Oklahoma
Spending bill fails, Oklahoma delegates divided on next steps
Last Updated on September 19, 2024, 9:13 PM | Published: September 19, 2024
WASHINGTON – Representatives of Oklahoma’s five-member delegation are split over how a new spending bill should be shaped following the defeat of the plan pushed by House Speaker Mike Johnson.
As the budget deadline looms, the need for a spending bill to extend government funding increases. A spending bill would keep the government open. If a spending bill does not pass by September 30, the government will shut down until one is passed.
Earlier this week, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) told reporters it would be politically beyond stupid to shut down the government before an election, saying Republicans would get the blame.
Johnson’s spending bill failed with three Democrats voting for the continuing resolution and opposition from some Republicans, with 14 voting against the bill and two voting present.
All five members of the Oklahoma House delegation voted in favor of the bill. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Tom Cole spoke on the floor in support of the bill before the roll call vote.
“It’s clear we are unable to complete the full appropriations process by September 30,” Cole said. “That means that a continuing resolution is needed. The bill before us (H.R. 9494) extends government funding through March 28, 2025, ensuring that the government remains open and providing critical services for our constituents.”
With the six-month spending bill failing on Wednesday, it is unclear how Johnson will shape the next iteration of the bill.
On Wednesday night, Cole told reporters Johnson had not shared his plan to reshape the spending bill with him. Cole (R, Moore) reiterated that Johnson had hoped his continuing resolution proposal (H.R. 9494) would pass.
But Rep. Josh Brecheen supports the position of the House Freedom Caucus, of which he is a member. In August, the House Freedom Caucus released a statement urging House Republican leadership to pass a six-month spending bill that includes the SAVE Act, a proposal that mirrors other laws but gives Republicans a campaign talking point.
The spending bill that failed Wednesday reflects the House Freedom Caucuses’ wishes.
Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Cheyenne) said he needs to see what the spending bill looks like after the weekend before settling on a position.
“You have to fund the troops, you have to fund security, you have to fund all the things at USDA,” Lucas said. “I would have preferred to have passed the package this week and had leverage to get a better deal.”
“But my friends decided not to do that, so let’s see what they offer us.”
Johnson’s spending bill ultimately failed due to controversy about the length of the funding and the addition of the SAVE Act.
Representatives on both sides of the aisle have called for a three-month spending bill. The House is expected to propose a bipartisan spending bill early next week, Roll Call reported.
Cole has helped lead the effort to reduce the length of the continuing resolution to three months. On September 10, Cole told reporters he believes lawmakers need to focus on finishing their funding work and getting it done quickly so the new Congress and President can begin with a clean slate.
“I personally think it’s not a good thing to give a new president—and we’re going to have a new president—an immediate fiscal crisis,” Cole said.
The top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Rose DeLauro (D-Connecticut.), voiced her opposition to a six-month spending bill and said it is time for both parties to work together to get a spending bill passed and finish their work on a full-year spending bill before the end of the 118th Congress on January 3, 2025.
House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) called the addition of the SAVE Act a “nonstarter” for Democrats and said that the party would oppose any funding bill that includes policy riders pushed by Trump.
The SAVE Act, or Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, requires individuals to provide proof of US citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. The bill also requires states to remove noncitizens from voting rolls.
It is already illegal under federal law for noncitizens to vote in elections.
Additionally, the act would enable individuals to sue state election officials if they register someone to vote without proper presentation of U.S. citizenship. It would also establish criminal penalties for the same offense.
On August 18, in a post on Truth Social, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said Republicans should not accept a spending bill without the SAVE Act attached, indicating he would rather the government shutdown.
“If Republicans don’t get the SAVE Act and every ounce of it, they should not agree to a Continuing Resolution in any way, shape, or form. Democrats are registering illegal voters by the TENS OF THOUSANDS, as we speak—they will be voting in the 2024 President Election, and they shouldn’t be allowed to,” Trump wrote.
There is no evidence backing Trump’s claims on Truth Social. Studies have shown that noncitizen voting in federal and state elections is rare. In fact, in May, Johnson said he knows “intuitively” that it is happening without being able to provide evidence.
Republished in collaboration with Gaylord News, a reporting project of the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. For more stories by Gaylord News go to GaylordNews.net.
Kevin Eagleson is reporting from Gaylord News’ Washington bureau fall of 2024 as part of an OU Daily scholarship.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is competing once again in the American Association of State Troopers’ Best Looking Cruiser Contest, this time showcasing the agency’s history alongside its modern fleet.
The entry features OHP’s restored 1937 Ford patrol car paired with a current Chevrolet Tahoe, highlighting nearly nine decades of the agency’s patrol vehicle tradition.
OHP highlights historic patrol car
According to OHP, the contest entry celebrates the agency’s original 1937 Ford patrol car and its connection to the modern Chevrolet Tahoe used by troopers today.
The agency says the iconic black-and-white “dovetail” paint scheme debuted on the 1937 Ford, with the white paint wrapping over the rear wheel wells. OHP says that design became the foundation for the look that continues to represent the agency today.
How voting works
The Best Looking Cruiser Contest is decided by public vote here.
OHP says each device is allowed one vote, and every vote is important as the agency competes against perennial favorites for a chance to earn a spot in the 2027 American Association of State Troopers calendar.
Looking to improve on last year
Oklahoma finished eighth in the nation in last year’s Best Looking Cruiser Contest.
The agency is hoping this year’s entry featuring both its historic 1937 Ford and modern Chevrolet Tahoe will help improve its finish and secure a place in the 2027 calendar.
“As Route 66 celebrates its 100th birthday, we wanted to honor the most iconic highway in America and the Oklahoma Troopers who have patrolled it for generations,” OHP said. “Since 1937, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Troopers have traveled its pavement, assisted stranded motorists, investigated crashes, enforced traffic laws, and answered calls for service along the Mother Road. Route 66 isn’t just a historic highway to us—it’s part of our history.”
In this week’s Your Vote Counts, Oklahoma’s Own Scott Mitchell leads Jason Dunnington and Sen. Paul Rosino in a discussion about new Oklahoma laws, including those addressing data centers. Other topics include inflation and the ongoing impact of the war in Iran.
Looking for the perfect spot to celebrate Independence Day in Oklahoma this year? From massive fireworks displays over Grand Lake to food truck festivals and live music across the OKC metro, communities are pulling out all the stops to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Grab your lawn chairs, round up the family, and get ready for an unforgettable week of summer fun. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Fourth of July events happening right in your backyard!
Key takeaways
- The bigger picture: Oklahoma communities are going all out for Independence Day in 2026, with celebrations spanning from Norman’s four-day Fourth Fest to major fireworks displays in Edmond, Tulsa, and on Grand Lake — giving families across the state plenty of options close to home.
- More details: Highlights include Liberty Fest in Edmond, one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area, the Duck Creek Fireworks on Grand Lake featuring a War Bird flyover tribute synchronized to patriotic music, and Tribute to Liberty in Midwest City, which combines live music, a laser show, and fireworks in honor of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary.
- Why this matters: This year’s celebrations carry extra weight as part of America’s semiquincentennial, with several events — including Tribute to Liberty and the Duck Creek Fireworks — built around honoring both the nation’s founding and the service members who’ve defended it.
- Date: 9:45 p.m. July 1-4
- Location: Reaves Park; 2501 S Jenkins Ave., Norman
This year’s Fourth Fest is bigger than ever before, spanning four days. The city has added additional programming across multiple parks. Before the fireworks, enjoy a wide range of attractions including bouncy houses, local vendors, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo. The fireworks show begins at 9:45 p.m. on July 4.
- Date: 8:30 p.m. July 3
- Location: Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7th St., Oklahoma City
OKCPHIL’s Red, White, and Boom concert is a high-energy celebration that brings the community together for an unforgettable summer evening of music. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic performs a vibrant program of American classics, fan favorites, and patriotic anthems.
- Date: 6-10 p.m. July 3
- Location: Boomer Lake Park; 2310 E Lakeview Road, Stillwater
This Independence Day celebration will include area vendors, food trucks, hometown hospitality, and a fireworks show. Free parking will be available at Stillwater High School’s Pioneer Stadium.
- Date: July 3-4
- Location: Yukon City Park & Chisholm Trail Park, 2200 S Holly Ave., Yukon
Bring the whole family to Freedom Fest in Yukon! Experience a lineup of live outdoor concerts, peruse the food trucks on site, and enjoy the activities for kids.
- Date: 2-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Buck Thomas Park, 1903 NE 12th St., Moore
Enjoy one of the largest fireworks shows in the state with food trucks, vendors, and activities throughout the day. Admission is free. Fireworks will begin around 9:45 p.m.
- Date: 7-10 p.m. July 4
- Location: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, 8700 E Reno Ave., Midwest City
Bring your chairs and join Midwest City in its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Enjoy food trucks, games, The Wise Guys performing live on stage, a huge fireworks display, and a laser show.
- Date: 9:30 p.m. July 4
- Location: University of Central Oklahoma; 100 N University Drive, Edmond
Liberty Fest’s grand finale is one of the largest fireworks displays in the metro area. Bring your entire family to witness the spectacular show. Parking is available in lots on campus.
- Date: July 4
- Location: Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 32888 S 4507 Road, No. 8123, Afton
Duck Creek Fireworks is the longest-running tradition on Grand Lake. Keep an eye out for the highly anticipated War Bird flyover, a tribute to the men and women serving overseas. The fireworks, beginning at sunset, will be synchronized to patriotic music.
- Date: July 4
- Location: River West Festival Park, 2100 S Jackson Ave., Tulsa
Celebrate America’s independence at Tulsa’s annual FreedomFest celebration. This celebration includes all-ages entertainment and a variety of activities and tasty concessions. FreedomFest features one of the largest free fireworks displays in Oklahoma.
-
World5 minutes agoEU will ‘come to its senses’ on Israel, former Netanyahu adviser says
-
News30 minutes agoSenate Ethics Committee dismisses complaint against Sen. Ruben Gallego
-
New York2 hours agoRead the Indictment of Malik Beasley
-
Los Angeles, Ca2 hours agoStolen Sea Scouts boat found in Marina del Rey, suspect arrested
-
Detroit, MI2 hours agoMichigan House passes bill to restrict big investors from amassing single-family homes
-
San Francisco, CA2 hours agoSan Francisco rolls out heightened security measures ahead of World Cup knockout match, 4th of July
-
Dallas, TX2 hours agoKlyde Warren Park reveals expansion plans, construction timeline
-
Miami, FL2 hours agoPerson hospitalized after fire breaks out at North Miami Beach apartment building
