Cheyenne, OK- Congressman Frank Lucas (OK-03) released the following statement on the announcement of U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe’s retirement:

“Today, the great state of Oklahoma, past and present members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation, and the entire United States Senate celebrate the impactful career of Senator Jim Inhofe.

“For five decades, Jim has served the people of Oklahoma with the utmost integrity and purpose. Long before serving in the U.S. Senate, Jim began his tireless work for his community in the Oklahoma Legislature and later as the mayor of Tulsa. Senator Inhofe’s calling- whether it be from the importance of family and serving those around you or from his moral compass and patriotism- is a combination of duty and decency. 

“To watch and work with Senator Inhofe is to witness a true statesman. Jim’s work advocating for numerous policies and practices that he believed were worthy of his country has made our entire nation stronger, safer, and has made a loving impact on millions of families across the United States. But we all know Jim takes greatest pride in the many ways he helped his fellow Oklahomans back home. From being a larger-than-life advocate for Oklahoma’s military installations to improving infrastructure across the state, Jim Inhofe has made an impact on Oklahomans that will be felt for generations.

“While I know he is happy to spend more time with his loving family, fortunately the Oklahoma delegation and the Senate are not bidding farewell to Jim Inhofe just yet.

“Lynda and I are honored to call Senator Inhofe and Kay dear friends and we thank them both for their shared public service to a grateful state.”