SC Oklahoma News

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) has achieved a significant milestone by securing historic gains for traditionally underfunded Native American housing and transportation programs. The funding was obtained as part of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2024.

In a recent statement, Congressman Cole expressed his pride and gratitude for the accomplishment, stating, “I am very proud to announce that I, along with the help of Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz, was able to secure more than $1.34 billion for Native American housing programs and $150 million in discretionary appropriations for Tribal Transportation programs, as part of the six-bill appropriations package that passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate late last week. These historic gains will work to address the pressing housing and transportation needs of Tribal communities, as well as increase the standard for this necessary funding in the future.”

Furthermore, Congressman Cole emphasized his commitment to representing the needs of Tribal communities, saying, “As a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, it will always be a priority of mine to ensure that the needs of Tribal communities are represented here in Washington, D.C., and I am very happy to have secured this essential funding.”

This achievement marks a significant step towards addressing the long-standing challenges faced by Native American communities in terms of housing and transportation, highlighting the importance of adequate funding and support for these vital programs.