Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Rep. Cole tapped to chair powerful House Rules Committee, Rep. Lucas leading Science, Space, and Tech


Oklahoma's two most senior members of the United States House of Representatives have been tapped to head up House committees. Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) will chair the powerful House Rules Committee, while Rep. Frank Lucas (OK-03) will chair the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Rep. Kevin Hern contributes to Oklahoma's oversized influence in the House by heading up the Republican Study Committee, the largest ideological caucus in the chamber.

Congressman Tom Cole Appointed House Rules Committee Chairman

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) was officially appointed Chairman of the House Rules Committee for the 118th Congress by Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Before consideration on the House floor, every major piece of legislation must first pass through the Rules Committee. 

“I am honored to be selected as Chairman of the House Rules Committee, and I am grateful to Speaker Kevin McCarthy for appointing me to serve in this key role as we enter a new era of leadership in the House,” said Cole. “The American people made it abundantly clear that they want to see change in the way things operate in Washington, and our Republican majority is already taking steps to reopen the People’s House, restore freedom and security, hold government accountable, bring back fiscal sanity and build a transparent and effective body. I look forward to my continued part in the critical work ahead for the American people.” 

“As chair of the House Rules Committee, Tom Cole is boldly leading the shift from the centralized power of the past and returning to regular order that empowers the American public,” said Speaker McCarthy. “Republicans are keeping our commitment to make Congress more open, accountable, and responsive.”

Prior to this appointment, Cole served numerous stints on the House Rules Committee. He was first selected as a member from 2004 to 2006, then reappointed in 2013 in the 113th Congress and remained on the panel during each consecutive Congress – including serving as Vice Chairman of the committee beginning in 2017 and as Ranking Member of the committee during the past two congresses. He is the first Oklahoman and Native American to chair the committee.


Frank Lucas Chosen to Chair House Science, Space, and Technology Committee

Washington, DC (Jan. 10th) – Today, the House Republican Conference elected Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) to chair the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee in the 118th Congress.

“I am deeply honored that my colleagues have chosen me to lead the Science, Space, and Technology Committee,” Lucas said. “Our Committee’s work ensures the United States remains the world’s leader in science and technology and stays competitive in the global economy. As Chairman, I’m looking forward to getting right to work on forward-looking issues, including securing our supply chain for advanced technologies, renewing our leadership in space and aeronautics, researching ways to make American energy cleaner and more affordable, and combating the threats we face from the Chinese Communist Party. We will also conduct critical oversight on the billions and billions of dollars the Democratic-led Congress and Administration have poured into our agencies over the last two years, to hold them accountable and ensure taxpayer dollars are protected from waste, fraud, and abuse. 

“The Science Committee has a history of bipartisan work, and my hope is that we will continue to have a productive and collaborative relationship with our colleagues across the aisle. I’m looking forward to working with Ranking Member Lofgren on our shared priorities. 

“America has long been the global leader because of our commitment to innovative, fundamental research and our ability to leverage public-private partnerships. It will be our job on the Committee to ensure the U.S. stays at the cutting edge of science and technology by supporting and protecting American research. I’m eager to get to work.”

Lucas has served as Ranking Member of the Science Committee since 2019, and prior to that was Vice Chairman. From 2011 to 2015 he was the Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, where he led the passage of the 2014 Farm Bill. 



Bice Congratulates Oklahoma Reps. Cole & Lucas on Chairmanships

Washington, D.C. (Jan. 10th) - Congresswoman Stephanie Bice (OK-05) released the following statement on the after Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) was appointed Chairman of the House Rules Committee and Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) was appointed Chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.

"Congratulations to my good friends and fellow delegation members Congressmen Tom Cole and Frank Lucas on their Chairmanships! As Chairman of the House Rules Committee, Cole will have great influence over legislation which comes to the House Floor. Lucas will lead the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, which oversees research and development funding for NASA, NOAA, the National Weather Service, and more. Having strong, experienced leaders running these important committees will benefit Republicans and bring home results for Oklahomans across our great state."

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