By Rick Maranon, FOX23 News
TULSA, Okla. — Oklahoma has a new U.S. senator and a new representative for the Tulsa-area 1st Congressional District, with both potentially taking office before the new Congress convenes in January.
Republican U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern won the Senate race Tuesday, and Republican Mark Tedford won the race to succeed him in the House. The timing of their transitions depends on election certification and a separate agreement involving Hern and appointed U.S. Sen. Alan Armstrong (R-Oklahoma).
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a formal opinion Oct. 29 concluding that the Senate election winner could take office after the State Election Board certifies the results. The board says state and federal results are scheduled to be certified Nov. 10, unless a contest or recount delays certification. The U.S. Senate administers the oath of office.
Hern said Tuesday night he wants to move quickly from the House to the Senate and help advance legislation before the current Congress ends.
“The Senate really hasn’t done anything since last July,” Hern said. “That’s one of the reasons I think the Senate is in trouble right now. They really haven’t passed any bills over there.”
But Armstrong, who was appointed to the seat after former Sen. Markwayne Mullin left to become homeland security secretary, said he hopes to stay long enough to help move permitting reform legislation forward.
The proposal would change how government agencies review and approve major projects, such as roads, power lines, factories, pipelines, mines and power plants. Supporters say changes could make reviews faster and more predictable. Large projects often require approvals from several agencies and environmental reviews.
“I can play a critical role in” keeping a coalition together and addressing concerns from industry and tribal communities, Armstrong said.
Armstrong said his office has been working with Hern’s team on a smooth transition. He said the immediate goal is to get the permitting bill considered on the Senate floor. Armstrong did not have a date for when he would depart the Senate when asked.
Oklahoma’s other senator, Republican James Lankford, said he supports Hern arriving early enough to gain seniority, while also recognizing Armstrong’s role in the permitting debate. Lankford said the exact transition date was still being worked out.
When Hern leaves the House, his seat will be filled by Tedford, who is also waiting for the transition plan. Tedford said he expects to be ready to go to Washington once the Senate transition happens, but he did not have a specific date when he appeared on FOX23 News This Morning the day after the election.
The election results also come as Democrats have won control of the Senate and House, according to race calls reported Wednesday. The change in congressional control takes effect with the new Congress in January.
