Turbulence: Oklahoma’s House delegation continues to resist Republican leadership’s push to privatize the nation’s air traffic control system.
The nation’s air traffic controllers are trained at Oklahoma City’s Federal Aviation Center, which could be adversely affected by privatization.
Fifth District Congressman Steve Russell, in whose district the FAA Center is located, says he has national security concerns as well.
So do a lot of other Republicans, which gives 4th District Congressman Tom Cole an opening to urge a lower priority for the privatization bill.
“I think tax reform and a large spending deal … ought to take precedence over things that unite your enemies and divide your friends, and that’s what this (proposal) seems to do,” Cole told The Hill.
Dots and Dashes: U.S. Sen. James Lankford is among four Republican lawmakers seeking legislation to make churches and other houses of religion eligible for federal disaster assistance. … U.S. Sen. Inhofe took some flak for his responses to a Vox reporter’s questions about the proposed Graham-Cassidy health care bill. Inhofe said the bill would be an improvement over existing law because it gives states more control of Medicaid, and “as a general rule the states do things better than the federal government.” When asked if he was confident the proposed measure would “protect everyone,” Inhofe responded, “Nothing protects everyone.” … Scientific American took 3rd District Congressman Frank Lucas to task for legislation the publication’s editors said stacks the Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Board with representatives of major polluters. … Inhofe and Maine Sen. Angus King introduced legislation targeting the federal permitting process for interstate natural gas pipelines.