Press Releases

Cole Praises Decision on Border Patrol Agents
Says Commutations Fall Short of Full Justice

WASHINGTON – 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. In October 2006, Ramos and Compean were each sentenced to more than a decade in prison after shooting an illegal immigrant who was believed to have been armed while transporting hundreds of pounds of marijuana into the country.

WASHINGTON – 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 the opportunity to serve on these subcommittees," Congressman Cole said. "While serving on the Appropriations Committee will allow me to add an Oklahoma voice to all matters the committee deals with, I'll be able to invest extra time on subcommittee issues."

WASHINGTON – 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.

WASHINGTON – 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.

Friendly Wager for the National Championship
Oklahoma Sooners' Rep. Cole and Florida Gators' Rep. Putnam Talk Terms

WASHINGTON – There will be more at stake than pride and a national championship when the University of Oklahoma and the University of Florida meet in the BCS National Championship football game January 8, it’s a matter of chocolate and oranges. U.S. Congressmen Tom Cole (R-Okla.) and Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) have a friendly wager riding on the outcome of the matchup involving their two alma maters.

WASHINGTON – 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 and visited with troops.

WASHINGTON – 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 at the start of the 111th Congress.