History of Tom Coburn in Timeline
Tom Coburn was an American politician and physician. He served as a U.S. Representative for Oklahoma from 1995 to 2001 and later as a U.S. Senator from Oklahoma from 2005 to 2015. A Republican, Coburn was known for his conservative views and his focus on fiscal responsibility and limited government.
1921: Last Republican Representative Prior to Coburn
In 1921, prior to Coburn's election, the 2nd congressional district of Oklahoma was last represented by a Republican.
March 14, 1948: Birth of Thomas Allen Coburn
On March 14, 1948, Thomas Allen Coburn was born. He later became a U.S. Representative and Senator for Oklahoma.
1967: Carolyn Denton becomes Miss Oklahoma
In 1967, Carolyn Denton, who would later marry Tom Coburn, was named Miss Oklahoma.
1968: Marriage to Carolyn Denton
In 1968, Coburn married Carolyn Denton, the 1967 Miss Oklahoma.
1970: Manufacturing Manager at Coburn Optical
In 1970, Coburn began his role as a manufacturing manager at the Ophthalmic Division of Coburn Optical Industries.
1978: End of Tenure at Coburn Optical
In 1978, Coburn's tenure as a manufacturing manager at the Ophthalmic Division of Coburn Optical Industries ended.
1983: Graduation from Medical School
In 1983, Coburn graduated from the University of Oklahoma Medical School with honors and then opened Maternal & Family Practice in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
1984: Since 1984
Since 1984, the Mount Hood bill would have been the largest amount of land added to federal protection.
1987: Earmark Statistics
In 1987, the number of earmarks was 121 according to the Congressional Research Service.
1990: Sterilization Controversy
In 1990, Coburn performed a sterilization on a 20-year-old woman during an emergency surgery, leading to a lawsuit that was later dismissed.
1994: Election to House of Representatives
In 1994, Coburn ran for and won the election to the House of Representatives in Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district, becoming the first Republican to represent the district since 1921.
1994: Republican Party Win
In 1994, The Republican Party came into power in Congress for the first time in 40 years.
1996: Re-election to the House
Coburn was re-elected to the House of Representatives in 1996 despite representing a heavily Democratic district.
1997: Protest Against Schindler's List Airing
In 1997, Coburn protested NBC's plan to air the R-rated Academy Award-winning Holocaust drama Schindler's List during prime time, citing concerns about nudity, violence, and profanity.
1997: Introduction of the HIV Prevention Act
In 1997, Tom Coburn introduced the HIV Prevention Act, which would have amended the Social Security Act to require confidential notification of HIV exposure to sexual partners, along with counseling and testing.
1998: Re-election to the House
Coburn was re-elected to the House of Representatives in 1998 despite representing a heavily Democratic district.
2000: Endorsement of Alan Keyes
In 2000, Coburn endorsed conservative activist and former diplomat Alan Keyes in the Republican presidential primaries.
2000: Retirement from the House of Representatives
In 2000, Coburn upheld his campaign pledge to serve no more than three consecutive terms and did not seek re-election, retiring from the House of Representatives.
2000: Sponsorship of Bill to Prevent FDA Approval of RU-486
In 2000, Tom Coburn sponsored a bill to prevent the Food and Drug Administration from developing, testing, or approving the abortifacient RU-486. The bill failed in the House of Representatives on July 13.
2001: Retirement from Congress
In 2001, Coburn retired from Congress, fulfilling his pledge to serve no more than three terms in the House.
2002: Co-chair of Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS
In 2002, President George W. Bush chose Coburn to serve as co-chair of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA).
2003: Publication of 'Breach of Trust'
In 2003, Coburn's book, 'Breach of Trust: How Washington Turns Outsiders Into Insiders', was published.
2004: Election to the Senate
In 2004, Coburn returned to political life with a successful run for the United States Senate.
September 14, 2005: Confirmation Hearings for John Roberts
On September 14, 2005, during the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee John Roberts, Tom Coburn critiqued partisan politics and questioned Roberts on legal terms, abortion, and end-of-life issues, noting his experience as an obstetrician.
2005: Earmark Statistics
In 2005, Coburn and McCain noted that the practice of members of Congress adding earmarks had risen to 15,268 earmarks, according to the Congressional Research Service.
2005: Friendship with Barack Obama
In 2005, the friendship between Tom Coburn and Barack Obama began as they both arrived in the Senate at the same time. They collaborated on various reforms.
April 6, 2006: Introduction of the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
On April 6, 2006, Tom Coburn, along with Senators Obama, Carper, and McCain, introduced the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006, requiring disclosure of entities receiving federal funds.
September 26, 2006: Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act Signed into Law
On September 26, 2006, The Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act, introduced by Coburn, Obama, Carper, and McCain, was signed into law.
2006: Amendment Regarding the "Bridge to Nowhere"
In 2006, Tom Coburn proposed an amendment to transfer funding from the "Bridge to Nowhere" in Alaska to rebuild a bridge in Louisiana damaged by Hurricane Katrina; the amendment was defeated.
2006: Vote on Constitutional Amendment to Ban Same-Sex Marriage
In 2006, Tom Coburn voted in support of a proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage.
May 23, 2007: Blocked Rachel Carson Birthday Bills
On May 23, 2007, Coburn blocked two bills honoring the 100th birthday of Rachel Carson, calling her scientific work "junk science."
May 24, 2007: Vote Against Funding the War in Iraq
On May 24, 2007, Tom Coburn voted against funding the war in Iraq.
June 13, 2007: Senate Committee Approval of Whistleblower Protection Act
On June 13, 2007, The Senate's version of the Whistleblower Protection Act (S. 274) was approved by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
July 2007: Criticism of Senator Nelson's Earmarks
In July 2007, Tom Coburn criticized Senator Ben Nelson's pork-barrel spending in the 2007 defense spending bill, alleging it benefited Nelson's son's employer, raising questions about the Transparency Act.
October 1, 2007: Vote Against Funding the War in Iraq
On October 1, 2007, Tom Coburn voted against funding the war in Iraq.
2007: Implementation of Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act
In 2007, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act was implemented, requiring the full disclosure of all entities and organizations receiving federal funds.
February 2008: Intervention in Ensign's Affair
In February 2008, Coburn, together with senior members of the Family, attempted to intervene to end Ensign's affair before it became public.
February 2008: Comments on the Iraq War
In February 2008, Tom Coburn stated that going to war in Iraq was "probably a mistake."
July 2008: Introduction of "Tomnibus" Bill
In July 2008, in response to Coburn's holds, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid introduced the Advancing America's Priorities Act, S. 3297, known as the "Tomnibus" bill, combining thirty-five bills Coburn had blocked.
November 2008: Hold on Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Area Legislation
In November 2008, Coburn exercised a hold on the legislation creating the Lewis and Clark Mount Hood Wilderness Area, decrying the required $10 million for surveying and mapping as wasteful.
March 2009: Passage of Omnibus Public Land Management Act
In March 2009, the wilderness areas Coburn opposed became protected under the Omnibus Public Land Management Act, which passed the Senate 73–21.
May 2009: Vote Against Confirmation of Gil Kerlikowske
In May 2009, Tom Coburn was the only Senator to vote against the confirmation of Gil Kerlikowske as the Director of the National Drug Control Policy.
October 2009: Statement on Ensign's Affair
In October 2009, Coburn made a statement to The New York Times about Ensign's affair and cover-up, criticizing Ensign's judgment.
November 2009: Hold on Veterans Benefits Bill
In November 2009, Coburn drew attention for placing a hold on a veterans benefits bill known as the Veterans' Caregiver and Omnibus Health Benefits Act.
November 16, 2009: Letter to IRS Commissioner Regarding CAIR Investigation
On November 16, 2009, Tom Coburn joined other congressmen in a letter to the IRS Commissioner requesting an investigation into the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) for potentially excessive lobbying and failure to register as a lobbying organization.
December 2009: Vote Against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
In December 2009, Tom Coburn voted against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
2009: Scrutiny Due to Ensign Affair
In 2009, The announcement by Ensign of his infidelity brought public scrutiny of The Family and its connection to other high-ranking politicians, including Coburn.
2009: Co-Authors Patients Choice Act of 2009
In 2009, Tom Coburn co-authored the Patients Choice Act of 2009 (S. 1099), a Republican health care reform plan.
2009: BCS Game Bet with Bill Nelson
In 2009, Tom Coburn made a bet with Senator Bill Nelson over the outcome of the BCS game; Coburn had to sing Elton John's "Rocket Man" after losing.
2009: Support for Second Amendment and Concealed Carry in National Parks
In 2009, regarding the Second Amendment, Tom Coburn sponsored an amendment to the Credit CARD Act to allow concealed carry of firearms in national parks. The Senate passed the amendment.
March 9, 2010: Lifted Hold on LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act
On March 9, 2010, Coburn lifted his hold on the LRA bill after reaching a compromise regarding the funding of the bill, and an eleven-day protest outside of his office.
2010: Re-election to the Senate
In 2010, Coburn was re-elected to a second Senate term and kept his pledge not to seek a third term in 2016.
2010: Senate Re-election
In 2010, Coburn was re-elected to the Senate, receiving 90% of the vote in the Republican primary and 70% in the general election.
2010: Call for Freeze on Defense Spending and Service on Simpson-Bowles Commission
In 2010, Tom Coburn called for a freeze on defense spending and served on the Simpson-Bowles debt reduction commission, expressing openness to tax increases to balance the budget.
2010: Vote Against the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act
In 2010, Tom Coburn voted against the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act.
April 2011: Comments on Barack Obama
In April 2011, Tom Coburn spoke about Barack Obama, expressing his affection for him despite their political disagreements.
May 2011: Senate Ethics Committee Report on Ensign
In May 2011, the Senate Ethics Committee identified Coburn in their report on the ethics violations of Ensign, stating that Coburn knew about Ensign's extramarital affair and was involved in trying to negotiate a financial settlement to cover it up.
May 26, 2011: Release of Report on National Science Foundation
On May 26, 2011, Tom Coburn released a 73-page report titled "National Science Foundation: Under the Microscope", which received attention from various news outlets.
2011: Breaks with Americans for Tax Reform
In 2011, Tom Coburn broke with Americans for Tax Reform with an ethanol amendment, asserting the need for revenue increases to "fix the country."
2011: Introduction of Bill to End Ethanol Blenders' Tax Credit
In 2011, Tom Coburn introduced a bill with Senator Ben Cardin to end the ethanol blenders' tax credit, while asserting that climate change was a natural phenomenon.
February 3, 2012: Statement on the STOCK Act
On February 3, 2012, Tom Coburn released a statement regarding the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act (STOCK Act), against which he voted.
December 2012: Support for Universal Background Checks after Sandy Hook
In December 2012, after the Sandy Hook massacre, Tom Coburn reversed his previous position and came out in support of universal background checks for gun purchases.
2012: Identifies Possible Defense Savings
In 2012, Tom Coburn identified less than $7 billion a year in possible defense savings, primarily through the elimination of military personnel involved in support services.
April 2013: Vote Against Universal Background Checks Amendment
In April 2013, Tom Coburn was one of 46 senators to vote against the universal background checks amendment, defeating its passage, despite previously supporting the idea.
May 2013: Calls for Offset in Disaster Relief Funding
In May 2013, after tornadoes in his state, Tom Coburn stated that any new funding allocated for disaster relief needed to be offset by cuts to other federal spending.
November 2013: Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
In November 2013, Tom Coburn publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
2013: Climate Change Denial
In 2013, Tom Coburn publicly stated that he was a "global warming denier".
2013: Receives U.S. Senator John Heinz Award
In 2013, Tom Coburn received the U.S. Senator John Heinz Award for Greatest Public Service by an Elected or Appointed Official.
January 2014: Resignation Announcement
In January 2014, Coburn announced that he would resign before the expiration of his final term due to a recurrence of prostate cancer.
January 16, 2014: Announcement of Early Resignation
On January 16, 2014, Coburn announced he would resign his office before his term ended at the end of the year due to his declining health.
April 29, 2014: Introduction of Insurance Capital Standards Clarification Act
On April 29, 2014, Coburn introduced the Insurance Capital Standards Clarification Act of 2014 (S. 2270; 113th Congress) into the Senate.
June 3, 2014: Passage of Insurance Capital Standards Clarification Act
On June 3, 2014, the Insurance Capital Standards Clarification Act (S. 2270; 113th Congress), which Coburn introduced, passed in the Senate.
December 15, 2014: Stalling of Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act
On December 15, 2014, Tom Coburn stalled the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, arguing against the bill's effectiveness despite its aim to reduce veteran suicides.
December 2016: Senior Fellow at Manhattan Institute
In December 2016, Coburn became a senior fellow of the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, working on efforts to reform the Food and Drug Administration.
2016: Becomes Manhattan Institute Senior Fellow
In 2016, Tom Coburn became a Manhattan Institute senior fellow.
2017: Authoring "Smashing the DC Monopoly"
In 2017, Tom Coburn authored a book titled "Smashing the DC Monopoly: Using Article V to Restore Freedom and Stop Runaway Government" about convening a convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution.
March 28, 2020: Death of Thomas Allen Coburn
On March 28, 2020, Thomas Allen Coburn passed away. He was an American politician and physician, who served as a U.S. Senator from Oklahoma from 2005 to 2015.
May 1, 2021: Memorial Service
On May 1, 2021, a memorial service was held at South Tulsa Baptist Church to honor the life of Tom Coburn.
