Washington News

New Economic Opportunities Have Arrived at Tinker Air Force Base

Yesterday, Senator Inhofe was joined by Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and other dignitaries to celebrate the Air Force's takeover of the abandoned GM plant in Oklahoma County. The symbolic handing of the keys of the empty factory to a new Aerospace Complex represents exciting new economic opportunities for the area.

• Senator Inhofe was instrumental in making the lease signing a reality which is going to lead to more high-tech jobs and improvements at Tinker Air Force Base.
• In his remarks at the ceremony Senator Inhofe praised the cooperation of the entire community, "There have been times when it looked like this project was dead but we persevered. In the end, we set Oklahoma City and Tinker Air Force Base on a path of future growth and success... I am so proud to serve the people of Oklahoma, who always seek out that which is best for our country."

Tulsa World Endorses Senator Inhofe!

This week The Tulsa World announced its endorsement of Senator Inhofe praising him for his effective leadership for Oklahoma including his work to protect Oklahoma's military bases through his senior position on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

• "Oklahoma needs a senior senator, and Jim Inhofe has proven to be an effective one. He has earned re-election to a third full term in the U.S. Senate."
• "He is a ranking member of the powerful Environment and Public Works Committee and is one of the senior members on another key committee, Armed Services. He has served the state well in those posts. ...there is no question that he is a fierce and effective fighter for his home state, its taxpayers and its businesses."

Lawton Constitution: Local families relish short respite with Guardsmen

As reported in the Lawton Constitution on Wednesday, Senator Inhofe was in Fort Hood, Texas to attend a departure ceremony for the Oklahoma Army National Guardsmen serving in the 45th Fires Brigade as they prepared to leave for a 9-month deployment to Iraq and Kuwait.

• Senator Inhofe: "Today, as we stand with several of Oklahoma's finest as they prepare to leave for Iraq, we show our appreciation and gratitude for their service and pray for their safety as we continue to fight the War on Terror."
• "Oklahoma currently stands as one of the greatest contributors of mobilized Guardsmen in the War on Terrorism. Oklahomans can take pride in the quality and dedication of our citizen-soldiers. ...We could not be more proud of these men and women in uniform and stand humbled by the sacrifices made by them and their loved ones."

Military Families United Endorses Senator Inhofe

Last week, Senator Jim Inhofe was proud to receive the endorsement for reelection by Military Families United, the nation's leading advocacy organization representing Gold Star and Blue Star families. Senator Inhofe has been singled out as the only U.S. Senator to receive an endorsement from Military Families United for the 2008 election cycle.

• John Ellsworth, President of Military Families United: "Military Families United, on behalf of its more than 40,000 members and supporters, is pleased to endorse Senator Inhofe for reelection. Jim Inhofe is a sound supporter of our troops, their mission, and the families standing with them. He has demonstrated unwavering support for our military and veterans through his leadership in the U.S. Senate," stated. We need more leaders like Jim Inhofe in Washington looking out for our troops and their families."
• Senator Inhofe has also received the endorsement of the Veterans of Foreign Wars PAC, Vets for Freedom, National Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans Coalition, and Veterans' Vision.

Oklahoma News

Inhofe: A Champion of National Defense

Last week, Senator Inhofe was named a "Champion of National Defense" by one of the nation's leading national security policy organizations, the Center for Security Policy (CSP).

• Senator Inhofe achieved a perfect 100% national security rating for his policies that support our defense and military.
• CSP President Frank J. Gaffney, Jr.: "Our National Security Scorecard shows that Senator Inhofe has a solid and consistent track record as a leader who supports legislation that will ensure that our nation remains strong and secure."

Inhofe Legislation Benefiting Veterans Signed Into Law

Last week, President Bush signed important veterans legislation that Senator Inhofe helped sponsor including The Veterans' Mental Health and Other Care Improvements Act of 2008 and a provision included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 that will allow veterans to salute the flag during the National Anthem.

• Bruce Whitman, Co-Chairman, Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation and President and CEO, FlightSafety International praised Senator Inhofe for his work, saying: "The Veterans Mental Health bill is a major step toward providing the type of mental health care our veterans deserve. We particularly want to commend Senator Inhofe for his successful efforts on the salute the flag legislation. If it were not for Senator Inhofe's commitment, 25 million American veterans would not be able to render the military salute to the American flag."
• U.S. Navy Captain (Ret.) Bill Mercer thanked Senator Inhofe for fighting for the SBP benefits, saying, "...Veterans groups have been fighting for this legislation for several years, which has been dropped in conference committee. Keep fighting Senator Inhofe! Our military needs you."

President Bush Signs Defense Authorization Bill

As a Senior Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Inhofe welcomed the President's signature of the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal year 2009 which includes important funding provisions for Oklahoma's military and bases.

• Senator Inhofe: "Oklahoma leads the nation in ensuring our service men and women have the best equipment in the world, providing and maintaining weapons and equipment, conducting research, and developing and fielding new technologies. I believe the legislation signed into law today strengthens that proud tradition."
• Senator Inhofe successfully added several amendments during committee consideration in May, including legislation to establish a Traumatic Extremity Injury and Amputee Center of Excellence, require the Department of Defense to provide a report on nutritional care for wounded warriors, establish a paternity leave policy providing 10 days of administrative leave for new fathers, and allow veterans and service members not in uniform to salute the flag during the National Anthem.