Estimates of Chinese and Russian military expenditures vary widely. The U.S. is generally agreed to spend more than the other two combined, but some U.S. officials believe China and Russia put more money into research, development and production.

Shhh: Inhofe joined with several other Republican lawmakers to introduce what they call the “Hearing Protection Act,” and whose purpose is to lift restrictions on the civilian sale of gun suppressors, or silencers.

Silencers, as they were traditionally known, have been heavily regulated since passage of the 1934 National Firearms Act. That legislation intended to combat the growing firepower of the nation’s criminal element, especially in comparison to law enforcement, which often found itself outgunned.

Silencer manufacturers, though, have long maintained their products have more peaceful applications, such as protecting the hearing of hunters and competition shooters.

Gun enthusiasts and manufacturers now call the devices suppressors, rather than silencers.

Dots and dashes: Second District Congressman Markwayne Mullin joined a bipartisan effort to expand community mental health services. ... The Federal Communications Commission ignored 3rd District Congressman Frank Lucas, ranking member of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, and Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, and auctioned off broadband width development of 5G communications. Lucas and Johnson asked the auction be delayed to address the concerns of space agencies. ... U.S. James Lankford joined Republican colleagues Joni Ernst of Iowa and Rand Paul of Kentucky in sponsoring legislation requiring “every project supported with federal funds to include a price tag with its cost to taxpayers.” ... Lucas participated in a Republican press conference attacking the Green New Deal.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.