Representative Tom Cole
Representing the 4th Congressional District of Oklahoma
Press Releases
Cole Comments on Cobell Settlement Legislation
November 30, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) today released the following statement after House passage of H.R. 4783, the Claims Resolution Act of 2010. The legislation provides for the settlement of a 14-year-old class action suit in which over 500,000...
Cole Named to GOP Majority Transition Team
November 8, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) was named today to serve on the GOP Majority Transition Team. This 22-member team will work to ensure a seamless transition to a new Republican majority in the 112th Congress so that the...
Cole Comments on Midterm Elections
November 3, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement after Republicans regained control of the House of Representatives in Tuesday's midterm elections:"This election is a resounding rejection of big spending and big government. In their first chance to...
Cole Applauds Appointment of Bill Burgess
October 7, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) today issued the following statement after Bill Burgess was named Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army:"I congratulate Bill Burgess on this important assignment. Bill has an outstanding record of public service...
Cole Statement on House Adjournment
September 30, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement after Congress adjourned until November without voting to extend tax cuts for all American families and businesses:"Congress is leaving a lot of unfinished business on the table. Speaker Pelosi...
Cole Comments on GOP Pledge to America
September 23, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) today issued the following statement after House Republicans released the Pledge to America, a new governing agenda that includes policies to cut spending and reform government:"The American people are demanding decisive action to...
Cole Joins Okla. Delegation in Honoring State's National Guard
September 17, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, in separate legislative sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday evening, respectively, approved legislation sponsored by the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation to honor the service members of Oklahoma’s Army and...
Cole Visits Troops in Afghanistan
September 7, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) traveled last week to Afghanistan to observe operations and meet with troops, including service members deployed from Oklahoma. "It was a privilege to meet with our soldiers and military leaders serving in Afghanistan," Cole...
Cole Comments on End of Iraq Combat Operations
September 1, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement in response to the withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq:"Iraq, the world and America are safer because America removed Saddam Hussein from power. Combat troops returning from Iraq have...
Cole Honored by Oklahoma Veterans Council
August 11, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) was honored recently with the Oklahoma Veterans Council Special Award for his support of veterans, military personnel and their families. Cole accepted the award at the Veterans Council meeting in Oklahoma City."I am...
Cole Votes Against Latest Stimulus Spending
August 10, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement after House Democrats passed H.R. 1586, the latest "stimulus" bill:"Oklahoma taxpayers are tired of the federal government spending their hard-earned money on one failed stimulus bill after another. President...
Cole Opposes Latest Energy Tax
July 30, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement after the House vote on H.R. 3534, the "CLEAR" Act:"This is simply a bad bill. Democrats are exploiting the BP spill to impose new taxes and bureaucracy that will...
Cole Supports Funding for Troops
July 27, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 4899, a supplemental appropriations bill to provide critical funding for war operations in Afghanistan and Iraq:"The missions in Afghanistan and Iraq are critical...
Cole Comments on Subcommittee Approval of Carcieri Fix
July 22, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement after the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior approved language to amend the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 (IRA) to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of Interior to take...
Cole Applauds Passage of Tribal Law Enforcement Bill
July 21, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement after the House passed H.R. 725, the Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act, which included amendments to the Tribal Law and Order Act:"The ability of law enforcement to fight...
Cole Comments on Federal Lawsuit to Block Arizona Law
July 6, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) today issued the following statement after the Obama Justice Department filed a lawsuit to block implementation of Arizona's immigration law:"Arizona was forced to act because of President Obama's failure to enforce federal immigration...
Cole Comments on Supplemental Appropriations Bill
July 2, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) today issued the following statement after House Democrats passed their latest spending bill:"House Democrats have made a habit of exploiting defense legislation to force through unpopular spending increases, but they've really outdone themselves...
Cole Opposes Flawed Financial Legislation
June 30, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) today issued the following statement after voting against H.R. 4173, "Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010":"Americans are no safer from another economic collapse today than we were yesterday. This bill institutionalizes 'too...
Cole Praises Supreme Court Ruling
June 28, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) today issued the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of gun rights in McDonald v. Chicago:"The Constitution is crystal clear that citizens have the right to bear arms. This decision...
Cole Comments on McChrystal Resignation
June 23, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) today issued the following statement after President Obama accepted the resignation of General Stanley McChrystal as commander of forces in Afghanistan:"I have the utmost respect for General McChrystal and his distinguished career of...
Cole Congratulates Frederick Native on Acceptance to Page Program
May 28, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) today congratulated Frederick resident Matthew Tyler on his acceptance to the Page Program in the U.S. House of Representatives. Cole nominated Tyler to serve as a congressional page for the summer session. "I congratulate...
Cole Spending Cut Proposal Considered in YouCut Initiative
May 13, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) today issued the following statement after the House Republican Economic Recovery Working Group launched YouCut, a first-of-its kind initiative designed to give taxpayers an opportunity to vote on spending cuts they would most...
Cole Comments on Storm Recovery Efforts
May 11, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) today released the following statement after touring storm-damaged areas in Cleveland and Oklahoma counties:"Recovery efforts are already well under way in the hardest hit areas. First responders have done a remarkable job, and...
Cole Announces New Lawton Field Representative
May 10, 2010WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced today that Tyler Powell will be joining his staff as field representative in the Lawton region. Powell will be replacing Keri Dennis who has accepted a position with Triangle Insurance Company."I am...
Cole Receives ACU Conservatives Award
May 7, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) was honored Thursday as one of the most conservative members of Congress by the American Conservative Union (ACU). ACU held ceremonies on Capitol Hill to present awards to those members of the United States House...
Cole Joins 10th Amendment Task Force
May 6, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) today joined fellow House conservatives to launch the 10th Amendment Task Force. A project of the Republican Study Committee (RSC), the Task Force will work to uphold constitutional principles that limit federal authority...
Cole Honored by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
April 30, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C.—Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) was honored this week on Capitol Hill by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and presented with the Spirit of Enterprise Award for his pro-business record during the first session of the 111th Congress. "American entrepreneurship...
Cole, OK Delegation React to CMS Report on Health Care Bill
April 26, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of the Oklahoma Delegation reacted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) analysis that the recently passed health care legislation will result in higher premiums, lower reimbursement rates, and will force many Americans from...
Cole Responds to Rep. McCollum's Remarks on OKC Bombing
April 14, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement in response to comments by Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) on the House floor today politicizing the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing: "These outrageous remarks are deeply offensive to all Oklahomans...
Rep. Cole Announces Town Hall Meetings
April 7, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) announced today that he will be holding 10 town hall meetings in March and April. Rep. Cole will be available to answer questions and address concerns about federal legislation. Members of Cole's...
Cole Comments on Passing of Wilma Mankiller
April 6, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement upon the passing of Wilma Mankiller:"All Oklahomans and every Native American who knew her mourn the passing of Wilma Mankiller. Chief Mankiller was not only the first woman to...
Cole Introduces Bill to Protect States' Rights
March 25, 2010Legislation would allow states to challenge federal regulationsWASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) today introduced the 10th Amendment Regulatory Reform Act, which would provide special standing for state government officials to challenge regulations issued in conjunction with the implementation...
Rep. Cole Votes "No" on ObamaCare
March 21, 2010U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) issued the following statement today after House Democrats passed H.R. 4872, Reconciliation Act of 2010, and H.R. 3590, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act:"Along with an overwhelming majority of Oklahomans, I strongly oppose the government...
Cole Joins Oklahoma Delegation to Honor Oklahoma National Guard’s Agri-Business Development Team
March 1, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C.- Rep. Tom Cole and his colleagues in Oklahoma’s House delegation introduced H.Res.1110, a resolution to honor the Oklahoma National Guard’s Agricultural Development Teams and commend members of the 45th Agri-Business Development Team for their efforts to modernize agriculture...
Cole Opposes Debt Limit Increase
February 4, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement after voting against legislation to increase the debt limit:"Runaway government spending is bankrupting the country, and the Democrats' response is to raise the debt limit and keep on borrowing...
Cole Comments on Budget Proposal
February 1, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement today in response to the release of the Obama administration's fiscal year 2011 budget: "President Obama accomplished the remarkable feat of simultaneously raising taxes and increasing the deficit in the...
Cole Comments on State of the Union Address
January 27, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Cole made the following statement about President Obama's State of the Union Address, January 27, 2010:"The agenda President Obama outlined tonight essentially promises more of the same: more spending, more burdens on American businesses, and more...
Cole Announces 2010 Service Academy Nominations
January 25, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced the names of students from Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District who have received nominations to one or more of America's prestigious service academies. "It's my privilege to nominate outstanding young Oklahomans to serve...
Oklahoma Delegation Opposes Unfunded Mandates in Health Care Bill
January 25, 2010WASHINGTON - Oklahoma’s House Delegation is urging Speaker Pelosi to exclude any unfunded federal mandates from the final health care bill. In a letter to the Speaker, the House Delegation said the unfunded Medicaid mandates in the House-passed bill would...
Rep. Cole Calls for Health Care Debate to be Publically Available on C-SPAN
January 6, 2010WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement today supporting C-SPAN's request to air coverage of the health care reform negotiations."The fact that the Democrat leadership and the Obama White House have decided to negotiate the...
Rep. Cole Announces Town Hall Meeting in Chickasha
December 8, 2009WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) announced today that he will be holding a town hall meeting in Chickasha on the campus of the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO) in the Troutt Building's TeAta Auditorium. ...
Kildee and Cole Applaud Settlement of Cobell Lawsuit
December 8, 2009WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tom Cole (R-OK) and Congressmen Dale E. Kildee (D-MI), Co-Chairs of the House Native American Caucus, praised today’s announcement of a long-awaited settlement of the Cobell lawsuit regarding the mismanagement of over 300,000 individual Indian trust accounts...
Cole Reacts to President's Afghanistan Speech
December 2, 2009WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement regarding President Obama's recent speech on the way forward in Afghanistan."I believe the President made a compelling case for why it is absolutely critical that America defeat al Qaeda and...
Cole Comments on Oklahoma's Unemployment Rate
November 20, 2009WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement regarding the Labor Department's announcement that Oklahoma's unemployment rate rose from 6.8 percent to 7.1 percent during October."The unemployment rate increased nationally in October and now so has...
Rep. Cole's Reaction to Bogus Stimulus Numbers
November 18, 2009WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole provided the following comments after hearing reports that the web site that tracks spending from the nearly $800 billion stimulus bill, Recovery.gov, misreported the number of Congressional districts in the state of Oklahoma....
Cole Votes "No" on Speaker Pelosi's Health Care Bill
November 7, 2009WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) issued the following statement after House Democrats passed an unprecedented, government run health care plan, H.R. 3962."The Oklahomans I represent oppose this bill because they know what it does and what it...
Cole Says: Unemployment Rate Should Be a Wake Up Call
November 6, 2009WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report that 190,000 jobs were lost in October, bringing the unemployment rate to 10.2%, U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement:"We haven't seen this rate of unemployment...
Cole, Coffee, Benge: Pelosi Health Care Bill Will Create Crippling Unfunded Mandate for State Governments
November 4, 2009JOINT RELEASEWASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Tom Cole recently sent a letter to Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee and Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge asking them to assess the impact on the state of Oklahoma if Speaker Pelosi's...
Rep. Cole Announces Ada Office Relocation
November 2, 2009WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) announced today that his district office in Ada is moving locations, effective November 5. The office has relocated to the Sugg Clinic Office Building, located at 100 East 13th Street, Suite 213."In...
House Democrats Reveal "More of the Same" in Health Care Plan
October 29, 2009WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) provided the following remarks after House Democrats revealed their latest health care proposal earlier today."The introduction of this legislation makes it abundantly clear that the liberals who control Congress, and the Obama...
Rep. Cole Co-Sponsors Bill Praising 9/12 Taxpayer March Participants
October 21, 2009WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) provided the following comments regarding his recent co-sponsorship of a resolution acknowledging the participants of the 9/12 Taxpayer March on Washington which took place on September 12th."Last month, hundreds of thousands of...
Rep. Cole Announces Town Hall Meeting at Southmoore High School
October 16, 2009WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) announced today that he will be holding a town hall meeting at Southmoore High School in Moore early next week. Cole will be available to answer questions and members of his staff will...
Congressman Cole Asks "Where Are the Jobs?"
October 15, 2009WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement regarding the lack of jobs created by the stimulus bill."Eight months ago the Administration and Democrats in Congress pushed through a nearly $800 billion so-called 'stimulus' bill that was...
Linking Military Spending to Controversial Political Issues is a Mistake, Cole Says
October 8, 2009WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) gave the following statement regarding H.R. 2647, the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2010, a bill that sets annual defense policy and authorizes the Department of Defense budget. This bill also contains controversial...
Cole Introduces Land into Trust Bill in the House
October 2, 2009Bill Clarifies Indian Reorganization Act of 1934WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) recently introduced H.R. 3697 a bill that would amend the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 (IRA) to reaffirm the authority of the Secretary of Interior to take...
Cole Comments on Passing of Henry Bellmon
September 29, 2009WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) provided the following comments on the passing of Henry Bellmon."Henry Bellmon was a great American, a great Oklahoman and a great Republican. He first served his country in combat as a marine in...
Cole: Give American People 72-Hours to Read Major Bills before Vote
September 25, 2009WASHINGTON - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) added his name to a discharge petition calling for House Democratic leadership to give members of Congress - and the public - at least 72 hours to look over major legislation before it is...
Cole Introduces Taxpayer-Protecting Czar and TARP Amendments
September 24, 2009"Defeating these Amendments is a Disservice to the American People"WASHINGTON - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) recently introduced two amendments during a conference committee on the FY2010 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill.Cole's first amendment would have prevented the Treasury from re-spending TARP...
Abandoning Missile Defense Plans Is a Mistake, Cole Says
September 18, 2009WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) provided the following statement regarding news that President Obama has chosen to abandon plans for the European Missile Defense site, which would have placed 10 missile interceptors in Poland and a radar in...
Cole Comments on Annual Constitution Day
September 17, 2009WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement regarding the observance of Constitution Day on September 17."I would like to encourage parents and teachers to take time to discuss the significance of Constitution Day with their children," Congressman...
Cole Votes "No" on Government Takeover of Student Loan Industry
September 17, 2009WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement today after voting against H.R. 3221, The Student Aid and Financial Responsibility Act. "This is just another fundamentally-flawed government takeover," Congressman Cole said. "Abolishing the Federal Family Education Loan...
Cole Co-Sponsors Legislation to Halt ACORN's Federal Funding
September 16, 2009WASHINGTON - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) recently co-sponsored the "Defund ACORN Act." This legislation calls for the federal government to cut financial ties with the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). Cole has consistently condemned the housing association's...
Rep. Cole Denounces Condemnation Effort
September 15, 2009WASHINGTON - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement today denouncing efforts to condemn Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02)."Congressman Wilson has already apologized to the President and the President has already accepted that apology," Congressman Cole said. "Today's vote was...
Cole Applauds Treasury's Choice of Chickasaw National Recreation Area
September 11, 2009Park Chosen to Appear on CoinWASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement acknowledging the Chickasaw National Recreation Area and the recent decision by the Treasury Department to include the park's image on the Oklahoma quarter-dollar to be...
Cole Co-Sponsors Czar Accountability Act
September 10, 2009Congressman Calls for More Accountability in Presidential AppointmentsWASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) recently cosponsored legislation calling for more transparency in Presidential appointments. Specifically, Cole cosponsored H.R. 3226, the "Czar Accountability and Reform Act of 2009," introduced by Representative Jack...
Cole Comments on President's Address to Congress
September 9, 2009WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement regarding President Obama's speech on health care given during a joint session of Congress."The American people do not want another speech. They want a sensible bipartisan health care plan that...
Cole Announces Addition of Mustang Town Hall Meeting
August 19, 2009Ada and Ardmore Town Hall Location Changes IncludedWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) announced today that he will be adding an additional town hall meeting in Mustang, Okla., on Monday, August 24th from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.Congressman Cole...
UPDATED: Rep. Cole Announces August Town Hall Meetings
August 14, 2009WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) announced today that he will be holding five town hall meetings in the month of August. Congressman Cole will be available to answer questions and address concerns about federal legislation. Members of...
Rep. Cole Redirects Funding for Pediatric Cancer Research
July 17, 2009WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today during the Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee markup, U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) worked with members of the Committee to redirect $10 million dollars of funding for pediatric cancer research and eradication efforts. Cole...
House Passes Resolution Honoring Wayman Tisdale
July 14, 2009WASHINGTON – Today the House of Representatives passed H.Res.469, a resolution honoring the life and contributions of Wayman Tisdale. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) introduced the bill in May after Tisdale passed away."Wayman Tisdale was an outstanding athlete, a talented musician and...
Cole Denounces National Energy Tax
June 26, 2009WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement today regarding H.R. 2454, the Waxman-Markey cap-and-trade bill. "The President said it best: cap-and-trade legislation will cause utility rates to 'skyrocket,'" Congressman Cole said. "The national energy tax the House...
Rep. Cole Introduces Legislation to Defund Spending Abuses
June 24, 2009Says "Taxpayer Payouts for Political Party Conventions and Presidential Elections Must Come to an End"WASHINGTON – Today Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) introduced two bills that seek to eliminate federal programs that currently use taxpayer dollars. Cole's first bill would terminate...
Rep. Cole Encourages Victims of Wildfires to Apply for FEMA Aid
June 24, 2009WASHINGTON - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) encouraged Oklahoma residents who sustained damages from April wildfires to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aid. Affected citizens in the following Fourth District counties may be eligible for aid: Carter, Cleveland, Grady,...
Cole Says "No" To Loaded War Supplemental
June 16, 2009WASHINGTON – Today Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement regarding the emergency War Supplemental. Despite the House and Senate previously passing clean versions of the bill, the final version - the conference report - has been unnecessarily loaded...
Rep. Cole Co-Sponsors the American Energy Act
June 16, 2009Bill would Lower Energy Costs and Invest in New Energy SourcesWASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement today after becoming a co-sponsor of the American Energy Act."One of my top priorities in the 111th Congress is to...
Oklahoma Delegation United on Vance Strike
June 11, 2009Allow Local Workers Back on Job – Resume NegotiationsWASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation stressed their desire to allow locals to return to work at Vance Air Force Base and for CSC and the International Association of Machinists...
Cole Supports Keep Terrorists Out of America Act
May 7, 2009Bill Discourages Detainee Transfers, Strengthens States Rights, Enacts Strict Guidelines for AdministrationWASHINGTON – Today U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) signed onto the Keep Terrorists Out of America Act. This legislation is similar to the bill Cole introduced in February, H.R....
Rep. Cole Announces April Town Hall Meetings
April 4, 2009WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) announced today that he will be holding eight town hall meetings across the Fourth Congressional District in April. During these meetings, Representative Cole will meet with citizens to address their concerns. The...
Cole Says "No" to Bloated Budget Proposal
April 3, 2009WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) gave the following statement regarding H. Con. Res. 85, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for fiscal year 2010, which passed yesterday in the House."The size and scope of the Obama budget is simply...
Cole's Comments on President's Afghanistan Strategy
March 27, 2009WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement today regarding President Obama's call for a new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan."The situation in Afghanistan is fluid, so I welcome the new strategic direction that the administration announced this...
Cole Calls for Geithner's Ouster
March 19, 2009WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) gave the following statement today, calling for President Obama to remove Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner from his post."The Treasury Department has been on a collision course ever since Tim Geithner took the helm," Congressman...
Cole Encourages Law Enforcement Agencies to Apply for Job-Creating Grants
March 18, 2009WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) gave the following statement in an effort to encourage state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to apply for federal grants through the COPS Hiring Recovery Program (CHRP). The grant application period closes April...
Cole Decries 'Card Check' Bill
March 10, 2009Says Workers Deserve to Have Secret Ballots ProtectedWASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) criticized a bill introduced today which will eliminate secret ballots in union organizing elections. The so-called Employee Free Choice Act has also been described as "card check"...
Cole Reacts to President's $3.5 Trillion Dollar Budget Proposal
February 26, 2009WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement today in response to the President's FY2010 budget proposal."Many of America's families are facing foreclosures, struggling to pay their bills and losing their jobs," Congressman Cole said. "While the government...
Rep. Cole Comments on President's Address
February 24, 2009WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement after President Obama delivered his address before a joint session of Congress."Tonight was truly an historic moment for our country. I appreciate that the President took time to address the...
Cole: "This is Not the Stimulus Oklahomans Deserve"
February 13, 2009WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement after voting against the final Pelosi-Reid stimulus that passed today. "This bill is a recipe for disaster," Congressman Cole said. "To paraphrase Winston Churchill, never have so few spent so...
Cole Introduces Bill to Keep GTMO Detainees Out of U.S.
February 12, 2009Vows to Fight Detainee Relocation to Fort Sill and other Communities in the United StatesWASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) introduced legislation today to prohibit use of the Department of Defense's (DOD) funds to transfer enemy combatants from Guantanamo...
Cole Adds Name to Americans for Prosperity Petition
February 12, 2009Joins More than 450,000 in Disapproval of Democrats' Stimulus PlanWASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) added his name to a petition recently, joining hundreds of thousands of Americans who are urging Congress not to pass the latest version of the...
Rep. Cole Calls for Moment of Silence for Disaster Victims
February 11, 2009Cole will Visit Lone Grove and Surrounding Areas SoonWASHINGTON – Yesterday, severe storms and a large tornado touched Lone Grove, Wilson, Springer and other areas in the Fourth District of Oklahoma. Earlier today, at Congressman Cole's request, the House of...
Cole Says "NO" to Budget-Busting Stimulus
January 28, 2009WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement today after voting against the $825 billion dollar stimulus bill, H.R. 1."We are facing a global recession and a federal response is needed," Congressman Cole said. "But this bill busts...
Cole Announces 2009 Academy Nominations
January 27, 2009WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced today the names of students who have been nominated from the Fourth Congressional District for entry into one of America's prestigious military academies. The schools to which these students have been nominated may...
Inhofe-Boren-Fallin-Cole-Sullivan-Lucas Say No to Terrorists Coming to Oklahoma
January 23, 2009WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), a Senior Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Rep. Dan Boren (D-Okla.), a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Mary Fallin (R-Okla.), a member of the House Armed Services...
Cole Praises Decision on Border Patrol Agents
January 19, 2009Cole Praises Decision on Border Patrol AgentsSays Commutations Fall Short of Full JusticeWASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) gave the following statement after receiving word that President Bush commuted the sentences of border patrol agents Jose Compean and Ignacio Ramos. ...
Rep. Cole to Serve on Three Appropriations Subcommittees
January 12, 2009WASHINGTON – Earlier today Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) received word that he will serve on three House Appropriations subcommittees. Specifically, he will serve on Interior and Environment, Labor/Health & Human Services (HHS)/Education and Legislative Branch Subcommittees."I am pleased to have...
Cole Appointed to Powerful Appropriations Committee
January 8, 2009WASHINGTON – The House Republican Steering Committee today appointed Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole to a coveted seat on the House Appropriations Committee. He becomes the only Member of Congress from Oklahoma to sit on the powerful committee.The Appropriations Committee has...
Cole Applauds Rep. Fallin's Appointment to Armed Services
January 7, 2009WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement yesterday after Oklahoma's Fifth District Representative, Congresswoman Mary Fallin, accepted an appointment to the House Armed Services Committee."I want to congratulate Congresswoman Mary Fallin on her appointment to the Armed...
Friendly Wager for the National Championship
January 5, 2009Friendly Wager for the National ChampionshipOklahoma Sooners' Rep. Cole and Florida Gators' Rep. Putnam Talk TermsWASHINGTON – There will be more at stake than pride and a national championship when the University of Oklahoma and the University of Florida meet...
Rep. Cole Returns from Iraq, Afghanistan
December 30, 2008WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) recently returned from a congressional delegation trip to Iraq, Afghanistan and Germany. Cole observed the ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, discussed regional, political, and security issues with military officials and foreign leaders...
Cole Applauds Rep. Frank Lucas's Ranking Member Appointment
December 10, 2008WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) gave the following statement after Oklahoma's Third District Congressman, Frank Lucas, was appointed to the position of Ranking Republican Member of the House Agriculture Committee. Lucas will assume his new responsibilities in January...
Cole Calls on President to Pardon Border Patrol Agents
December 10, 2008WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) sent a letter to President Bush late yesterday asking him to commute the sentences and issue pardons for Border Patrol agents Jose Compean and Ignacio Ramos. In October 2006, Ramos and Compean were...
Rep. Cole's Comments on Economic Stabilization Act
October 3, 2008WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement today after the House of Representatives voted on H.R. 1424, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act."Lyndon Johnson used to say, 'doing the right thing isn't hard, knowing the right thing to...
Cole's Toby Keith Recognition Bill Passes House
September 18, 2008WASHINGTON – Last night Congressman Tom Cole's (OK-04) bill recognizing Toby Keith's commitment to members of the Armed Forces, H.Res.1255, passed in the House."Toby Keith is a homegrown hero who never fails to show his appreciation for our men and...
Cole Comments on Democrat's "No Energy" Plan
September 9, 2008WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) gave the following statement today after Speaker Pelosi and other Democrat leaders concluded a "no energy" press conference."All throughout the month of August members of the Republican Party were here in Washington calling...
Rep. Cole Praises Palin's Selection as Vice Presidential Candidate
August 29, 2008WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) praised today's announcement made by Senator John McCain to choose Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate."Choosing Governor Palin as the Republican vice presidential running mate is a truly historic decision," Congressman Cole...
Cole Comments after Energy Summit
August 8, 2008WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) gave the following statement today after the conclusion of his 2008 Energy Summit. At the event, Oklahoma's energy leaders offered their insight about our nation's energy outlook and the future of gas and...
Cole to Host Summit with Oklahoma's Energy Experts
August 6, 2008WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) will be hosting an energy summit Friday at the National Weather Center in Norman. During the summit, Oklahoma's energy leaders will offer their perspective on the current gasoline and energy crunch and discuss...
Cole Praises Decision to Open New "Vet Center" with Readjustment Counseling Services in Comanche County
July 15, 2008WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) offered the following comments after receiving word that the Department of Veterans Affairs has chosen Comanche County to receive a new Vet Center with counseling services."Oklahoma's service members have served this nation proudly...
Rep. Cole Agrees "The Time for Action is Now"
July 14, 2008WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) gave the following statement today after President Bush announced his intentions to lift the executive ban on offshore oil drilling."Seeing the President announce his intentions to lift the executive order that banned offshore...
Edmond Native Completes Internship in Cole Office
July 10, 2008WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) recently bid farewell to summer intern D.H. Dilbeck. Dilbeck was chosen to participate in the summer internship program in Cole's Washington, DC office."Our summer internship program provides a great opportunity for students like...
OKC Native Completes Internship in Cole Office
July 10, 2008WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) recently bid farewell to summer intern Katherine Rainbolt. Rainbolt was chosen by Cole to participate in the internship program in Washington, DC.“The summer internship program is an excellent opportunity for students like Katherine...
Cole Comments on the Death of Former Congressman Clem McSpadden
July 8, 2008WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) gave the following comments today after receiving the news that Former Congressman Clem McSpadden had passed away."Oklahoma lost a true cowboy today," Congressman Cole said. "Clem McSpadden epitomized the very best of Oklahoma...
Rep. Cole Praises Supreme Court's Decision Upholding Gun Owners' Rights
June 26, 2008WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) praised today's ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold a federal appeals court decision that the gun ban in Washington, DC is unconstitutional."For far too long, certain American citizens have had their...
Cole Recognizes Ardmore Student in Washington as Art Competition Winner
June 25, 2008WASHINGTON – Today U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) congratulated Katherine Habeck, Fourth District winner of the 2008 Congressional Art Competition: An Artistic Discovery. Habeck, a student from Plainview High School in Ardmore, was in Washington, DC, today to attend the...
Cole: Bipartisan FISA Agreement Protects America and Secures Civil Liberties
June 20, 2008WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) gave the following comments today after the House passed H.R. 6304, the FISA Amendments Act of 2008. This bill will modernize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and strengthen our country's terrorist surveillance laws."This...
Cole Recognizes Toby Keith's Commitment to Armed Forces
June 10, 2008WASHINGTON - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) introduced a resolution today to honor country music star Toby Keith's commitment to the United States Armed Forces. Keith has demonstrated his commitment in a number of ways, most notably by performing on six...
Cole Introduces Legislation to Establish FEMA as an Independent Agency
May 23, 2008WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) introduced legislation yesterday to re-establish the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent agency. Cole's bill, H.R. 6147, is titled the "Federal Emergency Management Advancement Act of 2008" or the "FEMA Act.""It...
Cole Votes for Passage of Defense Authorization Bill
May 22, 2008WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following comments yesterday after supporting passage of H.R. 5658, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill authorizes a portion of the budget for the Department of Defense and the Department of...
Cole Calls for an Energy Plan that Packs a Punch
May 21, 2008WASHINGTON - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement today after joining House Republicans to announce an energy agenda that will lower gas prices and expand America's energy base."We need an energy plan that packs a real punch and...
Cole's Statement: We Need "A Positive Agenda"
May 7, 2008WASHINGTON - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement today after meeting with the President and other Republican colleagues to plan a positive legislative agenda to help the American people."I agree with the President's sentiment that enough is enough...
Cole Receives 2008 Friend of the Wildcatter Award
April 25, 2008WASHINGTON, D.C. - This week U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) received the "2008 Friend of the Wildcatter" award from the Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association (OIPA) for his service to Oklahoma’s natural gas and oil industries. Cole was recognized for voting...
Cole Calls for Speaker to Address Soaring Gas Prices
April 22, 2008WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) joined other leaders of Republican leadership today in sending a letter to Speaker Pelosi urging her to reveal the "commonsense plan" to lower gas prices that she promised two years ago. The...
Cole Comments on Second Petraeus-Crocker Report
April 9, 2008WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) issued the following statement today after attending the second set of reports on progress in Iraq delivered by General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker."General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker once again delivered a frank...
Cole Statement on Fifth Anniversary of Iraq War
March 19, 2008WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement today, the fifth anniversary of the Iraq War. Cole, a member of the House Armed Services Committee has traveled to Iraq seven times since serving in Congress, most recently last...
Cole Condemns Time Wasted on Flawed Partisan FISA Attempt
March 14, 2008For Immediate Release March 14, 2008Cole Condemns Time Wasted on Flawed Partisan FISA AttemptFollowing Secret Intelligence Briefing, House Needs to Pass Bipartisan Senate Version WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following comments today, joining many of his colleagues...
Rep. Cole Announces March Town Hall Meetings
March 11, 2008WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) announced today that he will be holding four town hall meetings in the southwest and southeast parts of the district in late March. During these meetings, Representative Cole is available to talk...
Cole Thanks Firefighters and Announces Grant Application Deadline
March 10, 2008WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced today that local fire departments in need of federal funds can begin applying for special grants. The funds are available through the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program. ...
Cole Responds to Majority's Budget Blunder
March 6, 2008WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) issued the following statement today after the release of the Democratic Majority's FY 2009 proposed federal budget. "Right now, Americans are working hard to move past their feelings of uncertainty about the economy,"...
Cole Invites 4th District Students to Enter Congressional Art Contest
February 26, 2008Cole Invites 4th District Students to Enter Congressional Art ContestWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) announced today that his office is accepting student artwork for the Annual Congressional Art Competition and National Exhibition, "An Artistic Discovery." High School...
Cole Withdraws from Appropriations Race, Secures Backing for Post in 111th Congress
February 14, 2008WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) announced today that he withdrew his name from the Appropriations race shortly before the Steering Committee meeting. The Steering Committee met this afternoon to select a replacement on the House Appropriations Committee...
Rep. Cole Announces MWC and Norman Town Hall Meetings
February 12, 2008WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) announced today that he will be holding two town hall meetings in the metro area in mid-February. During the meeting Cole will talk with constituents, discuss federal legislation and hold a question...
Cole Statement on President Bush's FY 2009 Budget Proposal
February 4, 2008WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement today after the President submitted his fiscal year 2009 budget proposal to Congress. "The President's budget serves as a useful starting point for a debate over our nation's fiscal...
Cole Applauds Bipartisan Economic Growth Package
January 29, 2008WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) gave the following statement today following the passage of H.R. 5140, the Economic Stimulus Package. The bill is designed to boost the economy, create jobs and give money back to America's taxpayers."Today the House...
Rep. Cole Comments on State of the Union Address
January 28, 2008WASHINGTON - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement about the President's State of the Union Address to the nation."The President took full advantage of his last State of the Union address to give the American people a candid...
Cole Announces 2008 Academy Nominations
January 24, 2008WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced today the names of students who have been nominated from the Fourth Congressional District for entry into one of America's prestigious military academies. The schools who participate in the Congressional nomination program are...
Cole Secures Funds for Ada Water Tower
December 27, 2007WASHINGTON - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced today that the FY08 Omnibus Appropriations bill signed by the President yesterday included $250,000 for construction of a one-million gallon water storage tower in Ada, Okla."This funding is critical when you take into...
Cole Secures Funds for Ardmore Resource Center
December 27, 2007WASHINGTON - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced today that the FY08 Omnibus Appropriations bill signed by the President yesterday included $350,000 to help the Ardmore Development Authority develop phase 2 of the Ardmore Community Resources Center."I am proud to again...
Cole Announces Oklahoma Projects
December 26, 2007WASHINGTON - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced today that last week's FY08 Omnibus Appropriations bill included funding for projects that will benefit central and southwest Oklahoma."Even though this year's funding legislation was passed at the last minute with less time...
Cole Announces Oklahoma Projects
December 26, 2007For Immediate Release December 26th, 2007 Cole Announces Oklahoma ProjectsWASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced today that last week's FY08 Omnibus Appropriations bill included funding for projects that will benefit central and southwest Oklahoma."Even though this year's funding legislation...
Cole Statement on Omnibus Spending Bill
December 18, 2007WASHINGTON, DC - Yesterday Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement after voting against the behemoth, half-trillion dollar combined spending bill last night."When stacked up, this omnibus bill stands over a foot high on top of my desk," Congressman Cole...
Cole Supports Immediate Assistance for Victims of Ice Storm
December 11, 2007WASHINGTON - Today Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) released the following statement after sending a letter to President Bush with other members of the Oklahoma delegation. The letter detailed the impact that the ice storm has had on the state and...
Cole's Statement on U.S.S. Oklahoma Memorial Dedication
December 7, 2007WASHINGTON - Today Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) released the following statement after the U.S.S. Oklahoma Memorial Dedication. Cole was able to attend the dedication ceremony and corresponding events in Ford Island, Hawaii, this weekend."This memorial is a tribute to honor...
Friendly Wager for the Big 12 Title
November 29, 2007WASHINGTON - Today Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) and Congressman Kenny Hulshof (MO-09) announced the terms of their friendly wager on the Big 12 Conference football championship happening this weekend between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Mizzou Tigers.Each Representative is wagering...
Defense Funding Bill Passes House
November 9, 2007WASHINGTON - Yesterday Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced that funding has been included in the FY08 Department of Defense Appropriations Conference Report for projects that will benefit the 4th District."It is vital to the success of our military that they...
It's Time to Stop Toying with the Needs of Troops and Veterans
November 7, 2007WASHINGTON - Yesterday Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following statement after the House Majority approved an expensive appropriations bill with millions of dollars of unrelated pork-barrel spending requests. In a highly unusual move, the House leadership combined a measure...
Cole Encourages Applicants to Apply for Fire Prevention Grants
November 1, 2007WASHINGTON - Today Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement in an effort to encourage fire prevention and safety grant seekers to submit their applications before the November 30th deadline."These funds will be used to help teach the public...
Rep. Cole's Statement after Briefing Top Officials
October 31, 2007WASHINGTON - Today Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after providing a briefing of his recent experiences in Iraq to White House officials and Lieutenant General Doug Lute, the Deputy National Security Advisor for Iraq and Afghanistan."This morning's...
Rep. Cole Welcomes Announcement from Delta
October 24, 2007WASHINGTON - Today Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after receiving word that Delta Airlines has announced they will begin offering twice daily flights between Lawton, Okla. and Atlanta, Ga., starting March 2008."This is great news for Lawton...
Cole's Water Shortage Legislation Passes House
October 22, 2007WASHINGTON - Today the House of Representatives passed Congressman Tom Cole's (OK-4) bill to authorize $900,000 to administer a water feasibility study in order to find future water sources for Norman, Midwest City and Del City, Oklahoma. "This was a...
Rep. Cole Says Goodbye to Summer Interns
September 17, 2007WASHINGTON D.C. -- U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) bid farewell recently to summer intern Rayne Austin. Austin was chosen by Cole to intern in the Lawton, Oklahoma district office."I believe that internships are a great way for students to experience...
Congressman Cole's Statement on Progress in Iraq
September 13, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) released the following statement today in response to the President's address to the nation regarding progress in Iraq. “The President’s speech capped a remarkable week in which all of America has had...
Cole Statement on Recommendations Made by General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker
September 10, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) issued the following statement today after General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker delivered their Iraq progress reports to Congress."The progress report we received today indicates that there has been substantial successes and that...
Rep. Cole Criticizes Inflammatory Ad
September 10, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) released the following statement today in response to an ad placed in today's New York Times by MoveOn.org. "It is widely known that MoveOn.org has attempted to intimidate Members of Congress into...
Rep. Cole Says Goodbye to Summer Interns
September 4, 2007WASHINGTON D.C. -- U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) bid farewell today to summer intern Grant Haines. Haines was chosen by Cole to participate in the internship program in Washington, D.C."Internship programs in D.C. are a great way for students like...
Rep. Cole Says Goodbye to Summer Interns
September 4, 2007WASHINGTON D.C. -- U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) bid farewell today to summer intern Tyler Barrett. Barrett was chosen by Cole to participate in the internship program in Washington, D.C."I believe that internship programs are a great way for students...
Rep. Cole Says Goodbye to Summer Interns
September 4, 2007WASHINGTON D.C. -- U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) bid farewell today to summer intern Elsie Urueta. Urueta was chosen by Cole to be an intern for a three month internship in the Washington D.C. office."Spending a summer as an intern...
Congressman Cole Encourages Residents to Visit Disaster Recovery Centers
August 9, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole made the following statement after hearing the news that three disaster recovery centers have opened in Comanche, Pontotoc, and McClain counties. The temporary facilities are open for the next few days. Disaster victims can visit...
Rep. Cole Announces Town Hall Schedule
August 6, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today announced his district town hall schedule for August. Cole will travel within the Fourth District to meet with constituents to discuss key topics relating to federal legislation and Oklahoma."I am looking...
Rep. Cole Votes for Vital Lake Texoma and Waurika Legislation
August 2, 2007Debt Forgiveness to Waurika Lake Master Conservancy DistrictBill Provides Critical Step to Future Development of Lake Texoma Shoreline WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) voted yesterday to pass the conference report on the Water Resources Development Act of 2007...
Cole Condems Last Minute Tax Hikes in Farm Bill
July 27, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) voted against H.R. 2419 - more commonly known as the Farm Bill. Citing a last minute tax provision intended to offset spending requests, Cole and others pointed out that such a tax...
Rep. Cole Denounces Redundant Iraq Legislation
July 25, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) issued the following statement today on H.R. 2929, the latest political feat masquerading as a bill offered by House Democrats. "This legislation is political grandstanding by the Majority that wastes the time and...
Rep. Cole Condemns Bait and Switch Policy for Upward Bound
July 19, 2007Rep. Cole Condemns Bait and Switch Policy for Upward Bound WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) spoke in favor of his amendment to prevent the Department of Education from imposing an unnecessary and unfair evaluation policy on the...
Inhofe and Cole Announce Elgin to Host NLOS-C Production
July 18, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) today announced that Boeing, BAE Systems and the U.S. Army have jointly chosen Elgin, Oklahoma as the site of the Army’s Non-Line of Sight Cannon (NLOS-C)...
Rep. Tom Cole Announces Press Secretary
July 16, 2007WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) announced today that he has promoted Liz Eddy to serve as his Press Secretary. Liz will be replacing Carmen Terry who has accepted a position working for Congressman John Carter as his Communications...
Cole Opposes Call for Immediate Troop Withdrawal
July 12, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today opposed H.R. 2956, legislation that would, among other things, require the Secretary of Defense to begin withdrawing troops from Iraq within 120 days. This legislation is a clear attempt by the new...
Rep. Cole Applauds Announcement of Lower Budget Deficit
July 11, 2007WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today welcomed the government's announcement that this year's federal budget deficit will be nearly $40 billion lower than originally projected, which means that the deficit is less than half of what it was...
Rep. Cole Requests Relief Funding for Comanche County
July 6, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Today Congressman Cole (OK-4) sent a letter to President Bush requesting relief funding for Comanche County's flooded areas. This request would extend relief to the area in conjunction with Governor Henry's initial disaster request. "My hope is that...
Cole's Norman Water Shortage Legislation Advances in Congress
June 28, 2007Norman Water Feasibility Modified to $900,000 WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today the Natural Resources Committee of the House of Representatives passed Congressman Tom Cole's (OK-4) bill that would authorize $900,000 to the Central Oklahoma Master Conservatory District (COMCD) for a water feasibility study to...
Congressional Art Winner Travels to Washington
June 28, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.--U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today congratulated Alexa Healey, the winner of the 2007 Congressional Art Competition, An Artistic Discovery. Healey traveled to Washington D.C. to participate in the competition's annual ribbon cutting ceremony and reception. "Oklahoma students are...
Cole Introduces Bill to Preserve Oklahoma Cowboy History
June 26, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) introduced legislation that would assist in the preservation and recognition of the Chisholm and Great Western Cattle Trails. H.R. 2849, the Chisholm and Great Western Cattle Trails Act of 2005, would specifically...
Cole Opposes Bloated Homeland Security Appropriations Bill
June 15, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today voted against passage of the Homeland Security Appropriations bill aimed at increasing non-emergency spending by $4.3 billion, which is twice as much as requested by the President in the FY 08 budget."This...
New Passport Relief Good News for Oklahoma Travelers
June 8, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - Many Oklahomans finding themselves without passports due to a new federal regulation set in place by the United States State Department may see a bit of summer relief. House Minority Leadership along with State Department officials have...
Cole Opposes Bill to Fund Destruction of Human Embryos
June 7, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today strongly opposed S. 5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. This bill expands the number of embryonic stem cell lines that are eligible for federally funded research, and has...
Cole Honors Tinker Air Force Base
June 7, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) along with Assistant Secretary William C. Anderson and Major General Del Eulberg today honored Tinker Air Force Base (AFB) for their achievement of two of the Air Force's annual environmental excellence awards. ...
Cole Secures Additional Passport Staff for Houston Office
May 25, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) joined Congresswoman Mary Fallin and Congressman John Sullivan in asking the U.S. State Department for assistance with problems concerning the Houston Passport problem. Staffers from Cole's office spoke with Deputy Assistant Secretary Anne Barrett...
Cole Votes for Clean Emergency Troop Funding Bill
May 25, 2007Bill includes Drough Relief, Wildfire Disaster Relief and BRAC funding WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) voted last night in favor of the House Emergency War Spending Bill which provides $120 billion for our men and women in uniform...
Cole Congratulates Washington High Student on U.S. Naval Academy Appointment
May 22, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today congratulated Tyler Simmons on his appointment to the Unites States Naval Academy. Cole nominated Simmons for the Naval Academy's 2007 freshman class."Tyler is a prime example of Oklahoma's finest. He has proven himself...
Cole Criticizes Tax Hikes
May 18, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-This month marks the fourth anniversary of the 2003 Republican tax cuts, which have provided broad-based tax relief, spurred economic growth, and helped generate record revenue flows to the federal government. Now, in celebration of this anniversary, the Majority...
Cole: "Now is Not the Time for a Vacation"
May 17, 2007Congress must work through Memorial Day recess to produce a clean funding bill WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today joined nearly every member of the Republican Conference in sending a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) calling her to...
Cole Secures $4 Million for Soldier Brain Health Assessment Program
May 17, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act that would allocate $4 million to create a brain health assessment program for all active duty soldiers...
Cole Secures $53 Million for Oklahoma Military Operations
May 17, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today voted in favor of the FY 08 Defense Appropriations bill that includes over $53 million for Oklahoma's Military Operations."These funds are not only beneficial to the overall effectiveness and capabilities of our military,...
Cole Votes in Favor of Agricultural Disaster Relief
May 11, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) last night voted in favor of the House agricultural disaster assistance supplemental bill. This legislation would allow people and organizations in Oklahoma who have experienced losses due to weather related disasters to apply for...
Cole Opposes Cuts to Critical Intelligence Funding
May 11, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) last night opposed the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008. This bill diverts critical intelligence resources from hunting down al Qaeda to studying climate change. "I believe that common sense solutions...
Cole Opposes Rationing Funds to American Troops
May 10, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today strongly opposed the House Majority's attempt to ration funds for the troops and ultimately retreat from Iraq. "Today the new Majority in Congress passed a spending bill that will force a...
Cole: "Thought Crimes Bill is Unconstitutional"
May 3, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today strongly opposed the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007. This legislation imposes additional federal penalties for having prohibited thoughts, and would eliminate any concept of "equal justice" under...
Cole Votes to Improve Head Start Program
May 3, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) voted last night in favor of H.R. 1592, the Improving Head Start Act. This bill will reform and strengthen the Head Start early childhood program. The program provides comprehensive early childhood services to low-income...
Cole Co-Sponsors Tribal Government Equality Act
May 2, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole, a member of the Chickasaw Nation and the only enrolled tribal member in the Congress, today co-sponsored the Tribal Government Equality Act of 2007. Congressman Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) is the primary sponsor. This bill corrects...
Cole Votes to Sustain Veto
May 2, 2007Calls on Majority to Produce a Clean and Timely Emergency Funding Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today voted to sustain the President's veto of the Majority's Emergency Supplemental Bill...
Cole: "Certain Date for Surrender is Not an Option
April 26, 2007Cole opposes Majority's Emergency Spending Bill that sets benchmarks for withdrawalWASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, last night strongly opposed the House Majority's Iraq Supplemental Appropriations Bill. While the supplemental the...
Cole Accepts "Spirit of Enterprise" Award from U.S. Chamber
April 25, 2007Cole has strong voting record on critical American business issues WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) has been awarded the "Spirit of Enterprise" award by the United States Chamber of Commerce. The award was presented to Congressman Cole for his strong...
Cole Supports Native American Home Ownership Act
April 24, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today supported passage of H.R. 1676, the Native American Home Ownership Opportunity Act of 2007. This legislation, which passed the House today, reauthorizes the Section 184 loan guarantee program administered through the U.S. Department...
Cole Supports House WRDA Bill
April 20, 2007Bill Includes Vital Lake Texoma LegislationCole Attempts to Eliminate Waurika Lake Master Conserancy District Debt Obligation WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) last night voted in favor of the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA). Included in the bill was...
Cole's Water Shortage Legislation Advances in Congress
April 19, 2007Norman Water Feasibility Study Expected to be Modified WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today the Water & Power Subcommittee of the Natural Resources Committee considered U.S. Congressman Tom Cole's (OK-4) bill that would authorize $300,000 to the Central Oklahoma Master Conservatory District (COMCD) for a...
Rep. Cole Announces CEDAP Application Period
April 18, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.--U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) announced today that law enforcement agencies, fire and other emergency responders seeking federal assistance can apply for the Department of Homeland Security's Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP) grants beginning April 25, 2007 through...
Congressman Tom Cole Marks a Bittersweet Tax Day
April 17, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-As millions of Americans lined up at post offices around the country to file their 2006 income tax returns, U.S. Representative Tom Cole (OK-4) marked Tax Day 2007 as a bittersweet moment with the new House Majority preparing to...
Rep. Cole Announces Fire Grant Application Period
April 5, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.--U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) announced today that fire departments seeking federal funds can apply for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) until May 4, 2007. "Firefighters in Oklahoma have shown great courage and...
Cole's Statement on FEMA Denial
March 29, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today released the following statement regarding FEMA's denial of an appeal for individual assistance funding for counties in Oklahoma affected by the winter storms."I am very disappointed that FEMA' has once again...
Cole Vows to Fight Transfer of Terrorists to Fort Sill
March 29, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, stated today that he will strongly oppose any attempts to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and import dangerous terrorists into American communities. Earlier this week, Democrats...
Cole Announces Town Hall Schedule
March 29, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today announced his upcoming district town hall schedule. Cole will begin traveling throughout Oklahoma's Fourth District next week to meet with constituents and discuss important issues effecting Oklahoma and our nation."I am excited to...
New Majority Votes to Raise Taxes
March 29, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (R-Moore) today strongly opposed the new Majority's budget proposal calling for the largest tax increase in American history, $392.5 billion over five years. The proposed budget allows the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 to...
Cole Makes Staff Changes in Ada Office
March 28, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (R-Moore) announced two staff changes in his Ada District Office. Amber Pollard has been promoted to Field Representative and Johnny Sandmann has been hired as Cole's Military and Veterans Caseworker. "I am very excited to...
Cole Votes to Protect America's Wounded Heroes
March 28, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted today to ensure that America's wounded soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines receive the finest healthcare available through the military health system. H.R. 1538, the Wounded Warriors...
Cole: "Congress Should Not Micromanage the War"
March 23, 2007Cole opposes Majority's Emergency Spending Bill that sets benchmarks for withdrawal WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today strongly opposed H.R. 1591, the Majority's emergency spending bill. This bill includes money to...
Cole Criticizes Majority's New Budget Plan
March 21, 2007New Budget Proposal Calls for the Largest Tax Increase in American History WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today released the following statement regarding the House Democrats' FY 08 budget proposal, which calls for the largest tax increase in...
Congressman Cole's Statement on Anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom
March 20, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today released the following statement regarding Operation Iraqi Freedom."This week marks the fourth anniversary of the war in Iraq. While there is no doubt that the situation in Iraq has been more...
Cole Announces Congressional Art Contest Winner
March 17, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) is pleased to announce Alexa Healey of Ardmore as the winner of the 2007 Congressional Art Competition, An Artistic Discovery. The artwork titled "Chucks" was chosen from many pieces submitted by young artists from...
Cole Advises Counties of New FEMA Contact Information
March 13, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today advised counties in Oklahoma seeking reimbursement from FEMA for expenses related to the latest ice storm to contact the Joint Field Office at 405-869-3800. Please be advised this is a new...
Fallin-Cole Introduce Bill to Pave Way for Texoma Development and Settle Arcadia Dispute
March 13, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congresswoman Mary Fallin (R-Oklahoma City) and Congressman Tom Cole (R-Moore) today introduced legislation that would transfer ownership of 227 acres of shoreline on Lake Texoma from the federal government to the state of Oklahoma. This property transfer will...
Cole Announces FEMA Deadlines for Counties Affected by Ice Storm
March 12, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Cole (OK-4) announced deadlines for counties in Oklahoma seeking reimbursement from FEMA for expenses related to the latest ice storm. All agencies that have already helped with the recovery efforts or those that might in the future...
House Majority Refuses to Fund Ethics Committee
March 9, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-United States Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) made the following statement regarding the majority party's refusal to give the House Ethics Committee the funding it needs to effectively implement the new house rules. "The majority party ran on a platform...
Cole Encourages Students to Participate in Discovery Art Program
March 8, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) encourages interested students from Oklahoma's Fourth District to submit their artwork for the Annual Congressional High School Art Competition and National Exhibition, "An Artistic Discovery". The deadline for entries is April 30th, and all...
Cole Congratulates Elgin Student on Air Force Academy Appointment
March 7, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today congratulated Jeremiah Baxter on his appointment to the Unites States Air Force Academy. Cole nominated Baxter for the Air Force Academy's 2007 freshman class. "Jeremiah is a prime example of Oklahoma's finest. He has...
Cole Introduces Legislation to Assist in Water Shortages
March 6, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today introduced legislation that would authorize $300,000 for a water feasibility study to establish additional sources of water for Norman, Midwest City, and Del City, Oklahoma. The study would include possible proposals for drilling...
Cole's Statement on Conditions at Walter Reed
March 6, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole, a member of the House Armed Service Committee made the following statement regarding recent reports of substandard conditions at an outpatient facility at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The full Armed Services Committee will meet...
Cole Named Congressional Leader by National Congress of American Indians
March 5, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) has been awarded the Congressional Leadership award by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). The award was presented to Congressman Cole for representing his fellow Native Americans in Congress and providing outstanding leadership...
Cole: "Worker Intimidation Bill" is Undemocratic
March 1, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) today voted to oppose H.R. 800, the so-called "Employee Free Choice Act". This legislation denies American workers the right to a secret ballot when voting on whether or not to form a union. Instead,...
Congressman Cole Announces Deadline for Agencies to Apply for FEMA Funds
February 22, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Cole announced today that agencies in Cotton County seeking reimbursement from FEMA for expenses related to the latest ice storm must apply for assistance by March 3. All agencies that have already helped with the recovery efforts...
Cole Opposes Resolution to Undermine Troops
February 16, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today opposed a resolution condemning actions directed by the President and his military advisors regarding the United States' continued involvement in Iraq. This resolution is widely believed to be the first step in an...
Cole Supports Tax Relief for Small Business Owners
February 16, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today voted to secure $2 billion in tax cuts for small business owners across America. This legislation ensures that any increase in the minimum wage must be accompanied by tax relief for small businesses...
Cole Secures Key Commitments
February 14, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today secured two commitments critical to the Lawton, Fort Sill and Elgin communities. In a House Armed Services Committee (HASC) hearing on the FY 08 Army budget request, Congressman Cole reiterated his concerns about...
Congressman Cole Praises President's Proposed Budget
February 5, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C.- U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) released the following statement today after the President submitted his FY 2008 budget proposal. "The budget submitted by the President today is one that will help keep our nation prosperous and strong. I especially...
Congressman Tom Cole Helps Secure Federal Aid to Storm Damaged Oklahomans
February 1, 2007WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole today pledged today to continue working to ensure that every county in Oklahoma in need of federal assistance from recent severe weather will receive the funds they need. Congressman Cole has personally contacted the Department...
Rep. Cole to Serve on Armed Services and Natural Resources Committees in 110th Congress
January 11, 2007WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole announced today that he will be serving on the Armed Services and Natural Resources Committees in the 110th Congress. He will be returning to Armed Services and Natural Resources as an active and voting member...
Congressman Cole's Comments after the President's Address on Iraq
January 10, 2007WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole made the following comments after the President addressed the nation on the situation in Iraq. "The President tonight announced a new, bold and decisive plan to win in Iraq. The President knows what is at...
Rep. Cole Votes for Republican Plan to Increase Wages and Protect Small Businesses
January 10, 2007WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole supported legislation that would increase the minimum wage while also providing relief for small businesses. This Republican alternative to H.R. 2 failed to garner the support needed to pass in the House. The Democrat bill...
Congressman Cole Announces Academy Nominations for 2007
January 8, 2007WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Tom Cole today announced the names of students from Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District who have received nominations to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval Academies' entering class of 2007. The process for receiving a...
Congressman Cole Votes Against Democratic Rule Measure
January 5, 2007WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted against a House rule proposed by the Democrats that will make tax increases more likely and does nothing to help reduce the deficit or reduce government spending. "This plan allows the Democrats to increase...
Congressman Cole Votes for Tax Break Extension Package
December 8, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (HR 6111) that includes two tax extensions to help spur economic activity on Indian reservations and on former Indian lands. This legislation, which...
Congressman Cole's Statement on Passing of Jeane Kirkpatrick
December 8, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Cole made the following statement upon hearing about the passing of Jeane Kirkpatrick, a fellow Oklahoman and the first woman to be named U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations: "Today the world lost an influential foreign policy...
Congressman Cole's Statement on USS Oklahoma Dedication
December 7, 2006WASHINGTON –Congressman Tom Cole sent the following letter to be read today at the groundbreaking for the U.S.S. Oklahoma Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Because of scheduled votes in the House, Congressman Cole was unable to attend the ceremony. Congressman...
Congressman Cole Hires District Director
December 1, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole announced today that Jill Daugherty has been promoted to District Director and will begin her responsibilities in this new position on December 11, 2006. The District Director manages the three district offices located in Norman,...
Congressman Cole Elected to House Leadership, NRCC Chairman
November 17, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole was elected today to the House Republican leadership team as Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). As Chairman of the NRCC, Congressman Cole will set the overall campaign strategy for the Republican Conference."My...
Congressman Cole's Statement Regarding Foley Situation
October 3, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole released the following statement regarding the Mark Foley situation: "Like all Americans, I was shocked and appalled at the revelations about former Congressman Mark Foley's email and instant message exchanges with House pages. His actions...
Congressman Cole Votes for Homeland Security Agreement
September 29, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report (H.R. 5441) that provides $34.8 billion for security operations and activities. "In this day and age, we have to put defense and national security first...
Congressman Cole Makes Statement on Dedication of National Weather Center
September 29, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole made the following statement upon the dedication ceremony of the National Weather Center in Norman: "With great anticipation, the National Weather Center opened its doors today to an exciting future and a promising partnership between the...
Congressman Cole Votes for Military Commissions Act
September 27, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole today voted in favor of the Military Commissions Act of 2006 (H.R. 6166), which passed the House by a vote of 253-168. The Military Commissions Act will help create a system of justice for suspected...
Congressman Cole Invites High School Students to Congressional Academy Day
September 22, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole announced today that all Oklahoma High School students are invited to attend Oklahoma Congressional Academy Day to learn about each academy and the application process. The Oklahoma Congressional Academy Day will be held at...
Rep. Cole Supports Passage of Key Bills to Help Secure Borders
September 21, 2006Washington – Rep. Tom Cole this week voted for three major pieces of legislation that will help increase border security and crack down on illegal immigration. The three bills passed by the House were the Community Protection Act of 2006...
Congressman Cole Votes for Legislation to Secure Borders
September 15, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted yesterday for the Secure Fence Act of 2006 (H.R. 6061) that passed in the House, 283-138. The Secure Fence Act is an emergency measure that would mandate operational control of all borders and ports...
Cole Votes for Bill to Bring Greater Transparency to Legislative Process
September 15, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted yesterday for H. Res. 1000 to increase transparency in the legislative and appropriations process by passing a change to House rules concerning earmark reform. This legislation passed in the House, 245-171. “This House rules...
Congressman Cole Votes to Protect Worker's Pensions
July 29, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted yesterday evening for the Pension Protection Act (H.R. 4) which passed in the House. This legislation addresses the problem of under-funded pension plans and takes a balanced approach to comprehensively reforming outdated pension laws. ...
Rep. Cole Leads Members to Iraq
July 29, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congressman Tom Cole will be leading a group of members to Iraq this weekend to meet with foreign leaders about the progress being made in Iraq and to meet with troops stationed in Baghdad. This will be Congressman...
Rep. Cole Votes for Tax Extensions, Minimum Wage Increase and Permanent Estate Tax Relief
July 29, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted today for H.R. 5970, The Estate Tax and Extension of Tax Relief Act of 2006. This legislation includes extensions of certain business taxes, including extensions of tax provisions known as 45A and 168j that...
Congressman Cole Helps Sustain Presidential Veto
July 19, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole released the following statement after voting against overruling the presidential veto of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005 (H.R. 810). The vote to override the veto on H.R. 810 failed to garner the...
Congressman Cole Votes to Protect Pledge from Runaway Courts
July 19, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the Pledge Protection Act (H.R. 2389/S. 1046) that protects our Pledge of Allegiance from radical judges and liberal lawyers who question the constitutionality of the phrase “under God.” "Unfortunately, legislation like...
Congressman Cole Votes for Marriage Protection Amendment
July 19, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted yesterday in favor of the Marriage Protection Amendment (H.J. Res. 88). A majority of the House (236-187) voted for the legislation, but the amendment failed to garner the two-thirds required for a constitutional...
Congressman Cole to Host Tele-Town Hall Meeting
July 17, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole will be calling households in Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District this week to hold a live conference call about issues being debated in Congress. This tele-town hall meeting will give constituents, who may not be able...
Rep. Cole Supports Legislation Allowing Americans to Fly American Flag on Private Property
June 27, 2006Washington, D.C. --In preparation for the celebration of America’s independence on the 4th of July, Representative Tom Cole supported the Freedom to Display the American Flag Act (H.R. 42) that passed by a voice vote today in the House. This...
Congressman Cole Votes to Give Veterans COLA
June 26, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Representative Tom Cole voted for H.R. 4893, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2006, which passed in the House today. “I am very proud to have voted for this legislation that provides a cost-of-living adjustment to...
Rep. Cole Votes for Defense Funding Bill, Secures NLOS-C Funding
June 21, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted last night for the FY07 Defense Appropriations bill (H.R. 5631) that includes $7 million for projects in Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District and language that ensures the full funding of the non-line-of-sight cannon (NLOS-C). Congressman...
Rep. Cole Announces Funding for Defense Projects in Oklahoma
June 16, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole announced today that the FY07 Defense Appropriations bill includes $7 million for projects in Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District. The FY07 Defense Appropriations was approved by the Appropriations Committee this week and now awaits floor action....
Cole Secures Funds for Ardmore Community Resources Center
June 15, 2006WASHINGTON—Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole secured $250,000 for the second phase of the Ardmore Community Resources Center in legislation that passed in the House today. This legislation will now be considered by the U.S. Senate where Senator Inhofe is working on...
Rep. Cole Votes for Legislation to Fund Troops, War on Terror
June 13, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery (H.R. 4939) that will provide $94.5 billion for critical defense, military, and hurricane relief priorities. Congressman Tom...
Congressman Tom Cole's Statement on the Death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi
June 8, 2006WASHINGTON –Congressman Cole made the following statement upon the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. "The death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq and the most visible face of the insurgency in Iraq, is an important...
Rep. Cole Votes for Legislation to Increase Refinery Capacity
June 8, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted for the Refinery Permit Process Scheduling Act (H.R. 5254) that will encourage the development of new domestic refineries by streamlining the permit process and identifying closed military bases that would be suitable for building...
Rep. Cole Votes for Legislation to Improve Broadcast Decency
June 7, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted for legislation today that would increase the fines for broadcasting indecent material by ten times. The Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act (S. 193) would increase the fine levied against broadcasters by the Federal Communications Commission...
Rep. Cole Announces Repeal of Long-Distance Excise Tax
May 26, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole announced today that the U.S. Treasury Department will repeal the federal excise tax on long-distance telephone service. The Internal Revenue Service will issue refunds of tax on long-distance service for the past three years. Taxpayers...
Rep. Cole Votes for Funding for Norman Project
May 25, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted last night for the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (H.R. 5427) that designates $344,000 for the Norman Project. Congressman Cole requested these funds be included in...
Rep. Cole Votes for Funding for Arbuckle-Simpson Study
May 25, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted for the Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007 (H.R. 5427) that designates $750,000 to continue a study of the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer. Congressman Cole requested that these funds...
Rep. Cole Announces 2006 "Artistic Discoveries" Winner
May 24, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Tom Cole is pleased to announce Hillary Shipley of Elmore City as the winner of the Twenty-Fifth Congressional High School Art Competition and National Exhibition, "An Artistic Discovery." The artwork, entitled "Grandma's House," was chosen from many...
Rep. Cole Votes for Agriculture Funding Bill
May 24, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted last night for the Agriculture appropriations bill for FY 2007 (H.R. 5384) to support our nation’s farmers and ranchers and provide needed funding for important nutrition programs and public health research. This legislation also...
Rep. Cole Votes for Responsible Budget
May 18, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congressman Tom Cole voted today for a budget resolution that nearly freezes non-security discretionary spending and provides for a savings of $6.8 billion in mandatory spending over five years. The Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for FY 2007 (H....
Rep. Cole's Statement after President's Remarks on Immigration Reform
May 15, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole made the following statement this evening after the President's address to the nation: "The President's remarks tonight show that he understands that the situation on our borders is serious. His proposal with respect to placing...
Rep. Cole Congratulates Moore Student on Appointment to Air Force Academy
May 12, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Tom Cole today congratulated Jonathan Bubier on his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cole nominated Bubier to the Air Force Academy entering class of 2006. "I am pleased...
Rep. Cole Votes for Defense Authorization Legislation
May 11, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the FY07 Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 5122) that will ensure our servicemen and women have every tool they need to fight and win the War on Terror. This legislation also gives funding...
Rep. Cole Votes to Prevent Tax Increase on American Families and Small Businesses
May 10, 2006WASHINGTON –On the heels of thirty one consecutive months of uninterrupted job growth, Congressman Cole voted today to avert tax hikes on the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), capital gain dividends and the extension of increased small business expensing. The Tax...
Rep. Cole Announces Tinker, Air Depot Projects in Defense Bill
May 9, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole announced today that the House Armed Services Committee authorized $5.7 million for an electrical substation at Tinker Air Force Base during the full committee mark-up of the FY07 Defense Authorization Bill. During this mark-up, the...
Rep. Cole Votes for Legislation to Keep Ports Safe and Secure
May 4, 2006WASHINGTON – Recognizing the increased necessity to carefully monitor the goods and cargo passing through our country’s ports of entry, Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the Security and Accountability for Every Port (SAFE) Act. This bipartisan bill will strengthen...
Rep. Cole Votes for Accountability and Transparency in Lobby Bill
May 3, 2006WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the Lobbying Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (H.R. 4975), the most comprehensive lobbying reform bill passed in over a decade. This legislation has already passed in the Senate and will now...
Rep. Cole Votes For Legislation to Help Curb Energy Prices
May 3, 2006Washington, D.C.--Congressman Cole voted for two pieces of legislation today that will help reign in rising energy prices. The Refinery Permit Process Schedule Act passed with bi-partisan support in the House today. The Federal Energy Price Protection Act gained a...
Rep. Cole Votes for Bill to Strenthen Intelligence Capabilities
April 27, 2006WASHINGTON – Representative Tom Cole voted yesterday for a comprehensive bill that will give federal intelligence gathering agencies the resources to help them more effectively fight and win the War on Terror. The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007...
Congressman Cole Nominates Joy Lomheim to US Naval Academy
April 12, 2006Washington DC-Congressman Tom Cole announced today the nomination of Joy M. Lomheim from Newalla, Oklahoma to the US Naval Academy. Lomheim will be graduating from the Oklahoma School of Science and Math this spring. "Receiving an academy appointment is a...
Congressman Cole Nominates Joy Lomheim to US Naval Academy
April 12, 2006Washington DC-Congressman Tom Cole announced today the nomination of Joy M. Lomheim from Newalla, Oklahoma to the US Naval Academy. Lomheim will be graduating from the Oklahoma School of Science and Math this spring. "Receiving an academy appointment is...
Rep. Cole Announces Expanded Federal Disaster Assistance
April 3, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C.--Rep. Tom Cole announced today that the Disaster Declaration for Stephens and Jefferson Counties has been expanded to include categories A through G. This will allow for additional federal assistance for debris removal, utility plants and damaged roads and...
Rep. Cole Adds Language in Bill to Protect TRIO programs
March 29, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congressman Cole used his position on the powerful Rules Committee last night to protect TRIO programs in Oklahoma. He was able to insert language into the manager's amendment to delete the ten percent novice applicant provision that was included...
Rep. Cole Congratulates Chickasha Student on Appointment to Air Force Academy
March 20, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Tom Cole today congratulated Michael M. Chambers on his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cole nominated Chambers to the U.S. Air Force Academy entering class of 2006. "Michael...
Rep. Cole Supports Budget that Reduces Spending and Deficit
March 8, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congressman Tom Cole attended a press conference today to roll out a budget proposal from the Republican Study Committee that balances the budget by FY 2011, eliminates numerous unnecessary federal programs and proposes over $650 billion in savings over...
Rep. Cole Votes for Legislation to Prevent Crimes against Children
March 8, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C.--Representative Tom Cole voted today for the Children's Safety and Violent Crime Reduction Act of 2005 (H.R. 4472) that will help prevent the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. This legislation passed in the House today and must now...
Rep. Cole Votes for Patriot Act Reauthorizaton
March 8, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C.--Representative Tom Cole voted last night for the USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act, S. 2711, that will help law enforcement personnel keep our country safe from terrorist threats. This legislation passed in the House, 280-138. “The USA...
Rep. Cole Announces Fire Grant Application Period
March 8, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congressman Tom Cole announced that beginning this week fire departments can begin to apply for Federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants. Applications for these grants, administered by the Department of Homeland Security, will be accepted from March 6, 2006 until...
Rep. Cole Congratulates Student on Appointment to Military Academy
February 28, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Tom Cole recently congratulated Paul E. Tennison on his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Cole nominated Tennison to the U.S. Military Academy entering class of 2006. "Paul is one of...
Rep. Cole Congratulates Jacob Branstetter on Appointment to Air Force Academy
February 28, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Tom Cole recently congratulated Jacob Branstetter on his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cole nominated Branstetter to the Air Force Academy entering class of 2006. "I was proud to...
Rep. Cole's Statement in Opposition to Port Deal
February 23, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congressman Tom Cole made the following statement in opposition to an acquisition proposal from Dubai Ports World (DP World), a port operations company owned by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The deal would position DP World...
Congressman Cole Introduces Legislation to Encourage Alternative Energy Source
February 8, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole introduced the Home and Farm Wind Energy Systems Act of 2005 today that will provide a 30 percent tax credit for businesses and individuals that purchase small wind turbines. "One of the greatest threats to...
Rep. Cole Votes for Effort to Slow Government Spending, Reduce Deficit
February 2, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C.--In order to help control mandatory spending, which now comprises about 54 percent of the budget, Congressman Tom Cole voted yesterday for the Deficit Reduction Conference Report (S. 1932) that will achieve almost $40 billion in savings over the...
Rep. Cole's Statement on State of the Union Address
January 31, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congressman Cole made the following statement about President Bush's State of the Union Address, January 31, 2006: "With the same unwavering determination we have seen over the past five years, President Bush laid out this year's agenda in a...
Congressman Cole's Statement on Additional Counties Eligible for Fire Assistance
January 27, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congressman Cole made the following statement after hearing the news that additional counties were added to the disaster declaration. These counties will now be eligible to receive federal funds to help fight the wild fires and recover from their...
Rep. Cole Announces Postal Service Contract at OU
January 26, 2006WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congressman Tom Cole announced today that the University of Oklahoma was recently awarded the Postal Service training contract, effective January 1, 2006. The contract provides $27 million over two years with three one-year renewable options. Assuming the contract goes...
Congressman Cole Votes for Defense Authorization Bill
December 20, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole voted for the Defense Authorization Conference Report (H.R. 1815) recently that includes multiple provisions to improve the quality of life for men and women in the nation’s active, guard and reserve forces. “The men and...
Rep. Cole Votes for Defense Funding and Domestic Priorities
December 19, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Early this morning, Congressman Tom Cole voted the Defense Appropriations Conference Report (H.R. 2863) that provides $453.5 billion to fight the global war on terror, enhance our security and improve the lives of our service men and women,...
Rep. Cole Votes for Deficit Reducation Act
December 19, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C.--Rep. Tom Cole voted for the Deficit Reduction Conference Report early this morning which will help lower the rate of growth of government spending and reduce the deficit. This legislation includes savings recommendations from eight authorizing committees to achieve...
Rep. Cole Praises Pombo for Deadline Extension
December 19, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Cole praised Chairman of the House Resources Committee Richard Pombo, today for his work to extend the December 31, 2005 statutory deadline for filing of claims against the Department of the Interior for alleged mismanagement of Indian...
Rep. Cole Votes for Bill that Makes Tribal Governments Eligible for DOJ Grants
December 17, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Conference Report, H.R. 3402, which includes language to give tribal governments the ability to qualify for three different Department of Justice grants. Congressman Cole worked to...
Rep. Cole Votes for Immigration Reform
December 17, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Tom Cole voted last night for immigration legislation that will help control America's borders and prevent illegal immigration in our country. Congressman Cole was a co-sponsor of the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of...
Congressman Cole Votes for Victory in Iraq Resolution
December 16, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congressman Tom Cole voted today for a resolution in the U.S. House that expresses the commitment of the House of Representatives to achieving victory in Iraq. "I have been to Iraq five times and I have seen the progress...
Rep. Cole Votes for Pension to Safeguard Benefits for Workers; Retirees
December 15, 2005Washington, D.C.--Rep. Tom Cole voted for H.R. 2830, the Pension Protection Act of 2005, which passed in the House. H.R. 2830 addresses the problem of under-funded pension plans. Congressman Cole used his position on the powerful Rules Committee to help...
Rep. Cole Introduces Legislation Condemning Ahmadinejad's Comments
December 15, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole introduced a resolution in the U.S. House yesterday evening that condemns Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's hateful rhetoric directed toward Israel and his cavalier dismissal of the historical reality of the Holocaust. "I believe it is very...
Rep. Cole Votes for Patriot Act Reauthorization
December 14, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Tom Cole voted for the USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Conference Report (H.R. 3199), which passed in the House today. This legislation reauthorizes the PATRIOT Act, passed in 2001, to help prevent future terrorist acts in...
Rep. Cole Adds Language in Patriot Act to Protect Tribal Sovereignty
December 14, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole announced today that language to protect tribal sovereignty, specifically in the collection of taxes on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in Indian Country, was included in the USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2005 Conference...
Congressman Cole Votes for TRIO and GEAR-UP Funds in Spending Bill
December 14, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole announced today that both TRIO and GEAR UP are funded in the final version of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006 that passed...
Rep. Cole Praises Passage of Tax Relief Bill for all Americans
December 8, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C.- Congressman Tom Cole voted today for H.R. 4297, the Tax Relief Extension Reconciliation Act of 2005. This legislation will extend important tax breaks including extending tax incentives for business activity on former Indian lands and businesses that hire...
Rep. Cole Protects Tax Breaks for Oklahoma Businesses in Legislation
December 7, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -As a member of the powerful Rules Committee, Congressman Cole worked today to protect two provisions in the tax portion of the budget reconciliation bill (HR 4297) that will be very important to Oklahomans. The Rules Committee voted...
Rep. Cole Votes for Funding to Help Oklahomans Obtain American Dream
November 21, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole voted for a spending bill that includes $220,000 million for Rural Enterprises to continue implementing Employer-Assisted Housing programs. The Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Conference...
Rep. Cole Votes for Midwest City Project in Spending Bill
November 21, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole voted for a spending bill that includes $200,000 to help Midwest City build a community outreach center. The Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Conference Report...
Rep. Cole Supports Funding for Fort Sill
November 21, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Cole announced today that over $29 million was included for Ft. Sill in the FY2006 Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Conference Report (H.R. 2528). Congressman Cole worked to include these funds...
Rep. Cole Supports Funding for Tinker Air Force Base
November 21, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Cole announced today that over $31 million was included for Tinker Air Force Base in the FY2006 Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Conference Report (H.R. 2528). Congressman Cole worked to include...
Rep. Cole Supports Funding for Rep. Cole Votes for Lawton Project in Spending Bill
November 21, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole voted for a spending bill that includes $2 million for the operation of Fort Sill's Army Radar Approach Control. The Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and Independent Agencies Appropriations...
Rep. Cole Votes for Less Spending, Lower Deficit
November 18, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole voted today for the Deficit Reduction Act that will slow the rate of growth in government spending from 6.4 percent to 6.3 percent. "In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, it has become necessary to find...
Rep. Cole Says Tax Provisions Beneficial for Oklahoma
November 16, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole announced today that two provisions included in the tax portion of the budget reconciliation bill (HR 4297) will be especially advantageous to Oklahomans. The first provision is an extension of the Indian Employment Tax Credit from...
Congressman Cole Votes for Personal Property Rights
November 4, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Tom Cole voted for legislation today that will enhance the penalty for states and localities that abuse their eminent domain power. The Private Property Rights Protection Act (H.R. 4128) passed in the House and now must be...
Congressman Cole Announces Grant Eligibility for Lone Grove
October 28, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole announced that the Agriculture Funding Conference Report for FY06 (H.R. 2744), which passed in the House today, includes a waiver to allow Lone Grove to receive grants and loans through the Rural Community Advancement Program. Congressman...
Congressman Cole Announces Grant Eligibility for Elgin
October 28, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole announced that the Agriculture Funding Conference Report for FY06 (H.R. 2744), which passed in the House today, includes a waiver to allow Elgin to receive grants and loans through the Rural Community Advancement Program. Congressman Cole...
Rep. Cole Votes Against Efforts to Stop 2005 BRAC
October 27, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. --Congressman Tom Cole voted against a last minute effort to stop the 2005 round of base closures and realignments (BRAC) and reject the recommendations from the BRAC commission, today. The legislation disapproving of the commission's recommendations, H.J. Res....
Congressman Cole Appointed to Gas Price Task Force
September 23, 2005Washington D.C.--Congressman Tom Cole was appointed to the Gas Price Task Force yesterday by House Majority Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.). This task force will be dedicated to immediate action to ease the widespread fuel supply crisis occurring throughout much of...
Rep. Cole Introduces Legislation to Help Teachers Affected by Katrina
September 22, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Tom Cole, along with members from Louisiana, introduced legislation last week, H.R. 3788 that would allow the Secretary of Education to waive the continuous service requirements of the Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program for teachers whose employment...
Rep. Cole Votes for Protection for Good Samaritans
September 15, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. --Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the Katrina Volunteer Protection Act 2005 (H.R. 3736) which passed in the House today. This legislation makes sure that everyone who helps those affected by Hurricane Katrina will be covered by some...
Congressman Cole Votes for Emergency Funds for Katrina Relief
September 8, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted today for a $51.8 billion supplemental appropriation package for immediate needs arising from the consequences of Hurricane Katrina. H.R. 3673 provides $50 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief...
Congressman Cole Vows to Oppose Pork in Hurricane Relief Bill
September 8, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole joined other members of Congress today in signing a pledge to oppose any project or provision that is not directly related to the impact of Hurricane Katrina in any supplemental appropriations bill that provides...
Rep. Cole Announces Public Health Emergency in Oklahoma
September 8, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole announced today that the Department of Health and Human Services has declared a public health emergency in Oklahoma. Declaration of a public health emergency streamlines procedures the government must follow in awarding grants or contracts to...
Rep. Tom Cole Announces U.S. Service Academies Day
September 8, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole announced today that all Oklahoma High School students are invited to attend Oklahoma Congressional Academy Day to learn about each academy and the application process. The Oklahoma Congressional Academy Day will be held at...
Cole and Boren Statement on Oklahoma Evacuee Relief Effort
September 6, 2005Washington DC- 1,400 Gulf Coast residents have been evacuated to Camp Gruber near Muskogee, Okla., with hundreds more expected. As many as 3,000 additional evacuees may be moved to Falls Creek, Okla., in the coming days. Congressman Tom Cole...
Congressman Cole's Statement on BRAC Commissioners Vote
August 23, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole made the following statement today after a vote by the BRAC Commission to realign the Air Defense Artillery Center and School and the Net Fires Center to Fort Sill. "I am very pleased...
Congressman Cole Votes for Funds for Oklahoma Highways
July 29, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the House Transportation Reauthorization Conference Report (H.R. 3), which included millions of dollars for vital highway projects across Oklahoma. This legislation, which passed in the House today, was reconciled in a...
Congressman Cole Votes for Funds for Norman Roads
July 29, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole was able to secure $26 million for the Norman area in the Transportation Reauthorization Conference Report that passed in the House today. The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (H.R. 3) was reconciled...
Congressman Cole Votes for Funds for Interchange
July 29, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole was able to secure $1 million for reconstruction of the I-44/Fort Sill Key Gate interchange in the Transportation Reauthorization Conference Report that passed in the House today. The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for...
Rep. Cole Votes for Funds for Midwest City Walkways
July 29, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole was able to secure $1 million for walkways in Midwest City in the Transportation Reauthorization Conference Report that passed in the House today. The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (H.R. 3) was...
Congressman Cole Votes for Funds for Duncan Bypass
July 29, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole was able to secure $3 million for the construction of a bypass grade separation in Duncan in the Transportation Reauthorization Conference Report that passed in the House today. The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy...
Congressman Cole Votes for Funds for SH 19
July 29, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole was able to secure $2.4 million for enhancements to Highway 19 from Ada to Stratford in the Transportation Reauthorization Conference Report that passed in the House today. The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for...
Congressman Cole Supports Free Trade Legislation
July 28, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole voted today for the Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) to reduce trade barriers and help promote American exports. Congressman Cole has spoken to numerous Oklahoma groups, including many agricultural groups, which have been...
Rep. Cole Votes for Increased Life Insurance for Vets and Military Personnel
July 26, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance Enhancement Act of 2005, H.R. 3200, which increases the maximum coverage available under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance and Veterans' Group Life Insurance programs from the...
Congressman Cole Announces Ardmore Refinery Obtains FTZ Status
July 22, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole announced today that the Valero refinery in Ardmore will be designated as a foreign trade subzone by the Department of Commerce. The Ardmore refinery and the Wynnewood and Blue Ribbon storage terminals (3 sites...
Congressman Cole Announces Debt Relief for Waurika Project Master Conservancy District
July 14, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole voted today for the Water Resources Development Act that will eliminate the obligation of Waurika Project Master Conservancy District to pay its outstanding debt incurred during the construction of a water conveyance project at Waurika...
Rep. Cole Votes to Ensure Veterans Receive the Benefits They Deserve
July 14, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday Representative Tom Cole voted for H.R. 1220, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2005, which passed the House by voice vote. “We have an important commitment to America’s most honored heroes, our veterans. This cost-of-living...
Congressman Cole Introduces Legislation to Protect Chisholm Trail
June 29, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Tom Cole recently introduced legislation that will require a study to be conducted by the Secretary of Interior to determine the suitability of designating the Chisholm and Great Western Cattle Trails as part of the National Trails...
Congressman Announces Funds for Phased Array
June 29, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole recently voted for the FY 2006 Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations Act that will provide $2 million dollars for the Phase Array Radar in Norman. "This test-bed project seeks to develop weather surveillance...
Congressman Cole Votes for Funding for Education and Health Programs
June 24, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the FY06 Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations Act (H.R. 3010) which will provide funding for important education and health programs. This legislation includes funding for TRIO, GEAR UP and for the Carl Perkins...
Congressman Cole Votes to Protect Flag
June 22, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today Congressman Tom Cole voted for H.J. Res. 10, which proposes an amendment to the Constitution that would authorize Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States. "Americans of all ages are...
Congressman Cole Announces TRIO and GEAR UP Funds in Spending Bill
June 21, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole announced today that both TRIO and GEAR UP are funded in the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006 that will be debated in the House...
Congressman Cole Votes for Funding for Manufacturing Extension Partnership
June 16, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole voted today for legislation that will enhance the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. The FY 2006 Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations Act funds the MEP at $106 million. "Manufacturing exports made up 91...
Congressman Tom Cole Speaks on House Floor in Support of Funding for Troops
June 16, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole spoke on the House floor today in support of the rule for the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (H.R. 2863). As a member of the Rules Committee, Congressman Cole has a...
Rep. Cole Congratulates Carl Albert Students on Appointments to Air Force Academy
June 8, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Tom Cole today congratulated two Carl Albert students, Jacqueline LeClair and Kellen Curry, on their appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cole nominated LeClair and Curry to the Air Force...
Rep. Cole Congratulates Mustang Student on Appointment to Military Academy
June 8, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Tom Cole today congratulated Garret Dresel on his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Cole nominated Dresel to the U.S. Military Academy entering class of 2005. "Garret Dresel has shown strong...
U.S. House Approves Funding for FY2006 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs
May 26, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. --Congressman Cole announced today the funds for military installations in Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District that were included in the FY2006 Military Quality of Life and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 2528). There was over $29...
Congressman Cole Votes for Defense Authorization Bill, Amendment to Establish U.S.S. Oklahoma Memorial
May 25, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted for the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (H.R. 1815) today that included an amendment that directs the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of Interior to move forward in the...
Congressman Cole Announces Oklahoma Projects in Water and Energy Bill
May 25, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole announced today that the Energy and Water Appropriations legislation passed yesterday in the House included over $13 million in projects for Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District, including $1 million for the single-walled carbon nanotubes project at...
Congressman Cole Appointed to House Democracy Assistance Commission
May 20, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole was recently appointed to the House Democracy Assistance Commission by Speaker Dennis Hastert. The announcement was made at a press conference on May 18, 2005. "I am very pleased to be appointed to this commission...
Congressman Cole Requests Included in Defense Authorization
May 20, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole announced today that $3.15 million for Ft. Sill to build a fire station was included in the Defense Authorization bill reported out of the Armed Services Committee Wednesday evening. Congressman Cole requested this project in a...
Congressman Cole Announces COPS Grant Availability
May 19, 2005Washington D.C. -- Congressman Tom Cole announced today that the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) will now be accepting applications for 2005 grants. "This is a great opportunity for local law enforcement departments to...
Congressman Cole Votes for Funding for First Responders
May 17, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole voted today for The Homeland Security Appropriations bill that provides $30.85 billion for first responders and other security related programs. The Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 2360) overwhelmingly passed in the House today. "This bill goes...
Congressman Cole's Statement upon BRAC Announcement
May 13, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole made the following statement after the announcement this morning of the Secretary of Defense’s recommendations to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission. "I am very pleased that the Secretary's recommendations recognized the importance of all...
Congressman Cole's Request Puts NLOS-C on Fast Track
May 12, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -A request by Congressman Tom Cole to split the non-line-of-site cannon (NLOS-C) from the development track of the Future Combat Systems (FCS) was included in the 2006 Defense Authorization bill reported out of an Armed Services subcommittee mark...
Congressman Cole Supports Amendment to Help Provide Equipment to Fire Fighters
May 12, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Tom Cole voted today for an amendment offered by Representative Michael Castle that encourages equipment donations to local fire departments. This amendment was included in the Faster and Smarter Funding for First Responders Act (H.R. 1544) that...
Congressman Cole to Visit Ft. Sill and Tinker Air Force Base
May 11, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Tom Cole will join Senator Inhofe on a tour of both Tinker Air Force Base and Ft. Sill on Friday, May 13th. Their visit will coincide with the official announcement of military installations on the Pentagon’s Base...
Congressman Cole Votes for Legislation to Protect Communities from Gang Violence
May 11, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Tom Cole voted today for legislation that helps curb the growing national problem of gang violence across the United States. The Gang Deterrence and Community Protection Act of 2005 (H.R. 1279) passed today in the House. "While...
Congressman Cole Recused from Delay Inquiry By Ethics Committee
May 4, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Cole and Ethics Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (R-WA) announced that at his own request Cole will not participate in any matter concerning House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-TX) that may come before the House Ethics Committee. The...
Congressman Cole Votes for Bill to Strengthen Vocational and Technical Education
May 4, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole voted today for the Vocational and Technical Education for the Future Act (H.R. 366) which will help states and local communities strengthen vocational and technical educational opportunities for students. This legislation passed overwhelmingly in the...
Congressman Cole Congratulates Tinker Air Force Base on Environmental Award
May 3, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole sent his congratulations to Tinker Air Force Base Pollution Prevention Team for receiving the Secretary of Defense 2004 Environmental Award. Only ten military installations and individuals will receive this award at the ceremony planned...
Congressman Cole Votes for Small Business Bill of Rights
April 29, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole voted this week for a resolution expressing the sense of the House that American small businesses are entitled to a Small Business Bill of Rights. H. Res. 22 passed overwhelmingly in the House. "This...
Congressman Cole Votes to Support Bipartisan Compromise on House Ethics Rules
April 27, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted today for a bipartisan compromise that should allow the House ethics committee to organize and begin its work. By an overwhelming vote, the House agreed to set aside changes in the ethics process...
Congressman Cole Votes for Energy Policy Act
April 21, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole voted today for a bipartisan energy policy that will help decrease American's dependence on unstable foreign oil supplies and stimulate the national economy. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 passed today on the House floor...
Congressman Cole Votes to Permanently Repeal Death Tax
April 13, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole today voted today to once and for all end the death tax that punishes many family owned businesses and farmers in Oklahoma and across the nation. The Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2005...
Congressman Cole Votes for Native American Housing Legislation
April 6, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole spoke on the House floor today in support of legislation to ease restrictions on federal housing money available to American Indian tribal governments. H.R. 797, which passed in the House today, will assist in stretching...
Congressman Cole Invites High School Students to Congressional Academy Day
April 4, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole announced today that all Oklahoma High School students are invited to attend Oklahoma Congressional Academy Day to learn about each military academy and the application process. The Oklahoma Congressional Academy Day will be held...
Rep. Cole Votes for Budget to Control Spending, While Meeting Nations Needs
March 17, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole voted today for the Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Resolution (H.Con.Res. 95) that adequately funds our Nation's priorities while reigning in spending and reducing the federal deficit. H.Con.Res. 95 passed in the House today and will...
Congressman Cole Votes for Legislation to Save Schiavo's Life
March 17, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted for legislation that would authorize the removal of cases in state court to the U.S. federal court to defend the rights of incapacitated persons under the U.S. Constitution or any U.S. law. The...
Congressman Cole Offers Amendment to Protect Military Personnel
March 15, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole made an amendment on the House floor today that would protect important Military Death Gratuity Benefits and Service Group Life Insurance benefits. He offered the amendment to the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R. 1268) in...
Congressman Cole Votes for Funds for Oklahoma Highways
March 10, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the House Transportation Reauthorization bill, which includes $16 million dollars for projects in Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District. This legislation passed in the House and now awaits action by the Senate. "This...
Congressman Cole Includes Funds for Norman in Highway Bill
March 10, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole was able to secure $6 million for the Norman area in the Transportation Reauthorization bill that passed in the House today. The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (H.R. 3) now awaits action...
Congressman Cole Includes Funds for Interchange at Milepost One in Highway Bill
March 10, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole was able to secure $2 million for improvements at I-35 Interchange at milepost one in Love County in the Transportation Reauthorization bill that passed in the House today. The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy...
Rep. Cole Includes Funds for I-44/Fort Sill Key Gate Interchange in Highway Bill
March 10, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole was able to secure $1 million for reconstruction of the I-44/Fort Sill Key Gate interchange in the Transportation Reauthorization bill that passed in the House today. The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users...
Congressman Cole Includes Funds for Duncan Seperation in Highway Bill
March 10, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole was able to secure $3 million for the construction of a bypass grade separation in Duncan in the Transportation Reauthorization bill that passed in the House today. The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for...
Congressman Cole Includes Funds for Highway 19 in Highway Bill
March 10, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole was able to secure $3 million for enhancements to Highway 19 from Ada to Stratford in the Transportation Reauthorization bill that passed in the House today. The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users...
Congressman Cole, More Optimistic After Latest Trip to Iraq
March 10, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole, who returned Monday from his fourth trip to Iraq, said he was much more optimistic about the situation in Iraq and the future of the Iraqi people then he was in previous trips to the...
Rep. Cole Announces Agreement on Legislation to Reverse IRS Ruling on Storm Shelter Grants
March 10, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole announced today that the Ways and Means Committee is asking House Leadership to schedule legislation on the floor next week that will clarify ambiguity in the tax code to ensure taxes will not be...
Congressman Cole Includes Funds for Midwest City in Highway Bill
March 10, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole was able to secure $1 million for walkways in Midwest City in the Transportation Reauthorization bill that passed in the House today. The Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (H.R. 3) now awaits...
Rep. Cole Speaks in Support of the Continuity in Represenatation Act
March 3, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole made the following statement today on the House floor in support of the rule for The Continuity in Representation Act of 2005 (H.R. 841). As a member of the Rules Committee, Congressman Cole has...
Rep. Cole Announces Agreement on Legislation to Reverse IRS Ruling on Storm Shelter Grants
March 3, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole announced today that an agreement has been made on how to move forward on legislation that would clarify ambiguity in the tax code to ensure taxes will not be levied on FEMA (Federal Emergency...
Chairman Dreier Appoints Congressman Cole Point Man on Defense Issues
March 2, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole was tapped by Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier (CA-26) to take charge of defense legislation and issues that come before the Rules Committee. At the direction of the House Leadership, individual members of the Rules...
Rep. Cole Congratulates Norman North Student on Appointment to Air Force Academy
March 1, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Tom Cole today congratulated Benjamin Bigbie on his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cole nominated Bigbie to the Air Force Academy entering class of 2005. "Receiving an academy...
Rep. Cole Congratulates Eisenhower Student on Appointment to Three Academies
March 1, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Tom Cole today congratulated Nicholas Vandal on his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy. Cole nominated Vandal to the entering class of 2005....
Rep. Cole Congratulates Carl Albert Student on Appointment to West Point
March 1, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Tom Cole today congratulated Michael J. Evans on his appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Cole nominated Evans to the entering class of 2005. "Michael Evans is one of...
Rep. Cole Congratulates Midwest City Student on Appointment to Air Force Academy
March 1, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Tom Cole today congratulated Jordan Tribble on his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Cole nominated Tribble to the Air Force entering class of 2005. "I was very proud to...
Congressman Cole Votes for Class Action Reform
February 17, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole today voted for the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005, a bipartisan plan that makes common sense reforms to prevent the misuse of class action lawsuits. Congressman Cole applauded this legislation as a first...
Rep. Cole Votes for Measure to Prevent Terrorist Travel
February 10, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted today for The Real ID Act that targets terrorist travel within the United States. This legislation, which passed the in the House 261-161, will implement much needed driver's license reforms, close asylum loopholes...
Rep. Cole Commends Delegation on Efforts to Reverse IRS Ruling on Storm Shelters
February 8, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole announced today that the President's budget includes language that would reverse a recent IRS decision that would require recipients of storm shelter grants to pay taxes on the funds they received. "I am...
Congresssman Cole's Statement on State of the Union Address
February 2, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole made the following statement after the State of the Union address, February 2, 2005: "On the heels of his inaugural address, President Bush used the State of the Union address as a vehicle for...
Congressman Cole Introduces Natural Gas Producation Act
February 2, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole introduced legislation yesterday evening that will provide a tax credit for producing natural gas on-shore from a depth of more than 15,000 feet. The Natural Gas Production Act will help increase domestic natural gas...
Rep. Cole Opposes Tax on Storm Shelters; Co-Sponsors Legislation to Reverse IRS Ruling
January 27, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole announced today he was a co-sponsor of two pieces of legislation that will clarify ambiguity in the tax code to ensure taxes will not be levied on FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) grants used...
Speaker Appoints Cole to Rules Committee
January 4, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Fourth District Congressman Tom Cole was appointed to a coveted seat on the powerful House Rules Committee last night by House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert. The Rules Committee is part of the House leadership and works...
Chairman Hunter Praises Cole's Assignment to Rules Committee
January 4, 2005WASHINGTON, D.C. - Chairman of the Armed Services Duncan Hunter make the following statement today after a meeting with Congressman Cole about his new committee assignment. "Tom's appointment to the Rule's Committee is a huge asset for national security...
Congressman Cole's Statement on IRS Decision to Tax Storm Shelter Grants
December 23, 2004Washington, D.C.-"I was extremely upset to find in today's Daily Oklahoman a story concerning the Internal Revenue Service decision to tax the federal grant money individuals received to build tornado shelters. It makes no sense for the government to tax...
Congressman Cole Votes for Intelligence Reform in 9/11 Commission Implementation Act
December 7, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted for legislation that will make extensive changes to our current intelligence operations to help keep our country safe and secure. The 9/11 Commission Implementation Act conference report (S. 2845) passed in the House...
Congressman Cole Hires Two
December 7, 2004NORMAN,OK. - Congressman Tom Cole recently hired two additional employees to help in his Oklahoma district offices. Brice Kornegay was hired as a field representative in Cole's Norman office and Amber Pollard as a caseworker in his Ada office. "I...
Congressman Cole Votes for New Benefits for Federal Employees
December 6, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole voted today for legislation that will establish a voluntary program under which federal employees may purchase supplemental dental and vision insurance through the Federal Employment Health Benefit Program (FEHBP). The Federal Employee Dental and Vision...
Congressman Cole Named to Deputy Whip Position
December 6, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, Majority Whip Roy Blunt promoted Congressman Tom Cole to Deputy Whip. This position is responsible for corralling votes for critical legislative initiatives. "I have enjoyed working with the Congressman Blunt and other members of the whip...
Congressman Cole to Attend Ceremony at Pearl Harbor for USS Oklahoma
December 1, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole will be attending a ceremony on December 6, in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to dedicate a permanent display for the USS Oklahoma. Congressman Cole worked with the National Park Service to ensure the establishment of...
Congressman Cole Announces Funds in Spending Bills for Oklahoma
November 20, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole voted today in favor of a combination of spending bills that will fund America's priorities for 2005 while also funding key projects in Oklahoma. The conference report on H.R. 4818, the Consolidated Appropriations Act for...
Congressman Cole Annouces Funds in Spending Bill for Norman
November 20, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole secured $7 million for priority projects in the Norman area in FY05 spending bills that passed in the U.S. House today. The Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY2005, H.R. 4818, will provide funding for the...
Congressman Cole Announces Funds in Spending Bills for Lawton
November 20, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole secured $807,000 for priority projects in the Lawton area in FY05 spending bills that passed in the U.S. House today. The Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY2005, H.R. 4818, will provide funding for water and...
Congressman Cole Announces Funds in Spending Bills for Ardmore
November 20, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole secured $1,108,113 for the Ardmore Municipal Airport in the FY05 spending bills that passed in the U.S. House today. The Consolidated Appropriations Act for an FY2005, H.R. 4818, will provide funding for reconstruction of...
Congressman Cole Votes for Improved IDEA Legislation
November 19, 2004Washington DC- Today Congressman Tom Cole voted for The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), H.R. 1350. This legislation will improve results for students with disabilities by shifting the focus of local schools away from compliance with duplicative, confusing rules,...
Congressman Cole Votes to Improve Veterans Assistance Programs
November 17, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted for three bills today that will help improve important programs for America's veterans. All three pieces of legislation passed in the House. "These three pieces of legislation strengthen Veterans Administration programs to...
Congressman Cole Awarded Manufacturing Legislative Excellence Award
October 26, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole was recently awarded the National Association of Manufacturer (NAM) Award for Manufacturing Legislative Excellence. This award recognizes members of Congress who support a pro-growth, pro-manufacturing and pro-worker policy agenda. "I am very proud to...
Congressman Cole Votes for Defense Authorization Conference Report
October 9, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole voted for the FY 2005 Defense Authorization Act (HR 4200) today that passed in the House, 359-14. Congressman Cole, a member of the Armed Services Committee, played a role in shaping this legislation that will...
U.S. House Approves Funding for FY2005 Military Construction in Conference Report
October 9, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. --Congressman Cole announced funds for Oklahoma projects that were included in the FY 2005 Military Construction Appropriations Conference Report (H.R. 4837). H.R. 4837 that passed today in the U.S. House, 374-0. The bill contains over $101 million for...
Congressman Cole Votes for First Responders Funding
October 9, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole today voted for the 2005 Homeland Security Appropriations Conference Report. This plan will provide first responders with the tools they need to protect the nation’s citizens, borders and communications systems. H.R. 4567 passed in the...
Congressman Cole Votes for Legislation to Increase Security
October 8, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted for legislation that will make extensive and comprehensive changes to our current intelligence operations to help keep our country safe and secure. The 9/11 Commission Implementation Act (H.R. 10) passed in the House...
Congressman Cole Votes for Bill to Help Forgive Teacher Loans
October 7, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted today for The Taxpayer-Teacher Protection Act (H.R. 5186) that will provide teachers additional loan forgiveness on Federal student loans. Under this legislation, teachers would be eligible for up to $17,500 in student loan...
Congressman Cole's Mobile Office to Visit Ardmore
October 7, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole will have a staff member available on Thursday, October 18th in Ardmore to help constituents with any casework they might have with a federal government office. A staff member will be available to pass...
Congressman Cole Votes for Increased Access to Physicians in Rural Areas
October 6, 2004Washington, D.C.- Congressman Tom Cole today voted for legislation that will improve rural access to physicians by giving foreign students studying and graduating in the U.S. the opportunity to practice medicine in the U.S. Access to Rural Physicians Improvement Act...
Congressman Cole's Mobile Office to Visit Your Community
October 5, 2004Washington, D.C.- Congressman Tom Cole will have a staff available on Thursday, October 14th in Midwest City to help constituents with any casework they might have with a federal government office. A staff member will be available to pass on...
Congressman Cole Votes to Protect the Sanctity of Marriage
September 30, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Tom Cole voted today for legislation that will establish a constitutional amendment that declares marriage in the United States shall consist only of the union of a man and a woman. This legislation did not receive the...
House Passes Chickasaw Land Exchange Legislation
September 28, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed by voice vote the Chickasaw National Recreation Area Land Exchange Act of 2004 (H.R. 4066) that was introduced by Congressman Tom Cole. This legislation will provide for a land exchange...
Rep. Tom Cole Receives Food Distribution Industry's Thomas Jefferson Award
September 28, 2004WASHINGTON, DC —U.S. Representative Tom Cole is a 2004 recipient of the Food Distribution Industry’s Thomas Jefferson Award, honoring his commitment to free enterprise. "Free enterprise is essential to economic growth and I am proud to support policies that...
Congressman Cole Awarded Friend of the Shareholder Award
September 24, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - American Shareholders Association (ASA) awarded Representative Tom Cole with its annual Friend of the Shareholder award for siding with investors on important shareholder and economic issues in the 108th Congress. The award was given to Rep. Cole...
Congressman Cole Praises New Oklahoma Job Numbers
September 24, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole today lauded the news that the unemployment rate in Oklahoma fell to 3.8 percent in August. This is the first time that the statewide rate has dropped below 4.0 percent since October 2001. "This...
Congressman Cole Votes For Tax Relief For America's Families
September 23, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted today for a comprehensive tax relief package that will ease tax obligations on America's families and businesses. The All American Tax Relief Act (H.R. 1308) passed in the U.S. House today. "If Congress...
Congressman Cole Votes for Pledge Protection Act
September 23, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - In order to protect the Pledge of Allegiance from Federal court rulings, Congressman Cole voted today for the Pledge Protection Act (H.R. 2028). This legislation, which Congressman Cole co-sponsored, will prevent the lower Federal courts from hearing...
Congressman Tom Cole Announces Funds in Transportation Bill for Ada
September 22, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted today for legislation that will fund the construction of a new terminal at the Ada Airport. The Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act for FY 2005 (H.R. 5025) passed in the House...
Congressman Tom Cole Announces Funds in Transportation Bill for Chickasha
September 22, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted today for legislation that will fund the continuation of the runway extension project at the Chickasha Airport. The Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act for FY 2005 (H.R. 5025) passed in the...
Congressman Tom Cole Announces Funds in Transportation Bill for Duncan
September 22, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted today for legislation that will fund the construction of a new terminal at the Duncan Industrial Park Airport. The Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act for FY 2005 (H.R. 5025) passed in...
Oklahoman Congressman to Deliver President's Message
September 20, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole will deliver a message from the President at the opening ceremony for the National Museum of the American Indian tomorrow. The ceremony will be held at noon, EST. "I look forward to reading...
Congressman Cole Awarded Small Business Survival Committee Honors
September 20, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - One of the nation's leading small business advocacy organizations, the Small Business Survival Committee (SBSC), presented its "Small business Advocate" Ward to Representative Tom Cole. The award was presented on Capitol Hill last week to Members of...
Congressman Cole to Host Open House in Washington
September 20, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole will host an open house at his office in Washington the week of September 20 for constituents in town for the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian. "Native Americans have contributed a...
Congressman Cole to Host British Parliamentarian in Oklahoma
September 16, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - This weekend Congressman Tom Cole will be hosting British Parliamentarian Mr. Richard Shepard in Oklahoma and introducing him to U.S. politics on a state level. Congressman Cole will take Mr. Shepard on a tour of the Oklahoma...
Resources Committee Passes Land Exchange Legislation
September 15, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Legislation introduced earlier this year by Congressman Cole passed today out of the Resources Committee and will now proceed to the House floor for consideration. The Chickasaw National Recreation Area Land Exchange Act of 2004 (H.R. 4066)...
Congressman Cole Introduces Natural Gas Production Act
September 15, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - In an effort to make natural gas more affordable to American families, Congressman Tom Cole today introduced legislation aimed at increasing the supply of domestically produced natural gas. The Natural Gas Production Act would allow for a...
Rep. Cole Votes for Labor HHS Appropriations, America's Students, Families and Workers
September 9, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. --To continue his commitment to education, healthcare and America's workers, Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the Labor Health and Human Services Bill (H.R. 5006). This legislation passed the House, 388-13. "This legislation meets the needs of America's...
Congressman Cole Congratulates Best Buy Scholarship Recipients
September 8, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole congratulated the following students on receiving a scholarship from the Best Buy Children's Foundation: Ashley Bedford, Oklahoma City; Jessica Martin; Oklahoma City; and Scott Stewart, Ada. These awards were granted based on community service and...
Congressman Cole: New Job Numbers Give Boost to Growing Economy
September 3, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole today applauded the news released today that 144,000 jobs were added to U.S. payrolls during August. The Department of Labor also reported that the unemployment rate dropped from 5.5 percent in July to 5.4 percent...
Congresman Cole Announces Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Opportunity
September 1, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole announced that on Wednesday, September 1, 2004, the Department of Homeland Security will open the application period for the FY 2004 Fire Prevention and Safety Grant Program. "These grants will help local fire departments...
Congressman Cole Congratulates and Sends Good Luck to Olympic Competitor
August 13, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole congratulated Guard Young of Norman, Oklahoma who will be competing in gymnastics in the 2004 Olympic games. "I would like to congratulate Guard Young on his outstanding achievement of making it to the...
Congressman Cole Votes for Defense Funding Bill, Oklahoma Projects
July 23, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole voted for the FY2005 Defense Appropriations Conference Report, H.R. 4613, which increases funding for the Department of Defense and provides the resources necessary for the American military to fight the Global War on Terrorism. This...
U.S. House Approves Funding for FY2005 Military Construction
July 23, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. --Congressman Cole announced funds for Oklahoma projects that were included in the Military Construction funding bill for FY 2005 (H.R. 4837). Congressman Cole and the Oklahoma Delegation worked to include these funds in H.R. 4837 that passed last...
Congressman Cole Votes for Marriage Protection Act
July 22, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted today in favor of the Marriage Protection Act (H.R. 3313) today, which passed on the House floor, 233- 194. "This bill prevents unelected, lifetime-appointed Federal judges from rewriting state marriage recognition laws. The...
Congressman Cole's Remarks on 9/11 Commission Report
July 22, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Tom Cole made the following statement after the 9/11 Commission's report was released: "I am very grateful for the work of the 9/11 Commission and I hope that their recommendations will lead to a better...
Congressman Cole Votes for Rural Development in Agriculture Funding Bill
July 13, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Tom Cole announced today that the FY05 Agriculture Funding bill earmarked funds for projects in Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District. These funds will be available through grant applications. "I am very pleased that funds will be available...
Congressman Cole Votes for Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act
July 9, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the Manufacturing Technology Competitiveness Act (H.R. 3598) that would strengthen existing federal research and development efforts in manufacturing by reauthorizing the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). This legislation passed in the House...
Senator Nickles, Congressman Cole Help Adoptee Obtain U.S. Citizenship
July 7, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Don Nickles and Congressman Tom Cole praised the passage of legislation that will correct a bureaucratic error and allow Lindita Idrizi Heath, a young refugee from Kosovo who was adopted by an Oklahoma family, to live...
Congressman Cole Announces Funds for Oklahoma Water and Energy Projects
June 25, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole announced today that the Energy and Water Appropriations legislation passed today in the House included over $17 million in projects for Oklahoma. The list of projects includes funds for a study at Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer and...
Congressman Cole Votes to Control Government Spending
June 25, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted for legislation this morning that focuses on the most fundamental budget problem: spending. The Spending Control Act of 2004 restores Budget Act spending controls with the force of law and backs them with...
Congressman Cole Helps Veterans Obtain American Dream
June 23, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole voted for a bill today that will increase the maximum amount of home loan guarantee available to veterans. The Veteran’s Housing Affordability Act, H.R. 4345, passed today in the House. "There is a...
Congressman Cole Votes for Defense Funding Bill
June 22, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole voted today for the FY2005 Defense Appropriations Bill, H.R. 4613, that increases funding for the Department of Defense and provides the resources necessary for the troops to fight the Global War on Terrorism. Congressman Cole...
Congressman Cole Votes for Additional Funding for First Responders
June 18, 2004Washington DC- Congressman Cole today voted for the 2005 Homeland Security funding package. This plan will provide first responders with the tools they need to protect the nation’s citizens, borders and communications systems. H.R. 4567 passed in the House by...
Congressman Cole Applauds New Job Numbers, Oklahoma's Unemployment Decline
June 18, 2004Washington DC- Congressman Tom Cole applauded new job numbers that show that Oklahoma's unemployment rate dropped by 0.5 percentage points over the last month. Oklahoma's unemployment rate is now 4.3 percent, which is 1.3 percent lower than the nationwide unemployment...
Congressman Cole Votes to Level the Playing Field For Oklahoma Businesses
June 17, 2004Washington DC- Congressman Tom Cole voted today for The American Jobs Creation Act of 2003, H.R. 4520. The bill will enhance the competitiveness of U.S.-based companies, particularly those engaged in exporting and manufacturing. This legislation, which passed in the House...
Congressman Cole: Refineries Mean Jobs and Energy Independence
June 16, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole spoke in favor of H.R. 4517, the Refinery Revitalization Act of 2004 on the House floor today. This legislation which, provides incentives to increase our nation’s refining capacity for gasoline, diesel fuel, home heating oil...
Congressman Cole to Travel to Normandy for 60th D-Day Anniversary
June 4, 2004Washington DC- Congressman Tom Cole will be traveling to France to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Allied Forces invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. On D-Day, 5,000 naval vessels, more than 11,000 sorties by Allied aircraft, and 153,000...
Congressman Cole: And the Good News Keeps Coming
June 4, 2004Washington DC- Congressman Cole pointed to the sound economic policies enacted during President Bush's administration as the reason for the good economic news that just keeps coming. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today that nonfarm payrolls rose by 248,000...
Congressman Cole, Armed Services Committee Approve Defense Budget
May 13, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole played a major role in shaping our national defense budget when the House Armed Services Committee approved the FY2005 National Defense Authorization Act late last night. This legislation sets policies, programs and funding levels for...
Congressman Cole Helps Uninsured with House Votes
May 12, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - In an effort to help the millions of people who are uninsured, Congressman Cole voted for two pieces of legislation, H.R. 4279 and H.R. 4280, today that will help make health care more accessible to American workers....
Congressman Condemns Abuse of Prisoners in Iraq
May 6, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole today voted for a resolution that condemns the abuse of prisoners in U.S. custody in Iraq. H. Res. 627 also emphasized that alleged crimes of a few should not detract from the commendable sacrifices of...
Congressman Cole Shows Support for Teachers, Administrators, Staff from Impacted Schools
May 4, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole showed support for teachers and staff who educate the children of members of the Armed Services by voting for H. Res. 598. This resolution that passed in the House today recognizes the contributions of teachers,...
Congressman Cole Votes for Marriage Penalty Tax Relief
April 28, 2004Washington DC- Congressman Cole voted today for legislation that ensures that marriage penalty tax relief is not reduced next year and that the "marriage penalty" is removed from the Tax Code permanently. Unless the tax breaks are extended, 27 million...
Congressman Cole Votes for Guardsman and Reservists Financial Relief Act
April 21, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole today voted for H.R. 1779, the Guardsmen and Reservists Financial Relief Act of 2003, which passed the House, 415-18. This legislation would allow National Guardsmen and Military Reservists who are activated for more than 179...
Congressman Cole: President's Economic Plan Working, 308,000 Jobs Added
April 2, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) announced that 308,000 jobs were created in March and that U.S. payrolls grew at the fastest pace in nearly four years during this past month. "I truly believe that...
Congressman Cole Opposes Lower Returns for Oklahoma Tax Dollars
April 2, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole secured $14 million dollars for priority road/bridge projects in Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District in the Transportation Equity Act (H.R. 3550), but voted no on final passage of the bill because of the negative impact the...
Rep. Cole Votes for Fiscal Responsibility, America's Priorities
March 25, 2004Washington DC- Today Congressman Cole voted for the FY 2005 Concurrent Resolution on the Budget that strengthens our national security, grows our economy and creates opportunity for every American—all while maintaining strict fiscal control. Congressman Cole voted first for the...
Congressman Cole Appointed to HEAT; Pushes Comprehensive Energy Plan
March 24, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - To build upon the work of the Speaker's Natural Gas Task Force, Congressman Cole has been appointed to the House Energy Action Team (HEAT) by Majority Leader Tom DeLay. "This task-force understands the importance of passing...
Cole Announces Deadlines and Guidelines for High School Art Competition
March 23, 2004Norman, Oklahoma- The Twenty-third Annual Congressional High School Art Competition and National Exhibition, "An Artistic Discovery," is being launched in the Fourth Congressional District. "This is an excellent opportunity for high school students to show their talent and abilities...
Congressman Cole Votes to Eliminate Frivolous Lawsuits in the Legal Court, Keep Common Sense in the Food Court
March 10, 2004Washington DC- To protect taxpayers and local restaurant owners from obesity-related lawsuits that clog America’s courtrooms, Congressman Tom Cole today voted for H.R. 339, the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act. This will prevent frivolous lawsuits against food manufacturers and...
Congressman Cole Corrects Inaccurate Potrayal of Comments
March 4, 2004Washington DC- "The Yukon Review mischaracterized my remarks in the opening lead of their story published yesterday. However, they did accurately quote parts of my speech during the Canadian County Republican Convention held last Saturday." "I do believe that...
Congressman Cole Votes to Protect Pregnant Women, Unborn Children
February 26, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole today voted for a House measure protecting pregnant mothers and their unborn children. By a vote of 254-163, the House approved the Unborn Victims of Violence Act (HR 1997), which will charge those who injure...
Congressman Expresses Cautious Optimism on Indian Trust 'Breakthrough'
February 23, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole released the following statement upon the announcement by leaders of the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs and the House Resources Committee today to move ahead with the mediation process concerning the Indian Trust issue....
Nickles, Cole Announce Funds to Fight Egrets
February 9, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Senator Don Nickles and Congressman Tom Cole announced that the United States Department of Agriculture is sending $30,000 to help with egret rookery removal near Corum and Waurika Lake. These funds will be used to hire...
Congressman Cole: Concurrent Receipt Bridging the Gap
January 27, 2004Washington DC- Now more disabled veterans than ever before are receiving concurrent receipt because of the plan that was included in the Department of Defense Authorization Act of 2004 that passed in November. Hundreds of thousands of veterans will receive...
Congressman Cole's Statement Following the State of the Union 2004
January 20, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. - "The President has once again used the style of the union message to inform, inspire and rally the American people. He clearly defined the challenges we face at home and abroad and offered the type of bold...
Congressman Cole Named Hero of the Taxpayer
January 14, 2004Washington DC- Congressman Tom Cole has been named a "Hero of the Taxpayer" by the Americans for Tax Reform. Each year Americans for Tax Reform issue their annual ratings identifying elected officials who support a pro-taxpayer agenda on 20 issues...
Congressman Cole Announces 2004 Academy Nominations
January 12, 2004WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Tom Cole today announced the names of students from Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District who have received nominations to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval Academies' entering class of 2004. The process for receiving a...
Congressman Cole's Statement Upon the Capture of Saddam Hussein
December 13, 2003WASHINGTON, D.C. - "Today marks a decisive moment in the struggle to re-establish a civil society in Iraq. The capture of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein is an important victory in the larger war on terrorism. His capture will surely...
Cole Works to Include Funding for Priority Norman Projects in FY04 Spending Bills
December 8, 2003WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole secured $8,721,000 for priority projects in the Norman area in FY04 spending bills that passed in the U.S. House today. Included in the group of spending bills is funding for Phased Array Radar technology,...
Congressman Cole Secures Funds in FY04 Spending Bill for Lawton
December 8, 2003Washington DC- Congressman Tom Cole secured $2,725,000 for priority projects in the Lawton area in FY04 spending bills that passed in the U.S. House today. Included in the group of spending bills is funding for the National Army Museum, water...
Congressman Cole Secures Funding in FY04 Spending Bills for Choctaw
December 8, 2003WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole secured $325,000 in the FY04 Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for wastewater infrastructure improvements in Choctaw. I am very pleased that these funds are included in...
Congressman Cole Secures Funding in FY04 Spending Bill for Midwest City
December 8, 2003Washington DC- Congressman Tom Cole secured $950,000 for priority projects in the Midwest City area in FY04 spending bills that passed in the U.S. House today. Included in the group of spending bills is funding for upgrades in first responder...
Congressman Tom Cole Secures Funding in FY04 Spending Bills for Ardmore
December 8, 2003WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole secured $700,000 in the FY04 Transportation, Treasury and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act for the four-lane reconstruction of Rockford Road from 12th St to SH-142 in Ardmore, Oklahoma. I am very pleased that these...
Congressman Cole Votes for America's, Oklahoma's Priorities in Spending Bill
December 8, 2003WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Cole voted today in favor of a responsible plan that funds America's priorities for 2004 while providing for key education, health and security initiatives. The Conference Report on H.R. 2673, the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY2004...
Congressman Cole Tours Norman Regional Hospital; Provides New Benefits
December 4, 2003Washington DC- With just a few days left until the President signs the historical bipartisan Medicare and Prescription Drug Bill, Congressman Tom Cole toured the Norman Regional Hospital and discussed the benefits for the local hospital under the new law....
Rep Cole Supports Bipartisan Medicare Plan; Gives Seniors Discount Card for Medicines
November 21, 2003Washington DC- The bipartisan Medicare Conference Report (H.R. 1) grants all 523,409 Medicare beneficiaries in Oklahoma access to a voluntary Medicare prescription drug benefit – for the first time in the history of the Medicare program. The Medicare legislation that...
Cole Votes to Secure America's Energy for Future Through Diversity and Conservation
November 18, 2003Washington DC- Today a House-Senate agreement on a comprehensive national energy policy was debated on the House floor. Congressman Cole voted for this bill that passed in the House, 246-180. The Energy Policy Act of 2003 will help reduce our...
Cole Votes for 2004 Defense Authorization Conference Report; Supports Troops and Military Families
November 7, 2003Washington DC- U.S. Rep. Tom Cole voted today in support of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 Conference Report (H.R. 1588), which passed in the House 362-40. Not only does this legislation set policies, programs and funding...
Congressman Cole Sends Aid to Troops
October 31, 2003Washington DC- Congressman Cole voted today to provide $87.5 billion to support U.S. troops and rebuild Iraq. This funding request is vital to American troops and their coalition partners in their efforts to create a stable government and ensure that...
Congressman Cole Opposes Indian Trust Language in Interior Approps Bill
October 30, 2003Washington DC- Congressman Tom Cole voted against the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for FY 2004 Conference Report (H.R. 2691), which passed the House 216-205. Although Cole is generally supportive of the bill, he voted against...
Oklahoma Lawmakers Win FRC's "True Blue" Award for Consistent Support of Family
October 22, 2003Washington DC- Senator Don Nickles (R-OK), Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Congressman Ernest Istook (R-OK), Congressman Frank Lucas (R-OK), Congressman John Sullivan (R-OK) and Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) have all been recognized for their unwavering commitment to the family when the...
Oklahoma Representative Tom Cole Takes CODEL to Iraq
October 20, 2003Washington DC- After an important vote to provide $87 billion to support U.S. troops and rebuild Iraq, Congressman Tom Cole along with eight other Members of Congress boarded an Air Force C-32, the military version of the Boeing 757-200, and...
Congressman Cole Votes to Support US Troops and a More Secure Iraq
October 17, 2003Washington DC- Congressman Cole voted today to provide $87 billion to support U.S. troops and rebuild Iraq. This funding request is a major part of the strategy enabling American troops and their coalition partners to create a stable government and...
Rep. Cole Negotiates Concurrent Receipt Solution for America's Veterans
October 17, 2003Washington DC- House leaders announced a House-Senate agreement on a landmark strategy to provide concurrent receipt for more disabled veterans than have ever before been covered by law. Congressman Cole has been working with a group of lawmakers to ensure...
Congressman Cole Supports Meal Plan for Wounded G.I.'s
October 8, 2003Washington DC- Congressman Tom Cole voted Wednesday in favor of legislation that will amend the U.S. code to exempt certain soldiers from all meal expenses while they are hospitalized due to injuries received while fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan. H.R....
Cole Votes to Enhance Retirement Security Through Pension Funding Equity Act
October 8, 2003Washington DC- Congressman Cole urged his colleagues on the House floor today to support legislation that would protect the retirement benefits of millions of American workers. The Pension Funding Equity Act (H.R. 3108) provides a short-term replacement for the current...
Congressman Tom Cole Votes to Ban Partial-Birth Abortion
October 2, 2003Washington DC- Representative Tom Cole voted today on the House-Senate conference agreement on the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 that passed in the House, 281-142. Congressman Cole is a co-sponsor of the legislation that passed in the House on...
Task Force for Affordable Natural Gas Presents Report to the Speaker
September 30, 2003Washington DC- Today Congressman Cole reiterated the need for increased reliance on domestic energy to decrease price volatility and ensure affordable heat and natural gas prices now and in the future. Meeting the deadline set by the Speaker, Congressman Cole...
Cole, House Vote for 2004 Defense Spending Bill
September 26, 2003Washington DC- Yesterday Congressman Tom Cole voted to provide a total of $368.2 billion in funding to the Department of Defense through the FY 2004 Defense Appropriations Conference Agreement (H.R. 2658). This amount is $3.8 billion more than what was...
Congressman Cole's Statement After Sept. 11 Remembrance Ceremony
September 11, 2003Washington DC- "The date of September 11, 2001 is engraved in our history as a tremendous day of loss; loss of thousands of American lives and a loss of our innocence as a nation. We, as Oklahomans, can particularly understand...
Cole, House Republicans Introduce Bill to Expand Opportunities in Higher Education and Boost Minority Serving Institutions
September 9, 2003Washington DC-Led by Rep. Tom Cole, Republican members of the U.S. House Education & the Workforce Committee yesterday evening introduced the Expanding Opportunities in Higher Education Act (H.R. 3039), the third in a series of bills being offered this year...
Task Force for Affordable Natural Gas to Hold Meeting at Oklahoma State Capitol
August 19, 2003WASHINGTON, D.C. - On August 27, Congressman Tom Cole will host a Natural Gas Taskforce Meeting in the Blue Room at the State Capital beginning at 1:30 P.M. Congressman Tom Cole will be joined by Congressmen Joe Barton (TX-6) and...
Congressman Cole Votes to Give Children a Head Start
July 25, 2003Washington DC- To expand the education opportunities for disadvantaged children, Oklahoma's Tom Cole voted to make specific improvements to the Head Start program giving the children enrolled in it the ability to compete academically with their peers. The School Readiness...
Congressman Cole Announces Funding for Phased Array Technology
July 23, 2003Washington DC- Congressman Tom Cole announced that the U.S. House has approved $1,001,000 in funding for the University of Oklahoma's SPY1 Phased Array Radar-- a research effort focused on increasing tornado warning lead time. The funding was part of the...
Rep. Tom Cole Participates in Mock Bio-Terrorism Attack
July 15, 2003Thirteen Members of Congress participated in the "Scarlet Shield" at the National Defense University. Washington DC-In order to examine the impact of a bio-terrorism attack on the healthcare infrastructure and the subsequent impact on national and homeland security, Congressman...
Rep. Cole Announces Federal Funding of Oklahoma Transportation Projects
July 11, 2003Washington DC- Congressman Tom Cole announced today that the House Appropriation Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury and Independent Agencies approved funding for Oklahoma specific transportation projects. Congressman Cole worked to include these projects specifically for Oklahoma in the FY 2004 Transportation,...
Defense Appropiations Funds Oklahoma Specific Projects
July 11, 2003Washington DC- Congressman Tom Cole announced today that the House approved a number of new projects that would pump millions of dollars into Oklahoma's economy. Congressman Cole was able to include these projects specifically for Oklahoma in the FY 2004...
Rep. Tom Cole Appointed to Speaker's Task Force for Affordable Natural Gas
July 10, 2003Washington DC-To help ward off the potential natural gas crisis looming this fall and winter because of historically high prices and low inventories, Congressman Tom Cole, along with several of his colleagues, was appointed to a task force by U.S....
U.S. House Approves Funding for FY 2004 Military Construction
June 26, 2003Washington DC- The Military Construction funding bill for FY 2004 overwhelmingly passed today in the House today earmarked funding for special projects on Oklahoma bases. The Military Construction Authorization Act (H.R. 2559) unanimously passed in the House 428-0. "I...
U.S. House Approves Funding for State and Local First Responders
June 25, 2003Washington DC- The House raised funding for state and local first responders to $20.8 billion through the Homeland Security Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2004 (H.R. 2555). Oklahoma's Tom Cole praised the House for its efforts to help the police, fire...
US House Votes for Plan to Increase Access to Health Insurance
June 19, 2003Washington DC-- Based on findings that as many as 41 million Americans do not have health insurance, and that 60 percent of the uninsured are employed by small businesses, Oklahoma's Tom Cole is cosponsoring a measure that will allow small...
Cole Votes for Class Action Fairness Act of 2003
June 12, 2003Washington D.C.-Congressman Cole today voted for the Class Action Fairness Act (H.R. 1115) of 2003, which establishes a bill of rights for the consumer and gives the Federal court jurisdiction over interstate class action suits when less than two-thirds of...
Congressman Cole Votes to Ban Partial-Birth Abortion
June 4, 2003Washington D.C.- Representative Tom Cole voted today for the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 (H.R. 760). Congressman Cole is a co-sponsor of the legislation that passed in the House, 282-139. “Partial-birth abortion is a gruesome procedure that has...
$3.8 Million in FEMA Aid to Help Moore in Clean Up
June 4, 2003Washington DC- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said today it has obligated $3.4 million to the State of Oklahoma to fund the City of Moore's removal of debris from public property, public streets and right-of-ways. "The City of Moore...
Congressman Cole Protects US Symbol Against Desecration
June 3, 2003Washington DC- Congressman Cole voted today to amend the Constitution of the United States to enable Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag. Congressman Cole is a co-sponsor of The Flag Protection Amendment (H.J Res. 4), which...
Cole Votes for Immediate Tax Breaks, Money in the Mail
May 23, 2003Washington DC- In a few short weeks Oklahomans, along with Americans across the nation, will be pocketing more of their paycheck and receiving reimbursement checks in the mail. After a joint conference committee agreement and a meeting with House and...
Cole Urges Congress to Remain Steadfast on Military Tax Break
May 16, 2003Washington DC- To honor the many men and women of the nation's Armed Forces, Congressman Tom Cole will be participating in an Armed Forces Day Ceremony at the American Legion in Blanchard and an Armed Forces Celebration at Wiley Post...
Cole Offers Assistance to Families Affected by Severe Weather
May 8, 2003Washington DC- While watching severe weather once again strike the heartland, Congressman Tom Cole knew that even though the damage could be significant, Oklahomans were prepared and able to face the challenges of rebuilding. "I am very concerned about...
Congressman Tom Cole Appointed to NHPRC
May 5, 2003Washington DC- Speaker of the House of Representatives, J. Dennis Hastert has appointed Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) as the new House representative on the 15-member National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), a statutory body affiliated with the National Archives...
Cole Announces American History Grants Available for Local School Educators
May 2, 2003Washington DC- Today, Congressman Cole encouraged Oklahoma School Districts and Charter Schools to apply for grants to help educate students in American history. U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige announced the availability of nearly $100 million for Teaching American History...
Cole Votes to Improve Education Results for Children with Disabilities
April 30, 2003WASHINGTON D.C.- Because all students deserve equal access to a quality education, Congressman Tom Cole today voted for flexibility, options and accountability for students with disabilities. The House passed the Improving Education Results for Children with Disabilities Act (IDEA)(H.R. 1350)...
Cong. Cole Asks France, Germany and Russia to Help Rebuild Iraq
April 11, 2003Washington DC- Today, Congressman Tom Cole, introduced legislation (H. Resolution 198) urging France, Germany and Russia to help Iraq in its rebuilding process by forgiving the debts of the regime of Saddam Hussein to their respective countries."The United States paid...
The Twenty-second Annual Congressional High School Art Competition and National Exhibition, "An Artistic Discovery"
March 28, 2003Dear High School Art Department: It's that time of year again! The Twenty-second Annual Congressional High School Art Competition and National Exhibition, "An Artistic Discovery", is being launched in the Fourth Congressional District. This is an excellent opportunity for high...
Cole Urges Supreme Court to Overrule Change in Pledge of Allegiance
March 20, 2003Washington DC- Congressman Tom Cole today joined a vast majority in the House of Representatives by voting for a resolution reaffirming Congressional support for the Pledge, and to urge the Supreme Court to take up the case."Repeating The Pledge of...
US House Shows Appreciation For Nation's Military with Tax Fairness
March 20, 2003Washington DC- As a salute to the brave men and women who volunteer to serve in our nation's military, Oklahoma's Tom Cole, a cosponsor of the measure, hailed the overwhelming passage of the Armed Forces Tax Fairness Act of 2003...
US House Shows Appreciation For Cole Votes to send Back to Work Incentive and Pension Security to House Floor
March 6, 2003Washington DC- Getting approval from committee members today is a bill designed to give workers more options on pension plans. Also, leaving the committee after a full committee meeting that lasted most of Wednesday is a bill that will create...
Cole named Vice Chairman of Total Force Subcommittee on Armed Services
February 21, 2003Norman, OK- Representative Tom Cole (R-Moore) was selected as the Vice Chairman of the Total Force Subcommittee by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter on Thursday.The subcommittee oversees National Guard and Reserve programs as well as military personnel issues...
Congressman Tom Cole Announces Subcommittee Assignments
February 6, 2003Washington DC- Congressman Tom Cole announced his subcommittee assignments today for the House Armed Services, Education and the Workforce and Resources Committees.On the House Armed Services Committee Congressman Cole selected assignments to the Subcommittees on Readiness and Total Force. The...
President Presents Fiscal 2004 Budget, Shows Agenda with Spending Priorities
February 3, 2003Washington DC- President Bush stressed the need for bipartisan support to disarm Saddam Hussein, reiterated his agenda for economic growth and discussed his budget priorities for the 2004 Fiscal Year at a lunch at the White House for the Freshman...