Congressman Tom Cole, representingOklahoma's4th Congressional District since 2003, is a prominent figure in American politics, known for his extensive experience, bipartisan approach and advocacy for Native American issues. Born on April 28, 1949, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Cole was raised in Moore, Okla.
He is a member of the Chickasaw Nation and the son of Helen Cole, the first Native American woman elected to the Oklahoma Senate. Cole earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Grinnell College, a Master of Arts from Yale University, and a Ph.D. in British history from the University of Oklahoma. His academic pursuits included fellowships such as the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship and a Fulbright Fellowship at the University of London.
Cole's political journey began in the Oklahoma State Senate in 1988–1991, followed by his appointment as Oklahoma's Secretary of State,1995–1999, under Governor Frank Keating. He also served as executive director of the National Republican Congressional Committee and as chief of staff to the Republican National Committee.
Elected to the U.S. House in 2002, Cole has been reelected consistently, reflecting strong support in his district, which encompasses cities like Norman, Moore and Lawton. In 2024, he secured his 12th term by winning the Republican primary outright against a well-funded challenger.
Cole has held significant leadership positions, including Chair of the House Rules Committee and, as of April 2024, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Known for his pragmatic and bipartisan approach, he has been instrumental in budget negotiations and efforts to prevent government shutdowns.
As a member of the Chickasaw Nation, Cole is a leading voice on Native American affairs in Congress. He has championed legislation to strengthen tribal sovereignty and improve healthcare and education for Native communities.
In 2022, he became the longest-servingNativeAmerican in congressional history. Cole's career reflects a commitment to public service, bipartisan collaboration and advocacy for underrepresented communities, solidifying his role as a respected leader in American politics. In March 2025, Congressman Cole announced the allocation of over $230 million in federal aid to support Oklahoma farmers, as part of the $10 billion American Relief Act.
This funding aims to provide economic assistance to farmers facing challenges such as inflation, severe weather, and drought conditions. Cole emphasized the critical role of agriculture in Oklahoma's economy and the importance of supporting farmers during uncertain times.
He acknowledged the contributions of House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson and former Chairman Frank Lucas in directing the funds to benefit rural producers effectively. The aid will be distributed through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program.
Eligible producers must submit applications to their local Farm Service Agency County office by August 15, 2025. Applications can be submitted in person, electronically via Box and One Span, by fax or online at fsa. usda.gov/ecap using a secure login.gov account. To apply, producers need to have the following forms on file with the FSA: Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet Form CCC-901, Member Information for Legal Entities, if applicable) Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity Form CCC-943, 75% of Average Gross Income from Farming, Ranching, or Forestry Certification, if applicable Form AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification Producers who did not receive a pre-filled ECAP application but planted or were prevented from planting ECAP-eligible commodities in 2024 should contact their local FSA office. This initiative reflects Congressman Cole's commitment to supporting the agricultural community in Oklahoma, ensuring that farmers and ranchers receive the necessary resources to sustain their operations and contribute to the state's economy.