers-oklahoma,Cole Secures Economic Assistance for Farmers in Oklahoma,2025-03-27,2025,2025-03,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced that he has secured a total of $10 billion for economic assistance for farmers through his legislation, the American Relief Act. An estimated total of over $230 million of that dollar amount will go to farmers and producers in Oklahoma specifically. After securing the funding, Congressman Cole released the following statement:

“As a lifelong Oklahoman, I know firsthand just how important our farmers, ranchers, and producers are. While the agriculture industry does drive our state’s economy, farmers are essential to not only Oklahoma, but to the entire country. Therefore, today, I am proud to announce that I have secured over $230 million in economic assistance for farmers in the state of Oklahoma, which will bridge the gap until a new Farm Bill is passed through Congress,” said Congressman Cole. “As the representative for over 13,000 farms and ranches in Oklahoma’s Fourth District alone, I will always ensure that these farmers and ranchers are properly represented in Congress. I would also like to thank both House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson of Pennsylvania and former Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee Frank Lucas of Oklahoma for helping target the money in ways that would most benefit the hardworking producers that are the backbone of the rural economy.”

How to apply for assistance:

Producers must submit Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) applications to their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office by August 15, 2025. Only one application is required for all ECAP eligible commodities nationwide. ECAP applications can be submitted to FSA in-person, electronically using Box and One-Span, by fax, or by applying online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap utilizing a secure login.gov account.

If not already on file for the 2024 crop year, producers must have the following forms on file with FSA:

Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet.

Form CCC-901, Member Information for Legal Entities (if applicable).

Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity.

Form CCC 943, 75 percent of Average Gross Income from Farming, Ranching, or Forestry Certification (if applicable).

AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification.

SF-3881, Direct Deposit.

For any questions regarding the application and forms above, please contact your local FSA county office.

If a producer does not receive a pre-filled ECAP application, and they planted or were prevented from planting ECAP eligible commodities in 2024, they should contact their local FSA office.

Please stay tuned for future announcements as additional disaster assistance is released and available to Oklahomans.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T00:15:27Z