Press Releases

WASHINGTON, 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 majority in Congress to undermine the authority and recommendations of our commanders in the field of combat.

WASHINGTON – 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 just three years ago. The Associated Press reports that the drop can be credited to "impressive revenue growth from the healthy economy."

WASHINGTON, 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.

WASHINGTON, 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 full of talent and dedication and it is an honor to serve them in Congress," said Congressman Cole. "I am happy that Alexa and her family were able to make the trip to Washington to see her artwork showcased in the Capitol building. This is truly an accomplishment."

Norman 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 establish additional sources of water for Norman, Midwest City, and Del City, Oklahoma. An amendment passed that increased the funding from $300,000 to $900,000 during the full committee markup.

WASHINGTON, 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 designate the two trails for a study to determine the suitability of placing these trails within the National Trails System as National Historic Trails.

WASHINGTON, 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.

WASHINGTON, 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 worked to temporarily suspend new passport regulations that took effect this year resulting in a significant increase in passport processing time. The new suspension will be in place until September 30, 2007, allowing Oklahoma summer travelers to still travel to certain areas without a passport.