OKC Standard

The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a bill proposed by Senators Markwayne Mullin and James Lankford, both Republicans from Oklahoma, to name the new Veterans Administration medical center in Tulsa after the late Senator Jim Inhofe. The facility will be called the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center. Representative Kevin Hern is introducing similar legislation in the House of Representatives.

Senator Mullin remarked on the significance of this honor for Inhofe, stating, "No one is more deserving of this honor." He highlighted Inhofe's contributions to Oklahoma's military installations and defense communities. Mullin expressed pride in continuing Inhofe's legacy through this naming.

Senator Lankford also praised Inhofe's dedication to veterans and their families. "This is one of the most fitting honors we can give to Senator Inhofe for his decades of dedicated service," he said. Lankford emphasized that many may not fully appreciate all that Inhofe did for national defense policies and veterans.

Dr. Kayse Shrum, President of Oklahoma State University, expressed admiration for Senator Inhofe’s commitment to armed service members, both during and after their service. She noted that his leadership would serve as an inspiration for future generations.

Dr. Johnny Stephens, President of the Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, acknowledged Senator Inhofe’s pivotal role in realizing Tulsa’s new veterans hospital. He stated that it is fitting to honor him with the facility's name due to his lasting impact on Tulsa and Oklahoma as a whole.

Eastern Oklahoma houses over 115,000 veterans, making it a vital part of the national network of veteran care facilities. A new hospital in Tulsa is expected to serve up to 30 percent more veterans annually while reducing travel time and providing broader social services access.