Senate Democratic leaders issue statements after DOGE-OK targets federal health care dollars for Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt and Assistant Democratic Leader Carri Hicks issued the following statement after DOGE-OK identified $157 million in federal health grants for Oklahoma it claimed were unnecessary and are returning to the federal government.  

“I stand with Oklahomans who are outraged that politicians are shipping their hard-earned tax dollars back to Washington, D.C., where they will no doubt be spent in other states, instead of being invested in our communities helping Oklahoma families. Oklahoma families are waiting too long for medical care they can’t afford, and many are dying of preventable diseases. We remain committed to solving real problems and putting people over politics. We call on our Republican colleagues to do the same.” – Senate Democratic Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City.  

“Oklahoma ranks among the worst in the nation for key health outcomes. Our hospitals are closing, our physician shortage is deepening, and too many families are struggling to access care. Instead of using our own federal tax dollars to address these challenges, we’re choosing to leave them on the table, ensuring that our state’s health crisis remains just that – a crisis. This isn’t leadership. It’s negligence.” – Assistant Senate Democratic Leader Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City. 

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For more information, contact:   
Sen. Julia Kirt at 405-521-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov  
Sen. Carri Hicks at 405-521-5543 or Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov