Tom Cole
RMy father, like many, was struck by the scourge of Alzheimer's. Many other Oklahomans share our story and our family experience drives me to fight every day for families across Oklahoma and I'll continue the fight with your sacred trust on November 3rd. https://t.co/INRHgsNy3Q
BOOMER!
Boomer! Hats off to the @SoonerFootball team getting it done in the Red River Rivalry game today! Now off to win on November 3rd. https://t.co/tAi2y7lO9w
Oklahomans are fired up to keep the fight alive for lower taxes, a secure border, a stronger military, and a better more prosperous America. We must defeat socialism at the ballot box. Great time with the @stephensgop tonight! Make your plan to vote now on Nov. 3rd. https://t.co/l4MZ76nkUD
Oklahomans stand with our Law Enforcement. I was honored to join our Oklahoma Sheriffs to thank them for standing in the gap every day and keeping us safe and let them know I’ll never stop fighting to support them and defeat the radical calls to defund law enforcement. https://t.co/q3SnShQC9v
Congratulations to Oklahoma Transportation Secretary Gatz on his retirement after 37 years of service to our state. Throughout my time as the Representative for Oklahoma, I have had the pleasure of working with ODOT Sec. Gatz on several projects such as widening I-35 in high traffic areas, adding safety shoulders to SH-19, and several intersection and interchange improvements, especially around Tinker Air Force Base to improve traffic flow. Therefore, I can say firsthand that Secretary Gatz has truly made an impact on Oklahoma. Wishing you and your family all the best in your next chapter, Secretary Gatz!
Proud to join @oklahomaaero this morning to celebrate the release of their study that highlights the defense and civilian aerospace sectors contributing $52.5B now statewide to our economy and over 250K jobs. I will always fight for the patriots moving our state forward! https://t.co/HATAfN19WI
President @realDonaldTrump is right. We’ve won a lot of battles together and we will continue fighting and winning for Oklahoma families! Thank you, Mr. President for joining us in the great state of Oklahoma!
It was an honor to welcome President @realDonaldTrump back to Oklahoma yesterday to highlight the work done to put more money back in the pockets of hard-working Oklahoma families and the most secure border in history. We’ll keep fighting and winning the battles for Oklahoma! https://t.co/EAcxWI61jj
EVERY Senate Democrat just joined over 90% of House Democrats in blocking a ban on Members of Congress from trading stocks. I was proud to support the measure in the House. Democrats are clearly blocking the accountability the American people are asking for.
For 79 years, selfless men and women in the Air Force have fought for our freedom, defended our skies, and made enormous sacrifices for the American people. Today, and every day, we thank them for their service and bravery. Happy Birthday to the United States Air Force!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165 Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026: “Last night, the House voted in a bipartisan manner to address important water resource needs throughout our nation. This legislation will improve water resources infrastructure across our nation, grow the American economy, build and maintain safe waterways, improve flood protection, and more,” said Congressman Cole. “I’d like to thank House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Sam Graves of Missouri for his work on this legislation, as it will deliver much needed benefits to so many American communities, including the Fourth District of Oklahoma.” Oklahoma District Four Wins in H.R. 9497 Increased the authorization from $15 million to $20 million for the Midwest City Water Infrastructure Project for a new water tank and booster pump station. $45 million in authorization for construction of new water lines from Oklahoma City to Newcastle, Tuttle, Goldsby, and Blanchard. This will help allow for a more regionalized water system in the area that will keep rates lower and reduce maintenance over time. Arbuckle-Timbered Hills Aquifer Recharge and Regional Water Supply Feasibility Study, which will evaluate storage capacity and recharge potential, assess opportunities for managed aquifer recharge and aquifer storage to serve communities in Lawton and at Fort Sill. ###
Since the founding of our nation, Americans have selflessly chosen to serve our country in the military. We are truly so indebted to them, as it is because of their sacrifices that we are able to enjoy the freedoms, rights, and safety that are coveted by so many around the world. Therefore, I am excited to see that Oklahoma has been awarded $11 Million in grants to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. Ensuring veterans have access to safe, stable housing is truly the least we can do. https://t.co/6V6bqq02Lp
Aviation is very important to Oklahoma. We are home to Tinker AFB, Vance AFB, Altus AFB, the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, the American Airlines base maintenance facility, and much more. Proud to have represented the Fourth District today as FAA Administrator Bedford and I discussed how we can work to ensure America continues to lead the world in aviation.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165 Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after S. 550, the Senate companion legislation to his bill, H.R. 2827, passed the United States House of Representatives and now heads to the President’s desk for final signature. This legislation, originally introduced by then-Senator Markwayne Mullin, passed the Senate at the end of 2025. “Today was a testament of Congress upholding its trust and treaty responsibility,” said Congressman Cole. “This straightforward, bipartisan piece of legislation will not only provide finality for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, but also certainty for the landowners and farmers in Illinois who have been living on this land for generations. After years of advocacy, the Miami Tribe will finally be able to have their rightful day in court and present their case for the land that was illegally sold by the United States. I’d like to thank the House Natural Resources Committee leadership for bringing this important piece of legislation to the Floor, Congresswoman McCollum for her collaboration on this bill, and Secretary Mullin for his work on this legislation during his time in the Senate. As a tribal member myself, I could not be more honored to play a small role in this victory for the Miami Tribe and their citizens.” Chief Lankford of the Miami Tribe said, “The Miami Nation – past, present, and future – thank Chairman Cole and Secretary Mullin for making this bill a reality. They are warriors for Indian Country and all people who seek justice. Representative McCollum, Senator Durbin, and Representative Bost also deserve high praise for all their support. We are humbled by all their work for our members and for our ancestors who negotiated these rights during a time of unbelievable pressure and change. Chairman Cole, Secretary Mullin, and our allies did not forget their sacrifice and today Congress is finally vindicating their visionary foresight in protecting the tribes’ lands.” Background: In 1805, the Miami Tribe, Eel River Band, and Wea signed the Treaty of Grouseland, which under Article Four reserved all lands within the Wabash River watershed and land located west of the Wabash River, which is in present-day Illinois. From 1805 to 1840, the United States transferred 2.6 million acres of this land to non-native settlers without having acquired title from the tribes. As a result, title to that land is still held by the Miami Tribe’s superior claim to title and the tribe never consented to that land being purchased. S. 550, the companion bill to H.R. 2827, will simply allow the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma to have their rightful day in court and extinguish all claims to this land in Illinois. It will remedy the mistake made by the federal government nearly two centuries ago by resolving the land claim and providing finality and certainty to both the Tribe and the landowners in Illinois. ###
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks – a day that changed our nation forever. It was a sunny September morning when al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four civilian aircrafts, turning them into suicide weapons for mass murder. The first two planes hit the World Trade Centers in New York City. 2,753 people were killed in the Twin Towers, as they both collapsed to the ground. New Yorkers were seen jumping from the burning buildings, preferring to fall to their own death, instead of being consumed by fires caused by the actions of evil terrorists. The footage is something I will never forget watching. Another plane crashed into the Pentagon, the headquarters of our nation’s defense, while the fourth plane was stopped by brave Americans who attempted to take back control of the aircraft. That plane ended up crashing into a field in Pennsylvania, taking the lives of every passenger on board and bringing the total number of deaths to 2,977. Like most Americans, September 11, 2001 is a day I will truly never forget. At the time, I was working as a political consultant, enjoying my time in the private sector after serving several years as Oklahoma’s Secretary of State and Chief of Staff for the Republican National Committee and in the Oklahoma legislature. During an advisory meeting for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, one of my roles as a consultant, the news of the attacks broke. We gathered on the fourth floor of the building, looking out the window at the White House. I will never forget the Bush Administration employees pouring out of the building as we saw smoke rise from the Pentagon across the river. At the same time, FBI agents were running into the U.S. Chamber headquarters to take their positions and keep us safe. In that moment, sad, angry, and disgusted, I knew I was watching history. That event forever changed me in so many ways, as it was actually what steered me back into running for office. Yet, while our country was deeply shaken, America itself was not broken. In the face of horrific tragedy, we demonstrated unity, resilience, strength, and courage. Americans truly rallied around the flag, supporting one another in the face of adversity. We showed the world that even in our darkest hour, the United States will endure – a reality that I believe remains just as powerful and true today and every day. So, today, on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, let us pause to remember the 2,977 innocent lives taken too soon, stand with the loved ones they left behind, and honor the brave first responders who acted with courage and heroism on that tragic day. At the same time, we must also continue to stand in unity with the survivors who must still live with the trauma to this day. September 11, 2001 was a day of inconceivable tragedy and loss. At the same time, it was a day that brought us together as Americans. Twenty five years later, as we remember and reflect on the 9/11 attacks, let’s do so with unity as we show our respect for those we lost and for this great country we are so fortunate to call home.
As my fellow Oklahomans know, @OU_Baseball pulled off one of the most historic triumphs in NCAA baseball history when they beat the University of North Carolina in the College World Series. I introduced a resolution before Congress to congratulate the team. Boomer! https://t.co/wK4ViG8zPl
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165 Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) introduced H. Res. 1500, which congratulates the University of Oklahoma men’s baseball team on their College World Series National Championship. After introducing the resolution, Congressman Cole and Coach Skip Johnson released the following statements: “As my fellow Oklahomans know, Coach Skip Johnson and the OU men’s baseball team pulled off one of the most historic triumphs in NCAA baseball history this past season when they beat the University of North Carolina in the College World Series. After making it through the Atlanta Regional, our unranked Sooners ended up outscoring their remaining opponents 90 to 28 – and as a diehard OU fan, I am so proud. This is why I introduced House Resolution 1500, congratulating the team and recognizing the hard work that led to the Sooners victory,” said Congressman Cole. “As always, Boomer!” “We are appreciative of Chairman Cole and the House of Representatives, as well as the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents, for their unwavering support of our program. We felt the whole state behind us on our run to Omaha and the national championship. Just like the state of Oklahoma, our program is built on the values of hard work and commitment to something bigger than yourself. Our players bought in on the greater goal and the passion of our fan base was on display for the entire nation,” said Coach Skip Johnson. ###
FEMA has announced September as National Preparedness Month – and as a lifelong Oklahoman, I know firsthand just how important this is. Visit https://t.co/TJadzc8HJB for updated disaster preparedness resources. Together, let’s take the necessary steps to prepare for natural disasters before the disaster strikes!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Senate Amendments to H.R. 6500, the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2027: “Today’s vote is the culmination of House Republicans moving proactively, decisively, and strategically earlier this summer. The action we took paved the way for the Senate to promptly engage in the process, and I am proud to say we are now sending this funding extension to President Trump without waiting for the clock to run out,” said Congressman Cole. “Responsible governance means putting the well-being and stability of the nation first, and this legislation does just that. It protects our national security, preserves critical services, and denies partisan shutdown agitators the leverage they have repeatedly sought. The bill is simple by design – no poison polls, no divisive wish lists, and no political gimmicks. Just a clean, straightforward measure that keeps the government working, provides more time to address full-year bills, and trades the familiar cycle of Senate Democrat brinkmanship for something far more useful: certainty,” said Congressman Cole. ###
Over the course of the last several months Oklahoma Republicans have had excellent choices for their nominee for Governor. On August 25th, Oklahoma Republicans made their final choice in Mike Mazzei to be our nominee for the November election. I wholeheartedly support Mike Mazzei and highly encourage Oklahoma Republicans to join me in doing so. Oklahoma must continue the work on improving education and reading outcomes, promoting strong economic growth, and continuing to deliver a state that every Oklahoman can be proud to raise a family, start a business, and live in. Mike Mazzei's plan will make life more affordable for all Oklahomans. He is the candidate to deliver on these issues and others. I hope you join me in supporting @MazzeiMike for Governor this November!
Taylor was a true hero who gave up his own life to protect others. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.
This partnership between Epirus and FISTA is yet another example of Oklahoma aiding in our nation’s defense and ensuring our warfighters have the capabilities they need. Great to be at the ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday!
It is with heartfelt sadness that I learned of the passing of my dear friend, and magnificent former colleague, Kay Granger of Fort Worth, Texas. Some simply hold the gavel – Kay demonstrated what it meant to wield it. Her life and career were defined by a remarkable legacy of firsts: the first woman to become Mayor of Fort Worth, the first Republican woman elected to Congress from Texas, the first woman to Chair the Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, and the first woman to lead House Republicans on the Appropriations Committee. Yet, Kay never rested in the remarkableness of each milestone – she was always ready for the next responsibility, the next challenge, and the next opportunity to serve. I admired Kay Granger the moment I met her. She carried herself with an unmistakable grace, but behind her regal appearance was a razor-sharp tenacity that commanded any room. Kay demanded respect, and she got it from everyone she ever interacted with. Whip-smart and Texas tough, she had a presence that could settle any debate with little more than a look. I was lucky enough to know her personally and professionally through our work serving together in Republican leadership. So, I can attest with firsthand knowledge that ‘Don’t mess with Texas’ was more than a motto when it came to Kay. I know it well because I lost to her when we both sought the chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee previously. After that, our friendship and mutual respect didn’t change for one another. In fact, she named me to be her Vice Chair. Her mentorship and guidance were large parts of my own committee journey and helped prepare me for the privilege of succeeding her as Chairman. On the Appropriations Committee, Kay was known as a fiscal conservative, a defense hawk, and a hard – but fair – negotiator. Ever proud of her Texas roots, Granger ferociously fought for the interests of the Lone Star State. Her colleagues on both sides of the aisle always respected her professionalism, her good humor, her unfailing civility, and her willingness to strike a deal. Indeed, she and the first woman to Chair the Appropriations Committee, Nita Lowey of New York, were fast friends. They were partners who set the gold standard of how to achieve bipartisan consensus. Their portraits above our dais today remind us of the example they set and the responsibility we inherit. I will miss my friend Kay Granger. She set an unmatched standard of excellence, civility, professionalism, and dedication to duty that few can match – and no one will ever exceed. My thoughts and prayers are with Kay’s family, friends, and many admirers. We have lost a great lioness of the House, and I have lost a dear friend to whom I shall always be indebted.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) voted in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027. This legislation authorizes funding for military capabilities, personnel policies, industrial-base reforms, and national security priorities needed to keep America safe. After voting in favor of the NDAA, Congressman Cole released the following statement: “During this time when our nation is facing the most dangerous threat environment in generations, protecting our nation’s defense is critical. Today, I cast my vote to do exactly that. The Fiscal Year 2027 NDAA increases pay for our selfless men and women in uniform, revitalizes American military strength, restores lethal capabilities, and strengthens deterrence by implementing President Trump’s peace through strength agenda - all while at the same time eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse at the Pentagon,” said Congressman Cole. “Through passing the NDAA on the House Floor today, Republicans sent this very clear message to the rest of the world: our warfighters have the weapons to win, and our adversaries should stay in their lane.” ###