Lankford Votes for 15th Time to Reopen Government as Senate Moves to End Longest Shutdown in American History

WASHINGTON, DC — US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) criticized Senate Democrats for causing and prolonging the longest shutdown in American history, noting that tonight’s vote to reopen the government came only after Democrats blocked 14 Republican efforts to reopen the government and restore pay for federal workers and the military.

“This has been the most useless shutdown in history. It has caused unnecessary pain for millions of federal workers and families across the country,” said Lankford. “For over a month, Senate Democrats refused every single attempt to reopen the government and insisted on using federal workers as leverage. I voted 14 times to reopen the government, yet Democrats blocked each effort until the pressure finally became too great to ignore. This should never happen again, which is why I will continue to push for passage of my Prevent Government Shutdowns Act. The American people deserve a government that works, not partisan brinksmanship that puts basic services at risk.”

Background

A majority of Senate Democrats voted 14 times to keep the government closed before agreeing to end the shutdown tonight. The measure now heads to the House of Representatives for final passage. 

Lankford continues to lead on his Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025, which would take shutdowns off the table entirely by requiring Congress to stay in Washington and finish appropriations work before leaving town.

Lankford also supported several targeted efforts to protect Americans during the Democrat Shutdown, including:

• The Keep SNAP Funded Act. The bill would have ensured full funding for SNAP during the shutdown by providing retroactive and uninterrupted benefits for families in need.
• The Keep America Flying Act of 2026. The bill would have ensured air traffic controllers, TSA officers, and other essential aviation personnel continued receiving pay during any lapse in federal funding.
• The Pay Our Capitol Police Act. The bill would have ensured continued pay for US Capitol Police officers, civilian employees, and contractors who support Capitol Police operations.

Over the past 40 days, Lankford has provided ongoing updates to Oklahomans on Senate operations and the impacts of the government shutdown. His updates on social media can be found HERE, and his interviews on national, state, and local television and radio can be found HERE.

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