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.
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.
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
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
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)
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
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
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. 🧵
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.”
News: Rep. HERN will step down from his role as Republican Policy Committee chair today, in line w/ House GOP rules
Conference rules require members of the elected leadership to resign from their post if they run for higher office. HERN will launch his Senate bid this afternoon
This means a race for the RPC job among House R's, which is already starting to heat up
NEWS: KEVIN HERN, House Republican from Oklahoma and former RSC chair, will announce tomorrow afternoon he is running for Senate.
me and @LauraEWeiss16
(text subscribers knew this already)
Statement just now from @RepFrankLucas:
“I’m humbled by the outreach from my fellow Oklahomans regarding the open Senate seat.
I am proud to serve Oklahoma’s 3rd District and, as President Trump’s endorsed candidate, hope to continue to do so with your vote in November.”
On her personal page, @stephaniebice praises @potus’s pick to lead DHS, @SenMullin, and hints at a possible run for his seat: “i’ve received encouragement from every corner of this great state to run for the US Senate. And it’s something I’m carefully considering. Stay tuned!”