Press Releases

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.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) along with Assistant Secretary William C. Anderson and Major General Del Eulberg today honored Tinker Air Force Base (AFB) for their achievement of two of the Air Force's annual environmental excellence awards. The awards were presented at the United States Air Force General Thomas D. White Environmental Awards Ceremony at the Pentagon.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today strongly opposed S. 5, the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007. This bill expands the number of embryonic stem cell lines that are eligible for federally funded research, and has already been issued a veto threat from the President if it crosses his desk.

"I am a strong proponent of stem cell research, but I cannot support research that destroys living human embryos in order to obtain stem cells," Congressman Cole said. "This is human life that must be respected-not destroyed."

Bill includes Drough Relief, Wildfire Disaster Relief and BRAC funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) voted last night in favor of the House Emergency War Spending Bill which provides $120 billion for our men and women in uniform and includes BRAC and agriculture disaster relief funding.

WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) joined Congresswoman Mary Fallin and Congressman John Sullivan in asking the U.S. State Department for assistance with problems concerning the Houston Passport problem.

Staffers from Cole's office spoke with Deputy Assistant Secretary Anne Barrett earlier this week to request additional staff be expedited to the Houston office. In light of the request, the State Department has provided a surge team to the Houston office to assist in alleviating the passport backlog.

WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today congratulated Tyler Simmons on his appointment to the Unites States Naval Academy. Cole nominated Simmons for the Naval Academy's 2007 freshman class.

"Tyler is a prime example of Oklahoma's finest. He has proven himself as a leader not only at Washington High School, but also through his church and his extracurricular activities." Congressman Cole said. "His commendable decision to attend the Naval Academy will make his family and his state very proud. It is an honor to serve Oklahomans like Tyler in Congress."

WASHINGTON, D.C.-This month marks the fourth anniversary of the 2003 Republican tax cuts, which have provided broad-based tax relief, spurred economic growth, and helped generate record revenue flows to the federal government. Now, in celebration of this anniversary, the Majority in Congress wants to turn their backs on this successful track record and impose a tremendous tax hike on American taxpayers.

WASHINGTON, D.C.-U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) today voted in favor of the FY 08 Defense Appropriations bill that includes over $53 million for Oklahoma's Military Operations.

"These funds are not only beneficial to the overall effectiveness and capabilities of our military, but also greatly benefit our bases and military support facilities here in Oklahoma," Congressman Cole said. "I will be working closely with my colleagues to ensure these funds remain in the final passage of the bill."