Press Releases

WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole supported legislation that would increase the minimum wage while also providing relief for small businesses. This Republican alternative to H.R. 2 failed to garner the support needed to pass in the House. The Democrat bill (H.R. 2) would only raise the minimum wage without providing any relief to the small businesses who stand to suffer the most from such an increase.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Congressman Tom Cole today announced the names of students from Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District who have received nominations to the U.S. Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military and Naval Academies' entering class of 2007.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted against a House rule proposed by the Democrats that will make tax increases more likely and does nothing to help reduce the deficit or reduce government spending.

"This plan allows the Democrats to increase spending in some areas by paying for it by finding alternative sources of revenue. Although this could be a good idea in theory, in practice it means tax increases on the American people," Congressman Cole said.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Cole made the following statement upon hearing about the passing of Jeane Kirkpatrick, a fellow Oklahoman and the first woman to be named U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations:

WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole voted today for the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (HR 6111) that includes two tax extensions to help spur economic activity on Indian reservations and on former Indian lands. This legislation, which passed in the House, is especially beneficial in Oklahoma.

"These two provisions encourage economic growth in our state and create new jobs for all Oklahomans," Congressman Tom Cole said. "The accelerated depreciation provision in particular is worth hundreds of millions of dollars to our state."

WASHINGTON –Congressman Tom Cole sent the following letter to be read today at the groundbreaking for the U.S.S. Oklahoma Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Because of scheduled votes in the House, Congressman Cole was unable to attend the ceremony.

Congressman Cole inserted language into the Defense Authorization Act, passed by Congress last year, requiring the Secretary of the Navy to identify a sight for the U.S.S. Oklahoma Memorial at Pearl Harbor. Funds are being raised privately to build the physical memorial.

Dear Survivors of the U.S.S. Oklahoma,

WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole announced today that Jill Daugherty has been promoted to District Director and will begin her responsibilities in this new position on December 11, 2006. The District Director manages the three district offices located in Norman, Ada and Lawton. Daugherty will be replacing John Woods who has accepted a position with Lance Cargill, Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole was elected today to the House Republican leadership team as Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). As Chairman of the NRCC, Congressman Cole will set the overall campaign strategy for the Republican Conference.

"My first duty is and will always be that of a Congressman and to the people of the Fourth District of Oklahoma. I will continue to do the job I was elected to do to the best of my ability--representing the views and interests of my district in Washington," Congressman Cole said.