Veteran House member Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma entered the floor and proposed Rep. Jim Jordan for the role on the second day of the speaker election.

With a reference to the differences between the Jordan and Scalise camps and an attempt to defuse the ferocious GOP infighting, Cole declared, “We have a chance today to end that chaos and to end that uncertainty.” Praising Jordan’s unwavering will, he described it as a “spine of steel” that he feels is essential to the part. When Cole mentioned that Jordan had competed in college wrestling, some Democrats continued to be dubious. 

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A number of Representatives have said that while Jordan was an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State University in the 1990s, he was aware of allegations of sexual assault by a team doctor, but he chose not to confront them. Jordan insists that at the time he was not aware of any wrongdoing.

Who is Tom Cole?

Tom Cole is a well-known member of the Republican Party who has served as the representative for Oklahoma’s 4th congressional district since 2003. He is currently the House Rules Committee Chairman. Among House Republicans, he was ranked fourth during his time as Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) from 2006 to 2008.

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Cole is a Chickasaw Nation member and a fifth-generation Oklahoman, making him one of just five Native Americans in Congress at the moment. He is a fervent supporter of tribal governments and Native American communities. Cole is also renowned for his leadership in promoting and funding biomedical research, his steadfast support of taxpayers and small businesses, and his backing of a strong national military.

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He has a staunchly conservative voting record, regularly supporting gun rights and opposing abortion. Along with advocating for free trade, the armed forces, veterans, and other pro-business policies, he also actively teaches his fellow congressmen on issues related to American Indian affairs.