House Committees

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement on the reopening of the federal government. “Politicians in Washington failed Oklahomans by allowing this shutdown to occur and cutting off resources for hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans," said Leader Munson. "The President had multiple opportunities to fulfill his duty of serving the American people by funding SNAP, and he continuously chose not to. That is not something we should forget. Even with the shutdown ending, Oklahomans are going to continue to face higher health care premiums and costs of living. We cannot forget that the Republican-led government in Washington purposefully caused needless stress for Oklahoma families with this shutdown. As the government reopens, leaders in Oklahoma should remain focused on creating the best outcomes for Oklahomans and ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need. I look forward to working with Republican state legislators to make sure this never happens again and Oklahomans lives are not left to hang in the balance because of decisions made by those in power at the federal level.” -END-

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, released the following statement after the Governor followed recommendations from the Pardon and Parole Board to grant Tremane Wood clemency. “I am deeply grateful to Governor Stitt for taking the recommendation of the Pardon and Parole Board to grant clemency to Tremane Wood. It is unfortunate that his family were left to wait until the last minute in fear of losing him. It is a reminder of the cruelty that surrounds these death penalty cases and the need for serious criminal justice reform in Oklahoma. Oklahoma must do better at ensuring a fair and just trial for all to prevent the unnecessary and horrifying experience of awaiting one’s own death. I am relieved for Tremane Wood and his family, friends, and loved ones. They deserved this outcome a long time ago. Thank you to every Oklahoman who reached out to the Governor’s office. While it should not be this way, your advocacy worked. Oklahomans have the power to create the change we desperately need.” -END-

Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, who lead the Oklahoma House Appropriations & Budget Human Services Subcommittee, released the following statements after Congress passed a bipartisan agreement late Wednesday to reopen the federal government and restore funding to critical programs: "We’re relieved to see the federal government reopened and critical services fully restored," Pae said. "Throughout the shutdown, we have closely monitored its impact on SNAP recipients and local food providers across Oklahoma. This agreement allows us to move forward with implementing the SNAP provisions of H.R. 1, which eases access for families in need."  Gise added, "The shutdown was a gut punch for working families, and Oklahomans deserve better than D.C. drama that gambles with their groceries. Now it’s time to restore trust, improve SNAP accountability and keep families fed instead of forgotten."  House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, said, "The end of this shutdown is long overdue. Oklahomans shouldn’t have to bear the cost of Washington gridlock caused by Democrats’ refusal to advance responsible funding bills. Now, the focus must return to governance that keeps our economy strong, holds programs accountable and puts working families first." The lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to working with state and federal partners to ensure a smooth rollout of the SNAP updates under H.R. 1 and to maintain consistent communication with state agencies and recipients moving forward.