Skip to main content
Representative Tom Cole logo

Cole Applauds Passage of H.R. 428, the Red River Gradient Boundary Survey Act

February 14, 2017
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 428, the Red River Gradient Boundary Survey Act by a vote of 250-171. This legislation will provide a proper gradient boundary surveying method to settle the contested land ownership between the states of Oklahoma and Texas, and the Comanche, Kiowa and Apache tribes. Ultimately, it will define the state-line boundary between Oklahoma and Texas, and continue to protect the interest of the Comanche, Kiowa and Apache Indian Tribes. Cole is a co-sponsor of H.R. 428.
"For years, Oklahomans and Texans have questioned the validity of the Red River's role as the boundary between the two states," said Cole. "Over time, the river has been subject to changes from natural causes, and brought on the issues of who owns what land, who pays what taxes and who can make claims of use.
"I'd like to thank my friend Congressman Mac Thornberry for crafting a definitive piece of legislation, and bringing together the different parties to reach this conclusion. I am pleased that this bill not only protects the interests of states, but also protects the sovereignty, property and trust rights of the tribal parties involved. The Red River Boundary Survey Act will allow everyone to get a better idea where the current gradient boundary is located."
###