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.”

This screen shot, provided by C-SPAN, shows Rep. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City, speaking in the U.S. House chamber on Wednesday. Right behind Lankford is Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Cheyenne; behind Lankford’s right shoulder, wearing a white shirt and blue tie, is Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-Westville.

Note: Click on picture to see larger version.

“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.”

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.”

APRIL 29

CHANDLER
9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m.
Chandler Public Library
1021 Manvel Avenue

STROUD
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Heritage Hall, Old Elementary School Building
501 North 1st Avenue

BRISTOW
2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Bristow Public Library, Large Conference Room
111 West 7th Street

SAPULPA
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Collins Building, 2nd Floor Ballroom
317 East Lee

APRIL 30

PIEDMONT
10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
George Fina Municipal Building
314 Edmond Road Northwest

YUKON/MUSTANG
1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Canadian Valley Technology Center, Cowan Campus
1701 South Czech Hall Road

EL RENO
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Redlands Community College, Arts & Sciences Building, Room A-S 120
1300 South Country Club Road

Lucas said, “I am surprised the Washington, D.C. based political group, Club for Growth would target me as a Congressman who has not voted conservatively enough.
“In my record of representing my constituents in the Third Congressional District of Oklahoma, I have always put their best interest first. On their web site, the Club for Growth is trying to affect Republican primaries, and I believe that is their right of free speech. However, anytime I have to choose between the influences of D.C. political groups and my fellow Oklahomans – I will always side with my fellow Oklahomans.”

Here is an excerpt from Club for Growth press release. The reference to Mitt Romney is the GOP presidential nominee’s performance in the highlighted members’ districts last year.

“Club for Growth Action will rotate liberal Republicans through the website to highlight their failed records on limiting government. To start, the following Republican members are highlighted:

· Rep. Mike Simpson (ID-02) Lifetime Club for Growth Rating: 58%; Romney % of Vote: 64%

· Rep. Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) Lifetime Club for Growth Rating: 56%; Romney % of Vote: 53%

· Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01) Lifetime Club for Growth Rating: 56%; Romney % of Vote: 61%

· Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-03) Lifetime Club for Growth Rating: 68%; Romney % of Vote: 74%

· Rep. Steve Palazzo (MS-04) Lifetime Club for Growth Rating: 69%; Romney % of Vote: 68%

· Rep. Martha Roby (AL-02) Lifetime Club for Growth Rating: 69%; Romney % of Vote: 63%

· Rep. Larry Bucshon (IN-08) Lifetime Club for Growth Rating: 68%; Romney % of Vote: 58%

· Rep. Renee Ellmers (NC-02) Lifetime Club for Growth Rating: 66%; Romney % of Vote: 57%

· Rep. Aaron Schock (IL-18) Lifetime Club for Growth Rating: 61%; Romney % of Vote: 61%

“Big government liberals inhabit the Democratic Party, but they are far too common within the Republican Party as well,” said Club for Growth President Chris Chocola. “The Republicans helped pass billions of dollars in tax increases and they have repeatedly voted against efforts by fiscal conservatives to limit government. PrimaryMyCongressman.com will serve as a tool to hold opponents of economic freedom and limited government accountable for their actions.”

“I am disappointed President Obama and leaders in the Senate have yet to come up with a solution to replace the sequester.

“The House has already acted twice to replace sequestration with commonsense spending cuts that do not unfairly target the U.S. Department of Defense. While our country is still fighting a war in Afghanistan, it is imperative that we prevent harmful cuts to national defense.

“In the Third District we have Altus and Vance Air Force Bases, which both play a crucial role in protecting the United States and keeping jobs in Oklahoma. Our country depends on these military installments to protect each and every American citizen, and we must do everything possible to prevent these automatic cuts from taking place.

“It has been nearly four years since the Senate has produced a budget. I believe at this time when we are facing a national deficit over $16.6 trillion, it is time for the President and the Senate to follow our lead in the House and produce a budget with rational spending cuts that will replace these harmful automatic spending cuts.”

Wednesday, February 20:

Cordell Town Hall Meeting

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Police Department, Precinct Room

105 West Main Street

Mangum Town Hall

1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Welcome Center

119 East Jefferson

Hobart Town Hall Meeting

3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Western Technology Center, Seminar Room

1000 South Bailey

Thursday, February 21:

Altus Town Hall Meeting

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Western Oklahoma State College, Herschel Crow Auditorium

2801 North Main Street

Hollis Town Hall Meeting

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Civic Center

208 West Jones Street

Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Muskogee: “The president is right to examine what can be done to prevent tragedies such as Sandy Hook from occurring again. I commend his effort and look forward to working with him on areas of agreement while we continue to honestly debate areas of disagreement. For instance, the president is right to take steps to strengthen mental health databases and reporting to the NICS system so we can ensure that guns do not end up in the hands of criminals or those who are a threat to themselves or others. In the hands of a deranged person, a clip size of one is one too many. Still, states are primarily responsible for enacting measures to improve reporting to the NICS system.
“I also support the president’s call for Congress to vote on these measures and I will review his recommendations in detail. Some have asked whether I will try to block or filibuster this debate because of my support of the Second Amendment. My goal is the opposite. I believe Congress has a responsibility to review all of our laws and make adjustments as necessary in a transparent, open and deliberative manner. I would welcome the opportunity to debate these issues on the floor of the Senate, and would encourage Majority Leader Reid to schedule a full and open debate. Members of Congress and the American people have a right to know where members stand on these key policies. If members can’t defend their positions, they don’t deserve to be here.
“However, as we debate these measures, we first must ensure our constitutional rights and individual liberties, including the Second Amendment right to bear arms, are protected. Instead of repeating the failed policies of the past, Congress should work on thoughtful and constitutional ways to prevent unspeakable tragedies like this from happening again. The fact that almost every public mass shooting tragedy occurs in a place where guns are prohibited shows that restricting Second Amendment rights tends to disarm everyone but the assailant.
“Secondly, we must acknowledge that with rights come responsibilities. Gun owners must exercise personal responsibility and do everything in their power to prevent firearms and ammunition from falling into the wrong hands.
“Finally, policymakers in Washington should remember that the legislative process is downstream from culture. The laws we make in Washington have less impact than the movies and video games that are shaping the hearts and minds of the next generation. Special interest groups from across the spectrum – from Hollywood to the NRA – all have a responsibility to defend a culture of life and liberty. Still, Congress shouldn’t take our cues from these groups. As elected officials, we should be beholden solely to the Constitution. Our job as it relates to interest groups is not to take instructions from them, but to give direction to them through our constitutional authority to legislate.”

Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa: “While we mourn with those who have lost loved ones, in no way should the actions of those few who act illegally impact the constitutional rights of the many,” said Inhofe. “I will continue to strongly oppose any effort to undermine the Second Amendment and an individual citizen’s right to keep and bear arms
“What people need to understand about today’s announcement is that it involved two very distinct actions by the president: 1) executives actions that the President will be implementing unilaterally, and 2) making recommendations to Congress for laws that it should pass. Most of the planned executive orders are common sense changes that are within the President’s current powers to implement, namely:

1) Launch a national safe and responsible gun ownership campaign.

2) Provide law enforcement, first responders, and school officials with proper training for active shooter situations.

3) Maximize enforcement efforts to prevent gun violence and prosecute gun crime.

4) Launch a national dialogue led by Secretaries Sebelius and Duncan on mental health.

“I will adamantly oppose any executive order that I believe infringes upon duly enacted laws by the Congress or on our Constitutional rights. Where I do disagree with the President is on his recommendations for laws Congress should pass. We know from experience that an assault weapons ban will have no meaningful effect on gun violence, as many of the changes that are implemented by a such a ban are cosmetic in nature. Statistics demonstrate that a ban on particular weapons will not significantly decrease crime. Such a ban will, however, significantly decrease our rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
“The text of the Constitution clearly confers upon an individual the right to bear arms – and not just for the purposes of hunting as many liberals will claim. Our Founders believed that the people’s right to own guns was an important check on the powers of the government and ‘necessary to the security of a free State.’ I couldn’t agree more and I stand firm in my support of this right.”

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Moore: “I will oppose any legislation to limit the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans, including a ban on so-called assault weapons. I represent tens of thousands of responsible gun owners who safely use guns for hunting and protection, and restricting their freedom is not the solution to gun violence.”

Rep. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City: “We all remain deeply saddened by the tragedies and loss of life from the too-frequent incidents of violence in the United States.
“Since our founding, Americans have owned and kept guns in their homes. The recent rise in mass shootings is not a product of gun ownership but a cultural shift that has occurred in our nation, requiring serious evaluation. Any proposals to address this shift must work to solve the problem, not just force Congress to ‘do something.’
“On behalf of thousands of parents of students in central Oklahoma, I applaud the President’s emphasis on school safety. I support efforts to reduce bullying and violence in our schools through creative local solutions, and I encourage responsible adults to get involved in the health and safety of our nation’s children. The President’s efforts to begin to implement some of House Oversight’s recommendations to prevent gun trafficking in America will bolster local community safety initiatives for our children and families.
“State governments are best equipped to deal with local gun safety issues,” continued Lankford. “The State of New York’s recent choice to enact new gun controls on its citizens to meet a unique regional opinion does not force citizens of other states to live under a federal one-size-fits-all model.
“As a staunch Second Amendment advocate, I remain committed to the principle that any federal proposals must be constitutionally consistent and work to solve the societal problems we face. Since the President selected the Vice President, the de facto leader of the Senate, to lead his task force, it is my assumption that the Senate will immediately take up the President’s proposals.
“I will reserve judgment on any proposed legislation until I am able to review the Senate-passed versions of the President’s proposals.”

Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Cheyenne: “President Obama’s announcement that his Administration will be using executive actions to implement additional gun control is deeply troubling to me.
“Bypassing Congress to implement stricter gun laws is not the solution to preventing violence in our country. In the wake of recent tragedies, I believe it is important for leaders of our country to take a step back and calmly evaluate all factors, including mental health factors, contributing to recent tragedies. I can assure my constituents in the Third District I will fight against the president’s gun control agenda and oppose any attempt to instate new laws infringing on citizen’s Second Amendment rights.”

Rep. Markwayne Mullin, R-Westville: “The constitution was not written by the government to tell the people what rights they had. The constitution was written by the people to limit the government’s power. What the Obama administration is proposing in potential legislative actions and executive orders is a violation of 2nd amendment rights, which guarantee us the right to keep and bear arms.
“In Oklahoma there are many law abiding citizens who hunt, fish and keep guns for self-protection. The last thing we need to do infringe upon the rights of those citizens. Criminals who chose to break the law will not be deterred by any number of executive actions. These rights are a fundamental way of life for people in my District and across the United States.
“The President is politicizing a national tragedy to impose his own personal agenda. This is outrageous and an outright assault on civil liberties. I strongly oppose restricting the rights of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms and will do everything I can to protect our second amendment rights.”

Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Tulsa: “I support the 2nd Amendment. The President’s legislative proposals including a ban on various types of guns and magazines violate our Constitutional rights and I will not support such proposals.”