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Fellow Oklahoman,
April was definitely a busy month in both Washington, D.C. and Oklahoma's Fourth District. For a full update on what I've been working on recently, continue reading below.
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Passed the 2026 Farm Bill
Agriculture is truly the heart of America - and as a lifelong Oklahoman, I know this firsthand. In fact, Oklahoma ranks first in the nation in the production of rye, third in the nation in the production of wheat, fifth in the production of cattle, pecans and grain sorghum, tenth in peanuts, and twelfth in watermelon. It is clear: Oklahoma’s farmers, ranchers, producers, and growers are essential to not only our state, but to our entire country.
In return, as the representative for over 13,000 farms and ranches in the Fourth District alone, I will always fight to ensure they are not neglected in Congress. Earlier this week, in passing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, we did just that.
This legislation focuses on practical policy for farm country. It will help to keep family farms in business, competition thriving, and grocery shelves stocked. This bill maintains America’s position as a global agriculture leader – because food security is national security. It provides farmers with the protection and stability they need to maintain healthy crops and produce, as well as streamlines working lands conservation programs and prioritizes responsible management of federal forests. Furthermore, it enacts these commonsense policies all while remaining budget neutral and prioritizing integrity and transparency.
The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 was must-pass legislation, and I am proud to have helped it get across the finish line with my vote. To see the list of wins for Oklahoma in this legislation, click here.
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Tax Day
April 15th was Tax Day - but this year, the American taxpayer reaped the benefits that the Republican-led Congress was able to secure.
Through the Working Families Tax Cuts, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, we simplified the tax code for 91 percent of taxpayers by boosting the Standard Deduction and ending the Democrats’ unlawful Direct File design. As a result, families did not pay any taxes on the first $31,500 they make – a large jump from not paying on only the first $13,000 you made under President Obama – and individuals did not pay any taxes on the first $15,750 he or she made.
We also acknowledged that tipped-workers are some of the Americans that have been hit the hardest by the inflation inflicted due to the past administration’s far-Left spending spree. That’s why we promised, and then delivered, no tax on tips – not to mention overtime and Social Security. Now, thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill, millions of tipped workers will get a $32 billion tax cut, proving that we are working for all Americans, not just billionaires like the Democrats claim.
The One Big Beautiful bill also helps the moms and dads throughout our nation working hard to support their children. Through this legislation, we have made multiple tax credits more valuable for families. For example, we more than doubled the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 per child and ensured the credit maintains its value with inflation. Without the One Big Beautiful Bill, the Child Tax Credit would have been just $1,000 per child.
Overall, the One Big Beautiful Bill means the American taxpayer is seeing the largest tax cuts in history this year. In fact, the average refund is projected to increase by $1,000 this year with a total of $91 billion in additional refunds being returned to the American people this spring. So, in conclusion, I look forward to you keeping more of the money you earn in your pocket.
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Ended the Democrat-Led Department of Homeland Security Shutdown
Just yesterday, we were finally able to end the Democrat-led DHS shutdown by fully restoring funding, stability, and pay for the majority of critical operations including TSA, FEMA, Secret Service, Coast Guard, and CISA - and we did so without any policy restrictions at the center of Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats' radical agenda.
While the far-left hoped to eradicate U.S. Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement resources, complete funding for those agencies is advancing concurrently. This two-pronged approach restores DHS immediately and makes it clear: enforcement will not be stripped.
Having Democrats diminish Article I and force the use of reconciliation was not my preferred path. Yet, this is the reality before us. My support of yesterday's action is for all the frontline personnel who would have – once again – been subjected to missed paychecks starting this weekend. I’d rather carry the weight of an imperfect move forward than ask them to carry the real-life burden of Democrat failure.
Trying to unilaterally dictate which national security functions survive while holding key operations and employees hostage during the longest government shutdown in history is not a record I would be proud of – but it’s one Democrats hold.
I thoroughly regret the erosion of the appropriations process Senate Democrats have instigated, and the consequences that were paid by everyday Americans. It is not a standard I accept – and my votes and position throughout this process have made that clear, each and every time.
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Voted to Protect the United States from Foreign Threats
During this time when we are constantly facing threats from our adversaries, the American military has ongoing operations in Iran, and chants of "death to America" are increasing from terrorist groups around the world, it is imperative that Congress take national security seriously. That's why, this month, we moved to renew a critical counter-terror tool called FISA Section 702. In fact, it is this tool that led to the successful Midnight Hammer operation, the Nicolas Maduro capture, and the prevention of a mass casualty event at a Taylor Swift concert.
In short, renewing FISA Section 702 ensures that our intelligence agencies can stop foreign terrorist plots before they even reach American soil, while at the same time protects the American people by ensuring Section 702 cannot be used to target Americans' electronic communications for collection.
We are making it very clear: our intelligence agencies are prepared and will not allow terrorists or our adversaries to win.
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Advanced Multiple Appropriations Bills Out of Committee
This month, the Appropriations Committee began our full committee markups for the Fiscal Year 2027. Moreover, I am proud to report that we were able to advance four bills out of committee. That means four of our twelve bills are ready for a vote on the House Floor.
First, we advanced the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs bill. This legislation serves as a testament to our veterans, our servicemembers, and the families behind them. It comprehensively supports the care, resources, and readiness that make a difference for those who answer the call to defend this nation - past, present, and future.
Then, my full committee passed the Fiscal Year 2027 Financial Services and General Government bill, which restores discipline to federal spending, eliminates waste, and ensures taxpayer dollars are focused where they matter most - supporting our economy, strengthening safeguards, and reinforcing the foundations of American success.
Next, we advanced the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill. This was a critical step towards further strengthening America's leadership on the world stage while upholding fiscal discipline. This legislation leaves no doubt that the United States will lead with purpose and strength, both at home and abroad, because America First does not mean America alone.
Lastly, the Appropriations Committee passed the FY-27 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Act through full committee. This bill delivers targeted investments to support farmers and ranchers, prioritize food and drug safety, and reinforces important research and innovation. It advances the foundation of American strength - our agriculture, rural communities, and critical supply chains.
In conclusion, the Appropriations Committee has been hard at work this April. I look forward to continuing this work throughout the month of May and into the Summer.
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Stay Informed
In addition to my newsletter, I encourage you to keep up with my work through my social media, like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or need assistance with a casework matter, my staff is available to help. Just call my office at (405) 329-6500, and my staff will be ready to assist.
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Tom Cole
Member of Congress
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| I visited the Chickasha Police Department to get an update from Police Chief G.G. Music. | It was a great honor and privilege to attend King Charles III's Joint Address. The United States and the United Kingdom are two great democracies and two great defenders of human liberty around the world, and I am proud to see our countries showing their unity. | I had a great meeting with Secretary Doug Burgum this month. The Secretary is truly doing important work managing our beloved national parks, conserving our public lands, and upholding the government's Tribal trust and treaty responsibility - work that is of the utmost importance to me personally as an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. | It was great to attend Northrop Grumman's Supplier Day in Oklahoma City, where I had the opportunity to meet with local suppliers, industry partners, and community leaders. Our state plays such a critical role in protecting the warfighter and advancing the defense industrial base. | The Appropriations Committee has been hard at work this month. We have advanced multiple bills out of both subcommittees and full committee! | Earlier this month, I had a wonderful lunch with Rural Electric Cooperatives CEO, Dusty Ricks, and their board members. We discussed the importance of FEMA funding due to the extensive storm damage to poles and other electricity infrastructure in Oklahoma. | I was able to tour the Walmart Distribution Center with General Manager Larry Turner and Government Affairs Director Laura Siegrist. At almost 800 employees, this distribution center provides a hub for groceries and pet food for all of Oklahoma, as well as part of North Texas, within the Walmart system. | I visited the Medallion Mint in Chickasha to learn about their commemorative coin and vending machine operation. | Earlier this month, I attended the budget hearing on the National Guard and Reserve Forces. In just this past year, we have seen clear examples of both the Guard and the Reserve components serving as essential force multipliers across a range of missions. We owe it to them to ensure that federal funding reflects their operational demand and the critical dual role they serve. | |
