Inhofe Visits Troops, Mexican National Security Officials in Historic Border Visit

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, visited the U.S.-Mexico border yesterday where he met with U.S. Army officials, including Lt. General Laura Richardson, commander of Army North, and discussed Department of Defense (DOD) support to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) along the southern border, including the operation of mobile surveillance units.

“After my visit yesterday, I am confident that our soldiers at the border are benefiting from their deployment by getting needed small unit training to support readiness. In addition to the training, they are performing key tasks in support of Customs and Border Protection—providing surveillance, aviation assistance and logistical support.”

Inhofe was also the first Congressional leader to engage with senior Mexican military officials about border cooperation efforts. Inhofe visited Mexico’s 8th Mechanized Calvary Regiment, south of Matamoros, Mexico, and met with key military leadership, including those responsible for border security: Gen. Jens Pedro Lohmann Iturburu, Admiral Rosendo Jesus Escalante Ilizaliturri, Brigadier General Homero Mendoza Ruiz and Julio Cesar Sanchez Amaya, where they discussed the mutual benefit of working together to secure the border.

“The meeting in Mexico was the first of its kind—but I’m sure it won’t be the last. Since June of this year, the Mexican government has committed to working with President Trump and his administration to secure our shared border and address the transit of migrants moving through Mexico in an effort to gain illegal entry to the United States. We’re already seeing the positive effects—border crossings have dropped 43 percent in the past two months—and over the long term, this will be beneficial for planning our active duty troop numbers. During our meeting, it was clear that our Mexican partners understand the urgency of addressing the border crisis, but also that we need to continue to work together on our shared goals. They assured us that our cooperative security efforts will not be a one-time thing. This commitment is a real testament to President Trump’s leadership, and I look forward to sharing the outcome of my visit with him.”

Inhofe Applauds $7.6 Million Grant For Oklahoma To Fight Opioid Crisis

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) made the following statement after President Trump and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced state-based grants to combat the opioid crisis, including $7.6 million for Oklahoma.

“Too many families in Oklahoma and across the country have felt the impact of the opioid crisis. Working with President Trump, I’ve made addressing the crisis a priority—passing legislation that gave HHS the tools to combat the epidemic and working to support veterans suffering from opioid addiction.

“This week, President Trump continued our efforts by awarding state-based grants, including $7.6 million for Oklahoma, that will increase access to prevention methods, recovery efforts and treatment services that work best for local communities.”

A detailed White House press release about the grants can be found here.

Here to Help: Flood Resources and Next Steps

Over the past few weeks, Oklahomans around the state faced record rainfall and severe weather, leading to widespread destruction and flooding. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who lost their lives in this tragedy and all families affected by the devastating flood, tornadoes and other severe weather.

The State of Oklahoma received a major federal disaster declaration for 27 counties in the state: Alfalfa, Canadian, Cherokee, Craig, Creek, Delaware, Garfield, Kay, Kingfisher, Le Flore, Logan, Mayes, Muskogee, Noble, Nowata, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pawnee, Payne, Pottawatomie, Rogers, Tulsa, Sequoyah, Wagoner, Washington and Woods. As conditions develop, more counties may be included. This declaration means that families can receive individual assistance, communities can receive grants to assist in rebuilding efforts, and agriculture producers can access USDA assistance.

What Now?

Inhofe Applauds EPA Draft Rule to Replace Obama-Era Methane Rule

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, today released the following statement following the release by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler of a new draft rule to replace the Obama-era oil and gas industry methane emissions standards.
 

Inhofe, Blunt, Casey, Introduce Bill to Make Adoption More Affordable for Families

U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.), announced the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act, legislation that makes the current adoption tax credit fully refundable. Making the tax credit fully refundable will ensure that more families can benefit from this critical support.

“My family knows firsthand the joys and blessings adoption brings,” Inhofe said. “But adoption is not without its difficulties and, too often, can be a costly process. Making the adoption tax credit fully refundable will ease that financial burden so more families can choose to adopt and welcome children into their homes.”