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| New VA Hospital in Tulsa, under construction (image source) |
WASHINGTON, DC (Nov. 19th) – The Senate unanimously passed a bill introduced by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) to name the new Veterans Administration (VA) 75,000-square-foot, 58-bed medical-surgical hospital in Tulsa the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center in honor of the life and legacy of the late-Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe, who tirelessly served our military, veterans, and their families for his entire public service career. Lankford helped ensure the hospital received funding to commence construction in 2020 and helped ensure the skyrocketing inflation of the last three years did not interrupt the construction schedule with additional unforeseen costs. Representative Kevin Hern (R-OK) is introducing companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
“This is one of the most fitting honors we can give to Senator Inhofe for his decades of dedicated service to our veterans and their families,” said Lankford. “Taking care of our military and veterans was at the top of Senator Inhofe’s priorities. Many of our heroes and their families will never know all he did for them and the ways he shaped good national defense policies. He ensured we kept our promise to those who wore the cloth of our nation. When people pass by this beautiful new facility in Tulsa, they will always remember the many contributions of James Mountain Inhofe to our state and nation.”
“No one is more deserving of this honor,” said Mullin. “Senator Inhofe was a tireless champion for Oklahoma’s military installations and defense communities. Our state is a better place for his leadership and service. It is my privilege to join my Oklahoma colleagues in naming the Tulsa VA in his honor and in doing so, carry on his legacy of service to the men and women of our Armed Forces.”
“My respect and admiration for Senator Jim Inhofe is immeasurable. A US Army veteran, Senator Inhofe always ensured America’s armed service members were taken care of, both during and after their service. His steadfast support of the new veterans hospital in Tulsa proves his level of dedication and why the facility will soon bear his name. The example of his leadership will be an inspiration for generations to come,” said Dr Kayse Shrum, President of Oklahoma State University.
“Without a doubt, the support of Senator Jim Inhofe was instrumental in making Tulsa’s new veterans hospital a reality, and it’s only fitting that we will honor him in the facility's name. He leaves a long-lasting imprint on the city of Tulsa, our state and nation, and the health of Oklahomans is better today because of his tireless dedication,“ said Dr. Johnny Stephens, President of the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences.
Eastern Oklahoma is home to over 115,000 veterans and is an important part of the national network of veterans’ care facilities across the country. Estimates predict that a Tulsa-area hospital would serve up to 30 percent more veterans each year. Northeast Oklahoma is currently home to more than 115,000 veterans, and an estimated two-thirds live close to Tulsa. In addition to serving more veterans, a VA hospital in Tulsa would reduce driving time significantly for a majority of veterans and would give access to a broader array of social services.
Hern Leads House Delegation in Naming the New Tulsa VA Medical Center After Senator Jim Inhofe to Honor His Legacy
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) led Oklahoma’s delegation in the House by introducing H.R. 10167, companion legislation to the Senate’s unanimously passed bill, to name the new 275,000-square-foot, 58-bed medical-surgical VA hospital in Tulsa as the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center. This designation honors the life and legacy of the late Senator Jim Inhofe, who dedicated his public service career to supporting our military, veterans, and their families.
“Senator James Mountain Inhofe was a towering figure who put his country and state above himself,” said Rep. Kevin Hern. “He was not only a lifelong public servant to Oklahoma, but also a dear friend. Senator Inhofe championed our military, veterans, and their families with unwavering dedication. No one is more deserving of this honor than the man Oklahomans proudly called their Senator, Mayor, champion, and friend—James Inhofe. His legacy will stand tall, and may he always be remembered.”
“Senator Jim Inhofe was a true patriot. He spent decades serving our great nation and state of Oklahoma in the United States Army, Oklahoma state legislature, United States House of Representatives, United States Senate, and as the Mayor of Tulsa. Throughout his time as a public servant, Jim fought so passionately for our military, veterans, and strong conservative values,” said Rep. Tom Cole. “His passing was a devastating loss, as he served as my friend, leader, and mentor for fifty years. However, I am honored to have introduced this legislation, along with the rest of the Oklahoma delegation in the House, to honor him. There is no one who deserves to have a VA medical center named after him more than Senator Jim Inhofe.”
“Senator Inhofe’s long career in the United States House and Senate serves as a testament to his strong moral compass and innate desire to better his home state,” said Rep. Frank Lucas. “From being a larger-than-life advocate for Oklahoma’s military installations to improving infrastructure across the state, he made an impact on Oklahomans that will be felt for generations. This honor is befitting of such a great statesman and will only further his enduring legacy.”
“There are very few Oklahomans who dedicated more to our military bases and veterans than James Inhofe,” said Rep. Stephanie Bice. “The Senator’s legacy is due to his integrity and leadership. I’m honored to join the entire Oklahoma delegation in honoring a true titan of our state.”
“Senator Inhofe was a committed public servant who dedicated his life to representing the people of Oklahoma,” said Rep. Josh Brecheen. “This legislation stands as a testament to his lifelong service.”
Background:
Representatives Tom Cole (OK-04), Frank Lucas (OK-03), Stephanie Bice (OK-05) and Josh Brecheen (OK-02) co-sponsored the legislation in the House. Senators James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin led the Senate version of this bill.
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