Here are comments from the Oklahomans:

Rep. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City:
“Jobs, state and local tax revenues and North American energy independence remain stifled while the Administration continues to stall construction of this portion of the pipeline. Keystone XL will be subject to some of the most stringent safety regulations possible. TransCanada was able to mitigate the Nebraska Governor’s concerns about the location of the pipeline, and the State Department’s draft report issued in March suggests there is no reason NOT to build the pipeline. Why does the Administration continue to stall?”

Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Cheyenne: “The Keystone Pipeline project has the potential to create 20,000 direct jobs and 118,000 indirect jobs by creating a demand for welders, pipefitters, mechanics, electricians, heavy equipment operators etc. Many of these jobs would come to Oklahoma’s Third Congressional District, as approval of the northern portion of the pipeline would carry oil from the Canadian oil sands down to Cushing, Okla. Keystone would transport 830,000 barrels of oil per day, which is nearly half of what our country imports from the Middle East.”

Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-Westville: “The Keystone XL pipeline is extremely important to this country and to the 2nd District and I was pleased to be on the House Floor talking about its impact in my district. Since the beginning of my term I have called on the President to permit the northern leg of the project, but he continues to drag his feet. Today’s vote in the House shows how much support there is for this project.”

Cole: “I am pleased that my colleagues in the House continue fighting for construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline. Not only is the project a wise investment in the future of American energy production, but it also strengthens our national security by reducing dependence on foreign oil. Through TransCanada’s willingness to invest $7 billion to begin construction, this pipeline project would directly create 20,000 jobs without expending any federal dollars. Through this expansion with our allies in Canada, the pipeline would be a vital step toward creating much-needed jobs, tightening our national security and lowering fuel prices.”

“As a member from Connecticut, a state that recently endured the destruction of a hurricane, the tragedy of the slaughter of innocents in Newtown and, most recently, a train wreck this past weekend, we know that tragedy and natural disaster can befall any part of the country at any time,” Larson said.

“Our hearts go out to Oklahoma and to Representative Tom Cole, whose district has been devastated by this latest catastrophe. I recall how Tom Cole stood tall and voted for providing direct relief for Hurricane Sandy when it was not popular within his own Conference. He did what Americans do – rise to the aid of their fellow citizens.

“As the search and rescue efforts valiantly continue, let us not just offer our prayers, as needed and as welcome as they are; let us act as united citizens and send with all due speed the relief that the people of Oklahoma so desperately need.

“Disasters and tragedy should never be about ideology, politics or geographic locale; when Americans are in need of help, the Congress needs to respond. That is who we are as a people; that’s what makes us a more perfect union. Any American befallen by tragedy or natural disaster needs the assistance of its nation and fellow Americans.”

“Let us act now before we leave this week on a long recess. Oklahoma citizens struck by this disaster do not have the luxury to wait. Let us put politics and ideology aside and act on behalf of the American people.”

“Our thoughts and prayers rest with the people of Oklahoma today, with the families and loved ones of those killed in this natural disaster, with the men and women injured in the tornado and now beginning the path to recovery.

“This week’s storm left a town destroyed, homes decimated, lives changed and altered forever. The images of devastation in the tornado’s wake are unthinkable; the wide-reaching impact on the children of Moore and throughout the area is heart-breaking and unimaginable.

“As rescue workers continue the search for survivors, Members of Congress stand ready to do what we can to support the communities in Oklahoma, the first responders, and state and local government in their efforts to recover, respond, and rebuild.”

“This morning I spoke with Oklahoma Emergency Management Director Albert Ashwood, Major General Myles Deering of the Oklahoma National Guard, and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. State and Federal agencies are working together to coordinate the search and rescue efforts. The congressional delegation and I will join Governor Mary Fallin, local leaders, and FEMA officials this afternoon to ensure that resources are best used to help all those in need.”

“The magnitude of the challenges that our fellow Oklahomans face back home will continue for several days and several weeks _ not just the hope of the next few hours and days perhaps of finding someone underneath those rubble piles alive, but the process of recovering those who did not make it, the challenges the communities will face in rebuilding, that families will go through as they begin to lay their loved ones to rest who’ve been lost.
“We appreciate everything our fellow citizens say in their prayers and their actions. Just understand that in Oklahoma, while we battle weather constantly … in Congressman Cole’s district, where this tragedy occurred, it faced a storm that’s hard to describe.
“The only comparison would be 14 years ago in 1999. That tornado, which was even bigger, that tornado, which may not have taken as much life, nonetheless had an impact on our communities that will be hard to overcome.
“Again, thank you for your wishes, your thoughts, your prayers. Understand, we’ll rebuild and we in the delegation will work with our fellow Oklahomans to make sure they have that ability.”

“Oklahomans have always inspired the nation with their courage, compassion and resilience in the face of unspeakable tragedy and loss. That has already been the case in the few hours since these terrible tornadoes destroyed major parts of our communities, and will be the case as neighbors care for those who have lost everything, including children and family members.

“I spoke with Department of Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano last night about FEMA’s response. We still don’t know the scope of devastation and won’t for some time. But, as the ranking member of Senate committee that oversees FEMA, I can assure Oklahomans that any and all available aid will be delivered without delay.

“Our office has been encouraged by the outpouring of support and offers for help from across the country.”

Coburn said there is information on his website about how to help.

Here are comments from members of the Oklahoma delegation:

Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Cheyenne: “I voted for the third time to fully repeal Obamacare.
“I have voted over 30 times to defund the flawed law, and I will continue to vote for measures that will dismantle the Affordable Care Act. My constituents in Oklahoma’s Third Congressional District and many other Americans have unanimously voiced their opposition to Obamacare. The law clearly isn’t working. Families have already seen a major increase in health care premiums, and the additional taxes and mandates continue to place an extra layer of burden on hard-working Americans.”

Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-Westville: “Even initial supporters of the health care law are now deeming it a “train wreck.” As one of the few members of Congress who still owns a business, I represent thousands of concerned business owners across the nation who are burdened with federal regulations. Employers should not have to compete with the federal government or subject their companies to financial risk. Additionally, employers should not be penalized for wanting to grow and expand their business.”

Rep. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City: “Oklahomans consistently tell me how the law is already negatively impacting their families, businesses and healthcare options. The only way to avoid the unwanted side effects of this law is to repeal and replace it with a more patient-centered approach. We should not denigrate every Oklahoman’s healthcare options and increase their costs to subsidize the uninsured.

“The health care law has already caused the pending termination of a great state-run insurance program in Oklahoma, Insure Oklahoma. The State sought a waiver to continue operations after 2014, which was recently denied by the Administration. There is no reason an effective local solution providing affordable health insurance options should be terminated in favor of a detached Washington-based approach.”