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=250,2023 Wrapped: Congressman Brecheen’s Legislative Work Highlights,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – As we reach the conclusion of Congressman Brecheen’s first year in office, here are some of the top legislative highlights of the year in case you might have missed it. Top Amendments: · Passed an amendment to Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies (LHHS) Appropriations that would block a Biden rule from requiring foster care families to affirm children’s LGBT identity. · Passed an amendment to the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations bill to bring down to pre-pandemic levels the General Service Administration (GSA) Real Property Activities of the Federal Buildings Fund. Top Bills Introduced: · Introduced H.R.4727, the No Obamacare for Illegal Aliens Act, which if enacted, would save the taxpayer $136 million annually. · Introduced H.R.4964, the Thrifty Food Plan Accountability Act, which if enacted, would save the taxpayer $25 billion annually. · Introduced the Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen-Wheelers (DRIVE) Act, which would prohibit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from implementing any rule or regulation requiring vehicles over 26,000 pounds that are engaged in interstate commerce to be equipped with a speed limiting device set to a maximum speed. The bill so far has 32 cosponsors. · Introduced the Patriotism Not Pride Act, which would prohibit federal agencies from using taxpayer resources to promote Pride Month or any similar event. The bill also prohibits the display of flags representing gender identity or sexual orientation by agencies on federal property. The bill so far has 21 cosponsors. · Passed out of the Homeland Security Committee H.R.4467, the DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act, which demands accountability for the use of American taxpayer dollars used to fund services caused by Biden’s open-border policies. · Introduced H.R.6177, the No Taxpayer Funding for Researchers Who Prey on Children Act, after conducting oversight into NIH research and uncovering $30.8 million in taxpayer funded research to affirm LGBT identities in children. Top Committee Activity: · Questioned Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Director, Raul Ortiz, about President Biden’s decision to stop construction of a border wall to which he admitted he disagreed with President Biden. · Participated in the 16-hour markup and helped pass out of the Homeland Security Committee H.R.2, the strongest border security bill ever passed by the House. Spending Cuts: · Requested $55.3 billion in cuts, voted for amendments that would cut $35.7 billion, and introduced and cosponsored bills that would cut $360 billion of annual federal spending.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:10Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-slams-colorado-supreme-court-decision-blocking-trump-ballot,Cole Slams the Colorado Supreme Court Decision Blocking Trump from Ballot,2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Moore, OK – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement slamming the Colorado Supreme Court’s recent decision to block former President Donald Trump from being on the state’s 2024 presidential election ballot. “The Colorado Supreme Court’s outrageous and unprecedented decision to deny a credible candidate and former president access to the ballot is the exact opposite of allowing for a free and fair election,” said Cole. “This tramples on our country’s founding democratic principles; we should always let the voters decide. I urge the U.S. Supreme Court to quickly take up and overturn this shameful action.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=249,2023 Wrapped: Congressman Brecheen’s Top Media Hits,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – As we reach the conclusion of Congressman Brecheen’s first year in office, here are some of the top media highlights of the year in case you might have missed it. Live TV: · Congressman Brecheen joined Bannon’s War Room to discuss Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Israel, Ukraine, and appropriations, 11/2/23 · Congressman Brecheen Joined NewsNation to discuss the New Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, 10/25/23 · Congressman Brecheen joined Fox News to discuss the government funding fight and the border crisis, 9/30/23 · Congressman Brecheen Discusses Debt Ceiling Negotiations on Trinity Broadcasting Network, 5/16/23 · Congressman Brecheen Discusses the Passage of the Limit, Save, Grow Act with Tony Perkins, 4/27/23 Print: · Exclusive: Rep. Josh Brecheen Proposes to Scrap John Kerry’s Climate Job Which Prioritizes ‘Radical Climate Policy’ over National Security, Breitbart, 11/8/23 · Brecheen of Oklahoma kicks off constituent meetings across his sprawling Congressional district, City News OKC, 8/14/23 · House Republicans want answers from Mayorkas on 'abuse of parole' at the border after fiery hearings, Fox News, 5/6/23 · In Oklahoma, a Freshman Republican Makes the Case for Deep Spending Cuts, New York Times, 3/7/23 · Kevin McCarthy secures speaker post after Brecheen and other Republicans gain concessions, The Oklahoman, 1/6/23 Podcast: · Rep. Scott Perry joins the Fresh Freedom Podcast to discuss leading the House Freedom Caucus, 11/2/23 · Rep. Thomas Massie joins the Fresh Freedom Podcast to discuss his time in Congress, 10/26/23 · Rep. Jim Jordan joins the Fresh Freedom Podcast to discuss the Durham hearing and weaponization of our government, 6/21/23 · Rep. Byron Donalds and economist Stephen Moore join the Fresh Freedom Podcast, 5/22/23 · Representatives Brecheen, Burlison, Crane, and Ogles Launch the Fresh Freedom Podcast, 3/13/23 Top Floor Speeches: · Congressman Brecheen Offers Amendment to Financial Services Appropriations Bill, 11/8/23 · Congressman Josh Brecheen Speaks on the Secure the Border Act of 2023, 5/10/23 · Congressman Brecheen Speaks on Returning to the Founders' Vision of Education in America, 3/24/23 · Congressman Josh Brecheen Urges Colleagues to Overturn Biden's Unconstitutional WOTUS Rule, 3/9/23 · Congressman Brecheen Speaks on the Gravity of our National Debt During First House Floor Speech, 3/8/23",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:10Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=248,2023 Wrapped: Congressman Brecheen and His Team Ensure Oklahoma Constituents’ Voices are Heard Within “The People’s House”,2023-12-18,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"As we reach the conclusion of Congressman Josh Brecheen’s first year in office, here are some of the top highlights of the year from our constituent engagement within Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District, in case you might have missed it. Washington, D.C. – As we reach the conclusion of Congressman Josh Brecheen’s first year in office, here are some of the top highlights of the year from our constituent engagement within Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District, in case you might have missed it. By the Numbers: Total Number of In-Person Town Halls: 60 in-person town halls. Congressman Brecheen held 60 town halls throughout Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District including in Adair, Antlers, Atoka, Bartlesville, Beggs, Broken Bow, Caddo, Checotah, Chelsea, Chouteau, Claremore, Coalgate, Commerce, Dewey, Durant, Eufaula, Fairland, Fort Gibson, Grove, Hartshorne, Haskell, Heavener, Henryetta, Holdenville, Hugo, Idabel, Inola, Jay, Kansas, Krebs, Locust Grove, Madill, McAlester, Miami, Morris, Muldrow, Muskogee, Nowata, Okemah, Okmulgee, Oologah, Panama, Pocola, Poteau, Pryor, Ramona, Roland, Salina, Sallisaw, Stigler, Stilwell, Tahlequah, Talihina, Tishomingo, Verdigris, Vian, Vinita, Wagoner, Warner, and Wilburton. Total Number of Telephone Town Halls: 4 telephone town halls. Total number of drop-in visits and meetings with constituents, businesses, pastors, civic organizations, etc. by our field representatives in the district: 5,686 drop-in visits or meetings. Total number of speaking engagements by our field representatives in the district: 73 speaking engagements. Total number of satellite office days by our field representatives in the district: 10 satellite office days. Total miles traveled for drop-in visits, meetings, speaking engagements, satellite office days, and town halls in the district: 116,120 miles. Total number of commendation letters mailed to constituents in the district: 482 commendation letters. Total number of constituents and veterans helped by our caseworkers in the district: 700 constituents. Total number of speaking engagements Congressman Brecheen has done with chamber/civic groups/etc. in the district: 22 speaking engagements. ###",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:10Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=247,Congressman Josh Brecheen: Looking Back on First Year Experience in Congress and What to Expect in 2024,2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"The following column by Congressman Josh Brecheen first appeared in The McCarville Report. I wanted to take some time to reflect on what was a productive, and at times, challenging year and give a preview of what constituents can expect for the year ahead. In-Person Town Halls By far my favorite part of this year was having the opportunity to host 60 in-person town halls throughout Oklahoma’s 2ndCongressional District. From Washington and Ottawa all the way down to Bryan and McCurtain counties, it has been an honor to travel throughout the district and meet so many wonderful people. Learning from the late Senator Tom Coburn, I have always believed that in-person town halls are the best way for Members of Congress to learn and hear from their constituents. While holding these town halls, I have had the opportunity to meet so many constituents from all walks of life—many of whom share the same concerns. Whether a Republican, Independent, or Democrat, constituents are understandably worried about where our nation is headed due to our nearly $34 trillion national debt, our porous Southern border, and the immoral cultural rot that has spread throughout the country. In 2024, you can count on us hosting more in-person town halls throughout the district where you can come and ask questions and have your voice heard! Cutting Spending As many may know by now, the significant focus of our office is to cut wasteful government spending so that we can begin to make a dent in our national debt. It is this ballooning debt that is leading the average American family to spend $1,200 more per month to buy the exact same goods and services as compared to January 2021. I am proud to say that this year I requested $55.3 billion in cuts, voted for amendments that would cut $35.7 billion, and introduced and cosponsored bills that would cut $360 billion of annual federal spending. When it comes to cutting spending, we still have a long way to go in Washington, D.C. Many politicians are not comfortable cutting spending, regardless of how small. Securing Our Borders As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of our border crisis and had the opportunity to visit our Southern border back in February and in March. Not only does the Biden Administration’s negligence on our border undermine our national security, but it also is punishing the American taxpayer. It is estimated that the crisis on our Southern border costs American taxpayers around $450 billion per year. I introduced the No Obamacare for Illegal Aliens Act of 2023 to protect taxpayer dollars by preventing illegal aliens from receiving taxpayer-subsidized healthcare benefits. I also introduced the DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act to ensure the federal government is spending taxpayer dollars in a responsible manner when executing government contracts at the Southern border. I am proud to say that this legislation passed in Committee. Returning to Biblical Morality and Founding Principles In addition to spending cuts and our border crisis, I am also laser-focused on helping our nation return to our founding principles and biblical morality. As President John Adams said back in 1798: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” Unfortunately, America has drifted away both from God and the advice of our Founding Fathers. In my first term, I introduced several bills that can help our nation get on a better path. Just last month, I introduced the Protecting Religious Freedom for Foster Families Act, which would prohibit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from implementing its proposed rule to discriminate against foster parents who do not affirm LGBTQ ideology. I am proud to say this bill got passed as an amendment to the Labor and Health and Human Services (LHHS) spending bill. I also introduced the No Taxpayer Funding for Researchers Who Prey on Children Act, which would prohibit any individual who has been a principal investigator/project leader for any study that facilitated “gender-affirming care” or affirmed a minor’s identity in conflict with his or her sex from receiving federal financial assistance for future studies or experiments. Fighting Back Against Biden’s Bureaucrats President Biden has used the Executive Branch as a weapon against the American people. Unelected bureaucrats are frequently making consequential decisions and instituting rules and regulations that impact the lives of the American people—all without the authority of elected officials in Congress. That is why one of Republicans’ first acts this Congress was to fire the 87,000 IRS agents that Biden hired to target middle-class Americans. I also introduced several bills aimed at fighting back against the regulatory state. The Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen-Wheelers (DRIVE) Act, which would prohibit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from implementing any rule or regulation requiring vehicles over 26,000 pounds that are engaged in interstate commerce to be equipped with a speed limiting device set to a maximum speed. Additionally, I introduced the Stop Government Overreach in Ranching Act, which would reverse FDA guidance, “GFI 263,” which restricts the use of commonly used livestock antibiotics, such as penicillin, LA 200/300 (oxytetracycline), sulfa-based antibiotics, gentamicin, and a host of other antibiotics that are often bought at local feed stores. As we look to 2024, I will continue to focus on pursuing policies that cut wasteful spending, secure our borders, and help our nation return to the principles of biblical morality. It has been an honor to serve the constituents of Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District and I look forward to 2024 and the chance to continue to work for you!",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:10Z https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=888,"Hern introduces bill to combat Confucius Classrooms, CCP-funded influence in American schools",2023-12-15,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"TULSA, OK – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) introduced the Promoting Responsible Oversight to Eliminate Communist Teachings for Our Kids (PROTECT Our Kids) Act, legislation to prohibit federal funding through the Department of Education for any school which continues to host a Confucius Classroom. Confucius Classrooms are Chinese language and learning centers in elementary and secondary schools which are funded or otherwise supported by the Chinese government. The PROTECT Our Kids Act allows one year for schools to stop partnering with the CCP, or any third party funded by the CCP, and requires the Department of Education to give notice to impacted schools. “Chinese Communist Party (CCP) influence in our schools and universities cannot continue unchecked,” said Rep. Hern. “Our children are our most precious resource, we must protect them from CCP-funded influence. The PROTECT Our Kids Act will halt the flow of CCP money and propaganda into our K-12 schools – we can’t pass it soon enough!” Original co-sponsors of the legislation include: GOP Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, Representatives Tim Walberg, Beth Van Duyne, Mark Alford, Brian Babin, Bob Good, Ben Cline, Jake Ellzey, Josh Brecheen, Randy Weber, Jake Laturner, Ronny Jackson, Andy Ogles, Burgess Owens, Bill Huizenga, Scott Franklin, Andrew Clyde, Robert Aderholt, Joe Wilson, Rick Allen, Nathaniel Moran, Chuck Edwards, Doug LaMalfa, Jim Baird, Austin Scott, and Debbie Lesko. Parents Defending Education supports the PROTECT Our Kids Act: “Foreign funding from a known adversary has no place in America’s classrooms. Not only could this potentially compromise our educational property, but it also has broader national security implications that should concern every American. At PDE Action, we are pleased to see members of Congress engaged on this issue and working to provide solutions to protect schools and students from foreign influence. We are proud to support Rep. Kevin Hern’s legislation, which aims to stop CCP-linked funding from flowing into K-12 schools. This is a solid path forward that will strengthen the security of our students, curriculums, and academic institutions.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-supports-national-defense-authorization-act,Bice Supports National Defense Authorization Act,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,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 Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement after voting in support of the NDAA: “In an increasingly unsafe world, this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, is critical in safeguarding our nation. While this bill was not perfect, I could note vote against legislation which is critical in supporting our national defense. When it comes to Sec. 702 of FISA, I agree that critical reforms are needed to ensure that we are protecting the privacy of American citizens. However, this legislation includes a 5.2% pay raise for our servicemembers, the largest in 20 years as well as a Parents’ Bill of Rights at DoD schools, and protections against teaching, training, or promotion of CRT in the military. Also included are measures to strengthen our readiness and lethality so that we can counter adversarial threats in the Indo-Pacific.” “Importantly, this year’s NDAA also includes provisions to halt the fentanyl epidemic. My bill, the Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act, which was included in the NDAA, will empower the Department of Defense to take steps to halt cartel trafficking. Fentanyl is killing countless Americans, and we must move swiftly to halt this crisis and safeguard our communities.” Several Oklahoma-specific NDAA provisions include:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=244,Congressman Josh Brecheen Votes Against So-Called “Compromise” NDAA,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Brecheen voted against the so-called “compromise” National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which maintains taxpayer funded abortion travel, taxpayer funded transgender surgeries, and radical climate alarmism, which contributes to the current military recruitment crisis. It also continues the unconstitutional FISA 702 program, which has led to the warrantless surveillance of Americans, and even includes $600 million for Ukraine. “I could not in good conscience vote for this NDAA that continues the broken status quo. The conservative NDAA that I voted for back in July, which the House passed, contained true reform that would fight back against the social engineering that the Biden Administration is injecting into our military. The NDAA that passed today maintains Biden’s demoralizing social experiment with our troops that harms our military readiness,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:10Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=246,Congressman Josh Brecheen Introduces Small Business Ceiling Fan Manufacturer Protection Act,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,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 Small Business Ceiling Fan Manufacturer Protection Act, which would combat a damaging proposed rule from the Department of Energy (DOE) that could place certain ceiling fan manufacturers out of business. “Biden’s Department of Energy should be focused on ensuring American energy independence, instead of pursuing a radical, green agenda that will crush small businesses,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. “This bill is needed to ensure that DoE cannot act any further on this proposed rule.” Breitbart’s Bradley Jaye wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which you can read here. Background: On June 22, 2023 the Department of Energy announced a proposed rule that would amend energy conservation standards for ceiling fans. Specifically, this proposed rule would decrease the maximum energy consumption permissible for large diameter and belt-driven ceiling fans, thus raising costs by as much as $4.8 million on small businesses. This increase in costs will inevitably be passed on to American families. It would require ceiling fan manufacturers to completely redesign their products to remain in compliance with this regulation. DOE predicts that for some small businesses, compliance with this rule would cost more than its yearly revenues.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:10Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-applauds-house-passage-fy24-ndaa-conference-report,Cole Applauds House Passage of FY24 NDAA Conference Report,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024, with Cole’s support. The legislation authorizes funding for our nation's military personnel and families, industrial base readiness and operations, research, innovation and procurement and countering adversaries. It also includes provisions that support the missions at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City and Fort Sill in Lawton, located in the Fourth District of Oklahoma. “In the last two years the world has grown increasingly dangerous with new threats emerging, and providing for our common defense in tense times deserves bipartisan support from lawmakers,” said Cole. “This NDAA authorizes $886.3 billion to adequately support national defense programs, $28 billion more than the fiscal year 2023 enacted level. This level of funding authorization will allow the Pentagon to build and maintain the lethal fighting force we need to prevail on the battlefield and support our service members and military families. “This NDAA provides a well-deserved pay raise for servicemembers at 5.2 percent, the largest pay raise in 20 years, as well as monthly bonuses for junior enlisted members. This is vital to ensuring our men and women in uniform can better keep up with inflation. This authorization also goes above and beyond in supporting military families including by authorizing funding for new construction for housing and childcare centers and providing for programs for military spouses so they can continue to provide for their families without interruption. “Indeed, this bill is not perfect — it does not go as far as I would have liked in some areas — but it represents a good-faith compromise that must be reached in divided government. However, with the threats we face in today’s world, it certainly addresses the need to modernize our military, ensure we have the battleships and aircraft needed in future conflict and strengthens our strategic deterrence, missile defense and hypersonic missile systems. I was proud to support the passage of this legislation so it can be enacted for the 62nd consecutive year.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/coles-china-coercion-bill-clears-house-foreign-affairs-committee,Cole’s China Coercion Bill Clears House Foreign Affairs Committee,2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after, H.R. 1135, the Countering Economic Coercion Act of 2023, legislation cosponsored along with House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (NY-05), received a markup and passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. If signed into law, this legislation would provide the executive branch new tools to provide rapid economic support to partners and allies to counter economic coercion from the People's Republic of China and hold it accountable for its actions. “Aggression from Communist China comes in various forms, including using economic retaliation against other countries in an attempt to pressure or extort them to adopt or change polices or to exact retribution in response to sovereign decisions Beijing does not like,” said Cole. “The United States cannot stand idly by and allow this nation that goes against the rules-based system to bully other nations by targeted economic coercion tactics. This can help provide an alternate path to acquiescence to Chine pressure tactics. I applaud Ranking Member Meeks, Congresswoman Kim and Congressman Bera for their assistance in crafting this legislation, as well as Chairman McCaul for his constructive leadership and assistance through committee. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to getting this important legislation across the House floor.” The markup and vote in the House Foreign Affairs Committee can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=886,"Hern, Vance introduce bill to tax cartel’s international money transfers",2023-12-14,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) reintroduced the Withholding Illegal Revenue Entering Drug Markets (WIRED) Act, to the House of Representatives. The Senate companion has been introduced by Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio. Based on a similar policy enacted by the state of Oklahoma, the WIRED Act imposes a 10% fee on remittances out of the United States, with the intention of penalizing illicit activity, such as drug and human smuggling. U.S. citizens who wire money out of the country can receive a refundable tax credit later. The funds raised through remittance fees will go towards U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement to better protect and secure our border. “Cartels are overjoyed at the Democrats’ border crisis. They enjoy operational control of our southern border, they traffic children and they are killing tens of thousands of Americans every year with fentanyl. As the crisis at our border gets more serious every day, Democrats sit on their hands and ignore it,” said Rep. Hern. “Millions of Americans are in danger. We need every tool in our arsenal to combat the cartels and regain control of our border. This new remittance fee is a financial weapon we can use to target illicit activity funneling money from the US to the cartels while simultaneously supporting our agents down at the border. It’s a small step, but it brings us closer to securing the border and deterring illegal activity.” ""We cannot stand idly by as illegal immigrants and drug cartels profit from breaking our nation's laws,"" said Senator Vance. ""This legislation is a commonsense solution to disincentivize illegal immigration and reduce the cartels' financial power."" The legislation is supported by the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) and NumbersUSA. Statement of support from FAIR: “We applaud Congressman Kevin Hern and Senator JD Vance for introducing a remittance fee bill modeled on the state of Oklahoma, the only state in the Union that has successfully tapped into the huge outflow of money from illegal aliens. By imposing a 10 percent fee on transfers, the WIRED Act would help fund key border security measures to address the Biden Administration's border crisis. Every year, the United States loses around 150 billion in remittance payments sent to relatives or friends still abroad by foreign-born individuals here. Addressing the shortfall is critical - jobs have become a huge magnet for illegal aliens and the problem is now worse than ever due to Biden Administration's open-borders agenda. The WIRED Act would take meaningful steps to stop the flood of illegal immigration and help secure our borders.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-votes-impeachment-inquiry,Bice Votes for Impeachment Inquiry,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,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 voted to formalize the impeachment inquiry into President Biden. This means that the Oversight, Judiciary, and Ways and Means committees will continue investigating whether sufficient grounds exist for the House of Representatives to exercise its Constitutional power to impeach President Biden. This inquiry will remove legal ambiguity and guarantee that the House has the necessary resources and tools to ensure the American people receive the answers they deserve. This step is important in the enforcement of subpoenas and allows the House to assert our Article I responsibilities. Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement: “Impeachment is not a step to take lightly. However, let me be clear – I remain committed to accountability and transparency. The House has a solemn duty to provide oversight for the American people and to follow the facts wherever they lead. This is why I voted to support the impeachment inquiry into President Biden and his business dealings with his family. Thus far, Republicans on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee have uncovered tens of millions of dollars from foreign adversaries that were funneled to the Biden family, including direct payments from Hunter Biden to his father, Joe. The American people have a right to know whether the President is compromised and whether or not he abused his power along the way.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=243,Congressman Josh Brecheen Votes in Favor of Opening Impeachment Inquiry into President Biden,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,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 voted in favor of H. Res. 918, opening an impeachment inquiry into President Biden. “I am already in favor of impeaching Biden for violating Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution that guarantees every state protection from invasion, which he has failed to do with our open Southern border,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. “Voting to open the impeachment inquiry is an important step to legally formalize the process and prevent the Biden Administration from continuing to stonewall our efforts to expose his unlawfulness and corruption.”",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:10Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-biden-impeachment-inquiry-resolution,House Passes Biden Impeachment Inquiry Resolution,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives today passed House Resolution 918, authorizing an impeachment inquiry into the President of the United States. Cole supported the resolution. “The vote taken by the House today formalizes the inquiry process and is not a vote on whether to impeach the president,” said Cole. “This will provide the House with the strongest legal standing to pursue needed information and enforce subpoenas as the existing impeachment inquiry is continued.” Cole delivered extensive remarks on the resolution while managing the rule debate on the House floor today. Video can be found here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=885,Hern votes to move impeachment inquiry forward,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) voted in favor of a resolution to move forward the impeachment inquiry in the House of Representatives. “The ongoing investigations into the Biden family’s mysterious business dealings have already turned up astonishing information,” said Rep. Hern. “With the recent failure of Hunter Biden to comply with subpoenas from House investigators, it’s more important than ever to authorize this impeachment inquiry on the House floor. I have extraordinary concerns with Joe Biden and his family’s business dealings during his time in office – we owe it to the American people to get to the bottom of this.” Earlier this year, former Speaker McCarthy opened the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. This vote authorizes certain committees to continue the ongoing investigations. Rep. Hern sits on the House Committee on Ways and Means, one of the committees investigating allegations against President Joe Biden and his family.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-announces-2024-military-academy-nominations,Cole Announces 2024 Military Academy Nominations,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) today announced the names of 15 high school students from the Fourth District of Oklahoma that he has nominated for entry into one of America’s prestigious military academies. The academies that receive congressionally nominated students include the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy. The nomination process 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 includes 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. “Volunteering to serve one’s country in our armed services is worthy of tremendous respect and gratitude,” said Cole. “I am honored to recommend 15 of the best and brightest high school students from the Fourth District to attend one of our country’s esteemed military academies. Their determination to serve this great nation is noble and truly inspiring to all Americans.” The list below includes the names, hometowns and high school information of the students, as well as the academies to which they have been nominated. Note that applications are still being considered by the selection committees for potential admission at the various academies. Many of the students received nominations to multiple academies. U.S. Air Force Academy Matthew Aguilar, Lawton – Lawton MacArthur High School Alexis Evans, Moore – Southmoore High School Grace Flanagan, Walters – Epic Charter Schools Sadie Garnett, Elgin – Elgin High School Bryce Graham, Oklahoma City – Christian Heritage Academy Bethany Jeffries, Norman – Community Christian School Owen Kinzer, Moore – Moore High School William James Lawler, Noble – Community Christian School Joshua Shropshire, Moore – Mount St. Mary High School Aden Shumard, Tuttle – Newcastle High School U.S. Military Academy at West Point Matthew Aguilar, Lawton – Lawton MacArthur High School Luke Blackmon, Fort Sill – Lawton MacArthur High School Sadie Garnett, Elgin – Elgin High School Bryce Graham, Oklahoma City – Christian Heritage Academy Adelaide Haack, Oklahoma City – Westmoore High School Bethany Jeffries, Norman – Community Christian School Aden Shumard, Tuttle – Newcastle High School U.S. Naval Academy Matthew Aguilar, Lawton – Lawton MacArthur High School Jackson Clark, Norman – The Academy of Classical Christian Studies Alexis Evans, Moore – Southmoore High School Sadie Garnett, Elgin – Elgin High School Owen Kinzer, Moore – Moore High School William James Lawler, Noble – Community Christian School Anna O’Dell, Moore – Moore High School Aden Shumard, Tuttle – Newcastle High School Payton Thomas, Moore – Moore High School U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Anna O’Dell, Moore – Moore High School",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-advances-sdpi-reauthorization,House Advances SDPI Reauthorization,2023-12-12,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after H.R. 5378, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday evening. The legislations would provide more transparency over the cost of medical procedures and lowers drug costs for patients. Included in the legislation was a provision to reauthorize the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) which currently serves nearly 780,000 American Indians and Alaska Natives each year. The legislation would extend funding for the program through fiscal year 2025. “Reducing the high costs of prescription drugs and healthcare procedures should not be done so at the expense of biomedical research or community health programs,” said Cole. “I am proud this bill delivers on the promise of providing more affordable healthcare for the American people without limiting our ability to find cures and treatments and provide care in underserved areas. “Furthermore, as diabetes disproportionately affects tribal communities, the inclusion of SDPI reauthorization in this legislation is critical to significantly improving the trajectory of diabetes in Indian Country and improving the health outcomes and quality of life for many Native Americans. I was proud to support the passage of this important, bipartisan legislation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-announces-2023-fourth-district-congressional-app-challenge-winners,Cole Announces 2023 Fourth District Congressional App Challenge Winners,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole today announced Ridwan Siddique, Rahil Pasha, Alexander Papavassiliou and Andrew Zhang from Norman North High School as the Fourth District of Oklahoma’s winners of the 2023 Congressional App Challenge. The students’ app, called “Calorie Balance,” was created using JavaScript and is coded for use on iOS and Android devices. The app is designed for use in recording and tracking daily nutrition and exercise. “I am delighted to congratulate this year’s winners of the Congressional App Challenge for Fourth Congressional District of Oklahoma,” said Cole. “Through their incredible knowledge and impressive coding skills, these students found a way to help people live healthier lifestyles by creating a new and unique way to track nutrition intake and exercise. They certainly have bright futures ahead of them and I look forward to seeing what they accomplish next.” ""We had a great time,” said the winners. “The challenge motivated us to learn new techniques to build the user interface for our app."" A video demonstration of the app can be found here. Background on the Congressional App Challenge: Launched by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2015, the Congressional App Challenge each year invites students to create an application (""app"") for desktop/PC, web, tablet, mobile, raspberry Pi or other devices using any programming language – such as C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, Ruby or ""block code."" It is designed to foster engagement and educational growth in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) among middle and high school students. The competition is open to all students who meet the eligibility requirements, regardless of their coding experience. Winners from each district receive an invitation to the #HouseOfCode reception, currently scheduled for April 2024, as well as have their app displayed in the U.S. Capitol building, on House.gov and on CongressionalAppChallenge.us for one year. Students will also receive a formal Certificate of Achievement, acknowledging victory in the 2023 Congressional App Challenge, and an ARTS Act Copyright Waiver, to have registration fees waived if they choose to copyright their creation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-applauds-house-passage-resolution-overturning-bidens-latest-student-loan-scheme,Cole Applauds House Passage of Resolution Overturning Biden’s Latest Student Loan Forgiveness Scheme,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H. J. Res. 88. The resolution would nullify the Department of Education’s Savings on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan, which seeks to dramatically lower the repayment obligations for student loans and comes with an enormous price tag of $559 billion, paid for by American taxpayers. “Although the U.S. Supreme Court has already ruled that the president cannot direct the Department of Education to forgive swaths of student loans, the administration is already planning to execute another unlawful student loan forgiveness scheme,” said Cole. “This is deeply unfair to those who have already paid off their student loans, did not have student loans or did not go to college at all. In addition, experts conclude that under this proposal, 80 percent of students will never fully repay their loans, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill. “The president cannot spend hundreds of billions of dollars without the approval of Congress. House Joint Resolution 88 will stop this debt transfer and remind the Biden Administration that there are limits to its power.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-statement-kevin-mccarthys-plans-resign-congress,Cole Statement on Kevin McCarthy’s Plans to Resign from Congress,2023-12-07,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, announced he plans to resign from Congress at the end of the year. “It was with great sadness and regret that I learned my friend, colleague and former Speaker Kevin McCarthy has decided to leave Congress. “Kevin McCarthy is the political equivalent of a Michael Jordan for his generation of political leaders. He is the best political strategist and operative, the best candidate recruiter and the most prolific fundraiser of his era. Without Kevin McCarthy, the current Republican majority would simply not exist. He not only built that majority, but he also led it effectively and energetically. “Thanks to Speaker McCarthy, the Democratic spending machine was stopped in its tracks. Under his leadership, and with the majority he created, there will be no $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plans, no $700 billion Inflation Reduction Acts and no budget busting appropriations bills that exceed the previously agreed upon spending levels. He was a fiscal hawk. In addition to limiting spending, Kevin McCarthy helped redirect it towards the priorities of the American people. These included a stronger defense, a secure border and meeting our obligations to our veterans. Every other part of the government had to justify every penny that it requested. “In addition to reining in spending, Kevin McCarthy oversaw the passage through the House of important legislation in the areas of border security, energy independence, parental rights and the defense of the unborn. He was a true conservative but also a practical politician, recognizing the limits of the possible while always pushing as far as his narrow majority would allow. That was something that some of his critics failed to recognize. “I have no doubt that my friend Kevin McCarthy will be brilliantly successful in his post-congressional career. And I am certain that he will continue to be a conservative leader, activist and strategist of supreme importance on the national stage. “House Republicans will undoubtedly miss Kevin McCarthy. His political skills, his personal charm and his consistent commitment to conservative ideals will be hard to replace. As for me, I will miss Kevin as a colleague and a friend fighting on the House floor every day for the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-republicans-advance-legislation-end-epa-overreach-consumer-choice,House Republicans Advance Legislation to End EPA Overreach on Consumer Choice of Vehicles,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the statement below following passage of H.R. 4468, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023, in the U.S. House of Representatives. If signed into law, the legislation would prohibit the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from finalizing, implementing or enforcing a proposed rule proposed rule titled “Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Year 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles.” Cole supported the legislation. “The EPA’s proposed rule would set emissions standards so radical it would result in at least two-thirds of all passenger vehicles sold in the United States to be electric by 2032,” said Cole. “It would do so without taking into consideration significantly higher costs for the American people and the current lack of charging infrastructure throughout the country. Bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. should not be mandating what type of vehicles Americans should own when they are fully capable of deciding what fits the needs of their families and lifestyle best.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=884,Hern lays out argument for Mayorkas’ impeachment at Homeland Security Committee hearing,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – This morning, Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) testified at the House Committee on Homeland Security, arguing in favor of the impeachment of DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Watch Rep. Hern’s remarks here. Remarks as prepared: Chairman Green, I thank you for the opportunity to speak in front of the committee today. I was the first Member of Congress to call for Sec. Mayorkas to resign in February of 2022. In October of that same year, I escalated my demands and called for the impeachment of Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Secretary Mayorkas’s tenure has been one of willful destruction to the United States, beyond the point of incompetence. On February 2nd, 2021, Secretary Mayorkas swore an oath to “well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.” He has failed to uphold his oath, and he has failed to protect the American people. The United States is witnessing an invasion, and, instead of fighting it, Secretary Mayorkas is using any means necessary, including violating the Immigration and Nationality Act, to welcome it. Under Secretary Mayorkas, the United States has suffered record levels of illegal immigration, spikes in fentanyl trafficking and fentanyl-related deaths, and ten-fold increases in encounters with illegal aliens on Terrorist Screening Databases. This has resulted in record cartel profits, countless criminal aliens being ferried into cities across the country, increased migrant deaths, and a demoralized Border Patrol. If Biden is not going to do his constitutional duty and make sure he has the right Cabinet members, then it falls upon the Congress to do their job. Secretary Mayorkas has failed the American people. Keeping him in this role would continue to put Americans in danger. There is not enough time in the world to list all of Mayorkas’ failures, but I can highlight a few that warrant immediate impeachment proceedings. Secretary Mayorkas has consistently ignored rules and laws enacted by Congress, failing on his duty to faithfully execute the law. Some of these include: · using a “mass parole” policy, which violates the Administrative Procedure Act, to release record amounts of illegal aliens into the country · Abusing the parole system to release hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens into the country, violating the Immigration and Nationality Act’s limits on humanitarian parole · Refusing to reimplement Remain in Mexico after a federal district court decision ordered him to · Restricting which migrants ICE officials are able to detain and deport · Quietly changing the detention policy from “release only if there is a compelling reason” to “release unless there is a compelling reason NOT to” - a change we only know about because a federal district court in Florida caught it In addition to ignoring orders from the legislative and judicial branches, Secretary Mayorkas repeatedly lies to Congress and the American people. He has testified to this committee, under oath, that the “border is secure” and that he has “operational control of the Southwest border”. No one believes that. Biden hasn’t seen the real border crisis, but I have – several times. And thanks to the leadership of Governor Abbott, cities across the nation are getting a small taste of what our border communities have been going through these last three years. Even the mayor of New York City has had to admit that there is a crisis at our border. If this is what security and operational control look like to Sec. Mayorkas, then it’s no wonder he hasn’t fixed the Democrats’ border disaster. Secretary Mayorkas’ behavior continues to threaten the integrity of the constitution and the rule of law. While Impeachment is an extraordinary measure, it is absolutely necessary when faced with a Cabinet Secretary who willfully acts in subversion of the confines of Congressional authority and the letter of the law. Mayorkas has shown deliberate negligence in his failure to enforce existing immigration laws, negligence that can be traced all the way back to the White House, because the Biden/Harris Administration has no intention of securing our border. Mayorkas will face no consequences from his boss because these failures are intentional, and at the specific request of the President and Vice President of the United States. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will never fire Secretary Mayorkas because he is performing exactly as instructed. Therefore, impeachment is the only path forward to secure our border and protect our citizens. The House of Representatives should thoughtfully pursue impeachment proceedings against Secretary Mayorkas as his actions meet the constitutional standard of “high Crimes and Misdemeanors.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:14:16Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=242,"Congressman Josh Brecheen Questions Democrat Witness, Highlights Insanity of Democrats’ Open Border Policies During House Homeland Subcommittee Hearing",2023-12-05,2023,2023-12,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 questioned Democrat witness Mr. Murad Awawdeh of the New York Immigration Coalition and highlighted the insanity of Democrats’ open border policies during a House Homeland Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology hearing entitled, “Protecting our Preparedness: Assessing the Impact of the Border Crisis on Emergency Management.” WATCH: Congressman Brecheen speaks during House Homeland Subcommittee hearing. BRECHEEN: “Do Democrats want to continue our open border policies because they know illegal immigrants will vote for them?” Mr. Bruce Blakeman, County Executive, Nassau County, NY: “It definitely changes the voting pool in favor of those who will let anybody in."" WATCH: Congressman Brecheen questions Democrat witness. BRECHEEN: “At what place will you concur that this is insanity? From 1892 to 1954, we had 12 million immigrants come into our country legally. Under this Administration, we have already seen almost that number come into our country illegally in just two and a half years. Are we a nation of laws? Is anybody above the law? Are illegal immigrants above the law?”",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:10Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=241,Congressman Josh Brecheen Announces Service Academy Nominations,2023-12-04,2023,2023-12,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 service academy nominations. The United States Naval Academy: Hallie Kinion of Vian, OK Cable Golden of Collinsville, OK Brant Bishop of Stigler, OK Cody Lay of Bartlesville, OK Hayden Burdick of Henryetta, OK The United States Air Force Academy: Mason Hendricks of Owasso, OK Hallie Kinion of Vian, OK Evan Keefe of Muskogee, OK Gage Wilcox of Jay, OK Cody Lay of Bartlesville, OK The United States Military Academy at West Point: Cable Golden of Collinsville, OK Brant Bishop of Stigler, OK Hadley King of Oologah, OK Cody Lay of Bartlesville, OK Hayden Burdick of Henryetta, OK The United States Merchant Marine Academy: Elliot Geer of Jay, OK Cody Lay of Bartlesville, OK Hayden Burdick of Henryetta, OK “It is an honor to nominate this impressive group of men and women to our nation’s military academies. Each of these nominees will make Oklahoma proud and I have no doubt that they will make exceptional additions to our armed forces. Their leadership and intelligence give me hope for the future of our great country,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:10Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-applauds-house-passage-no-funds-iranian-terrorism-act,Cole Applauds House Passage of the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act,2023-11-30,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after passage of H.R. 5961, the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives. Cole supported the legislation. “Over the last several weeks, the world has watched an aggressive Iran support Hamas and its atrocities against Israel, as well as dozens of attacks by Iranian fighters on American facilities and service members in the region,” said Cole. “There is no excuse for allowing Hamas’ most important backer – Iran – to access money that can be used on weapons, training, rockets and weapons of mass destruction. This cannot continue and the United States’ and our allies’ security relies on our country remaining strong against terrorism. By stopping billions of dollars from reaching Tehran, we can put an end to Iran’s support of global terrorism, and this bill will do just that.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=238,Congressman Josh Brecheen To Host Final Telephone Town Hall of the Year on December 5th at 7 PM CT,2023-11-28,2023,2023-11,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 will be hosting the final telephone town hall of the year on Tuesday, December 5th at 7 PM CT. During the call, Congressman Brecheen will provide an update on some of the most pressing policy issues facing our country, including our more than $33 trillion national debt, and answer live questions from constituents. Details for participating in the call are below: Date: Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m. CT Dial-in Number: 888-480-3675 Constituents should dial 888-480-3675 if they would like to participate in the call. To watch a live stream of the call, constituents can visit our Facebook page here.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:08Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=237,Congressman Josh Brecheen Introduces Two Bills to Fight Back Against the Biden Administration’s Pro-Abortion Agenda,2023-11-21,2023,2023-11,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 two bills today to fight back against the Biden Administration’s far-Left, pro-abortion agenda. The No Taxpayer Abortions for Unaccompanied Minors Act says that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) may not issue, finalize, implement, or enforce any rule or guidance to facilitate abortions or access to abortions, including expenses for travel or lodging for the purpose of obtaining an abortion, for an unaccompanied alien child. The No Abortion Coverage for Medicaid Act includes a findings section which states that the Hyde Amendment prevents taxpayer funds for abortions, applies to all Medicaid funds, and cannot be superseded by a waiver. Additionally, legislation to prohibit Medicaid dollars from going to elective abortions, including payment for services, is consistent with the Hyde Amendment. It also amends section 1115 of the Social Security Act to clarify that HHS may not approve an application or extension for any Medicaid or CHIP project that provides federal financial assistance for abortion or health coverage benefits that include abortion, including expenses for travel or lodging for the purposes of obtaining an abortion. “Following the historic Dobbs decision, the Biden Administration has deliberately ignored federal law in order to pursue its far-left, pro-abortion agenda—all without the authority of Congress. These bills are needed to fight back against the Biden Administration’s war against life,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. The Daily Signal’s Mary Margaret Olohan wrote an exclusive report on the bills, which you can read here. Original co-sponsors for the No Taxpayer Abortions for Unaccompanied Minors Act include: Representatives Trent Kelly (R-MS), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Bob Good (R-VA), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Mary Miller (R-IL), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), and Randy Weber (R-TX). Original co-sponsors for the No Abortion Coverage for Medicaid Act include: Representatives Trent Kelly (R-MS), Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Bob Good (R-VA), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Mary Miller (R-IL), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Doug Lamborn (R-CO), Randy Weber (R-TX), and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX).",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:08Z https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-supports-two-step-stopgap-spending-bill,Bice Supports Two-Step Stopgap Spending Bill,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,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 a two-step stopgap funding bill which seeks to avert a government shutdown. In step one, four appropriations bills: Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, Transportation-Housing-Urban Development, Agriculture, and Energy and Water are extended until January 19th. In step two, the remaining eight appropriations bills are extended until February 2nd. This legislation would responsibly avert a government shutdown while also blocking the potential for a year-end Omnibus. Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-statement-house-passage-continuing-resolution-hr-6363,Cole Statement on House Passage of Continuing Resolution,2023-11-14,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after H.R. 6363, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives with Cole’s support. This legislation would provide funding at current levels to the federal agencies that fall under the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture and Energy and Water appropriations bills through January 19, 2024, and remaining agencies through February 2, 2024. “While finishing the appropriations process and fully funding the government at more responsible spending levels for the next fiscal year would be the ideal scenario, the reality is we are not there yet,” said Cole. “Moreover, we cannot shut down the government and punish the American people, our service members and civilian workforce in the interim. The legislation passed in the House today avoids disruption to government operations and American families during the holiday season and it would provide for lawmakers to continue to work responsibly under regular order to finish government funding.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=233,Congressman Josh Brecheen Statement in Honor of Veterans Day,2023-11-10,2023,2023-11,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 issued the following statement ahead of Veterans Day: “Veterans Day is an important time to honor the brave men and women in uniform who serve our country courageously every single day. These brave men and women allow us to enjoy so many of the freedoms that we often take for granted in this country. As Ronald Reagan famously said in 1967: ‘Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. It must be fought for by each generation.’ So make sure to thank a veteran this weekend for all they do to keep our country safe. Thank you and God bless America!,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. If you are a veteran and experience any problems with the VA or have any ideas how we can make the VA more effective and efficient we want to hear from you! Please reach out to our district office at (918) 283-6262. Here are some of the actions Congressman Brecheen has taken this year to support veterans: H.R. 366: Korean American Valor Act, which gave Korean veterans who served in Vietnam alongside the U.S. between January 9, 1962 and May 7, 1975 access to VA healthcare at VA facilities as long as they are current U.S. citizens. S. 777: Veterans' Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2023, which increases the amount of money that is paid to veterans for disability compensation, clothing allowance, and increase the amount received by surviving family members through Dependency and Indemnity Compensation. H.R. 1606: Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Act of 2023, which authorized the Small Business Administration to carry out the Boots to Business program until at least 2028. This program provides assistance and in-depth training to covered individuals interested in business ownership. Voted in favor of the FY24 NDAA which gave enlisted service members a 5.2% pay raise. Voted for Chip Roy's amendment to terminate the VA program that requires VA personnel to be vaccinated. Voted for the VA secretary to study the effectiveness of the VA suicide hotline to help prevent and intervene before additional veterans commit suicide. Voted in favor of H.R. 3981: The Veterans Education Oversight Expansion Act, which increases oversight into programs that receive VA education benefits and ensures that veterans have access to relevant information about educational and training programs. Voted in favor of S.112, to provide health care for life to the children of Vietnam War veterans who have spina bifida. Voted in favor of H.R. 1530, to improve veterans benefits as it relates to veterans who seek a law degree, and creates a community care outreach program for veterans to understand which physicians they can visit outside of the VA. Cosponsored Rep. Biggs's Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which allows veterans to access heath care more quickly from providers in the private sector by removing the VA from the referral process.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:08Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=234,Congressman Josh Brecheen Introduces Stop Stealing Like There's No Tomorrow Act Following Reports of Ukrainian Corruption,2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Following a report in Time Magazine that a top adviser to Ukrainian President Zelensky said that Ukrainian officials are “stealing like there’s no tomorrow,” Congressman Josh Brecheen introduced the Stop Stealing Like There's No Tomorrow Act, which would require the Secretaries of State and Defense to report to Congress any Ukrainian government officials who have violated the End-Use Monitoring (EUM) agreements that were a prerequisite for Ukraine obtaining U.S. assistance. The legislation also prevents any Ukrainian officials guilty of violating EUM agreements from receiving visas, entering the U.S., and revokes the visas of any said officials who currently possess them. The Daily Caller’s Henry Rodgers wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which you can read here. “Ukraine has a long and documented history of corruption, so much so that a top adviser to Ukrainian President Zelensky even admitted it to a journalist. We have so far sent $113 billion to Ukraine and the Biden Administration wants to send them even more. This legislation is needed so that no more of Americans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars are stolen by corrupt officials in Ukraine,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. Original co-sponsors include: Representatives Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Ralph Norman (R-SC), and Randy Weber (R-TX).",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:08Z https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-cosponsors-life-saving-weather-bill,Bice Cosponsors Life Saving Weather Bill,2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee marked up H.R. 6093, the Weather Act Reauthorization, legislation that Congresswoman Bice cosponsors. This legislation reauthorizes the critical research programs currently operating at NOAA, but also establishes new programs to advance forecasting, expands commercial data partnerships, strengthens emergency preparedness, and advances tools for farmers, ranchers, and resource managers. Importantly, it contains three of Congresswoman Bice’s Bills: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio Modernization Act, the National Mesonet Authorization Act, and the Weather Innovation for Next Generation (WING) Act. This legislation will provide necessary resources and technology to help keep Oklahomans and Americans safe during severe weather. Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement: “Americans across the country, and especially Oklahomans, rely on accurate weather forecasting in order to protect their life and property. The Weather Act Reauthorization ensures we have the resources we need when critical weather events strike. I am grateful that this legislation includes my bills the NOAA Weather Radio Act, the National Mesonet Authorization Act, and the WING Act. I was proud to support this bill and want to thank Chairman Lucas for his leadership and for his focus on protecting Oklahomans.” Congressman Lucas issued the following statement: “I’m grateful to Rep. Bice for her support of the Weather Act Reauthorization and for her leadership on multiple bills that have been included in this legislation. Her bill to modernize NOAA’s weather radio will help save lives by updating our emergency alert system. And her bill to codify the National Mesonet Program for the first time ever ensures other states will look to Oklahoma as the gold standard and model of critical, real-time weather and climate services. I appreciate all she’s done to help make the Weather Act Reauthorization a comprehensive, forward-thinking bill to strengthen American forecasting.” More information on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio Modernization Act below: Directs NOAA to replace the outdated technology currently in use throughout its weather radio system. Establishes an initiative for broadcasts to transition to IP-based communications and develop options for backup capabilities and enhanced signal transmission. Paves the way for future development and provides failsafe options, so the National Weather Radio (NWR) is never down for an extended period and outages will be less frequent. This legislation passed the House last Congress. More information on the National Mesonet Authorization Act can be found below: This legislation would increase the overall coverage and accuracy of the National Mesonet Program (NMP) which provides reliable, real-time data and observations for weather prediction, severe weather warnings, and emergency response. This legislation seeks to increase the number of public-private partnerships across the country, as well as expand and improve the quality and quantity of data collected by established systems. More information on the WING Act can be found below:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=232,Congressman Josh Brecheen Introduces Stop Climate Hysteria in Diplomacy Act,2023-11-08,2023,2023-11,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 Stop Climate Hysteria in Diplomacy Act, which would ensure President Biden’s Executive Order 14027, which created the Climate Change Support Office at the State Department, would have no force or effect. “President Biden has used the excuse that climate change is an existential threat to create additional bureaucracy inside the State Department. The Climate Change Support Office is nothing more than a pet project for John Kerry to integrate climate change into all aspects of American foreign policy decisions. With this bill, Congress can eliminate a useless office and prevent the United States from prioritizing radical climate policy over our national security,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. Breitbart’s Sean Moran wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which you can read here. Original co-sponsors include: Representatives Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and Eric Burlison (R-MO).",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:08Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-applauds-house-passage-fy24-interior-and-environment-appropriations-bill,Cole Applauds House Passage of FY24 Interior and Environment Appropriations Bill,2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after H.R. 4821, the Department of Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024 passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Cole supported the legislation. “At $25.4 billion for the Department of the Interior, EPA and other related agencies, which is $13.43 billion below fiscal year 2023 funding levels and $21.371 billion below the president’s budget request, this legislation delivers essential resources while also saving billions in taxpayer dollars,” said Cole. “This legislation leverages House Republicans’ all-of-the-above domestic energy strategy by restarting onshore and offshore U.S. oil and gas leasing and reducing billions in spending on overreaching and overregulated EPA programs. In addition, it protects hunting, fishing and recreational access as well as limits efforts by the Biden Administration that burdens farmers, ranchers and landowners through the flawed Waters of the United States rule and abuse of the Endangered Species Act. “Finally, this bill supports native communities and protects tribal sovereignty by not only increasing funding for the Indian Health Service, but also including advanced appropriations for the next fiscal year, ensuring secure healthcare access to tribal nations. I have always championed the importance of programs within the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education, and I am pleased this bill secures the necessary funding for both agencies. I applaud Chairman Simpson for his work on this legislation and was proud to support it on the floor.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=227,Congressman Josh Brecheen Introduces No Taxpayer Funding for Researchers Who Prey on Children Act,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,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 No Taxpayer Funding for Researchers Who Prey on Children Act, which would prohibit any individual who has been a Principal Investigator/Project Leader for any study that facilitated “gender-affirming care” or affirmed a minor’s identity in conflict with his or her sex from receiving federal financial assistance for future studies or experiments. “Americans should be outraged to learn that nearly $31 million of our taxpayer dollars are funding youth transgender studies that have even led to the suicides of two participants. The researchers conducting these studies are advocates for harming minors and are using our tax dollars to prey on children and advance their far-Left agenda. This legislation is unfortunately needed to prevent researchers from receiving any more of our tax dollars for future studies or experiments,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. The Daily Signal’s Mary Margaret Olohan wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which you can read here. Co-sponsors of the bill include: Representatives Ralph Norman (R-SC), Mary Miller (R-IL), Eric Burlison (R-MO), David Rouzer (R-NC), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Barry Moore (R-AL), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), and Andy Ogles (R-TN). This legislation has been endorsed by the Congressional Family Caucus and the American Principles Project. The bill comes after Congressman Brecheen sent a letter in May to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding a federally funded study on youth who identified as transgender or nonbinary that concluded in the suicide of two participants. NIH responded to the letter in September and sent a list of government-funded “studies involving transgender or nonbinary children.” The list amounts to nearly $30.8 million in current funding and is comprised of 57 projects. Some of the more egregious studies include: Exploring the Frequency of Rectal Gonorrhea and Chlamydia from Sexual Behaviors Other Than Receptive Anal Intercourse Effectiveness of Relationship Education for Reducing HIV Incidence in Men Who Have Sex with Men The Impact of Early Medical Treatment in Transgender Youth Sex Hormone Effects on Neurodevelopment: Controlled Puberty in Transgender Adolescents",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:08Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=228,"Congressman Josh Brecheen, House Republicans Stand With Israel; Pass Aid Package Offset by Bloated IRS Funding",2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,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 voted in favor of H.R. 6126 – The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, which provides $14.3 billion in supplemental aid to Israel, including defense spending for ammunition, missiles, and Iron Dome replenishment. The supplemental also includes funding to evacuate Americans out of Israel. The supplemental is paid for by cutting an equal amount of money from the IRS, which was increased by Biden’s so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” last year. The bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 226-196. “America must stand with Israel and its right to defend itself following the heinous attacks by Hamas terrorists last month. I believe if we are going to authorize new spending, we also need to find a way to pay for it and that is exactly what this supplemental does by redirecting money away from Biden’s bloated IRS,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. “Israel is surrounded by terrorist groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi rebels—all backed by Iran—who want to wipe it off the map. This supplemental is needed so Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East, can properly defend itself,” concluded Brecheen. Earlier this week, Congressman Brecheen also supported the following pro-Israel bills, which passed the House of Representatives: H. RES. 559 – “Declaring it is the policy of the United States that a nuclear Islamic Republic of Iran is not acceptable” H.R. 340 – “To impose sanctions with respect to foreign support for terrorist organizations, including Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad” H. RES. 798 – “Condemning the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff” H. RES. 599 – “Urging the European Union to designate Hizballah in its entirety as a terrorist organization” *Adopted by voice H.R. 3266 – “To require the Secretary of State to submit annual reports reviewing the curriculum used by the Palestinian Authority” *Adopted by voice",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:08Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-statement-house-advancement-fy24-legislative-branch-appropriations-bill,Cole Statement on House Advancement of FY24 Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4364, the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024, yesterday evening. Cole supported the legislation. “It is the duty of Congress to remain open and working to serve the American people,” said Cole. “The Legislative Branch Appropriations Act provides a measured funding level for the legislative branch for the coming year of $5.3 billion, 4.7 percent less than fiscal year 2023 levels, while prioritizing resources focused on effective constituent service. This legislation prioritizes funding for the Capitol Police, ensuring they can recruit, train and retain officers to continue to protect the Capitol complex, appropriate funds infrastructure projects around the Capitol and provides support for hardworking staff and federal employees. I was proud to support its passage.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cole-proudly-supports-critical-aid-israel,Congressman Cole Proudly Supports Critical Aid to Israel,2023-11-02,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6126, the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, which would provide $14.3 billion in security funding related to Hamas’ attacks on Israel. Cole supported the legislation. “Aggression against the United States and our friends and allies has increased in recent years,” said Cole. “ And over the last few weeks we have watched in horror as the evil terrorist organization Hamas has brutally slaughtered innocent Israeli civilians, and other Iranian-backed proxies have attacked bystanders across the region. This critical security supplemental to Israel not only replenishes American defense stockpiles but enhances Iron Dome and other Israeli defense systems while expanding safety and readiness for U.S. personnel and citizens serving in the area. I stand firmly with Israel and its right to defend itself in full force against terror. It is of great importance that Congress and the president come together to provide Israel aid, and I am proud the House took the first step to do so.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=226,Representatives Josh Brecheen and Mary Miller Introduce The Protecting Religious Freedom for Foster Families Act,2023-11-01,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Representatives Josh Brecheen and Mary Miller (R-IL) introduced the Protecting Religious Freedom for Foster Families Act, which would prohibit the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from implementing its proposed rule to discriminate against foster parents who do not affirm LGBTQ ideology. “The federal government should not force foster families to violate their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs in order to house children. President Biden’s bureaucrats continue to pursue an anti-Christian, far-Left agenda—all without the authority of Congress. With this legislation, we are fighting back,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. The Christian Post’s Ryan Foley wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which you can read here. Original co-sponsors of the bill include: Representatives Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Barry Moore (R-AL), and Eric Burlison (R-MO). The legislation is endorsed by the Congressional Family Caucus and Concerned Women for America.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:08Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-statement-planned-retirement-chairwoman-kay-granger,Cole Statement on Planned Retirement of Chairwoman Kay Granger,2023-11-01,2023,2023-11,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after the announcement that House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Kay Granger (TX-12) will not seek reelection after this term. “It was with deep regret but genuine respect that I learned of Chairwoman Granger’s decision to retire from the House after this term,” said Cole. “Chairwoman Granger and I served together throughout my entire time in the House of Representatives. We have sat together at the leadership table and have worked hand in glove on the Appropriations Committee. During my time on the committee, I served as Vice Chairman for her on the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Subcommittee, and later served with her as Vice Ranking Member and Vice Chairman of the full committee. “Throughout her career, Kay Granger has been a principled, pragmatic conservative who has always put the interests of the American people, the state of Texas and the Republican Conference first. Under her leadership, Republicans fought to check Democrats’ excessive spending. I am sure that under her leadership, we will secure a favorable negotiated deal for both fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025. “Kay Granger has been a trailblazer her entire career. She was the first woman Mayor of Fort Worth, the first Republican woman to serve in Congress in the Texas delegation and the first Republican woman to ever chair the full Appropriations Committee. She has always been a lioness of the House and Texas tough in every decision she has made. It has been an honor to serve with her and learn at the feet of a master appropriator.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T01:01:09Z https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-back-work,ICYMI: Back to Work,2023-10-30,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Last week, after the election of Rep. Mike Johnson as Speaker, the House voted on multiple pieces of legislation that were supported by Congresswoman Bice. The first was H.Res. 771, which asserts Israel’s right to defend itself, condemns Hamas, and calls for the release of seized hostages. The second bill was H.R. 4934, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. This bill funds the Department of Energy, Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and other related agencies. Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement: “The House is finally back to work. Our first piece of legislation since electing Speaker Johnson was to condemn the horrifying actions of Hamas terrorists throughout Israel. Israel has an absolute right to defend itself, and it is important that the United States, Congress, and the White House continue their unwavering support for our greatest ally in the Middle East. The second piece of legislation, the Energy and Water Subcommittee Appropriations bill, continues our work to fund the government in a fiscally responsible manner. We must continue to prioritize programs that promote funding for agencies and programs that bolster our national security, energy security, and economic competitiveness. Under the leadership of House Republicans, the House is seeking to reduce spending and get our country back on track.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-applauds-house-passage-fy24-energy-and-water-development-appropriations,Cole Applauds House Passage of FY24 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act,2023-10-26,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2024. Cole supported the legislation. “While spending American dollars more wisely and reining in Green New Deal policies, the bill passed in the House today provides strong funding to the U.S. Department of Energy and sets the interests of America first,” said Cole. “This bill advances initiatives to strengthen our energy security, continue the modernization of our nuclear weapons stockpile and infrastructure and reduces the U.S.’s reliance on foreign sources of critical minerals. The legislation also provides for harbor maintenance and inland waterways construction to ensure goods can be moved safely to and from global markets and increases water supply and drought resilience programs. “Finally, I am proud this legislation codifies the Supreme Court’s reversal of President Biden’s overreaching Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule to return control of waterways such as streams, ditches, ponds and creeks from the federal government to individual states and private owners. This is significant to Oklahomans and rural Americans by ensuring regulatory certainty to landowners to responsibly steward their own property.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-statement-ardmore-michelin-plant-closing,Cole Statement on Ardmore Michelin Plant Closing,2023-10-26,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the announcement that the Ardmore Michelin manufacturing plant in the Fourth District of Oklahoma will be closing after more than 50 years of business. “This news is certainly a shock and disappointment to the Ardmore community and surrounding areas as approximately 1,400 jobs will be affected,” said Cole. “My office will continue to monitor the situation and work with community leaders in any way we can to ensure the community’s and employees’ needs are taken care of.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-supports-new-house-speaker,Bice Supports New House Speaker,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Stephanie Bice released the following statement after voting for Representative Mike Johnson as the new Speaker of the House: ""Today, I voted in strong support of Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House. Earlier this year, I gave the nomination speech for Mike when he ran for Vice Chairman of the Republican Conference, and I know firsthand that Mike is a steadfast conservative that has the ability to unite our conference. We are at an unprecedented time. We must secure the southern border and work to pass a spending bill before the November 17th deadline. On the international front, we have the largest invasion in Europe since WWII, the Middle East is a tinderbox, our troops have been attacked, and terrorists are emboldened. Democracy is messy; however, it is crucial that we abandon the idea of pitting us against one another. Now is the time to come together and continue pushing our pro-American and pro-growth agenda. We must be laser focused. Let’s get back to work.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=222,Congressman Josh Brecheen Applauds the Election of Speaker Mike Johnson,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,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 voted for Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) in conference yesterday and on the House floor today and issued the following statement after Johnson was elected Speaker of the House. “Rep. Mike Johnson is admired by the entire Republican Conference because of his integrity, his humility, and his commitment to put the best interests of the country over his own political self-interest. A former constitutional lawyer who worked on religious liberty issues, Rep. Johnson is a man who has a deep rudder of faith and understands that our nation must return to founding principles. I was honored to vote for him and congratulate him on being elected Speaker,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:08Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-congratulates-speaker-mike-johnson,Cole Congratulates Speaker Mike Johnson,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) congratulated Congressman Mike Johnson (LA-04) on being elected the 56th Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. “I am proud to congratulate my colleague and friend, Mike Johnson, on being elected the 56th Speaker of the House,” said Cole. “Mike has been an instrumental leader in the Republican Conference during his time in office, first leading the Republican Study Committee and more recently as Vice Chairman of the House Republican Conference. A principled Louisianan, he has a plan to finish the House’s work and secure the southern border. I have full faith in his ability to lead this body and look forward to working with him.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-stands-israel-it-defends-itself-against-terror,Cole Stands with Israel as it Defends Itself Against Terror,2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released to following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Resolution 771, Standing with Israel as It Defends Itself Against the Barbaric War Launched by Hamas and Other Terrorists. The resolution passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support. “Nearly three weeks ago, innocent Israeli civilians awoke to the deadliest attack on the nation in its entire history, going back more than 70 years,” said Cole. “The brutal attacks and barbaric slaughtering of innocent people, including women, children and babies, have no place in this world. Make no mistake, Hamas is a government-backed, trained and funded military terrorist organization. Hamas must not prevail; the U.S. has a duty to stand with one of our closest, most important allies. I was proud to support this resolution, and it is my hope the House can soon move forward critical emergency assistance in support of Israel and its right to defend itself in full force.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=221,Congressman Brecheen Demands President Biden Opposes Paroling Palestinians into the U.S. Following Hamas Attacks on Israel,2023-10-23,2023,2023-10,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 sent a letter to President Biden calling on him to oppose paroling Palestinians into the U.S. following Hamas’ heinous attack on Israel. The Daily Caller’s Jennie Taer wrote an exclusive report on the letter, which you can read here. The letter reads, in part: “In light of recent news that members of your party are encouraging Palestinians to be paroled into the United States following Hamas’s attack on innocent Israelis on October 7, 2023, we write to you to remind the administration that no authority exists to grant categorical parole and we are deeply opposed to any potential attempts to parole into the U.S. Palestinians en masse following Israel’s counteroffensive against Hamas in Gaza. In the past week, we have seen disgraceful protests in cities and college campuses across America in support of Hamas’ attack against Israel. It is deeply concerning that some of these gatherings have put on display hatred and vitriol against the Jewish people. For example, the New York City Democratic Socialists of America chapter gathered in Times Square the day after Hamas’s initial attack, celebrating it as a ‘resistance,’ with one protestor saying he ‘might do the same thing because there’s nothing left to lose.’ Stanford University suspended one of its professors after students reported him shamefully defending Hamas as ‘freedom fighters’ and later forcing Jewish students to stand alone in the corner of the room to signify Palestinian life in Gaza. These protests even made their way to the halls of Congress as Palestinian supporters flooded the Cannon House Office Building rotunda falsely claiming Palestinians were being ‘ethnically cleansed.’” Read the full letter here. Cosigners include: Representatives Andy Ogles (R-TN), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), and Clay Higgins (R-LA).",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:08Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-mourns-loss-lieutenant-general-donald-e-gene-kirkland,Cole Mourns Loss of Lieutenant General Donald E. “Gene” Kirkland,2023-10-11,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the passing of Lieutenant General Donald E. “Gene” Kirkland. “It is with great sadness in which I learned of the passing of my good friend and great American, General Gene Kirkland. The General and I became very good friends over the course of several tours at Tinker Air Force Base when I would visit, and especially after 2018 when he assumed the role of Commander of the Air Force Sustainment Center. His leadership of the largest, most capable sustainment enterprise in the world earned him much-deserved respect and praise. “Once he retired from service, he helped stand up and lead the new Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute at the University of Oklahoma as its Executive Director. He came to this role armed with a wealth of experience, knowledge, relationships and energy and has helped leave a founder’s mark as his legacy at this important institute. “America has lost a great patriot, Oklahoma has lost a wonderful leader and I have lost a dear friend. My deepest sympathies go out to his wife Judy, family, friends and loved ones as they navigate this tremendous loss.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=876,Hern announces bid for Majority Leader,2023-10-11,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) announced his campaign for Majority Leader of the US House of Representatives this morning following current Leader Steve Scalise’s nomination to be the next Speaker of the House. Rep. Hern announced his campaign with a letter to his Republican colleagues. You can read the letter here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-condemns-barbaric-attacks-israel,Cole Condemns Barbaric Attacks on Israel,2023-10-08,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement in response to Hamas’ recent attacks against Israel. “The attacks on Israel and its people are nothing short of barbaric and horrific,” said Cole. “During this trying time and in the hard days ahead, the United States offers our unwavering support to our friend in every possible way as Israel moves to hold those responsible for this despicable act of terror accountable.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=216,Congressman Josh Brecheen Statement on Hamas Attacks Against Israel,2023-10-07,2023,2023-10,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 issued the following statement following Hamas’ horrific attacks against Israel. “America must stand in solidarity with Israel against these unprecedented attacks by Hamas Jihadists from within the Gaza Strip. Iran is the largest backer of Hamas, therefore the $6 billion of U.S. taxpayer money that Biden gave Iran just one month ago is likely being used against Israel. Americans must also recognize Israel's loss of full control of the strategically important Gaza Strip has undermined Israeli peace. Supporting Israel in our actions is what counts, not just our statements,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:08Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=217,Congressman Josh Brecheen Endorses Rep. Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House,2023-10-07,2023,2023-10,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 endorsed Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) for Speaker of the House. “I’m supporting Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House. Jim Jordan is a principled conservative, a peacemaker, and can cross the 218 vote threshold necessary to unite the Republican conference,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:08Z https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=875,ICYMI: Hern urges unity in Speaker's race,2023-10-07,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"TULSA, OK – This morning, Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) announced he is stepping back from the race for Speaker of the House after contacting all 221 Members of the Republican Conference. Watch his appearance on Fox News this morning here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-issued-following-statement-after-yesterdays-votes,Bice Issued the Following Statement After Yesterday's Votes,2023-10-04,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.- Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement: ""Yesterday was an unprecedented day for the U.S. House of Representatives. The removal of the Speaker was an unnecessary distraction from the important achievements we have accomplished during the last nine months. Instead of focusing on reducing spending, fighting for border security, and supporting our military and veterans, the House is currently hamstrung, unable to continue our work. We have precious time left before a second potential government shutdown, so the House must immediately come together and elect a new Speaker who can unite our conference and be laser-focused on delivering conservative results for the American people. Moving forward, we must make changes to the motion to vacate to ensure that a handful of members cannot upend the institution.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-supports-mccarthy,Cole Supports McCarthy,2023-10-03,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement. “Speaker McCarthy can not only be credited for delivering this Republican majority but has also delivered on his commitments to the American people,” said Cole. “He has been an instrumental leader to our conference, and because of him, House Republicans have advanced policies that would secure the border, restore American energy dominance and rebuild the economy. He had my full support in January, and he has my full support now.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:49:26Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=214,Congressman Josh Brecheen Postpones October In-Person Town Halls,2023-10-01,2023,2023-10,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – The office of Congressman Josh Brecheen notifies constituents that the in-person town hall meetings scheduled for Monday, October 2nd, Tuesday, October 3rd, and Wednesday, October 4th have been postponed due to legislative business in Washington, as the House of Representatives will now be in session this week. Constituents can follow our Facebook page here to stay up to date on future town hall dates. ###",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:08Z https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-votes-avert-government-shutdown,Bice Votes to Avert Government Shutdown,2023-09-30,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C.- Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement: ""I have repeatedly worked to negotiate packages that cut spending, secure our border, and take care of our men and women in uniform. However, I refuse to let our troops, border patrol agents, and countless other federal employees throughout Oklahoma’s Fifth Congressional District to go without pay and be pawns in this process. This is why I voted to give Congress 45 days to continue our work as we seek to restore fiscal responsibility in Washington, D.C. In this interim period, I will focus on working to end Biden’s Border Crisis and pass fiscally responsible appropriations bills.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=213,"Congressman Josh Brecheen Votes Against Swampy, Status Quo Continuing Resolution (CR)",2023-09-30,2023,2023-09,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 voted against H.R. 5860 - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act. “We should not be funding the government at current levels when our national debt is more than $33 trillion and the average family of four is spending $1,200 more a month to buy the exact same goods and services. If we are going to fund the government, we need meaningful cuts to spending and we need to secure our border,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. Congressman Brecheen joined Fox News to discuss his vote against the CR, which you can watch here. H.R. 5860, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act, would fund the government for 45 days at current bloated spending levels. It even includes $37.5 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. On Friday, Congressman Brecheen voted with the majority of the House Freedom Caucus in favor of H.R. 5525 - The Spending Reduction and Border Security Enhancement Act, which would have funded the government for thirty days at 30% lower spending levels and included H.R.2—the most conservative border bill that has ever passed the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, this legislation failed on the House floor.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:07Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-applauds-house-advancement-continuing-resolution-hr5860,Cole Applauds House Advancement of Continuing Resolution,2023-09-30,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives advanced H.R. 5860, the Continuing Appropriations Act, which would keep the government open until November 17. Cole supported the legislation. “While Congress should come to an agreement to fully fund the government, we should also remember that the funding levels instilled by Democrats previously in control of both chambers of Congress are unsustainable,” said Cole. “House Republicans are passing our appropriations bills to provide full funding and have already sent four bills, which would fund nearly 70 percent of the discretionary budget, to the Senate. But we cannot shutdown the government in the interim and punish the American people, our service members and civilian workforce. This legislation would avoid that while allowing Congress to finish the job and provide critical disaster relief to Hawaii which was devastated by wildfires. “I applaud Speaker McCarthy for taking this path forward. Government shutdowns are not the way to govern and do not work as a negotiation tactic. I thank him for his leadership to avert a shutdown, something the previous four Republican Speakers did not do, and this body for working in a bipartisan manner for the good of the American people.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-applauds-house-passage-funding-critical-protecting-americans-home-abroad,Cole Applauds House Passage of Funding Critical to Protecting Americans at Home and Abroad,2023-09-29,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4665, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024, H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024, and H.R. 4367, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024. Cole supported all three bills. “The three pieces of legislation passed in the House this evening are critical to securing our nation both from within and around the globe,” said Cole. “These three bills ensure our men and women in uniform, including the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents at our southern border, are provided the foundation needed to protect our citizens and win any conflict. “At $826 billion, nearly 3.5 percent more than fiscal year 2023 funding levels, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2024 would deliver full, needed funding for our nation’s defenders. Among many other critical provisions, this legislation would support the strategic missions and personnel at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City and Fort Sill Army Post in Lawton and deliver a 5.2 percent pay raise for service members to offset Democrats’ inflationary crisis. It also provides for significant investments in capabilities in the Pacific region to deter aggression from China and North Korea in the region and rejects progressive ideology agendas to ensure the Pentagon is laser focused on military readiness and warfighting capabilities. “While clawing back wasteful spending, the State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024 supports our nation’s most critical allies in Europe, the Middle East and Indo-Pacific region and invests in countering the flow of fentanyl and other deadly drugs in the Western Hemisphere. This bill is fiscally responsible while strengthening our national security, countering China and supporting our allies who have a hand in promoting American values abroad. “Finally, since President Joe Biden took office, our southern border has been neglected and poorly run, creating a historic humanitarian and national security crisis. This month alone we have seen a record number of migrant apprehensions at our Southern border. Not only are our CBP agents and their resources stretched thin, making their job more difficult, but bad actors including drug and human traffickers, and even suspected terrorists are taking advantage of President Biden’s open border. This crisis has affected every community across the nation in some way. This legislation addresses this crisis by providing funding to secure our border, remove dangerous criminals and detainees unlawfully in our country and countering China’s role in the spread of fentanyl. House Republicans are committed to rebuilding our military and securing the southern border, and I was proud to support the passage of these government funding measures to support a stronger and safer nation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=207,Congressman Josh Brecheen Announces Telephone Town Hall on September 28th,2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,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 announced today that the next telephone town hall will now be on September 28th at 7:00pm CT. The telephone town hall comes after Congressman Brecheen has held 60 in-person town halls throughout Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District with more to be announced soon. During the call, Congressman Brecheen will provide an update on some of the most pressing policy issues facing our country, including our more than $32 trillion national debt, and answer live questions from constituents. Details for participating in the call are below: Date: Thursday, September 28th, 2023 Time: 7:00-8:00 p.m. CT Dial-in Number: 888-480-3675 Constituents should dial 888-480-3675 if they would like to participate in the call. To watch a live stream of the call, constituents can visit our Facebook page here.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:07Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-supports-ukraine-war-against-putin,Cole Supports Ukraine in the War Against Putin,2023-09-28,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5692, the Ukraine Security Assistance and Oversight Supplemental Appropriations Act. This legislation, originally included in the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal year 2024, was removed to allow for independent debate and vote. The legislation passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support and with Cole’s support. “As we prepare for the possibility of similar aggression in other parts of the world, the Indo-Pacific and elsewhere, we must enhance our deterrence of war by following through in cases where it does occur,” said Cole. “We must stand firmly against Putin’s brutal, illegal aggression for the sake of a peaceful world where people can live safely, economies can flourish and tyranny is put on notice. In doing so, we also reassure our nation’s many treaty allies in Europe of our resolve and show Putin and Communist China that the U.S. stands strong for freedom for the long term. “I understand and share concerns about the president’s slow implementation of aid, his lack of communication about our purpose and objectives and about ensuring robust oversight and accountability. But I am pleased that this legislation involves the American people in those important discussions and ultimately improved the likelihood of passing critical funding for the Department of Defense, so we can support our service members and our strategic missions at home and abroad. I was proud to support its passage.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=212,Congressman Josh Brecheen Fights Back Against the Biden Administration’s War on Farmers and Ranchers During House Budget Committee Markup,2023-09-21,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – In case you missed it, Congressman Josh Brecheen fought back against the Biden Administration’s war on America’s farmers and ranchers during a House Budget Committee markup on the budget for Fiscal Year 2024. “It is absolutely certain that rural communities have been greatly impacted by this Administration. Since this Administration took office, the average family of four is spending $1,100 more per month to buy the exact same goods and services as they were in January 2021,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. “I grew up ranching and I still ranch. When you talk to farmers and ranchers they will tell you that their biggest issue with the federal government is the increase in costs…Specifically, the price of agriculture is up 23% in just two years under this Administration. We need to end this hardship for families, farmers, and ranchers and to do that we need to get serious about helping them not only directly but also by cutting the runaway spending.” Watch a clip of the remarks here.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:07Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-receives-2023-national-distinguished-advocacy-award,Cole Receives 2023 National Distinguished Advocacy Award from American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network,2023-09-20,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Image Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, received the 2023 National Distinguished Advocacy Award from the American Cancer Society Action Network (ACS CAN) for his leadership in the fight against cancer. Cole was selected for the award particularly for his dedication to increasing cancer and pediatric cancer research funding, leading the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to a funding increase of 49 percent since 2015, and introduction of the Strengthen The Pediatric Research Initiative Act. “I am deeply honored to receive this distinguished award from the American Cancer Society,” said Cole. “This tragic and deadly disease affects every American family in some shape or form. However, through biomedical research, we can improve patients’ access to care, prevention and screening programs, uncover new treatments and hopefully find a cure one day to save lives. Indeed, the next breakthrough is always right around the corner, and I will continue to champion this cause and work with my colleagues in Congress, organizations such as the American Cancer Society and others to ensure the fight against cancer continues.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-co-authors-funding-extension-secures-americas-border,Bice Co-Authors Funding Extension That Secures America's Border,2023-09-19,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - This week, leaders from the Republican Main Street Caucus and the House Freedom Caucus worked in good faith to negotiate a 31-day continuing resolution that seeks to secure the border, fund our military and veterans, and rein in out-of-control spending. The negotiations took place between Representatives Stephanie Bice, Dusty Johnson, Kelly Armstrong, Byron Donalds, Chip Roy, and Scott Perry. Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement: ""Over the last few days, I have worked with my colleagues in the Republican Main Street Caucus and leaders of the House Freedom Caucus to negotiate a short-term continuing resolution. This legislation is laser focused on securing the border and fixing Biden’s Border Crisis. In addition, it will protect funding for our military and veterans while working to rein in out-of-control spending. It is imperative that we address the issues that are affecting everyday Americans, and this bill does just that.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=211,Service Academy Nomination Deadline Fast Approaching; Completed Applications Must Be Received By October 20th!,2023-09-19,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – The office of Congressman Josh Brecheen reminds constituents in Oklahoma’s 2ndCongressional District that completed application packets for service academy nominations must be received in the Claremore office by 5:00 pm October 20, 2023. Please send all requested information to: The Honorable Josh Brecheen Service Academy Nomination Board 223 W Patti Page Blvd Claremore, OK 74017. The Service Academy Board meeting for all prospective nominees will take place on November 4, 2023. Meeting with the board is a requirement for all applications. For more information, please click here.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:07Z https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-houlahan-salazar-rubio-and-duckworth-support-mothers-access-milk,"Bice, Houlahan, Salazar, Rubio, and Duckworth Support Mothers Access to Milk Donations",2023-09-17,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - This week, U.S. Representatives Stephanie Bice (R-OK-05), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), and Maria Salazar (R-FL-27), alongside U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (F-FL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced the Access to Donor Milk Act of 2023. This bicameral, bipartisan legislation to improve access to donor breast milk, combatting the infant formula shortage for American families across the country. “As a mother of two, I am a proud co-lead of this bipartisan legislation which will promote healthy families and help mitigate the impacts of any future infant formula shortages,” said Rep. Bice. “Oklahoma’s Fifth Congressional District is fortunate enough to have the Oklahoma Mother’s Milk Bank, allowing abled mothers to donate safe pasteurized milk to infants in need. I look forward to working towards delivering results to families across the country.” “Many of the best ideas in Congress come from everyday Americans in our communities - this bill was no exception,” said Rep. Houlahan. “In May of 2022, I visited the maternity ward at Paoli Hospital where I spoke with a lactation consultant who shared with me her concerns about a reliable supply of safe donor breast milk, especially for vulnerable infants. When we took a hard look, what we found was a gray space of federal regulation regarding donor breast milk. This legislation reflects the strength of democracy because we can make lasting change when we speak up. I'm proud to work with my Republican colleagues Reps. Bice and Salazar in the House, and we could not ask for a better partner in the Senate than Senator Duckworth and now Senator Rubio. Together, we will protect our most vulnerable infants and give parents safe, reliable choices in infant nutrition.” “Feeding and nourishing our infants should be as easy as possible whether parents use breast milk, formula, or donor milk,” said Rep. Salazar. “As a mother of two beautiful daughters, I am proud to co-lead legislation that will, especially in times of crisis, help suppliers meet demand for safe and healthy donor milk.” “I am proud to support the Access to Donor Milk Act because I believe it is essential for babies to have access to the nutrients they need to thrive,” said Sen. Rubio. “This bill would help to increase the availability of donor breast milk and make it more affordable for families. Donor breast milk is a safe and effective alternative to formula and contains numerous health benefits for mothers and babies. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation to improve the health of infants across the country.” “For infants born premature or with serious medical conditions, access to donor milk is one of the best resources available,” said Sen. Duckworth. “I’m proud to work with Senator Rubio and Congresswoman Houlahan to introduce our bipartisan Access to Donor Milk Act so we can support donor milk banks nationwide and help ensure families have what they need to raise strong, healthy babies.” The Access to Donor Milk Act of 2023 would:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-votes-protect-internal-combustion-engines,Bice Votes to Protect Internal Combustion Engines,2023-09-14,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Recently, Biden’s Environmental Protection Agency granted California a waiver to impose more stringent standards for motor vehicles. The state is now asking the EPA for a new waiver that would mandate that 100% of vehicles sold in the state must be zero emission vehicles by 2035. In response, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R.1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act. This legislation would prohibit the EPA from granting a waiver to the State of California if its standards would limit the use or sale of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines. Furthermore, this bill would also require the EPA to revoke any waiver granted to California since January 1, 2022, for standards that would limit the use or sale of internal combustion engines. Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement: ""Americans should have the ability to choose what type of vehicles they prefer to drive. The attempt by California and other states to ban internal combustion vehicles is incredibly concerning. We currently lack the baseload power and are far from achieving what is needed for grid electrification. Furthermore, the push towards more electric vehicles will only increase our reliance on the Chinese Communist Party, as they control the vast majority of mining, processing, and manufacturing of critical minerals needed for electric vehicle production. Sadly, this is just the latest attempt by the Biden administration to federalize every aspect of our daily lives. I was proud to support this legislation and remain committed to fighting back against executive overreach by this administration.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-supports-americans-choice-in-purchasing-vehicles,Cole Supports Americans’ Choice in Purchasing Vehicles,2023-09-14,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after H.R. 1435, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives with Cole’s support. H.R. 1435 would amend the Clean Air Act (CAA) to prevent the elimination of the sale of internal combustion engines. “Democrats’ radical green energy agenda has not only costed thousands of U.S. jobs, caused energy prices to skyrocket and has put our national security at risk, but now some states are looking to ban gasoline-powered vehicles in coming years,” said Cole. “These outrageous bans would force hardworking Americans to give up the cars that fit within their budget, or have potentially already paid off, and buy expensive electric-powered vehicles instead, which cost $17,000 more on average. It would also limit Americans’ choices in the future when selecting a vehicle that best meets their needs and the needs of their businesses. The choice of owning an electric vehicle or not should be up to the individual, not bureaucrats in Washington or California. I was proud to support this critical legislation to protect the roughly 300 million Americans who own gasoline-powered cars.” Earlier this week, Cole made extensive remarks on the legislation in a Rules Committee meeting. Video here and transcript here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-bice-writes-letter-biden-administration-withdraw-its-proposed-ceiling,ICYMI: Bice Writes Letter to Biden Administration to Withdraw Its Proposed Ceiling Fan Rule,2023-09-13,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05) wrote the Biden administration a letter condemning their proposed rule that would affect residential ceiling fans. Bice strongly opposes the heavy-handed rule that will only increase costs for the public and small businesses, all while making the summer months even less bearable. Read below: By Reese Gorman | Washington Examiner EXCLUSIVE— Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) sent a letter to Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm urging her to withdraw the Department of Energy’s proposed rule to make ceiling fans more energy efficient. In June, the department proposed new standards that would apply to standard residential ceiling fans and cut electricity costs caused by fans. “DOE's analyses indicate that the proposed energy conservation standards for ceiling fans would save a significant amount of energy,” the proposed rule published by the federal register reads. According to the rule, the new fans would save households a lifetime average of $39.84. However, the increased cost of the proposed standards for ceiling fans on manufactures is estimated to be ""$86.6 million per year in increased equipment costs."" But, ""the estimated annual benefits are $281.1 million from reduced equipment operating costs."" The public comment period on the rule ended this week on Aug. 22. The proposed rule has drawn pushback from Republicans in Congress, including Bice, who referenced that in her home of Oklahoma City, temperatures are reaching 105 degrees Fahrenheit. She said that she worries the new regulations would lead to less affordable cooling measures and that “access to affordable cooling options during these summer months is a serious matter.” “We are currently in a period of hot summer weather but also a time of high inflation,” Bice writes in her letter. “It is unconscionable that your department would seek to limit the options of the American people to stay cool in their own homes at a time like this.” She said she “strongly opposes” the measure and urges the department to withdraw the proposed rule. This is one of many rules the Biden administration has proposed that Republicans have vocally opposed. One was a ban on gas stoves, which became the subject of legislation to block the rule. Bice claimed that “heavyhanded regulations” such as this limit the free market and drive up prices for the public and small businesses. “Once again, the Biden administration is using the power of the pen to attempt to control every aspect of how we live in our homes,” Bice said in a statement. “Instead of regulating ceiling fans, they should focus on providing relief to American families that are suffering under Bidenomics. The power of the executive state has grown too large, and I will continue working to hold them accountable.” Earlier in the week, Republican members of the House Small Business Committee also wrote to the Energy Department opposing the ceiling fan rule, saying that it could drastically affect small businesses that manufacture fans. “This rule would require numerous small business fan manufacturers to redesign their products and may put between 10 and 30 percent of small business ceiling fan manufacturers out of business,” the committee said.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=871,“Biden is either stupid or naïve” on Iran ransom deal,2023-09-12,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"Republican Study Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after news of President Biden’s $6 billion ransom payment to Iran. “The Biden Administration’s hostage ransom deal with Iran endangers Americans and is yet another foreign policy failure from this White House,” said Chairman Hern. “President Biden is either stupid or naïve to believe that Iran will only use the $6 billion we gave them for humanitarian assistance. Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism. The Biden Administration threw out President Trump’s successful maximum pressure campaign and replaced it with a campaign of maximum concessions. The fact that these waivers were issued on the anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks adds insult to injury. As Chairman of the RSC, we will use all legislative options to reverse this agreement and prevent further ransom payments and sanctions relief to Iran.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=205,Congressman Josh Brecheen Issues Statement on 22nd Anniversary of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks,2023-09-11,2023,2023-09,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 issued the following statement to mark the 22nd anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. “Twenty-two years ago, America changed forever, as nearly 3,000 innocent men and women were tragically killed in a cowardly terrorist attack that shook our nation to its core. Today, I join Americans across the country in solemnly remembering and honoring these victims and the families they left behind. On this day we also honor the thousands of police officers, first responders, and members of our military who answered the call to serve when our nation needed them most. Many of them gave their lives to defend our freedoms and the American way of life. We will never forget their sacrifice and remain grateful for the brave men and women in uniform who continue to protect us from those who wish to do America harm,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. As part of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Congressman Brecheen will participate in a field hearing at the 9/11 Memorial Museum on Tuesday, September 12, at 9:15 AM ET. The hearing will examine our nation’s evolving threat landscape over two decades after the September 11th terrorist attacks as well as state, local, and federal coordination efforts for national emergencies. For more information and to watch the livestream, click here.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:07Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-reflects-22nd-anniversary-september-11-2001-terrorist-attacks,"Cole Reflects on 22nd Anniversary of September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks",2023-09-11,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement in remembrance of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, when multiple planes were hijacked by terrorists and crashed into the World Trade Center, Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania. “Today, like every American across the nation, I am solemnly remembering the horrendous and senseless terrorist attacks 22 years ago that claimed nearly 3 thousand innocent lives,” said Cole. “While this violent act was a test of our national security, the aftermath showed Americans stand strong together in the wake of tragedy and for good in the face of evil. Today, we honor those we lost, thank the first responders and other heroes who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way and pay our respects to those who continue to defend our country and the freedoms it offers.” “This anniversary we are also reminded that we still live in a dangerous world. As war in Ukraine continues, China and North Korea grow more aggressive and Afghanistan was retaken by the Taliban, investing in a strong national defense and deterrence is critical. Although these are unprecedented times, throughout history, the challenges Americans faced have made us come together as a strong people. We will never forget this day or the assailants that brought this tragedy to our nation on September 11, 2001, and must resolve to continue to be a beacon of freedom for the rest of the world.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-stephanie-bice-sara-jacobs-reintroduce-bipartisan-bill-ensure-safe-high,"Reps. Stephanie Bice, Sara Jacobs Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Safe, High-Quality Private Military Housing",2023-09-05,2023,2023-09,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Representatives Stephanie Bice (OK-05) and Sara Jacobs (CA-51) reintroduced bipartisan legislation today to ensure oversight and accountability of privatized military housing to guarantee it’s safe and high-quality for service members and military families. The Military Housing Readiness Council Act would create a council to monitor the Department of Defense’s implementation of the tenants’ bill of rights and creation of a public complaint database and publicly report on all its activities. Congresswoman Stephanie Bice said, “Supporting our servicemembers is a key priority of mine. This is why I am proud to co-lead the Military Housing Readiness Council Act, which will provide oversight and transparency for military housing. It is our duty to ensure that those who have selflessly dedicated their lives to our nation have safe, secure, and accessible housing. While conditions have improved at Tinker AFB there are still numerous issues that we must address both in Oklahoma and across the country.” “Our service members and military families have sacrificed so much for all of us – and they’ve earned a safe place to sleep, live, and raise their families,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, Member of the House Armed Services Committee Quality of Life Panel. “But I’ve heard too many horror stories and have seen for myself the private military housing that’s infested with mice, ridden with mold, has windows that won’t close or electric panels that aren’t up to code. Poor and unsafe housing worsens the health of our service members and their families and impacts our ability to recruit and retain the best and brightest and protect our military readiness. That’s why I’m proud to lead the bipartisan Military Housing Readiness Council Act to help us conduct much-needed oversight and accountability of private military housing and ensure that it’s safe and high-quality.” The Military Housing Readiness Council Act would:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:37:48Z https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=870,Hern statement on Majority Leader Scalise,2023-08-29,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"TULSA, OK – Republican Study Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after news of Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s multiple myeloma diagnosis. Leader Scalise served as Chairman of the Republican Study Committee in the 113th Congress.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-announces-september-7-telephone-town-hall,Cole Announces September 7 Telephone Town Hall,2023-08-24,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) today announced an hourlong telephone town hall for Fourth District constituents on Thursday, September 7 at 5:30p.m. CT. “I have enjoyed being back in Oklahoma for the customary August district work period to meet with constituents in person, visit with community leaders and hear firsthand from small business owners,” said Cole. “There is much work Congress must complete before the end of the year, and I look forward to providing an update to Fourth District constituents and hearing from them before I head back to Washington, D.C.” Details for participation: Date: Thursday, September 7, 2023 Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. CT Dial-In: (833) 305-1727 Livestream: cole.house.gov/telephone-town-halls For more information or questions, constituents can call Cole's Norman office at (405) 329-6500.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=196,Congressman Brecheen: Here’s What I Am Hearing From the People of Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District,2023-08-21,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – In case you missed it, Congressman Josh Brecheen published the below op-ed in the McCarville Report after hosting 60 in-person town halls in his first eight months in office. The Oklahoma City Sentinel’s Patrick McGuigan also wrote about the town halls, which you can check out here. You can read the op-ed here or below: “During my first eight months in office, I have had the privilege of hosting 60 in-person town halls throughout Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District. From Washington and Ottawa all the way down to Bryan and McCurtain counties, it has been an honor to travel throughout the district and meet so many wonderful people. As a former field representative for the late Senator Tom Coburn, I have always believed that in-person town halls are the best way for Members of Congress to learn and hear from their constituents. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has made in-person town halls almost a thing of the past. While holding these town halls, I have had the opportunity to meet so many constituents from all walks of life—many of whom share the same concerns. Whether a Republican, Independent, or Democrat, constituents are understandably worried about where our nation is headed. Our national debt now stands at more than $32 trillion as we have a federal government that is living beyond its means. This spending addiction has helped fuel an inflation crisis that has led the average Oklahoma family to spend roughly $7,000 more than they did the year before. The sad reality is that our growing national debt means that our children and grandchildren will have a lower standard of living than previous generations unless we change course quickly. Our federal government is increasingly being weaponized against the American people. Whether you are a law-abiding gunowner, a Bible-loving Christian, or a parent who is concerned about what their child is being taught in schools, the Biden Administration has gone above and beyond to punish Americans who do not think like them. We have a crisis on our Southern border which has allowed deadly fentanyl to flow into our communities, poisoning more than 300 Oklahomans in 2022 alone. The solutions to these problems are not easy. It will take politicians in Washington who are willing to put the interests of the country ahead of their own self-interest. But it will also take everyone. Politics is downstream of culture and it is up to all of us to be a part of the solution. I look forward to hosting more town halls in the near future so we can continue to work to solve some of America’s toughest challenges together. If you would like to stay up-to-date on our next town halls, you can follow our Facebook page here.”",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:06Z https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=860,“Unelected bureaucrats are still accountable to the American people”: Hern supports subpoena on political interference and preferential treatment in Hunter Biden investigation,2023-08-21,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"TULSA, OK – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released a statement of support following subpoenas issued from the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on the Judiciary to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) investigators and Biden Administration Department of Justice (DOJ) officials present at or with direct knowledge of a meeting on October 7, 2022, in which now-Special Counsel David Weiss allegedly claimed he was prevented from bringing charges against President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, for tax crimes. Rep. Hern serves on the Ways and Means Committee. “Earlier this summer, I heard concerning allegations from whistleblowers at the IRS regarding special treatment given to the President’s son,” said Rep. Hern. “In the months since, IRS and DOJ officials have refused to comply with our investigation into these allegations. Americans are demanding transparency from their government – and they deserve the truth. Unelected bureaucrats are still accountable to the American people, just like anyone else in the federal government. These subpoenas are a necessary step towards transparency and a resolution to this investigation.” According to sworn whistleblower testimony, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware David Weiss stated during an October 7, 2022, meeting with DOJ and IRS personnel that “he is not the deciding person on whether charges are filed” against Hunter Biden and that in multiple instances his efforts to bring charges in multiple jurisdictions were denied. This was documented in an email sent the day of the meeting, and provided to the Ways and Means Committee. Yet Attorney General Merrick Garland previously testified before Congress that Weiss had all the authority necessary to pursue charges and Mr. Weiss told Congress that he had “ultimate” authority over the case. April 2022 – Garland testifies before the Senate that U.S. Attorney David Weiss is “supervising the investigation” and “is in charge of that investigation.” He also testifies that “there will not be interference of any political or improper kind.” March 2023 – Garland again testifies before a Senate Committee and is asked whether USAO Weiss had authority to bring charges outside of Delaware without Special Counsel status. Garland replies: “The US Attorney in Delaware has been advised that he has full authority to make those kind[s] of referrals that you are talking about, or bring cases in other jurisdictions if he feels it’s necessary and I will assure that if he does, he will be able to do that...I have promised to ensure that he is able to carry out his investigation and that he be able to run it and if needs to bring it in another jurisdiction he will have full authority to do that.” June 7, 2023 – U.S. Attorney Weiss sends a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan claiming he had full authority over the investigation and to bring charges in the case. Only after a sweetheart plea deal fell apart during a hearing before a federal judge in Delaware did AG Garland designate Mr. Weiss as Special Counsel, raising concerns that the Attorney General’s and Mr. Weiss’s statements to Congress were not truthful. The subpoenas were sent to the following individuals:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-statement-train-derailment-moore,Cole Statement on Train Derailment in Moore,2023-08-19,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after a train derailed at the SW 34th Street railroad crossing in Moore, Oklahoma. “I am thankful for the quick and swift response of first responders in Moore in response to the train derailment and that there have been no injuries, loss of life or hazardous threat to the community,” said Cole. “I have been in touch with local authorities and will continue to keep an eye on conditions for any changes.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=195,Congressman Josh Brecheen Issues Statement After President Trump Indicted for Fourth Time on Politically Motivated Charges,2023-08-15,2023,2023-08,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 issued the following statement after President Trump was indicted in Georgia on bogus, politically motivated charges. “The scandals continue to pile up against the Biden crime family, including congressional testimony from Devon Archer that Joe Biden participated in as many as 20 calls with Hunter Biden’s foreign business partners. Just when all these scandals are coming to light, President Trump is wrongly indicted for the fourth time. It is clear to anyone who is paying attention that these indictments are a politically calculated distraction and an attempt by Democrats to interfere in the 2024 Election. Many of us in the Republican Conference see the need to use the power of the purse to hold those responsible accountable for this baseless act of political persecution against the leading Republican candidate for President,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:06Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=194,Congressman Josh Brecheen Announces Satellite Office Hours,2023-08-07,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – The office of Congressman Josh Brecheen will be holding Satellite Office Hours throughout Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District later this month. Constituents are invited to attend to meet with our Field Representatives and help inform us how Congressman Josh Brecheen’s office can best serve you. Satellite Office Hours Dates and Locations: Monday, August 21 Miami: Miami City Hall Banquet Room 159 5th Ave. NW Miami, OK 74354 Office Hours: 8:00am - 12:00pm Pryor: Pryor Public Library Meeting Room 505 E. Graham Ave. Pryor, OK 74361 Office Hours: 2:00pm - 6:00pm Tuesday, August 22 Muskogee: Muskogee Public Library Southeast Room 801 W. Okmulgee Ave. Muskogee, OK 74401 Office Hours: 10:00am - 2:00pm Bartlesville: Bartlesville City Hall 401 S. Johnstone Ave. Bartlesville, OK 74003 Office Hours: 10:00am - 2:00pm Wilburton: Wilburton City Hall Council Chamber 300 W. Main St. Wilburton, OK 74578 Office Hours: 11:30am - 1:30pm Wednesday, August 23 McAlester: McAlester Public Library Conference Room 401 N. 2nd St. McAlester, OK 74501 Office Hours: 10:00am - 2:00pm Poteau: Donald W. Reynolds Community Center 105 Reynolds Ave. Poteau, OK 74953 Office Hours: 10:00am - 2:00pm Thursday, August 24 Durant: Donald W. Reynolds Library Lobby Office 1515 W. Main St. Durant, OK 74701 Office Hours: 10:00am - 2:00pm Sallisaw: Stanley Tubbs Memorial Library 101 E. Cherokee Ave. Sallisaw, OK 74955 Office Hours: 10:00am - 2:00pm Friday, August 25: Tahlequah: Tahlequah Public Library Rawls Room 120 S. College Ave. Tahlequah, OK 74464 Office Hours: 10:00am - 2:00pm",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:06Z https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-bice-introduces-bill-stop-foreign-adversaries-purchasing-american-land,ICYMI: Bice Introduces Bill to Stop Foreign Adversaries from Purchasing American Land,2023-08-03,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05) recently spoke with the Washington Examiner about her new legislation, The Stop CCP Land Act, which incentivizes states to prohibit countries such as China and Russia from purchasing American agricultural land. Read more below. Washington Examiner - Reese Gorman Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) introduced the Stop China’s Continuous Purchase of Land Act, which would take a state-focused approach to stop countries like China and Russia from purchasing land in America. Her bill looks to incentivize states not to allow the sale of agricultural land to all countries on the State Department’s Defense Trade Control Country Policies List and Russia by restricting access to certain federal grants and programs that were made available in the Inflation Reduction Act. It would also require the secretary of agriculture to submit a report to Congress on how the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act should be updated to ensure more accurate documentation, reporting, and monitoring of foreign ownership of agricultural land. In addition, the bill would require the Comptroller General at the Government Accountability Office to submit a report “assessing the bill’s impact and report on any measures that can be taken to better secure real estate in the United States from foreign manipulation” within 90 days of the bill being enacted. Chinese land ownership in America represents a small fraction of the total foreign land ownership in the country — less than 1%, according to a 2021 report generated by the Department of Agriculture — but the increased bipartisan interest in combating Chinese land ownership comes amid growing bipartisan concern that by buying the land China can gain control of American assets and information. But Chinese land ownership has shot up significantly over the past decade from approximately 69,000 acres in 2011 to nearly 384,000 acres in 2021, according to USDA data. And foreign land ownership as a whole has also shot up over the past decade. “China and the CCP make up one of the greatest threats to our country which is why it is deeply concerning that they continue to gobble up American land at an astounding rate,” Bice said in a statement. “Ten years ago, 321,000 acres in Oklahoma were foreign-owned. Today, that number has skyrocketed to 1.67 million. The Stop CCP Land Act incentivizes states to prohibit countries like China and Russia from purchasing American agricultural land. To put it simply, Americans should own American land, not foreign adversaries.” Bice’s bill has 15 co-sponsors, all Republican, including House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-TX).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=192,"Congressman Josh Brecheen, Senator James Lankford Demand Answers After Planned Parenthood Receives $20 Million in COVID Relief",2023-08-01,2023,2023-08,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 and Senator James Lankford demanded answers from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Inspector General after it was discovered Planned Parenthood received $20 million in COVID relief through the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). “It is obvious that Planned Parenthood did not need or qualify for COVID relief money when these taxpayer funds were designed to assist health care providers who were negatively affected by COVID lockdowns. Planned Parenthood should not be receiving any of our tax dollars in the first place and it would be incredibly concerning if it provided false or misleading information in order to get these funds. I am proud to join fellow Oklahoman, Senator James Lankford in demanding answers and accountability for Americans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. The Daily Signal’s Mary Margaret Olohan wrote an exclusive report on the letter, which you can read here. Read the full letter here or below: Dear Inspector General Grimm: It has come to our attention that Planned Parenthood and its affiliates were provided with over $20 million from the Provider Relief Fund (PRF). We request that you review the PRF applications submitted by Planned Parenthood and its affiliates to determine whether the organization provided false or misleading information to obtain access to PRF funds. The PRF was established by Congress through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. This fund was designed to provide financial assistance to healthcare providers and health systems that were limited with in-person visits and were forced to cancel elective procedures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, entities that received these funds needed to certify that they provided testing or care for COVID-19 cases. Congress intentionally designed the CARES Act so that no federal funding appropriated through the bill could be used on abortion. As the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), you have the authority to conduct audits and investigations into allegations of waste, fraud, and abuse for HHS-administered programs and funding opportunities. Planned Parenthood and its affiliates’ efforts are centered around abortion. Despite the pandemic and lockdown policies, in its 2020-2021 annual report, Planned Parenthood and its affiliates performed 383,460 abortions. This was an increase from the previous year, a time when Planned Parenthood performed 354,871 abortions. Planned Parenthood also provided fewer health services during the pandemic. Breast screenings fell by more than 30%, gynecological exams decreased by 39%, and total pregnancy tests decreased by 14%. While most healthcare providers were financially strained by the pandemic, Planned Parenthood’s financial records show that the organization was not significantly impacted. In its 2020-2021 Annual Report, Planned Parenthood boasted $1.7 billion in revenue and possessed more than $2.5 billion in net assets. Even during the height of the pandemic, Planned Parenthood was able to maintain positive cash flow when many small businesses and actual healthcare providers were forced to close their doors to patients. Planned Parenthood’s financial statements speak for themselves. This organization did not possess a financial need for funds distributed through the PRF, nor should taxpayer dollars be given toward the provision of abortions. We request that you review the applications submitted by Planned Parenthood to determine whether the organization provided false or misleading information to obtain access to PRF funds. If it is discovered that Planned Parenthood intentionally falsified information on its applications, we ask that you submit a criminal or civil referral to the U.S. Department of Justice.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:06Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=193,Congressman Josh Brecheen Issues Statement After President Trump Indicted for Third Time on Bogus Charges,2023-08-01,2023,2023-08,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 issued the following statement after President Trump was indicted yet again by President Biden’s Department of Justice. “A day after Hunter Biden’s former business partner testified to Congress that Joe Biden was on more than 20 calls with his son’s business partners, President Trump is indicted yet again on bogus charges. This is a politically calculated distraction purposely occurring because of Biden’s growing number of scandals. Americans know that this is election interference and a serious abuse of power by President Biden’s Department of ‘Justice,’” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:06Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-announces-upcoming-telephone-town-hall-ok-04-constituents,Cole Announces Upcoming Telephone Town Hall for OK-04 Constituents,2023-08-01,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) today announced an upcoming hour-long telephone town hall for Fourth District Constituents. The call will take place on Monday, August 7 at 5:30p.m. CT. “Since my last telephone town hall, House Republicans have been hard at work,” said Cole. “Not only has the House has passed several pieces of key legislation, but the appropriations process continues to move forward each week. Hearing from my constituents is an essential part of my job, and I look forward to the upcoming conversation.” Details for participation: Date: Monday, August 7, 2023 Time: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. CT Dial-In: (833) 305-1727 Sign-Up and livestream: cole.house.gov/telephone-town-halls For more information or questions, constituents can call Cole's Norman office at (405) 329-6500.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-colleagues-introduce-bicameral-bill-protect-oklahomas-health-care-funding,"Cole, Colleagues Introduce Bicameral Bill to Protect Oklahoma’s Health Care Funding",2023-08-01,2023,2023-08,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the introduction of the Prevent Discrimination in Title X Act in the U.S. House of Representatives last week. The introduction of this bill follows the Biden Administration’s suspension of the Title X family planning grant in response to some states’ efforts to protect life. This would clarify that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cannot discriminate against Title X grantees, including states, for their stance on protecting life. “I am disappointed in the Biden Administration’s decision to rescind Title X funds from grantee states such as Oklahoma for their stance to protect life,” said Cole. “Title X family planning grants go above and beyond just the protection of life by providing life-saving preventative screenings and other health care services in rural areas. These funds are vital to many areas in Oklahoma, and I am proud to join my colleagues in the introduction of this critical legislation to ensure Oklahomans can continue to have access to affordable health care.” Original cosponsors of the legislation include Representatives Kevin Hern (OK-01), Josh Brecheen (OK-02), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Brian Babin (TX-36), Ann Wagner (MO-02), Blaine Leutkemeyer (MO-03), Jake LaTurner (KS-02), Tim Burchett (TN-02), Andy Ogles (TN-05) and John Rutherford (FL-05). Earlier this week, Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) introduced the Senate companion bill. Bill text is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/icymi-bice-demands-accountability-irs,ICYMI: Bice Demands Accountability From the IRS,2023-07-29,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,OK,Stephanie I. Bice,B000740,bice.house.gov,bice,https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05) demanded the IRS give a full accounting of the $10 million it has spent on weapons, ammunition, and military-style gear since 2020. If the IRS refuses to respond, Bice says she will pursue further actions in the name of accountability. Congresswoman Bice also went on Fox Business with Maria Bartiromo to discuss her letter. The clip can be viewed here. Read below: By Elizabeth Elkind | Fox News FIRST ON FOX: A House Republican is demanding a full accounting of weapons and tactical gear owned by the Internal Revenue Service, citing her ""growing concern"" over reports that the tax agency has spent nearly $10 million over the last three years on these items. ""I write to you today to express my concerns regarding the increased rate of weapon purchases by the Internal Revenue Service,"" Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Okla., wrote in a Tuesday letter to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel. ""While I recognize the Criminal Investigation division has a law enforcement role, recent reports have indicated that the IRS has made substantial purchases of weaponry and tactical gear. As a civilian agency whose stated mission is to ‘Provide America’s taxpayers top-quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and enforce the law with integrity and fairness to all,’ the increasing militarization of the IRS is of growing concern."" She asked Werfel to respond within a week with information on what accounts were used to purchase the weapons and gear, as well as the quantity and types of items the IRS owns on the following list: weapons, weapons systems, ammunition, explosive devices, armored vehicles, drones/UAVs and chemical weapons. Bice, vice chair of the House GOP's Main Street Caucus, cited watchdog group OpenTheBooks’s findings that said the IRS spent almost $10 million on weapons, ammunition and military-style gear since 2020. That is out of $35.2 million, adjusted for inflation, spent since 2006, according to the report. Her letter comes after months of GOP-led efforts to claw back the roughly $80 billion in new funding for the IRS that the Biden administration allocated in the Inflation Reduction Act last year. In its report, OpenTheBooks said there are ""now more federal agents with arrest and firearm authority (200,000) than U.S. Marines (186,000)."" The law enforcement branch of the IRS, known as the Criminal Investigation (CI) division, is the only section of the bureau that authorizes employees to carry and use firearms. IRS-CI investigates financial crimes, money laundering, tax-related identity theft and terrorist financing efforts. The IRS said these agents ""[c]arry a firearm; must be prepared to protect him/herself or others from physical attacks at any time and without warning and use firearms in life-threatening situations; must be willing to use force up to and including the use of deadly force."" ""Since taking office, Biden has repeatedly attempted to supercharge an already weaponized IRS,"" Bice told Fox News Digital. ""This includes the increasing militarization of what is supposed to be a civilian tax enforcement agency."" ""We need to know exactly the types and quantities of weapons and ammunition the IRS has in their possession. If the IRS fails to provide a response to Congressional oversight, I will pursue further actions to hold them accountable,"" she said. The article can also be found on Fox News here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=189,"Representatives Josh Brecheen, Eric Burlison Introduce “America Works” Welfare Reform Package",2023-07-27,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,OK,Josh Brecheen,B001317,brecheen.house.gov,brecheen,https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Representatives Josh Brecheen and Eric Burlison (R-MO) introduced two bills aimed at reining in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) spending—commonly referred to as food stamps—and getting Americans back to work. “Under President Biden, food stamp spending has increased by more than 27% in just two years—the largest increase in the program’s history. This increase in spending was not done by an act of Congress, but instead by unelected bureaucrats willfully usurping Congress’ power of the purse. In addition to this Administration thumbing its nose at the Constitution, President Biden has encouraged many Americans to become too dependent on government, leading to an explosion of able-bodied individuals taking advantage of programs intended for those who really need it. As a society, we must be encouraging more people to work and lessening the dependency culture,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. “Temporary government assistance programs are supposed to be just that, temporary. Yet, millions of able-bodied Americans are receiving billions in government assistance at the expense of taxpayers and our national debt. It’s time to end the cycle of dependency. The America Works package makes common-sense changes to welfare for able-bodied working-age Americans and rolls back the largest food stamp expansion in 45 years. It’s time to get America back to work,” said Congressman Eric Burlison. “Everything about the Biden administration’s spending habits have been unprecedented, so it’s no surprise that USDA blew past decades-old standards, peer-review processes, and expert advice to unilaterally increase benefits. This reckless action did nothing but increase dependency and further erode trust in Washington. Rep. Brecheen’s Thrifty Food Plan Accountability Act restores some fiscal sanity to the Thrifty Food Plan and helps this important program get back on track to serve the truly needy,” said Tarren Bragdon, President and CEO at the Foundation for Government Accountability. Rep. Brecheen introduced the Thrifty Food Plan Accountability Act, which would eliminate President Biden’s unlawful Thrifty Food Plan increase that has led benefits to soar by 27%—the largest permanent increase since the program’s inception. The bill would also require any re-evaluations to be cost-neutral. Rep. Burlison introduced the Ending Cycle of Dependency Act, which caps assistance for able-bodied enrollees at 5 years, eliminates geographic waivers states regularly use to skirt work requirements, expands work requirements to parents on food stamps with children over the age of 6, and raises the current age limit exception for food stamp benefit eligibility to 65.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:04Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=190,Congressman Josh Brecheen Stands Up for Oklahoma Farmers and Ranchers; Fights Back Against Biden Wildlife Overreach,2023-07-27,2023,2023-07,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 joined House Republicans in passing two resolutions to disapprove of President Biden’s wildlife overreach. S. J. Res. 9 utilizes the Congressional Review Act to nullify the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s rule that adds the lesser prairie-chicken to the federal endangered species list. By listing the lesser prairie chicken as endangered, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will restrict the economic, infrastructure, and land management activities of private individuals and would particularly affect agriculture and grazing activities, including in Oklahoma. S. J. Res. 24, sponsored by fellow Oklahoman Sen. Markwayne Mullin, utilizes the Congressional Review Act to nullify the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s rule that lists the Northern Long-Eared Bat as endangered. Changing the bat’s listing from threatened to endangered would tighten regulations on private actors, who could be required to receive a permit for actions that may result in the harming or capturing of the bat. Under the bat’s current designation as threatened, local and private actors have greater flexibility in their interactions with the species. “Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution and the Tenth Amendment make clear that it is the role of states and individuals–not the federal government–to engage in the conservation of wildlife. This is yet another example of Biden bureaucrats overregulating American citizens, including Oklahoma’s farmers and ranchers, and usurping Congress’ authority,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:04Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=186,Congressman Josh Brecheen Announces August In-Person Town Halls,2023-07-24,2023,2023-07,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 announced the following in-person town halls for the month of August. Constituents are invited to attend and share their thoughts and ask questions on policy issues impacting Washington, D.C. and Oklahoma. Congressman Brecheen has so far held 44 in-person town halls throughout Oklahoma’s 2nd Congressional District with more to be announced soon. Schedule (all times Central): Monday, August 14: 8:00am - 9:00am Talihina Town Hall Talihina Chamber of Commerce 201 First Street Talihina, OK 74571 10:00am - 11:00am Heavener Town Hall Heavener City Hall 103 East Avenue B Heavener, OK 74937 12:00pm - 1:00pm Panama Town Hall Panama City Hall 404 N. Kentucky Ave. Panama, OK 74951 2:00pm - 3:00pm Pocola Town Hall Pocola City Hall 204 S. Pocola Blvd. Pocola, OK 74902 5:00pm - 6:00pm Stigler Town Hall Twin Lakes Inn Meeting Room 1810 E. Main Stigler, OK 74462 Tuesday, August 15: 8:00am - 9:00am Commerce Town Hall Commerce City Hall 618 Commerce Ave. Commerce, OK 74339 10:00am - 11:00am Fairland Town Hall Fairland Senior Citizens Center 541 N. Main St. Fairland, OK 74343 2:00pm - 3:00pm Salina Town Hall Salina Town Hall 321 W. Ferry St. Salina, OK 74365 4:00pm - 5:00pm Adair Town Hall Adair Community Center 533 E. Main St. Adair, OK 74330 Wednesday, August 16: 2:30pm - 3:30pm Vian Town Hall Vian Municipal Complex 811 N. Thornton St. Vian, OK 74962 4:30pm - 5:30pm Roland Town Hall Waylon Jones Complex 106 Ranger Blvd. Roland, OK 74954 6:30pm - 7:30pm Stilwell Town Hall Adair County Historical Museum & Train Depot 83065 Highway 59 Stilwell, OK 74960 Friday, August 18: 8:00am - 9:00am Beggs Town Hall First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 110 W. 5th St. Beggs, OK 74421 10:00am - 11:00am Warner Town Hall Warner Public Library 207 8th St. Warner, OK 74469 3:00pm - 4:00pm Antlers Town Hall Tipps Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse 206 SW B St. Antlers, OK 74523 5:00pm - 6:00pm Caddo Town Hall The Rock Building 211 Buffalo St. Caddo, OK 74729",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:04Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-applauds-house-passage-faa-reauthorization-critical-ok-04,Cole Applauds House Passage of FAA Reauthorization Critical to OK-04,2023-07-20,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the passage of H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and federal aviation programs for five years. Cole supported the legislation. “This FAA reauthorization takes clear steps to modernize a delayed and strained air traffic control system and ensure it can meet current industry demands through innovation and research, new protections for passengers and strengthening the aviation workforce,” said Cole. “This bill is also of particular importance to Oklahoma and the Fourth Congressional District’s economy and role in training the next generation of FAA-certified air traffic controllers. “Not only does this benefit the three contract air traffic control towers in the Fourth District in Lawton, Ardmore and Norman, protecting good jobs at these sites, it does so as well as for the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, home of the FAA Air Traffic Control Academy in Oklahoma City, the only air traffic controller training center in the country. Indeed, our national aviation industry cannot exist without this center and its continuation is essential. This legislation is important to Oklahoma and the entire country’s aviation industry, and I was certainly proud to support it.” Earlier this week, Cole delivered remarks during the Rules Committee’s consideration of H.R. 3935. Video here and transcript here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=183,"Congressman Josh Brecheen, Senator JD Vance Introduce No Obamacare for Illegal Aliens Act of 2023",2023-07-19,2023,2023-07,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 and Senator JD Vance (R-OH) introduced the No Obamacare for Illegal Aliens Act of 2023 to protect taxpayer dollars by preventing illegal aliens from receiving taxpayer-subsidized healthcare benefits. “We should not be providing taxpayer-subsidized healthcare benefits to illegal aliens—it is that simple. HHS’ proposed rule would cost the American taxpayer more than $100 million in its first year alone and would encourage more aliens to enter our country illegally in the hopes of receiving similar benefits. This is all part of President Biden’s open-border agenda that has so far led 5.5 million aliens to enter our country illegally—more than the population of Oklahoma. I am proud to introduce this legislation with Senator JD Vance of Ohio to protect taxpayer dollars and exclude illegal aliens from further straining critical programs that are intended for Americans and those immigrants here legally,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. “The American taxpayer should never be forced to cover the cost of healthcare for illegal immigrants. It’s common sense: people who break our laws should not reap the benefits of public programs intended for lawful citizens,” said Senator JD Vance. Breitbart wrote an exclusive report on the bill, which you can check out here. Co-sponsors include: Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Representatives Matt Rosendale (R-MT), Kevin Hern (R-OK), Tom McClintock (R-CA), Randy Weber (R-TX), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), Eric Burlison (R-MO), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Ralph Norman (R-SC), and Paul Gosar (R-AZ).",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:04Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-applauds-israeli-president-isaac-herzog-his-address-congress,Cole Applauds Israeli President Isaac Herzog for His Address to Congress,2023-07-19,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after Israeli President Isaac Herzog delivered his address to a joint session of Congress today. “I was proud to welcome President Herzog to our nation’s Capitol today,” said Cole. “His visit underscores the enduring and important partnership between Israel and the United States, which is grounded in the shared ideals of democracy, economic prosperity and regional security. It is important that the United States is unwavering in our commitment to ensuring Israel’s stability and security. President Herzog’s visit reaffirms the joint commitment to our shared values and strengthening the bilateral partnership between our two nations.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-statement-fy24-transportation-housing-and-urban-development,"Cole Statement on FY24 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill Passage by Full Committee",2023-07-19,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), released the following statement after the fiscal year 2024 THUD bill was advanced out of the Appropriations Committee yesterday. “The bill advanced out of committee yesterday prioritizes critical transportation and housing needs while also spending responsibly,” said Cole. “Totaling $65.208 billion, 25 percent below the current year, the priorities put forth in this legislation would benefit every congressional district across the nation, deliver on needed transportation safety updates to ensure roads and railways are safe to freight haulers and the public, aims to offset plummeting housing receipts and the inflationary burden on the American people and scales back the Biden Administration’s regulatory overreach. “Oklahoma has an important relationship with the Federal Aviation Administration, as the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, the FAA's only air traffic control academy, is in Oklahoma. And I know that the aviation industry is also important to many states’ economies. This bill prioritizes resources to the FAA to modernize the air traffic control system and train 1,800 new controllers and update and modernize facilities and equipment and fulfill Community Project Funding for airport improvement projects across the country. These measures will undoubtedly bring long-term certainty to the many facets of our nation’s aviation system. “Furthermore, this bill would provide more than $60 billion in updates for highways and bridges, meets the president’s request for safety programs and enacts housing assistance programs would allow Americans to move up and out of rental assistance instead of staying locked in a program for a lifetime. This bill delivers funding for long-needed updates to real infrastructure and I applaud its passage out of the Appropriations Committee. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the coming weeks to ensure full funding for our government is realized to avoid a continuing resolution or disastrous shutdown.” Cole delivered extensive remarks during the Appropriations Committee’s markup of the bill. Video available here and transcript here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://bice.house.gov/media/press-releases/bice-votes-ndaa,Bice Votes for NDAA,2023-07-14,2023,2023-07,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 FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation includes the largest pay raise for our military in 30 years. Furthermore, it provides our military with the resources they need to defend our nation and counter threats across the globe. Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement: “I was proud to support this year’s National Defense Authorization Act. The NDAA allows our military to keep pace with growing threats across the globe, especially from China. Critically, this legislation builds a stronger and more capable missile defense, rejects the Administration’s efforts to reduce the size of the Navy, protects U.S. military bases, critical infrastructure, and academic research from Chinese encroachment and espionage, and much more. Furthermore, this legislation works to halt the politicization of the military, allowing us to focus on being a more lethal and effective fighting force. It also creates a new Special Inspector General to oversee all aid to Ukraine.” “I was also pleased to see that my legislation, the Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act was included as an amendment to the NDAA. This legislation will further empower the Department of Defense to take steps to halt cartel trafficking and the national security threat that this has created at our southern border. In 2020, we lost 136 Oklahomans due to overdose deaths from fentanyl – a nearly 152 percent increase from the previous year. This dangerous drug has found its way into our communities, and I am committed to stopping this self-inflicted crisis.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://brecheen.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=182,Congressman Josh Brecheen Votes for Most Conservative NDAA in Recent History,2023-07-14,2023,2023-07,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 voted for the most conservative National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in recent history after conservatives passed several amendments that fight back against the social engineering the Biden Administration is injecting into our military that has led to record low military recruitment. Congressman Brecheen spoke during a House Freedom Caucus press conference earlier this morning, which you can watch here. “We need our troops to be lethal and truly prepared for war, instead of being pawns in Joe Biden’s culture wars, where he has used our men and women in uniform to advance a woke and hyper-sexualized ideology. Today, House Republicans are ending Joe Biden’s drag queen story hour reading experiment with our troops,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen. “This legislation is the most conservative NDAA in recent history. We are saying goodbye to the Defense Department’s taxpayer-subsidized abortions where your taxpayer dollars were paying to transport people to obtain abortions. We are putting a stop to spending your taxpayer dollars on gender transition surgeries. We are eliminating the Defense Department’s DEI office, that prioritized race over military readiness. And we’re prohibiting DoD from purchasing and having pornographic and radical gender ideology books in their libraries,” continued Brecheen. “It is sad that these amendments were needed but the reality is that President Biden has politicized our military to a level we have never seen before in the history of this country. House Republicans are standing up for our men and women in uniform and getting politics out of our military. I am also proud to say that one of my amendments was included in the NDAA, which would require the Special Inspector General for Ukraine Assistance to investigate whether our Defense Department accurately and consistently assessed the financial value of weapons we have sent Ukraine since the beginning of the war. We can never let a $6 BILLION “accounting error” ever happen again!"" Brecheen concluded.",1,2026-04-07T14:30:38Z,2026-04-07T14:34:04Z https://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-applauds-passage-fy2024-ndaa-house,Cole Applauds Passage of FY2024 NDAA in House,2023-07-14,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,OK,Tom Cole,C001053,cole.house.gov,cole,https://cole.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2024. The legislation authorizes funding for the United States’ common defense, military personnel and retirees, including provisions that support the missions at Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City and Fort Sill in Lawton, which are both located in the Fourth District of Oklahoma. Cole supported the legislation. “The NDAA is critical for our nation’s military to meet its mission and the bill passed out of the House today is strong and significant in ensuring our warfighters are manned, equipped and trained for the multitude of threats we face,” said Cole. “This bill puts a halt to President Joe Biden’s attempt to return our military to that of the disastrous Obama-era by authorizing $863.3 billion in defense, a 28 percent increase from the fiscal year 2023 NDAA. “While an increase from President Biden’s original request is achieved, this bill also would save taxpayers $40 billion without compromising our national security. This bill goes above and beyond by rejecting ideological indoctrination initiatives, requiring the Pentagon to remain focused on readiness and preparedness. It would also deliver the largest pay raise for our service members in 20 years, provide for measures to counter aggression from the Chinese Communist Party and other threats, increase oversight of military aid and invest in military families. “The duty of Congress to provide for our common defense is not only constitutionally obligated, but an imperative function of this body and that is echoed in this legislation. I look forward to continuing this process with the Senate so Congress can pass a bipartisan, bicameral final product that reflects our commitment to our men and women in uniform and keeping Americans safe.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://hern.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=859,"Hern applauds passage of the NDAA, inclusion of conservative priorities",2023-07-14,2023,2023-07,Republican,House,OK,Kevin Hern,H001082,hern.house.gov,hern,https://hern.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after the House passed HR 2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. “Conservatives have a lot to be happy with in this NDAA,” said Rep. Hern. “Under the leadership of Joe Biden, our military has been injected with woke ideology at the expense of our ability to combat China. The passage of Rep. Jackson’s amendment barring the Pentagon from using taxpayer funds to pay for travel for abortions is a major victory, I’m proud to support it. Under this NDAA, our military’s primary focus will be combatting threats from nations like China, Russia, and Iran – exactly what it should be.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z