Lankford, Mullin Honor Legacy of Senator Jim Inhofe by Securing His Namesake for New Tulsa VA Medical Center

WASHINGTON, DC – 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) 275,000-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.

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