Tell me a bio of Tom Coburn.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Tom Coburn was an American physician and politician who served as a United States Senator from Oklahoma from 2005 to 2015. Here's a brief biography of his life, career, achievements, and impact:

**Early Life and Education**

Thomas Allen Coburn was born on March 16, 1948, in Casper, Wyoming. He grew up in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and graduated from Muskogee High School in 1966. Coburn earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1970 from the University of Oklahoma and his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1973 from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.

**Medical Career**

Before entering politics, Coburn practiced medicine in Muskogee, Oklahoma, for over 20 years. He was a board-certified family physician and served as the chief of staff at Muskogee Regional Medical Center.

**Political Career**

Coburn's entry into politics began in 1994 when he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Republican. He won the election and served three terms in the House of Representatives from 1995 to 2001. In 2004, he ran for the U.S. Senate and won the election, serving two terms from 2005 to 2015.

**Senate Career and Achievements**

During his time in the Senate, Coburn was known for his conservative views and his efforts to reduce government spending. He was a member of the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Coburn was also a co-author of the "Gang of Six" plan, which aimed to reduce the national debt by $4 trillion over 10 years.

Some of Coburn's notable achievements include:

1. **Wastebook**: Coburn published an annual report called "Wastebook," which highlighted examples of wasteful government spending.
2. **Congressional Accountability**: Coburn introduced legislation to increase transparency and accountability in Congress, including a bill to require members of Congress to disclose their personal financial information.
3. **Healthcare Reform**: Coburn was a vocal critic of the Affordable Care Act and introduced alternative healthcare reform proposals.

**Impact and Legacy**

Tom Coburn's impact on American politics was significant, particularly in his efforts to reduce government spending and increase transparency. His "Wastebook" reports helped to raise awareness about wasteful government spending and inspired other lawmakers to take action. Coburn's commitment to conservative values and his willingness to challenge the status quo earned him a reputation as a principled and effective legislator.

**Personal Life and Death**

Coburn married his wife, Carolyn, in 1977, and they had three children together. He was a devout Christian and a member of the Baptist church. Coburn passed away on March 28, 2020, at the age of 72, after a long battle with prostate cancer.
Tom Coburn was an American politician and physician who served as a United States Senator from Oklahoma from 2005 to 2015. He was a member of the Republican Party and known for his strong conservative views.

**Early Life**

Tom Allen Coburn was born on March 6, 1948, in Casper, Wyoming, to Irene (Fisher) and Clyde Coburn. His family moved to Oklahoma when he was eight years old, and he grew up in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Coburn earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970 from the University of Tulsa and went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree in 1973 from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.

**Medical Career**

After completing his medical degree, Coburn served in the United States Navy from 1973 to 1976 as a general surgeon, including a one-year tour in Vietnam. He established a medical practice in Muskogee, Oklahoma, and also served as an adjunct professor of surgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.

**Politics and Senate Career**

In 2000, Coburn was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district. He served three terms in the House before being elected to the Senate in 2004, succeeding Oklahoma Senator Don Nickles. Coburn served three terms in the Senate from 2005 to 2015.

**Policy and Legislative Achievements**

During his Senate career, Coburn was known for his fiscal conservatism and his efforts to reduce government spending. He authored the "Gang of Six" plan in 2011 to address the national debt and proposed the "$100 Million Dollar House" bill in 2008 to cut government spending. He also authored the Coburn-Wyden Act of 2010, which aimed to reduce government spending by identifying areas of inefficiency and duplication.

**Committee Assignments**

Coburn served on several Senate committees, including the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Senate Committee on the Budget. He also served as the ranking member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging.

**Personal Life**

Tom Coburn married his wife, Sarah Ann McMoran, in 1974. They had three children together, and he was a Baptist. He passed away on March 28, 2023, after a long battle with prostate cancer.

**Legacy and Impact**

Throughout his career, Coburn was known for his commitment to reducing government spending and his efforts to promote fiscal responsibility. His efforts to cut government spending and reduce the national debt earned him a reputation as a conservative leader. He also was a strong advocate for the rights of patients and healthcare providers.

Despite his commitment to reducing government spending, Coburn's conservative views and his opposition to healthcare reform earned him criticism from some of his colleagues and opponents. However, his efforts to promote fiscal responsibility and reduce government waste remain an important legacy of his Senate career.

**Notable Awards and Recognition**

* American Conservative Union's "Taxpayer Hero"
* Club for Growth's "Taxpayer Superhero"
* Republican Study Committee's "Golden Dome Award"

**Books and Publications**

* The Debt Bomb: A Bold Plan to Stop Washington's Spending Mania
* Beggars in Benz: Life Inside an Inpatient Rehab Center
* When in the Course of Human Events: Arguing the Case for Southern Secession

Overall, Tom Coburn's legacy is that of a fiscal conservative who dedicated his career to promoting responsible government spending and reducing the national debt. His efforts to cut government spending and promote fiscal responsibility continue to influence national policy debates.