Lawton, OK – A bill to rename the VA hospital in Tulsa after the late Senator Jim Inhofe has cleared its final legislative hurdles and is now on its way to President Joe Biden’s desk for approval. The bill, which passed both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, proposes that the facility be officially renamed the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center.
Inhofe, a longtime Republican senator from Oklahoma, is being honored posthumously for his decades of service to veterans and his significant contributions to both the state and the nation. The legislation was introduced by Oklahoma’s U.S. Senators, James Lankford and the late Senator Inhofe’s successor, Markwayne Mullin, who both emphasized the importance of recognizing Inhofe’s legacy.
In a statement following the bill’s passage, Senator Lankford described the renaming as “one of the most fitting honors” for Inhofe, noting the senator’s tireless advocacy for veterans throughout his career. “This new name will ensure that when people pass by this beautiful new facility in Tulsa, they will always remember the many contributions of James Mountain Inhofe to our state and nation,” Lankford said.
Inhofe, who served in the U.S. Senate from 1994 until his retirement in 2023, was widely known for his strong support of military service members and veterans. As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Inhofe played a key role in shaping defense policy and securing funding for military programs, including those that directly benefited veterans. His work on behalf of Oklahoma’s military installations and the state’s veterans earned him widespread respect from both his colleagues and his constituents.
The Tulsa VA hospital, a facility that provides health care to thousands of veterans in the region, will now bear the name of a man who spent much of his life fighting for the well-being of those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. If signed into law by President Biden, the new name will serve as a lasting tribute to Inhofe’s dedication to his country’s veterans.
The bill’s passage comes at a time when the nation continues to grapple with challenges facing veterans, including access to health care and support services. Advocates say that renaming the Tulsa VA hospital will not only honor Inhofe’s legacy but also help raise awareness about the ongoing needs of veterans and the importance of continued investment in their care.
