U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) praised the passage of the three appropriations bills on Monday. These bills provide the necessary funding for the Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Energy, military construction and Veterans Affairs and the Legislative branch.
“The passage of these appropriations bills today are a win for Oklahoma and for the American people. Funding for the Army Corps of Engineers is key to so many of our state’s vital water infrastructure projects. For example, by providing more funding for the Corps’ operations and maintenance and construction budgets we can make progress in updating projects, like the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) to ensure our best connection to the world’s markets remains operational. This legislation also provides needed investment for the Department of Veterans Affairs and military infrastructure. I worked to ensure that the bill will fully fund programs to prevent opioid abuse and veteran homelessness, as well as provide over $10 million for a new ICU at the Oklahoma City facility so our veterans can have the high-quality service and care they deserve.”
Sen. Inhofe also cosponsored an amendment with Sen. Boozman to require the VA to develop an plan to avoid clinical mistakes that result in adverse events. This amendment would create greater accountability when preventing and addressing clinical errors.
Sen. Inhofe secured key funding for Oklahoma priorities including:
- $12 million for the KC-46 training simulator at Altus Air Force Base
- $166 million for the KC-46 maintenance and fuel maintenance hangars at Tinker Air Force Base
- $7 million for the bulk diesel system replacement at McAlester Army Ammunition Plant
- Increased funding for waterways and operations and maintenance that will support Oklahoma projects like the MKARNS.
- Prioritization of projects in drought stricken areas to include treatment of brackish water, like the authorized Red River Chloride Control project in Southwest Oklahoma.
- Funding for produced water research for which OU and OSU are well-positioned to compete.