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 17 counties in the state: Canadian, Creek, Delaware, Kay, Logan, Mayes, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Payne, Pottawatomie, Rogers, Tulsa, Sequoyah, Wagoner and Washington. 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.

Inhofe Votes for Communities Hit by Natural Disasters

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) made the following statement after voting for legislation that would support communities affected by recent natural disasters:

“Rebuilding and recovering from natural disasters is something we’re all too familiar with in Oklahoma. For too long, partisan gridlock has prevented necessary support from being provided to the farmers, ranchers and families struggling to overcome the obstacles caused by floods, tornadoes and wildfires. I’m pleased we passed a bipartisan bill today that will bring assistance to affected communities and military installations that need to recover and rebuild. I urge the House to take action on this key legislation quickly.”

Inhofe Secures Victories for Oklahoma Military Installations

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, praised the committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which was reported out of committee by a vote of 25-2, and announced provisions that will directly benefit Oklahoma installations and communities.

“The National Defense Authorization Act is the most important piece of legislation that Congress will consider all year. It sets our national security policy for the year, looks after service members and their families, and makes sure our troops have the training, resources and equipment they need to complete their mission and return home safely. This year’s bill fully funds our national defense and includes important provisions to ensure the national missions at each of Oklahoma’s military installations remain strong by cutting red tape and increasing innovation. The NDAA also looks out for service members and their families with a 3.1 percent pay increase—the largest in 10 years—and making needed reforms to improve the quality of on-base housing. I am proud the FY20 NDAA received broad bipartisan support and look forward to its swift consideration by the Senate.”

Inhofe Welcomes Trump Administration’s Immigration Plan

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) made a statement welcoming the Trump Administration’s immigration plan today. Last week, Inhofe met with President Trump and other conservative senators to discuss the proposal.

“Our current immigration system is broken. Migrants exploit problematic loopholes and abuse the asylum process, and our system fails to reward high-skilled workers. President Trump’s plan is a step in the right direction on some long-needed, commonsense reforms. I look forward to seeing more details and working with the administration as this plan works through Congress to make sure it stays true to our conservative values on lawful immigration.”

SASC Chairman Inhofe Statement on Intent to Nominate Shanahan

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, made the following statement after President Trump announced he will nominate Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan to serve as Secretary of Defense today.

“I’m pleased that President Trump will nominate Patrick Shanahan to be the next Secretary of Defense. We need a confirmed leader at the Department and, after working with him closely over the last few months, I welcome his selection. I look forward to talking with him at his confirmation hearing about how we can work together to implement the National Defense Strategy and care for our service members, veterans and military families.”