The Oklahoma Congressional Delegation has secured several important leadership positions in various committees and subcommittees for the 119th Congress. These appointments highlight Oklahoma’s continued influence in shaping national policy, with several members returning to leadership roles and others stepping into new responsibilities. Here’s a breakdown of the Oklahoma representatives and senators appointed to key committees:
U.S. House Appointments
Rep. Tom Cole (R-Moore)
Rep. Tom Cole, a veteran member of the U.S. House of Representatives, will continue his leadership role as the chair of the House Committee on Appropriations. This committee is crucial in deciding the federal funding allocations for various government programs and agencies. Cole, who has served on this committee since 2009, became its vice chair and then full committee chair in 2024. In a statement, Cole emphasized the significance of creating a strong fiscal framework for the nation’s future.
He also expressed his belief that the new Congress will bring about growth and bold leadership, replacing stagnation with opportunities for everyday Americans. “I see progress that will herald us into the golden years of America,” Cole said, highlighting his vision for the country’s future.
Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Cheyenne)
Rep. Frank Lucas is returning to a leadership role in the House Committee on Agriculture. He will serve as the chair of the Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology Subcommittee. Lucas, who previously chaired the full Agriculture Committee from 2011 to 2015, is well-versed in agricultural policy and issues affecting Oklahoma’s farming community. Additionally, Lucas will lead a new House Financial Services Committee Task Force focusing on Monetary Policy, Treasury Market Resilience, and Economic Prosperity. Lucas views the task force as an opportunity to examine potential reforms to safeguard the U.S. Treasury markets’ global role.
Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-Oklahoma City)
Rep. Stephanie Bice, representing Oklahoma’s Fifth District, will serve as vice chair of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Subcommittee within the House Appropriations Committee. Bice expressed her honor in taking on this responsibility, recognizing the opportunity to ensure that Oklahoma’s needs are met while also working to reduce wasteful federal spending. Bice also chairs the Modernization & Innovation Subcommittee within the House Administration Committee, a position that will allow her to focus on making the legislative process more efficient and innovative.
Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-Colgate)
Rep. Josh Brecheen has been appointed to chair the Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability Subcommittee under the Committee on Homeland Security. Brecheen, who served as a committee member in the previous Congress, sees his new position as a chance to bring accountability and transparency to government practices. He voiced his commitment to defending taxpayer dollars and addressing inefficiencies within the federal government, particularly focusing on reforms to the Department of Homeland Security under the Biden administration.
Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Tulsa)
Rep. Kevin Hern will serve as the Republican Policy Committee Chair and will also be a member of the Ways and Means Committee. Hern has emphasized that the first 100 days of the Congress are crucial for enacting change. As Policy Committee Chair, he will play a key role in shaping the policy agenda for Republicans, aligning closely with former President Trump’s “America First” agenda. Hern is committed to working with fellow Republicans to turn the country around through strong, policy-driven leadership.
U.S. Senate Appointments
Sen. James Lankford (R-Oklahoma)
Sen. James Lankford will continue to chair the Senate Select Ethics Committee. Lankford previously served as the committee’s vice chair and took on the role of chair in late 2019. His leadership will be important in ensuring that ethical standards are upheld across the Senate.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)
Sen. Markwayne Mullin has secured several influential committee appointments, including positions on the Appropriations Committee, the Armed Services Committee, the Indian Affairs Committee, and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Mullin’s appointments place him in a strong position to advocate for Oklahoma’s interests, particularly in areas such as defense, Native American affairs, and healthcare.
Conclusion
Oklahoma’s Congressional Delegation has secured significant leadership positions that will allow them to shape national policy across a variety of sectors, from agriculture and defense to healthcare and appropriations. These roles underscore the delegation’s continued influence in Washington and their commitment to serving the needs of Oklahomans while also playing an integral part in broader national conversations.
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