Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 5912, bipartisan legislation he authored to terminate taxpayer financing of party conventions. Since 1976, over $220 million in taxpayer funds have been spent on presidential nominating conventions for such expenses as make-up artists, political consulting fees, gift bags, banners and more. The bill passed by a wide, bipartisan margin of 310-95.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) released the following statement regarding the attacks in Libya:

"The sympathy and prayers of all Americans are with the families of the fine public servants who were murdered in this senseless attack.

"The Libyan government owes its freedom in large measure to U.S. men and women in uniform, and Libya's complete cooperation is demanded to bring swift and sure punishment to those responsible.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 6233 - the Agricultural Disaster Assistance Act.

"Oklahoma's farmers and ranchers are dealing with one of the worst droughts in our history. This bill will bring much-needed relief to help them get through a tough year and the certainty to allow them to plan for next year.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 8, the Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act. The bill extends the current low tax rates for all American taxpayers and small business owners for one year, preventing a $384 billion tax increase beginning on January 1, 2013.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) released the following statement after House passage of H.R. 459, the Federal Reserve Transparency Act. This legislation would allow the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a full audit of the Fed and report its findings within 12 months. Under current policy, the GAO is unable to audit Fed activities related to monetary policy matters or transactions for or with foreign central banks, governments, and international organizations.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) released the following statement after the House vote on H.R. 2362 - the Indian Tribal Trade and Investment Demonstration Project Act, which he authored. This legislation would eliminate red tape in the tribal leasing process to facilitate U.S. trade with international partners and help economic development on tribal land. Capitalizing on the interest overseas companies have shown in working with Indian tribes, H.R.

Our military faces devastating reductions in capability unless the Senate and President Obama will join the House of Representatives in acting to prevent debilitating spending cuts -- half of which were never meant to be enacted.

The Pentagon is slated for $487 billion in cuts under President Obama's budget. That means that over the next five years, the military will be forced to carry out its missions with70,000 fewer soldiers, 20,000 fewer Marines, 25 fewer combat vessels and seven fewer aircraft fighter wings.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) released the following statement after House passage of H.R. 5856 - Department of Defense Appropriations Act. Cole is a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

"Anyone who thinks America spends too much for defense should examine this legislation. This year's Defense Appropriations bill cuts $28 billion and reduces the number of military personnel by 21,000.