Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House passed S. 47, the Violence Against Women Act. The legislation recognizes the jurisdiction of tribal courts over non-Indian offenders arrested for committing domestic violence or assault against women. Under current law, non-Indians accused of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes against tribal members can only be prosecuted by the federal government and some states, but the U.S. Attorneys and District Attorneys do not have the time or resources to dedicate to these cases.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after President Obama delivered his annual State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress:

"President Obama's assessment of the state of our union fails to appreciate the gravity of our economic challenges.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers announced his appointment as Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after being appointed by Speaker John Boehner to the Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents.

"The Smithsonian Institution is an invaluable national resource for education and historic preservation. Millions of visitors to Washington, D.C., have enjoyed free access to Smithsonian museums and benefitted from the opportunity to learn more about our national and natural history by viewing the institution's remarkable collection of artifacts.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after House passage of H.R. 325–The No Budget, No Pay Act:

"The Senate's failure to pass a budget in nearly four years is disgraceful. House Republicans have voted repeatedly to cut spending, but progress in reducing the debt is impossible without cooperation from Senate Democrats.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after President Obama announced new gun control proposals:

"I will oppose any legislation to limit the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans, including a ban on so-called assault weapons. I represent tens of thousands of responsible gun owners who safely use guns for hunting and protection, and restricting their freedom is not the solution to gun violence."

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after being sworn in for a sixth term of Congress:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) was appointed to a seat on the House Rules Committee tonight by House Speaker John Boehner. The Rules Committee is part of the House leadership and works with the Speaker and the Majority Leader to schedule bills and set the terms of debate on the House floor. Every piece of legislation considered by the House must first pass through the Rules Committee.