Dear Oklahoma Friends and Neighbors,

The last few weeks have been very busy. The Tulsa and Washington offices moved into new spaces, I gave my first formal address to the Senate, and we passed legislation that will affect how we deal with nuclear negotiations with Iran, our long-term budget and provide transparency for taxpayers.

Since we are in the midst of graduation season, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all those graduating in the class of 2015. In the commencement address to OSU graduates last weekend, I encouraged them to consider five things: 1) get out of debt, 2) reconnect with your faith, 3) heal family hurts, 4) serve, and 5) don’t forget your Oklahoma roots. If you are graduating from high school or college, I wish you all the best in your next steps of life. Congratulations on your remarkable accomplishment. 

Maiden Floor Speech

Last week, I was grateful to give my Maiden Floor Speech to the Senate. This time-honored tradition dates back to the early 1900s and serves as an opportunity for freshmen senators to outline their agenda. The issues I addressed last week focus on what the Senate can do to turn around our great nation: Debt, Defense and federal Directives.

It was an honor to represent Oklahoma as I discussed the direction of our country, I believe we can reduce the national debt, protect our freedom, and alleviate the regulatory burdens of the federal government on all Oklahomans and Americans. Our values of liberty, hard work and care for our neighbor can lift families out of poverty and provide a strong future for our nation.

If you are interested in the history of the Maiden Speech, CLICK HERE.

New Office Space

The DC and Tulsa offices finally moved in. The DC staff, which was housed in the basement of the Dirksen office building for the last five months, is now located in 316 Hart Senate Office Building. The major feature for staff - sunlight. The video below illustrates the transition from our temporary space to the new office. If you are visiting DC, please stop by! 

Here's a short video showing the transition into the new space! 

The Tulsa office also moved into their final space. The new contact information for Tulsa is 5810 East Skelly Drive, Suite 1000. 

Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act

Last month, the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act passed unanimously out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The Senate, last week, passed the act by an overwhelming majority of 98-1. The bipartisan support of this bill illustrates how important this legislation is to the safety and security of our nation.

The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act is an important tool for Americans to regain their voice in the negotiations with Iran in regards to their development of a nuclear weapon. The final agreement adopted by the Senate:

• Requires the president to submit the final agreement to the American people and Congress for review.
• Prohibits the president from waiving the statutory sanctions while Congress reviews the agreement within a certain time frame.
• Includes accountability measures through the certification of compliance.
• Provides an expedited process for Congress to restore sanctions if Iran is found to be noncompliant. 
• Allows Congress to enact a joint resolution of disapproval that would permanently prevent the president from suspending congressional sanctions. 
• Includes reporting requirements on Iran’s support for terrorism, human rights violations and ballistic missile testing.

We must keep Iran accountable for their actions and provide our country the tools to enforce all provisions outlined in the final agreement. 

To view the full text of the bill, CLICK HERE.

Every Child Achieves Act

Oklahomans know best, and when it comes to educating our children, I trust the parents, teachers and students in Oklahoma more than federal bureaucracy in DC. Legislation passed in 2001 was intended to create a “level playing field” for students but it actually hindered the promotion of excellence, opportunity and achievement. Last month, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions (HELP) unanimously passed the Every Child Achieves Act (ECAA) which is a “fix” to No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

ECAA, as passed out of committee, will give control back to the state and local school districts. Additionally, the ECAA will end unnecessary federal testing requirements, eliminate overbearing federal mandates and reduce the regulatory burden on state and local educators. 

My goal is to protect parents and teachers as they prepare students for success. Well intentioned federal bureaucrats, who have never stepped foot in Oklahoma, should not set the standards for Oklahoma children. I appreciate the thoughts and input of our educators and I remain dedicated to protect our students and schools. 

To view a copy of the bill passed by the HELP committee, CLICK HERE. 

Keeping You In The Loop

• Committee work: 
  • On April 16, I questioned Education Secretary Arne Duncan in an Appropriations hearing regarding their budget request. To watch the Q&A, CLICK HERE. 
  • On April 20, I chaired a hearing to examine the Census Bureau’s preparation for 2020. CLICK HERE to watch the hearing. 
  • On April 23, I questioned HHS Secretary Sylvia Burwell during an Appropriations hearing on Medicare auditing and protecting Americans against monitor diseases through our ICD-10 system. To watch, CLICK HERE. 
  • On April 29, I questioned the Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson, at the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on the agencies steps to clarify immigration enforcement. To watch the Q&A, CLICK HERE. I also questioned Sec. Johnson on the difference between the freedom of worship and freedom of religion on the naturalization test. To watch the discussion, CLICK HERE. 
  • On April 30, I chaired a Regulatory Affairs hearing on Judicial Review of the Regulatory Process. To watch the hearing, CLICK HERE. 
  • On April 30, I questioned a panel at an Appropriations hearing on NIH funding request for FY 2016 budget. To watch the hearing, CLICK HERE.
  • On May 5, I met with FCC Chairman, Tom Wheeler, to discuss the agencies funding request for FY 2016.
• On the floor:
  • On May 13, I spoke on the Senate floor to address my opposition to the Corporate Payment Shift Budget gimmick in the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2013 (S.1267). To watch the full speech CLICK HERE.
• Do you know how many branches of the military are in Oklahoma? If you answered all of them, you are correct! You are probably familiar with the Air Force and Army locations, but the Navy TACAMO unit is stationed at Tinker AFB and the US Marine Corps conducts their artillery training at Ft. Sill. Even the Coast Guard operates in Oklahoma.
• On May 26, 2015 I will chair an Indian Affairs Field Hearing at the Andarko High School auditorium at 4:30 p.m. The hearing will focus on "Advancing Economic Success in Indian Country". 
• In March, I launched the #CutRedTape Initiative to address our Nation’s over-regulatory and unaccountable rule making process. Currently, there is no portal for Oklahomans and Americans to communicate with Senators on how regulations affect their way of life. If you have a regulation that is burdensome to you or your business, I want to here about it. To submit your story, CLICK HERE. To read more about the #CutRedTape Initiative CLICK HERE. 
• Are you visiting DC this summer? If so, please contact my office. We can assist you with Capitol and White House tours or any general questions about visiting DC. Every Wednesday Congress is in session I hold a coffee hour-- Java with James. Drop by when you are in town from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in 316 Hart Senate Office Building. 
• Assisting our Veterans: There are a number of resources in Oklahoma for our veterans. Oklahoma has three Vet Centers that can assist you with counseling, outreach and referral services. The Vet Center is a great resource for questions about VA benefits. 

Locations: 

OKC Vet Center: 405-456-5184

Tulsa Vet Center: 918-628-2760

Lawton Vet Center: 580-585-5880

Or you can visit www.vetcenter.va.gov. 

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Stay Connected! 

If you would like more information on these topics or any other legislation currently before the U.S. Senate, please do not hesitate to call my D.C. office at (202) 224-5754. My Oklahoma City office can be reached at (405) 231-4941 and my Tulsa office at (918) 581-7651. You can also follow me on Facebook or Twitter or Instagram for updates on my work in Congress.

Notice: If you wish to stop ALL electronic communications from my office, visit this link to opt out permanently from this list. If you have any questions about this Notice or your right to decline future electronic mail from this office, please contact us at United States Senate, 316 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510.