Florida Legislators Mourn Death of Oklahoma Senator

Florida’s US Senators are mourning the recent passing of former Senator Jim Inhofe, a leading Republican Senator representing Oklahoma for almost 30 years.

Florida Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL) both released statements celebrating Senator Inhofe’s life, commending his public service, and mourning his death.

“Ann and I are keeping Kay, the Inhofe family and all who had the honor of working with Jim throughout his decades in public service in our prayers following the news of his passing,” said Senator Scott.

Inhofe, who retired in 2023, was the mayor of Tulsa prior to entering national politics, which he first did as a US representative from 1987 to 1994.

Upon retiring, Inhofe was the Republican leader of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“I had the opportunity to work with Jim closely during my first few years in the Senate on the Armed Services Committee – he was a natural leader and undoubtedly a brilliant one, always keeping our national defense and service members a top priority,” continued Scott.

Inhofe’s last significant military contribution was passing the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023 into law.

Among other provisions, the law raised military wages, increased aid to Ukraine and Taiwan, addressed inflation impacting military families, and invested funds into critical military assets.

“NDAA will make our country more secure, give our military the resources it needs to take on China, Russia and other looming threats and take care of our troops and their families,” said Inhofe.

Senator Rubio characterized Inhofe as “an incredible man who served his country with a servant’s heart.”

“I am honored to have worked alongside him over the years and grateful for his friendship,” concluded Rubio.