In a significant development for Oklahoma, Congressman Tom Cole announced on March 7, 2025, that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has reversed its decision to terminate leases for three critical federal facilities in the state.
This reversal ensures the continued operation of the National Weather Center in Norman, the Social Security Administration Office in Lawton, and the Indian Health Services Office in Oklahoma City.
Background on DOGE’s Proposed Cuts
Initially, DOGE, led by Elon Musk, proposed the closure of 15 federal offices in Oklahoma, aiming to save approximately $3.7 million annually.
These closures included essential services such as Social Security offices, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) offices, and a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) facility.
The proposed closures sparked concerns among tribal leaders and members of Congress, who argued that such actions would negatively impact essential services for tribal communities.
Facilities Spared from Closure
The three facilities that will remain operational are:
- National Weather Center in Norman: This center plays a pivotal role in weather prediction and houses the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory. Its research encompasses weather radar, tornadoes, flash floods, lightning, damaging winds, hail, and winter weather. The estimated cost savings from its closure would have been approximately $484,000.
- Social Security Administration Office in Lawton: Serving a population of roughly 90,245, this office provides essential services to the community. The next closest Social Security Administration office is in Chickasha, about 45 miles northeast, serving a smaller population of approximately 17,000. Closing this office would have saved an estimated $223,200.
- Indian Health Services Office in Oklahoma City: This office is crucial for providing health services to Native American communities in the region. The proposed closure aimed to save around $119,951.
Congressman Cole’s Advocacy
Congressman Tom Cole, representing Oklahoma’s Fourth District and serving as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, played a vital role in advocating for these facilities.
In his statement, he expressed his satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing the importance of these facilities in providing vital services to Oklahomans.
Impact on Other Federal Facilities
Despite the reversal for the three aforementioned facilities, DOGE’s plan still includes the closure of several other federal offices in Oklahoma. The complete list of proposed closures and their estimated annual savings is as follows:
| Facility | Location | Estimated Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | Broken Bow | $30,612 |
| Bureau of Indian Affairs | Carnegie | $2,798 |
| Office of Surface Mining and Regulation Enforcement | Tulsa | $745,987 |
| Bureau of Indian Affairs | Pawnee | $156,171 |
| Bureau of Indian Affairs | Seminole | $184,770 |
| Occupational Safety and Health Administration | Oklahoma City | $133,605 |
| Bureau of Indian Affairs | Watonga | $38,573 |
| Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service | Oklahoma City | $20,113 |
| International Trade Administration | Oklahoma City | $22,990 |
| Bureau of Indian Affairs Office | Pawhuska | $166,134 |
| Department of Housing and Urban Development | Tulsa | $109,426 |
| U.S. Attorney’s Office | Muskogee | $1,272,005 |
The closure of these facilities has raised concerns among local communities and tribal leaders. For instance, Seminole Nation Chief Lewis Johnson highlighted the personal impact of closing the BIA office in Seminole, emphasizing its support for the local service area of the tribe.
Political Response and Ongoing Efforts
The proposed closures have elicited strong reactions from Oklahoma’s political leaders. Senator James Lankford has been actively challenging some of the closures, seeking clarity on the specific offices affected and advocating for essential services to remain operational.
He emphasized the need to assess each closure on a case-by-case basis to ensure that critical services are not disrupted.
The decision to maintain leases for the National Weather Center in Norman, the Social Security Administration Office in Lawton, and the Indian Health Services Office in Oklahoma City represents a significant victory for Oklahoma.
However, the planned closures of other federal facilities continue to pose challenges for the state’s communities, particularly for tribal nations relying on BIA services.
Ongoing advocacy and negotiations will be crucial to address these concerns and ensure that essential services remain accessible to all Oklahomans.