TULSA, Okla. - Tulsa’s federal representatives in Congress were in town for Veterans Day on Tuesday.

Senators Markwayne Mullin and James Lankford got back from Washington early Tuesday morning after voting to reopen the government.

Representative Kevin Hern went back to the Capitol right after Tuesday’s parade so he could vote when the House takes up the bill on Wednesday.

Hern and Mullin began their morning at the new Tulsa VA hospital set to open next year, named after longtime senator and veteran Jim Inhofe.

They then joined veterans downtown for the annual parade, taking time to shake hands and thank those who served.

Senator Mullin says Veterans Day is especially meaningful to him because his grandfather served in World War II, and he wanted to be here in person despite overnight votes in Washington.

“It was a fight that should’ve never happened. We’re at the exact same spot we were 41 days ago that we finished last night in the Senate. Either way, it’s over with. Let’s get moving on and get the country moving on,” said Mullin.

Congressman Hern is also feeling that quick turnaround, leaving after the parade on Tuesday afternoon to vote in the House.

“I’m leaving actually early from the parade to get on the airplane and go back to DC so we can get the government fully open by tomorrow afternoon, Wednesday afternoon. And I know everybody in America will be happy that it is,” said Hern.

Both lawmakers say they expect the federal government to be fully open on Wednesday after the House vote, and they’re glad that this Veterans Day could also mark a fresh start for the country.

This has been the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history.

Democratic leaders say they also want to reopen the government but oppose the Republican spending bill, arguing it doesn’t do enough to protect healthcare coverage and prevent rising costs for working families.

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