Oklahoma
Oklahoma congressional delegation offer praise to Trump speech
President Donald Trump delivered a 108-minute State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress Tuesday night. The speech celebrated what Trump called a “turnaround for the ages,” highlighting what he says have been broad economic gains over the past year, as well as historic achievements in border security, immigration enforcement and foreign policy. Democrats, in their rebuttal, painted a very different picture, insisting economic conditions have worsened under Trump and that his administration shows little respect for the rule of law while striving to enrich themselves.
The members of the Oklahoma delegation, all Republicans, offered praise for the president and his message:
Sen. James Lankford (interview with Griffin Media):
“Yeah, the President spoke for just less than two hours, but he walked through some key issues that I’ve had a lot of Oklahomans ask about. Where are we on illegal immigration? How are we handling enforcement? Where’s the economy? He spent a tremendous amount of time at the beginning talking about, ‘Here are the change in prices we’ve seen in eggs, in vehicles, in mortgages and inflation rate, and the significant change that that has come down.’ He spent a lot of time talking about international issues at the end, and a lot of time talking about crime and things that Americans really talk about, and I’ve had a lot of Oklahomans ask about at the beginning. So, he spent the first half talking through, I think, the Americans—the kitchen table issues there: crime, economy, where are we going as a country? Starting more jobs, having more opportunities, the tax cut changes that are really affecting a lot of Oklahomans. And then towards the end, spend a lot of time talking about international issues, including Iran. I think he needed to spend a little more time talking about the issues with Iran, since we have such a military build-up there to explain to the American people. This is why this is such a big issue, and he spent the time doing that.”
Rep. Stephanie Bice (interview with Griffin Media):
“Well, I thought it was really an opportunity for the president to talk about what he’s done over the last year and also highlight the wins. You know, we’ve seen so many people impacted by things like border security, the Big Beautiful Bill, you know, economic reform, and so he was really highlighting that tonight…There were some really amazing stories, and it was a feel-good evening. I feel like he really—I think he connected with the American people tonight.”
Rep. Tom Cole (statement)
“Throughout the first year of President Trump’s term as the 47th President of the United States, the President has delivered on the mandate of the American people and truly ushered in the golden age. Tonight, President Trump delivered a powerful speech that illustrated just that.
“At the border, we have seen a complete one-eighty, as illegal “getaways” are down by 95 percent and migrant crossings are down by 99.99 percent. Rampant crime and disorder are turning into safer communities. We have made national security a priority again, making generational investments in America’s defense through the One Big Beautiful Bill and utilizing decisive leadership to make bold but necessary decisions like air striking Iran last year and capturing Venezuelan President Maduro earlier this year.
“I would be remiss not to mention the significant economic strides. The One Big Beautiful Bill provided the largest tax cuts in history and will bring long-lasting financial relief to families, workers, and small businesses. Years of inflation and stagnation are being replaced with renewed growth and a resurgent economy. Measurable progress has been made on cost-of-living pressures, drug costs have been lowered on the consumer, and red tape has been cut for small businesses.
“In just one year, President Trump has turned this country around. Under the previous Administration, our country had turned a blind eye to illegal immigration, we had lost respect on the world stage, and inflation was skyrocketing. Now, the American Dream is back. The United States is strong, prosperous, and respected – and, as President Trump said, the state of our union is strong.”
Rep. Kevin Hern (statement)
“Tonight, President Trump reaffirmed that when we put America first, America wins. At an unprecedented pace, he’s reversed the damage caused by four years of reckless Biden-era policies that sent our nation down the wrong path. Families are now seeing historic tax relief, lower inflation, a secure border, and peace around the world – this is only the beginning. I’m proud to stand alongside President Trump as we continue our work to lower costs, put more money in Americans’ pockets, and strengthen the American Dream for families across the country.”
Rep. Josh Brecheen (statement)
“It was an honor to attend President Trump’s State of the Union address tonight. Congress, alongside President Trump, has fought hard to restore conservative values within our great nation. While there’s still lots of work to be done, I am encouraged by the direction our nation is headed and look forward to the year ahead! The American Dream is possible once again!!!”
Oklahoma
Oklahoma City police are investigating after a man was shot near Yukon
YUKON, Okla. (KOKH) — Oklahoma City Police are investigating after a man was shot near Yukon Monday night.
The shooting happened near Northwest 10th Street and South Yukon Parkway near the border of Yukon and Oklahoma City.
Police are on the scene, and officials said the victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the hip.
OKCPD said they have at least one person in custody.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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Oklahoma
Oklahoma lawmakers consider bill to require annual fee for transmission lines on private property
As consumer electricity needs grow, lawmakers are discussing strategies to ease the burden on landowners who don’t want the towers and wires carrying that energy on their property.
As it’s written now, the bill would require transmission owners to pay landowners $2 per foot of line annually. During the committee meeting, Murdock said he introduced the legislation to “start a conversation.”
“ This is an idea of, maybe moving forward, if the landowners are getting a royalty off of the power being pushed across their property, it may make it a little more palatable for someone to have a transmission line go across their property,” he said.
Landowners can enter into easement agreements with companies to set aside portions of their land for the builds. But in some cases, eminent domain is used to obtain a right-of-way.
“ I’m not saying that this is going to do away with eminent domain,” Murdock said. “What I’m hoping is this just makes it a little more palatable.”
Murdock said he spoke with utility companies about the legislation, though he didn’t name them. The bill’s language could change after creating an alternative rate based on conversations with the companies, he said.
Sen. Dave Rader, R-Tulsa, said the bill could raise utility rates for consumers living in Oklahoma’s most populous counties if companies charge more to make up for the annual fee.
Murdock pushed back, noting the lines are necessary to deliver electricity to other counties.
“You understand that you flip that light on because — and have that ability to have electricity because — the people in my district have a transmission line that goes across them, getting you that power,” he said.
StateImpact Oklahoma is a partnership of Oklahoma’s public radio stations which relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. Donate online.
Oklahoma
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