Inhofe Supports Defense Authorization Bill
INHOFE PRAISES PETRAEUS ON A JOB WELL DONE
INHOFE STRESSES THE NEED FOR OFFSHORE DRILLING AT HEARING
Inhofe, State Chamber Discuss Issues Important to Oklahoma
INHOFE HONORS OKLAHOMA ANGELS IN ADOPTION NOMINEES
Inhofe Tours Flood Damage in Kay County
In the News...General praise: Petraeus returned hope to mission (Oklahoman)
In the News...Inhofe tours Fairview flood area (Enid News)
In the News...First milestone reached in Highway Trust restoration (Purcell Register)
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Inhofe Supports Defense Authorization Bill
Senator Inhofe, a Senior Member on the Senate Armed Services Committee, voted Wednesday night in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2009 (S. 3001). Senator Inhofe welcomed Senate passage tonight of this important legislation, but expressed disappointed that the Senate, with time running out before Congress adjourned, failed to include, let alone debate, several important provisions to our nation's military. Of the 350 plus amendment filed, over 100 amendments were cleared by both sides but none were brought to the floor for consideration. The bill passed tonight by a vote of 88-8 and now goes to conference with the House.
"Tonight the Senate passed important legislation that will benefit military personnel and installations across the nation," Senator Inhofe said. "Yet due to the failure of the legislative process, a number of important provisions were left out of this bill. With time running out before Congress adjourns for the year, the Senate decided to cut off debate. Doing so meant only a handful of amendments out of more than three hundred were even considered. Now, with just days left until adjournment, this bill will have to be rushed through conference.
"Sadly, this has been standard operating procedure for this Congress. For weeks and months we have wasted time in the Senate not addressing this bill or other important matters such as brining down the price of gas at the pump. The American people expect more out of Congress."
INHOFE PRAISES PETRAEUS ON A JOB WELL DONE
Senator Inhofe praised General David Petraeus for his extraordinary leadership and thanked him for a job well done. General Petraeus relinquished his command this week as Commander of Multi-National Force - Iraq to General Ray Odierno.
"Over the past year, General Petraeus has demonstrated extraordinary ability and deserves our nation's gratitude," Senator Inhofe said. "Thanks to General Petraeus and his leadership, tremendous progress is now being made in Iraq. I am encouraged to see that the Iraqis are capitalizing on the success of the surge, and beginning to bring about positive change on their own.
"The counterinsurgency strategy has brought about results that are nothing short of remarkable. This never would have been possible if we had yielded to the cut-and-run crowd. If we had failed to keep our commitment there, today Iraq would undoubtedly be more violent and politically unstable, and subject to greater Iranian influence. Generals Petraeus and Odierno have played an invaluable role in these successes, and will continue to benefit our nation through their leadership in the War on Terror."
"General Odierno, who has worked closely with General Petraeus over the past year, deserves credit for many of the recent successes. He is the right person to succeed General Petraeus, lead our troops and build upon the momentum we have gained over the past year."
In October, General Petraeus will take the helm of United States Central Command, located in Tampa, Florida, where he will be responsible for overseeing operations in the larger Middle East, including Iraq and Afghanistan.
INHOFE STRESSES THE NEED FOR OFFSHORE DRILLING AT HEARING
On Thursday, Sentor Inhofe joined several of his Senate Republican colleagues at a hearing focused on bringing down the price of gas at the pump. The Senate Republican Conference invited witnesses to testify regarding the enormous reserves that the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) holds - 18 billion barrels of oil and 76 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. These oil reserves are equivalent to 33 years' worth of oil imports from Saudi Arabia and over 36 years' worth of oil imports from Venezuela.
"Today I was pleased to join my Republican colleagues in a hearing to discuss the critical issue of increasing our domestic supply of oil and natural gas through expanded offshore development," Senator Inhofe said. "In addition to opening the OCS, I believe that Congress must allow the moratorium that bars leasing of oil shale to expire and believe that we must produce from ANWR as well.
"Republicans have consistently proposed measures to address high gasoline prices by increasing our domestic production. A vast majority of Americans now support offshore drilling and greater use of domestic energy resources. By consistently raising the issue of increased domestic production, now even some Democrats who just a few weeks ago adamantly opposed increased drilling now say they're for it. However, proposals to open only small portions of the OCS fall short on an issue the American people support and on which we are making substantial progress.
"America is not running out of oil and gas or running out of places to look for oil and gas. America is running out of places where we are allowed to look for oil and gas. The American public is demanding that the Democrats in Congress allow us to produce from our own resources. I think we are all hearing their message loud and clear."
Inhofe, State Chamber Discuss Issues Important to Oklahoma
This week, U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla) welcomed the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce to Washington DC. Oklahomans representing a variety of sectors across the state including businesses, schools, agriculture, and local government came to discuss Oklahoma priorities with the States Congressional Delegation.
On Tuesday, September 16, Sen. Inhofe delivered a presentation to the State Chamber delegation highlighting some of the recent accomplishments that have been made for Oklahoma including restoring the Highway Trust Fund, work on reauthorizing the Economic Development Administration for economic investments in Oklahoma, the progress at all 5 military installations, and recent legislation to help veterans.
"As always, it is a pleasure to meet with Oklahoma business and community leaders here in Washington, D.C.," said Senator Inhofe. "There has been a lot accomplished this week as we set goals to support economic opportunities and create jobs back home in Oklahoma. I believe the Chamber of Commerce does a tremendous job and I always appreciate the opportunity to meet with them."
Dick Rush, President and CEO of the State Chamber of Commerce praised Senator Inhofe for his continued work for Oklahoma. "It is always a privilege coming to Washington, D.C. each year and meeting with Senator Inhofe over the issues important to Oklahoma. From Oklahoma's infrastructure, protecting our military bases, to investment in new energy development, to creating an environment for continued economic development, among many other issues, Senator Inhofe continues his extraordinary record of representing Oklahomans."
INHOFE HONORS OKLAHOMA ANGELS IN ADOPTION NOMINEES
On Wednesday, Senator Inhofe welcomed Tulsa residents Rick and Kathy Clarke to Washington DC today as they attend the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute's annual "Angels in Adoption Gala" in Washington, D.C. Sen. Inhofe is a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption and has cosponsored a resolution naming November 15 National Adoption Day.
"It is my privilege to welcome Oklahoma Angels in Adoption nominees Rick and Kathy Clarke to Washington, D.C.," Senator Inhofe said. "I was pleased to select Rick and Kathy for this recognition because they have personally participated in the adoption process for thirteen years and have adopted nine children. Remaining steadfast in their belief that God has a special plan for every child, Rick and Kathy have raised each of their nine children to be productive, healthy, and strong leaders in their schools and communities. The Clarkes truly represent the blessings and the power of adoption."
About Rick and Kathy Clarke:
When Rick Clarke served for five years as a judge in juvenile court, working with abused and neglected children, both he and his wife, Kathy, formed a desire to help children who are most in need - those without families. Today, Rick dedicates part of law practice to adoption cases. He serves as a volunteer attorney through Tulsa Lawyers for Children, as a guardian ad litem through court appointments, and is on the board of Heritage Family Services, a Tulsa-based adoption agency. Kathy has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children and currently works on special education issues and with the PTA.
However, it is this family's personal story that sets it apart. The Clarkes have personally participated in the adoption process for thirteen years and have adopted nine children. Throughout these years, the Clarke family has faced hardships, and obstacles, yet they continue to grow as a family, both in number and character.
The Clarke's first adopted child was a three year-old boy from Oklahoma. The next two young children joined the family from Russia after being diagnosed with medical complications. The Clarkes later adopted three unrelated girls - aged fifteen, thirteen, and eight - through Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Lastly, they provided homes to two sisters from Liberia and an older boy from Ethiopia. The faith and perseverance of the Clarke family enables them to overcome the challenges of providing a permanent and loving home to so many children.
For more information on the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute or the annual Angels in Adoption Gala, please visit http://ccainstitute.org.
Inhofe Tours Flood Damage in Kay County
On Monday, Senator Inhofe visited flood-damaged areas of Blackwell in Kay County. Heavy rains from Tropical Depression Lowell caused the Chikaskia River to overflow, significantly damaging much of the town. About 250 homes were damaged and around 800 people were displaced in Blackwell. Some residents even had to be evacuated in air boats.
Senator Inhofe visited with local residents and officials, speaking to volunteers at a local church who were helping clean up damage from flood waters rising several feet, as well as at the homes of several residents.
"The devastation in Blackwell and Kay County has affected hundreds of residents and businesses," Senator Inhofe said. "It was important to come and see the damage firsthand and I appreciate State Representative Dale DeWitt for giving me on a tour of the area. I will be monitoring the situation closely and will work with local officials to make sure these communities make a full recovery."
State Representative Dale DeWitt (R-House District 38), who took the Senator on a tour of damaged areas in Blackwell, said, "We're proud, privileged and honored that Senator Inhofe made Blackwell a priority stop today. The devastation here is real and the fact that Senator Inhofe took the time to stop and assess the damage means a lot to me and our whole community. In the case that we need to apply for federal help from FEMA, knowing he's been on the ground and assessed the damage first-hand is a real comfort and we know we will be given an honest chance. Senator Inhofe is a valuable asset for all Oklahomans."
In the News...General praise: Petraeus returned hope to mission (Oklahoman)
The Oklahoman Editorial
General praise: Petraeus returned hope to mission
Wed September 17, 2008
Until the final chapter in Iraq is written, it's premature to rank Gen. David Petraeus with America's greatest military field commanders. Yet based on Petraeus' accomplishments the past 20 months in Iraq, it's not a stretch to imagine he might be mentioned alongside Grant, MacArthur and Eisenhower one day.
As Petraeus leaves Iraq this week for a new, higher command, Americans should recall that he was tasked with rescuing the United States from likely defeat in Iraq.
Flash back to February 2007. A month before, President Bush announced plans to increase troop levels in hopes of bringing security to Baghdad and halting the country's descent into chaos. Petraeus would be assigned to make it work.
Success wasn't guaranteed. Al-Qaida was flourishing, having incited Shiite and Sunni Iraqis against each other. U.S. troops often were targets in a shooting gallery, and the death toll among Iraqi civilians from car bombings and other terrorist attacks was appalling.
Many in Washington predicted Petraeus would fail and that the surge would make the situation worse. Still, Petraeus methodically deployed his troops, and soon U.S. and Iraqi forces went on offense.
Conditions improved during the summer, with Sunni militias joining the United States against al-Qaida. Even so, when Petraeus delivered his first report to Congress a year ago this month, many were skeptical.
Of course, the doubters were wrong. The surge worked, thanks to Petraeus' leadership and his troopers' belief in their mission. U.S. and Iraqi civilian casualties have fallen dramatically. Iraq is making progress.
Petraeus rightly warns the trend isn't irreversible. Many problems remain. Yet the general stopped a downward spiral - a death spiral - changing a hopeless situation into one of hope.
That's great leadership, military or otherwise, and Gen. Petraeus deserves his country's thanks - and perhaps its highest honors someday.
In the News...Inhofe tours Fairview flood area (Enid News)
Enid News
Inhofe tours Fairview flood area
By Dave Altman Staff Writer
FAIRVIEW - U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe got a firsthand look at the flood damage in Fairview Monday when he flew in for a tour.
Inhofe sits on the Senate committee that oversees Feder-al Emergency Management Agency. He told Fairview and Red Cross officials he always wants to see Oklahoma disasters for himself.
"It's easier if I can say I've been there," he said.
Fairview was flooded by nearly a foot of rain Friday morning. According to a preliminary Red Cross survey, some 110 homes were damaged by the flood.
After landing at the airport, Inhofe was given a tour of the flood damage by City Manager Dale Sides and state Rep. Jeff Hickman, a Republican who lives in Fairview. They showed the senator homes along North Main, Sooner, Surrey and West Beck. After the tour, Inhofe met with Mayor Kenneth Carmack and Robin Unruh, Cimarron Valley Chapter of American Red Cross executive director.
Inhofe told the officials Fairview probably won't have enough damage to warrant federal disaster aid. He congratulated the community on its Oklahoma spirit, noting everyone pitched in to help their neighbors.
Unruh told the senator the local Red Cross chapter will have to foot the bill for whatever assistance it gives because the national Red Cross has allocated all its money to hurricane relief in Texas. Unruh said the chapter is broke but received a $40,000 donation from United Way of Enid and Northwest Oklahoma to help. The chapter also is handling flooding in Alfalfa County.
City Manager Dale Sides noted Red Cross only works with homes; business owners need to register with the city.
In the News...First milestone reached in Highway Trust restoration (Purcell Register)
First milestone reached in Highway Trust restoration
U.S. Congress takes big step toward relieving situation
Susie Williams-Allen (405) 527-2126
Purcell, Ok -- When the Oklahoma Department of Transportation Director visited Purcell September 5, he had learned some disturbing news which could put road construction on hold.
On September 5, the U.S. Transportation Secretary said, effective immediately, the government would pay only a portion of federal highway construction contracts based on the amount available in the trust fund.
States are required to pay the federal contracts in full while they seek partial reimbursement.
Further, the federal reimbursement cycle is reduced from twice daily to once weekly.
ODOT Director Gary Ridley visited Purcell September 5. He spoke at the Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
"Oklahoma has the 15th largest transportation system in the United States," Ridley said. "The state has more bridges than Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin and others."
There are nearly 30,000 lane miles of highways in the state, he said. This calculates to about 12,266 miles of highway.
"There are 54 million miles traveled on the system daily," Ridley said. "It takes a lot of effort, which equates to dollars, to keep such a system in working order."
Funding is the biggest issue the state faces in keeping its highway and bridge system safe for travel.
"The increased demand on the system means increased maintenance and more in the budget," Ridley said.
With the U.S. Transportation announcement, Oklahoma, like many other states, would be in trouble when it comes to repairing and building roads.
The action by the U.S. agency resulted in Oklahoma postponing $80 million in projects that were bid in August.
ODOT officials said the action could result in the cancellation of the September bid letting, which totaled nearly $60 million.
It could also make possible a delay of work orders on already awarded projects and suspend right-of-way acquisition on future projects.
ODOT receives about $500 million annually in federal funds for highway and bridge projects.
The insolvency of the federal funds could be devastating to Oklahoma roads and bridges, Ridley said.
On September 11, ODOT officials reported the U.S. Senate passage of a bill addressing the federal Highway Trust Fund solvency crisis.
Ridley was in Washington, D.C. to testify before Congress in previously scheduled hearings on bridge safety, when the swift action was taken by the Senate.
"I believe I witnessed history in the making," Ridley said about the decision. "Senator Inhofe led the Senate and the nation on bringing about a speedy consensus on this matter in two days."
Ridley also said the speed with which the Senate addressed the measure bodes well for quick consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives and final action by the President.
Once this measure has been signed into law, ODOT stands ready to move quickly with a special meeting of the Oklahoma Transportation Commission to put projects back on track that were deferred at the September 8 meeting.
Funding for the projects comes from federal taxes Oklahomans pay when they purchase fuel. However, the federal trust fund had been tapped for money at a higher pace than provided by fuel taxes over the years, according to ODOT.
Oklahomans historically have paid more into the fund than they receive in the form of federal highway construction projects.
Federal dollars make up 85 percent of the ODOT construction work plan while state revenues are focused on day-to-day repairs and routine upkeep.
The gap left by the lack of federal revenue over time would have been impossible for the state to bear, Ridley said. Additionally, paying for the federal portion of contracts with state monies could have jeopardized ODOT's financial position for years to come.
ODOT officials will continue to closely monitor federal issues as Congress works in the next year to plan the future of the nation's transportation program.