Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief + journalist: @News9, @Newson6 Covering the nation's capital for Oklahoma's Own Griffin Communications.

Washington, D.C.
Joined March 2009
In a brief statement, the White House announced today President Trump has withdrawn former OK state trooper Lance Shroyer as his nominee to head ICE. Shroyer was nominated in June. Sen. Homeland Security Cmte Chair Rand Paul never scheduled a confirmation hearing. @NEWS9 @NewsOn6
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WASHINGTON, D.C., August 31, 2026 – National Press Club President Mark Schoeff Jr. issued the following statement today:
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I met with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal @SenBlumenthal and James Lankford @SenatorLankford during the National Prayer Breakfast in Kyiv. I am grateful to the United States for its unwavering bipartisan and bicameral support. We appreciate that work continues in both chambers of the U.S. Congress to increase pressure on Russia, and we hope that Lindsey Graham’s bill on sanctions against Russia and Iran can ultimately be passed. I briefed the Senators on Russia’s ongoing ballistic missile terror. It is very important for Ukraine to have the capabilities to counter this, and implementing the decision to grant licenses for the production of Patriots could significantly help. We also discussed cooperation between Ukraine and the United States, bilateral agreements, and promising projects. Thank you!
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U.S. Dept of Energy names Oklahoma potential ‘host’ for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. Other states in the mix: Utah, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Idaho. DOE calls this “a new effort to strengthen and modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle.” @NewsOn6 @NEwS9
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@SenatorLankford calls the selection a ‘great decision’: “As energy demand continues to grow, Oklahoma’s long history of domestic energy innovation makes our state well-positioned to continue leading the nation in developing affordable, reliable, and secure American energy.”
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Waiting in traffic on Massachusetts Ave this morning as the motorcade for what appeared to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s hearse drove past.
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Just now: @SenatorLankford testifying before @TomColeOK04 and the House Appropriations Committee about his Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, legislation he’s been pushing since 2019 to force lawmakers to stay in DC until they pass regular appropriations. @Newson6 @NEWS9
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It’s that time of year again: the 2026 winning entries in the Congressional High School Art Competition are going up in Cannon Tunnel. Get a peak at the 5 Oklahoma winners. @NewsOn6 @NEWS9
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Under questioning from @TomColeOK04 yesterday, Sec’y Hegseth acknowledged the administration had “shed” the “divest-to-invest mindset” that initially led them to believe the nation’s airborne ISR platform (E-3’s and E-7’s) should be replaced with a satellite-based platform.
The Pentagon's decision to restore the E-7 program is the right call. Tinker AFB has been the heart of America's AWACS mission with the E-3 for years – that experience and expertise matters. I've been proud to fight for this program, and glad to see the administration recognize the E-7 is essential to keeping America's eyes in the sky. This is a win for Oklahoma and for our national security.
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Just now-@GovStitt and Hitachi Ltd sign Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) at SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington. @NewsOn6 @NEWS9
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20 of DHS's 22 agencies now funded through normal appropriations for remainder of FY '26; ICE & CBP funded through OBBBA
THE HOUSE just funded DHS by voice vote. 76-day DHS shutdown is over. They didnt even take a recorded vote
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Thankfully, President Trump, the First Lady, all members of the Cabinet, the media, and guests are safe. @POTUS has displayed incredible composure and leadership tonight. I want to thank the U.S. Secret Service and law enforcement personnel for their quick and heroic actions. An investigation is ongoing, and we will provide updates as they become available.
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Moments ago, Alan Armstrong walks into the Senate chamber to be sworn in as a United States Senator from Oklahoma. Armstrong was tapped to fill the remaining 8 months of Markwayne Mullin’s term @Newson6 @ NEWS9
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According to the White House, @SecMullinDHS will be sworn in this afternoon at 1:30 ET in the Oval Office. @POTUS will participate. Mullin was confirmed 54-45 by the Senate last night. @NewsOn6 @NEWS9
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Alex Cameron retweeted
News: The new Oklahoma senator replacing Sen. Mullin is expected to be sworn in at 3:30 pm tomorrow, per multiple sources familiar w/ the plan That’s pending an announcement from Oklahoma Gov. Stitt on his pick for the appointment. Stitt is expected to pick energy exec Alan Armstrong (@reesejgorman first reported Stitt’s pick)
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Just now—Senate confirms @SenMullin to be next Secretary of Homeland Security 54-45. @NewsOn6 @NEWS9
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Just now--@SenMullin's nomination to be DHS Secretary narrowly advanced by Senate Homeland Security Committee on 8-7 vote. @NewsOn6 @NEWS9
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Breaking: @repbice will NOT run for the US Senate seat being left open by @senmullin’s pending move to DHS, saying she “remains committed to serving the Fifth Congressional District.” Bice’s colleague, @repkevinhern, is running. Rep. Bice’s full statement below. @NEWS9 @Newson6
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Just now—@GovStitt leaving the U.S. Capitol after meeting with @LeaderJohnThune for about 35 mins. Per sources, Stitt had dinner with @SenatorLankford last night and is to meet with @POTUS this afternoon…all related to appointing an interim replacement for @SenMullin. 🧵
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Stitt declined to talk about the meeting with Thune but said he was ‘looking forward to meeting w/ Trump: “I’m gonna thank him for all the economic development that he’s helped us with here in our state and then we’ll talk about the appointment and what we need in the Senate.”
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I also asked @GovStitt if he’s interested in running for the open Senate seat; “I’m just interested right now in picking the very, very best person for this position and representing Oklahomans well… We’re gonna find a great one.” @NEWS9 @NewsOn6
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