Sen. Inhofe Recovering In Tulsa From Quadruple Bypass Surgery

Oklahoma's senior U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe is recuperating following quadruple bypass heart surgery over the weekend in Tulsa.

The Republican senator, who turns 79 next month, says doctors discovered the massive blockage in his arteries during a routine medical screening. He flew home to Tulsa and underwent the emergency heart surgery Friday at St. John Medical Center.

Inhofe issued a statement after his surgery:

"During a routine doctor's visit last week, my doctor found that I had serious problems with my heart which resulted in quadruple bypass surgery this past Friday in Tulsa. The discovery shocked me as I had no visible symptoms that something was wrong. Today, I am feeling great and am fully engaged with my work here in Oklahoma. I encourage my colleagues in Washington to work with vigilance to reopen the government with a bill that represents Oklahomans and all of Americans. I may miss some upcoming votes on the Continuing Resolution, but my doctors agree I will return soon and even stronger to continue the fight to protect Oklahomans' freedoms."

Senator Jim Inhofe has been a U.S. Senator since being elected to the post in 1994. Prior to that, he served as a congressman for the first district for eight years.

Inhofe is a vocal critic of President Obama. He is currently the ranking member on both the Armed Services and Environment and Public Works committees.

He is seeking his fourth term in the U.S. Senate.