Congressman Forbes Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Letter on Basing MQ-4C Triton at Wallops Island

05/19/2016

Forbes Leads 17 Members from Both Parties and Houses in Support of Basing Triton at Wallops

Washington, D.C. –Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), Chairman of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, led a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations urging the use of Wallops Island, Virginia as the permanent East Coast base for the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft. The letter was signed by 18 members of the House and Senate from Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.

"Wallops is an ideal site for basing unmanned aircraft…," the letter said. "Despite its central location in the Mid-Atlantic, Wallops enjoys uncrowded airspace and its rural environs generate no encroachment issues. With two 8000-foot runways and the taxiways and apron space to support additional aircraft, Wallops is ready to accommodate Triton with minimal additional construction. In addition, it is already an established center of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) activity and home to a number of UAVs, including NASA's RQ-4 Global Hawks, an aircraft very similar to Triton."

Congressman Forbes recently visited Wallops Island and has been outspoken about the benefits of basing the Triton at Wallops Island. The Navy is currently considering Wallops as one of three East Coast options for permanently basing the MQ-4C Triton unmanned maritime patrol aircraft. The Triton provides real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities in maritime and coastal regions. Should the Navy select Wallops as the permanent East Coast location, it would serve as both a launch and recovery site, as well as an operational-level maintenance hub, supporting rotational deployments of personnel and aircraft outside the United States. Roughly 400 additional personnel plus their families would be stationed there.

Wallops' central location in the Mid-Atlantic Region; its proximity to Patuxent River, Maryland where the Triton is developed; the presence of NASA's own RQ-4 Global Hawks (a similar aircraft) at Wallops; and the facility's relatively uncrowded airspace make it an ideal permanent location for this platform. Currently, the Navy is conducting an environmental assessment, with a decision on the permanent basing of the Triton expected later this year.

The facility at Wallops Island, Virginia is home to some of the most innovative work in the commercial space industry, and supports the needs of both NASA and the Department of Defense. Whether it is providing field carrier landing practice to Navy pilots, supporting rocket launches as part of Missile Defense Agency exercises, or serving as one of two U.S. sites launching vital cargo to support the International Space Station, Wallops is an integral part of U.S. space efforts.

See below for text of the letter:

May 18, 2016

The Honorable Ray Mabus                                              Admiral John Richardson
Secretary of the Navy                                                     Chief of Naval Operations
1000 Navy Pentagon                                                      2000 Navy Pentagon
Washington, DC 20330-1670                                           Washington, DC 20350-2000

Dear Secretary Mabus and Admiral Richardson,

We write in support of selecting Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia as the East Coast Forward Operating Base for MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft. We believe Wallops will provide an ideal home for these revolutionary aircraft and for the Sailors and families supporting them.   

Located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Wallops is located less than 100 miles from the fleet concentration area in Hampton Roads. Naval aviation already has a well-established presence at Wallops, with E-2 and C-2 aircraft using Wallops on a routine basis for fleet carrier landing practice. Basing the first operational Tritons at Wallops would locate those aircraft in close proximity to NAS Patuxent River and Naval Air Systems Command, where the Triton was developed and tested. It would also place them in close proximity to the fleet at Naval Station Norfolk, the Master Jet Base at NAS Oceana, and the entire Virginia Capes operating area. We believe that basing Triton in close proximity to these other Navy facilities, headquarters, and operating forces will create synergies and facilitate the faster integration of Triton into the Navy's battle network. We also believe that Wallops' location provides a superior base of operations for conducting maritime surveillance missions throughout the entire Atlantic.     

Wallops is an ideal site for basing unmanned aircraft, in particular. Despite its central location in the Mid-Atlantic, Wallops enjoys uncrowded airspace and its rural environs generate no encroachment issues. With two 8000-foot runways and the taxiways and apron space to support additional aircraft, Wallops is ready to accommodate Triton with minimal additional construction. In addition, it is already an established center of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) activity and home to a number of UAVs, including NASA's RQ-4 Global Hawks, an aircraft very similar to Triton. Unlike at many other locations, UAVs are a familiar sight in Wallops' airspace. Air traffic controllers in the region are familiar and comfortable with UAVs, including the Triton, stemming from its development period at nearby Patuxent River. Compared to other locations being considered, Wallops is also less adversely impacted by severe weather and flooding, and enjoys lower costs for housing, living, and construction.

Last but not least, Wallops and other Navy, Department of Defense, and Federal facilities in Virginia benefit from the strong support of the communities of which they are a part. As those communities' representatives in the House and Senate, we pledge to fully support an expanded Navy mission at Wallops. 

We look forward to further discussing this matter with you, and providing whatever support the basing selection process may require.

Sincerely,

Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

Senator Tom Carper

Senator Christopher A. Coons

Senator Tim Kaine

Senator Barbara A. Mikulski

Senator Mark R. Warner

Representative Donald S. Beyer, Jr.

Representative John C. Carney, Jr.

Representative Barbara Comstock

Representative Gerald E. Connolly

Representative Donna Edwards

Representative J. Randy Forbes

Representative Andy Harris

Representative Scott Rigell

Representative C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger

Representative Robert C. "Bobby" Scott

Representative Chris Van Hollen

Representative Robert J. Wittman

Family Research Council Statement on Rep. Maloney Amendment

May 19, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Sean Maloney (D-NY) offered an amendment that would use the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017, as a vehicle to undermine religious hiring protections that were included in yesterday's House-passed National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017. This vote failed by one vote, 212-213, with 29 Republicans voting 'yea.' Family Research Council opposed and scored the amendment because it authorizes the government to punish faith-based organizations and entities that operate consistent with their deeply held beliefs.

Family Research Council's David Christensen, Vice President of Government Affairs, released the following statement:

"Congress rejecting Rep. Sean Maloney's unfair and discriminatory amendment is a great victory for the freedom to believe. Last night, Congress passed the defense bill that preserved long-standing faith-based protections from assaults by Democrats who want the government to punish faith-based contractors, like the Salvation Army, that work and hire in accordance with their First Amendment rights. The Maloney amendment would have gutted these religious freedom protections and in turn would have caused faith-based contractors to lose contracts and likely cut jobs.

"Thousands of faith-based organizations and family-owned businesses contract with the federal government to offer amazing services to many American communities. Congress today rightly defeated this intolerance toward hard working Americans who do not want the government punishing them for what they believe. We applaud the rejection of the unfair and discriminatory Maloney amendment," Christensen concluded.

Congressman Forbes Praises House Passage of Defense Policy Bill

05/19/2016

Forbes' Seapower Legislation, Included in Bill, Authorizes Most for Shipbuilding Since Reagan

Washington, D.C. –Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), Chairman of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, released the following statement on the House of Representatives' passage of the annual defense policy bill, the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA):

"There is no higher Constitutional obligation than to provide for our national security, and the defense policy bill just passed by the House does that. My legislation to increase shipbuilding to the highest level since the Reagan-era, included in this bill, begins the process of building the 350-ship Navy our country requires. The next President will face a dangerous world with growing threats, and this legislation is a down-payment on the military needed to meet those threats. I look forward to working with the Senate to send legislation to the President's desk that gives our warriors the tools they need to execute their missions and come home safely."

Among the key provisions in Forbes' Seapower legislation that were included in the House-passed defense policy bill: 

• Revitalizes Navy Shipbuilding and Accelerates Key Programs.The mark authorizes procurement of 3 additional ships ($433M for a destroyer, $856M for an amphibious ship, and $385M for a Littoral Combat Ship) above the administration's plan. Between the SCN account and the National Sea-Based Deterrence Fund, it authorizes $20.6 billion for shipbuilding—$2.3 billion more than the President's budget and the highest level of shipbuilding funding, accounting for inflation, since Fiscal Year 1988.

• Prohibits Inactivation of Navy Cruisers.The Seapower mark prevents the administration from inactivating 11 of 22 cruisers under a "phased modernization plan" and holds the administration accountable for cruiser modernization by withholding funding from the Office of the Secretary of Defense until modernization contracts have been signed.

• Denies Navy's Request for Authority to Disestablish a Carrier Air Wing.The mark, along with efforts made by the Readiness and Military Personnel Subcommittees in their marks, denies the Navy's request for authority to disestablish one of ten extant carrier air wings (CVW) and funds the continued operation of that critical element of force structure.

• Transfers Funding into the National Sea-Based Deterrent Fund and expands its authorities.The mark shifts the first procurement funding for the Ohio Replacement submarines into the NSBDF and grants the fund additional authority for "continuous production," allowing the Navy to procure components like missile tubes in one large production run at substantially lower costs.

• Calls for Navy to Build Aircraft Carriers 20% Faster.Forbes' legislation calls upon the Navy to build aircraft carriers every four years instead of five, a change in tempo that will increase the size of the carrier fleet. The mark also authorizes the "block buy" of components for multiple carriers, reducing costs for the taxpayer. Carriers will continue to be the backbone of the U.S. Navy's ability to prevent and win America's wars.

A message from the Racial Policy Center

The Racial Policy Center (RPC) denounces Barack Obama and Larry Wilmore for their moral opprobriousness and their pernicious disrespect for propriety.    Wilmore's flagrant and boorish use of the "N" word at the White House Correspondent's Association dinner was not only in poor taste but it spoke to the lowest common denominator of human character.      It is the purview of the RPC that Barack Obama was elected with the understanding that he would not only lead America but that in so doing, he would direct America in ushering in a new day of respect and proper behavior.     A leadership that applauds the use of such an insulting ethnic slur is not fit to occupy the position he does.  And for Wilmore to reduce the person who occupies the highest office in the world to the level of gutter heathenism is shameful.     The RPC condemns Obama for yet again condoning and fomenting an atmosphere of duplicitous double standards and the cheapening of the office of president.      Obama has abdicated his ability to address, that which pertains to racial issues.      The RPC views the remarks made by Wilmore, with the smiling acceptance of same by Obama, as powerfully contributing to the ongoing and increased antipathy and divide based upon skin color witnessed during Obama's years in office.       The RPC calls upon the Obama office to acknowledge that not immediately condemning Wilmore's remarks was insulting to Americans and an affront to those icons of the Civil Rights movement who fought to have persons of color looked upon as more than "N" words.   Mychal Massie Chairman Racial Policy Center http://racialpolicycenter.org mmassie@racialpolicycenter.org   Tel: (724) 315-RACE (7223)     Follow:   Cutty Powers 1001 Fischer Blvd. #162 Toms River, New Jersey 08753-3013 United States (888) 743-3648

Pic of the Day

Recently there was an amateur art contest in the Netherlands, and people were invited to create a work of art depicting the current era of multiculturalism in Europe — a depiction of their experience in the modern 'melting pot'.  This was the winner:

Email of the Day

Make Your Reservations Early

SAVE THE DATE!

Democratic Convention Schedule

Monday, July 25, 2016

 

11:15 AM

Free lunch, medical marijuana, and bus ride to the Convention

Forms distributed for Food Stamp enrollment.

 

1:30 PM

Group Voter Registration for Illegal Immigrants.

 

3:15 PM

Address on "Being the Real You"

Rachel Dolezal, former Head of the Seattle NAACP and

Caitlyn Jenner

 

4:30 PM

"How to Bank $200 Million as a

Public Servant and claim to be broke"

Hillary Clinton

 

4:45 PM

How to have a successful career

Without ever having a job, and

Still avoid paying taxes!

A Seminar Moderated by Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson

 

5:00 PM

Medals of Freedom presentation to

Army deserter Bo Bergdahl

For serving with Honor and Distinction

National Security Advisor Susan Rice

 

5:30 PM

Invitation-only Autograph Session

Souvenir photographs of Hillary and

Chelsea dodging Sniper Fire in Bosnia

 

6:30 PM

General vote on praising Baltimore rioters,

And on using the terminology

"Alternative Shoppers" instead of "Looters"

 

7:30 PM

Breakout session with Bill Clinton

For women on avoiding the upcoming draft

 

8:30 PM

The White House "Semantics Committee" Meeting

General vote on re-branding "Muslim Terrorism" as

"Random Acts of Islamic Over-Exuberance"

 

9:00 PM

"Liberal Bias in Media" How we can make it work for you!

Tutorial sponsored by CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN, PBS,

The Washington Post and the New York Times

With Guest Speaker, Brian Williams

 

9:15 PM

Tribute Film to the Brave Freedom Fighters

Still incarcerated at GITMO

Michael Moore

 

9:45 PM

Personal Finance Seminar -

"Businesses Don't Create Jobs"

Hillary Clinton

 

11:00 PM

Short film, "Setting Up Your Own Illegal

Email Server While Serving in A

Cabinet Post and How to Pretend

It's No Big Deal"

Hosted by Hillary Clinton

 

11:30 PM

Official Nomination of Hillary

Bill Maher and Chris Matthews

Family Research Council Statement on New HHS Final Rule on Obamacare

May 13, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Earlier today, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a final rule on Obamacare Section 1557's non-discrimination provisions in healthcare services and coverage for physicians, hospitals, insurers, and other healthcare entities receiving federal funds. In the definition of "on the basis of sex," the rule adds, among other things, gender identity and even abortion, termed in the final rule as "termination of pregnancy."

Family Research Council Vice President of Government Affairs, David Christensen, released the following statement:

"Family Research Council is strongly opposed to the new Obamacare final rule mandating federally funded health care providers offer services that include gender transition and even abortion. HHS's final rule concocts out of thin air a redefinition of sex discrimination to include both gender identity and abortion. This intolerant and unjust rule, in turn, threatens to force health care providers to participate in and perform services that substantially violate their consciences. HHS's regulatory overreach to force "gender identity" into Obamacare through the language of "sex discrimination" mirrors the administration's actions earlier today imposing gender identity on America's public schools. Despite concerns raised by FRC and others that the proposed rule also included abortion, the administration chose instead not to exclude it. This action erodes Americans' freedom to believe and act in accordance with their beliefs, not only as it relates to the privacy of the bathrooms but also now when it comes to the taking of innocent human life. We urge Congress to address this gross injustice," Christensen concluded.

Pics of the day

Congressman Forbes Recognized by the American Conservative Union for Outstanding Conservative Record

04/27/2016

Washington, D.C. -- Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) has been awarded the 2015 Award for Conservative Excellence by the American Conservative Union (ACU), in recognition of his stellar voting record and commitment to championing conservative values in Congress. The ACU bestows this award upon those Members of Congress who have shown unwavering dedication to America's core founding principles and a consistent record of protecting and upholding the Constitution.

"As Americans, we are stewards of this grand experiment in liberty and democracy we call the United States. We must not allow it to slip through our fingers," said Congressman Forbes. "I'm proud to be in the fight to rebuild our military, rein in out-of-control government spending, and stop political correctness from undermining our faith freedoms. Because the decisions we make today -- in Congress and in our communities -- will dictate the opportunities, future, and freedom of Americans tomorrow."

The ACU's annual awards recognize Members of the House of Representative and the Senate whose voting records score within the top twenty percent on key issues, from wasteful government spending to national defense to free market enterprise. Congressman Forbes received a 96% rating for his work in the 114th Congress to strengthen national security, champion religious freedom, empower job creators, and protect individual liberty. To read the complete report, click here.

The American Conservative Union (ACU) is one of the nation's largest and most well-respected conservative organizations. It was founded in 1964 with the goal of promoting liberty and upholding the Constitution. For more information, please visit http://conservative.org/.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: House Approves Robert Hurt Bill to Encourage Investment in Startup Companies

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) today released the below statement following a vote by the House of Representatives to approve H.R. 4498, the Helping Angels Lead our Startups (HALOS) Act, which ensures that startup companies can connect with angel investors without inadvertently violating SEC rules. This bill, which Hurt introduced along with Congressman Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) and Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (D-Arizona), which was initially favorably reported from the Financial Services Committee with a bipartisan vote of 44-13, today was passed by the full House of Representatives on a bipartisan 325 to 89 vote. After the House vote, Congressman Hurt released the following statement:

"At a time when Virginia's Fifth District continues to face unacceptably high unemployment rates, we remain committed to removing overregulation of small businesses as a barrier to job creation. The HALOS Act would alleviate the burden placed on startup companies with regard to privacy and compliance concerns, which often require entrepreneurs and startups to take on burdens that they do not have the means to handle. In doing so, it allows them to focus on innovating and expanding, creating the jobs we so desperately need. The HALOS Act is a simple, bipartisan, bicameral solution that will ensure that investors and companies can continue their interaction. I was pleased to see the House of Representatives approve all this bill, and urge the Senate to take up this legislation and work with us to allow our small businesses to prosper. I remain committed to removing unnecessary, bureaucratic red tape to make it easier for small businesses to strengthen our economy." 

 

Congressman Robert Hurt Votes To Protect Retirement Security

Thursday, April 28, 2016

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) released the following statement after voting in favor of a resolution to disapprove and nullify the rule submitted by the Department of Labor (DOL) to amend the definition of the term "fiduciary."  This vote builds off of a bill passed by the House of Representatives in October, the Retail Investor Protection Act, which would require the DOL to defer to the expertise of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rather than apply its own proposed fiduciary rule:

"The Department of Labor's rule will harm investors by diminishing their access to financial advice, reducing consumer choice, and increasing costs for folks looking to save for their retirement. This rule will undoubtedly make it more difficult for hardworking Americans, especially folks who are starting to save or who have lower account balances to save for retirement. Unfortunately, the DOL seems to be ignoring the impact on both savers and financial advisors, as well as the bipartisan message from Congress urging DOL to halt this rule.

"I believe that the SEC, not the DOL, is in the best position to oversee and regulate the conduct of those who provide investment advice.  This resolution disapproves the DOL's disastrous rule, and I am proud to support this resolution and pleased to see it pass the House with bipartisan support today.  It is my hope that the Senate and the President will work with us to ensure that hardworking Americans will have the ability and freedom to properly plan for their futures."

 

Forbes, Lankford Lead Congressional Inquiry Regarding Missing Bibles at Veteran POW/MIA Memorials

04/29/2016

Washington, DC --  Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), and Senator James Lankford (OK) Co-Chairmen of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, sent a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, seeking answers as to why Bibles have been removed from Missing Man Table displays at multiple Veterans Affairs (VA) clinics around the country, including in Youngstown and Akron, Ohio and Houston, Texas.

"We have been informed that Bibles as part of Missing Man Table displays have been removed at Veterans Affairs (VA) clinics in Youngstown and Akron, Ohio and Houston, Texas, as well as at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base," write Forbes and Lankford. "It is our understanding that the individual facility directors at the three VA clinics made the decision to remove the Bibles following complaints issued by the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, and that the November 7, 2014 Guidance on Religious Exercise and Expression in VA Facilities and Property Under the Charge and Control of VA was used to justify the removal…We request an explanation as to why the Bibles were removed from the three VA facilities, as well as any policy that will be applied going forward, including a summary of who will be responsible for implementing it."

Since 1979, our nation has commemorated National POW/MIA Recognition Day, on September 16, as a day for all Americans to remember, honor, and respect those who were prisoners of war and those who remain missing as a result of the nation's conflicts. Another means of recognizing prisoners of war and those missing in action is the Missing Man Table and Honors Ceremony. The Bible is traditionally included on the table as a symbol of the strength gained through faith to sustain us and those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.

Congressman Forbes and Senator Lankford led 10 Senators and 31 Members of the House in sending this letter to Secretary McDonald, contending that the Bibles should remain in place and seeking an explanation as to why they were removed. Congressman Forbes founded the Congressional Prayer Caucus to protect the fundamental human right of religious freedom. This bipartisan, bicameral caucus of nearly 100 lawmakers works to ensure every American — of all faiths or no faith — is free to exercise their First Amendment right to the free exercise of their religion without fear of punishment from the government.

A PDF of the letter is available here, and the full text is below:   

The Honorable Robert McDonald
Secretary
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington DC 20420

---

Dear Secretary McDonald,

We have been informed that Bibles as part of Missing Man Table displays have been removed at Veterans Affairs (VA) clinics in Youngstown and Akron, Ohio and Houston, Texas, as well as at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

It is our understanding that the individual facility directors at the three VA clinics made the decision to remove the Bibles following complaints issued by the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, and that the November 7, 2014 Guidance on Religious Exercise and Expression in VA Facilities and Property Under the Charge and Control of VA was used to justify the removal.

Since 1979, our nation has commemorated National POW/MIA Recognition Day, as a day of for all Americans to remember, honor, and respect those who were prisoners of war and those who remain missing as a result of the nation's conflicts. 

Another means of recognizing prisoners of war and those missing in action is the Missing Man Table and Honors Ceremony. The National League of POW/MIA families provides a script for this ceremony and a description of the table:

As you entered the room, you may have noticed a special table; it is reserved to honor our missing men. Set for six, the empty chairs represent Americans who were or are missing from each of the services – Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard – and civilians, all with us in spirit. 

Some here were very young, or not yet born, when the Vietnam War began; however, all Americans should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation's call and served the cause of freedom in a special way.

Let me explain the meaning of this table, and then join me for a moment of silent prayer. 

The table is round – to show our everlasting concern.

The cloth is white – symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to serve.

The single red rose reminds us of the lives of these Americans….and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, while seeking answers.

The yellow ribbon symbolizes our continued uncertainty, hope for their return and determination to account for them.

A slice of lemon reminds us of their bitter fate, captured and missing in a foreign land. 

A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of our missing and their families - who long for answers after decades of uncertainty.

The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return – alive or dead.

The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain us and those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.

The glass is inverted – to symbolize their inability to share a toast.

The chairs are empty – they are missing.

Let us now raise our water glasses in a toast to honor America's POW/MIAs, to the success of our efforts to account for them, and to the safety of all now serving our nation!

As noted in the description, one of the objects on the table is a Bible, meant to "represent the strength gained through faith to sustain us and those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God."

As your guidance correctly notes, the Establishment Clause exists to ensure that the government cannot affirmatively impose or elevate one religion over another. However, it does not prohibit the government from referencing religion altogether, nor does it require that the government scrub all references of religion from the public square. Rather, the Establishment Clause ensures both that the government does not show preference to a certain religion, and that the government does not take away one's ability to practice religion.

In 2014, the Navy Exchange Service Command issued a memo for the removal of Bibles in Navy Lodge guest rooms following a complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation. The Navy reversed course and announced that the Bibles would be replaced.

Similarly, the Establishment Clause does not require that you remove Bibles from the Missing Man Table displays. The mere presence of a Bible coerces no one.

The Supreme Court recently stated that "an Establishment Clause violation is not made out any time a person experiences a sense of affront from the expression of contrary views…" Town of Greece v. Galloway, 134 S. Ct. 1811 (2014).

We request an explanation as to why the Bibles were removed from the three VA facilities, as well as any policy that will be applied going forward, including a summary of who will be responsible for implementing it. We respectfully request that you respond no later than May 3^rd.

If you have any questions about this request, please contact Sarah Seitz in Senator Lankford's office at 202-224-5754 or Amy Vitale in Congressman Forbes' office at 202-225-6365. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. 

 
Sincerely,

J. Randy Forbes
Member of Congress

James Lankford
United States Senator