Washington, D.C. - U.S. Third District Congressman Frank Lucas made the following statement after Senator Don Nickles’ final speech in the U.S. Senate today, at the end of a distinguished 24-year career. 

“Listening to Don Nickles’ final speech on the Senate floor today, I’m reminded that he leaves that distinguished body as the same man who began his Senate career 24 years ago.  He focused on those legislative priorities that were most important to him both then and now - a strong defense, spending restraint, reforming our tax code, and improving our energy policy.  

“He has never wavered from his beliefs, and our state and our country are a better place to live thanks to this man’s convictions.

“When we needed him to, he has stood firm, whether it be in preventing wasteful government spending or in taking the IRS to task for its abusive treatment of taxpayers.  When we needed him to, he has shown compassion, like when we worked together after the Murrah bombing to provide assistance for the victims and establish a memorial to honor the bravery and resilience of the Oklahoma spirit.

“The Senate was a better place with Don Nickles, and I’m proud to have worked with him in Congress.  He will be greatly missed.”