Press Releases
Senators Lankford, Inhofe Celebrate Religious Freedom Day
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Roy Blunt (R-MO) Mike Rounds (R-SD), James Risch (R-ID), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Rick Scott (R-FL) to introduce a resolution designating January 16th as Religious Freedom Day. This resolution also commemorates the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom's 234th anniversary, a statute that laid the foundations for … Continue Reading
01.16.20
USMCA Heads to President’s Desk
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today voted in support of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which, with its passage in the Senate in a bipartisan vote of 89 to 10, finally sends the agreement to update North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to the President's desk. Lankford recently supported the USMCA when it was considered and passed on January 7th in the Senate Finance Committee and on January 14th when it passed the Senate Appropriations Committee. Lankford also hig… Continue Reading
01.15.20
Senator Lankford Recognizes Iranian Protests, Condemns Regime Retaliation
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today joined Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Martha McSally (R-AZ), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Mitt Romney (R-UT) to introduce a resolution making clear the US Senate stands with the Iranian people. This resolution comes just days after thousands of Iranian protestors took to the streets in opposition to oppressive Iranian government policies and the downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet. "We seek to assure the coura… Continue Reading
01.14.20
Senator Lankford Addresses US Tension with Iran on Senate Floor
CLICK HERE to watch Lankford's floor speech. WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today expressed continued support for the Iranian people who are actively protesting their tyrannical regime in the streets of Iran. Lankford spoke at length about the threat the US faced from Soleimani and the need for decisive action earlier this month to take him down to prevent another attack on US personnel and facilities abroad. During his speech Lankford addressed the need for continued Middle Eas… Continue Reading
01.14.20
Senator Lankford Praises Updates to Outdated Labor Laws
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) praised the Department of Labor's finalization of a rule on January 12 that provides a much-needed update to the joint employer provisions under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The final rule will take effect March 16, 2020. "The previous joint employer rule had the potential to devastate America's franchise, small-business economy," said Lankford. "Oklahoma small businesses consistently tell me they want greater clarity and consistency from the fede… Continue Reading
01.13.20
Senators Lankford, Tester Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen VA Oversight
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jon Tester (D-MT) are kicking off the new year with bipartisan legislation to strengthen oversight for veterans at the nation's second largest federal agency. Under current law, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) does not have testimonial subpoena authority to compel former VA employees who have left federal service, former contractor personnel who performed work for the Department, or other potentially r… Continue Reading
01.09.20
Senators Lankford, Inhofe Cosponsor Legislation Honoring Americans Responsible for Soleimani Strike
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) along with 42 other Republican senators, cosponsored a resolution introduced today honoring members of the military and intelligence community who carried out the mission that killed Qasem Soleimani, leader of Iran's Quds Force. "The decisive and justified attack that killed long-time Iranian terrorist leader, Qasem Soleimani, was a well-executed action by our military to help prevent Soleimani from taking additional American… Continue Reading
01.09.20
Senators Lankford, Inhofe Join Resolution Urging Speaker Pelosi to Send Impeachment Articles to Senate
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) joined Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today to introduce a resolution urging Speaker Pelosi to immediately transmit, consistent with the House's constitutional obligations, to the Senate the two articles of impeachment against President Donald J. Trump. "It's odd that the House said they needed to urgently impeach President Trump before Christmas, but they are now unwilling to transm… Continue Reading
01.09.20
Senator Lankford Encourages Senate to Pass USMCA
CLICK HERE to watch Lankford's floor speech. WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke on the Senate floor in support of the Senate's ongoing work to consider and finalize the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which updates and enhances the existing North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that was put in place more than two decades ago. Lankford serves on the Senate Finance Committee, which considered and passed with Lankford's support the USMCA implementing bill earlier t… Continue Reading
01.09.20
Senators Lankford, Manchin, Blackburn, Tester, Kennedy Urge FCC to Provide Broadband for Rural Communities
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Jon Tester (D-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and John Kennedy (R-LA) today sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai urging the FCC to focus its efforts on providing reliable broadband to rural communities before expanding 5G coverage, as indicated by the announcement of the FCC's 5G Fund. The senators said in part, "While we commend the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) for … Continue Reading
01.08.20
Senator Lankford Introduces John Heil in Judiciary Committee
CLICK HERE to watch Lankford's introductory remarks. CLICK HERE for additional photos from the hearing. WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced Oklahoma attorney, Mr. John F. Heil, III, at his nomination hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee to serve as a US District Judge for the Northern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Oklahoma. Heil was first nominated by President Trump on November 6, 2019. Transcript Mr. Chairman, thank you very much for allowing us to be … Continue Reading
01.07.20
Senator Lankford Supports Passage of USMCA Trade Agreement in Senate Finance Committee
CLICK HERE to watch Lankford's remarks. WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today attended the Senate Finance Committee's executive session markup of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is the next step in finalizing the USMCA after its consideration and passage in the House late last year. The implementing bill was approved by the Committee with Lankford's support in a vote of 25 to 3. Lankford provided remarks about the finalized negotiations at today's hearing. Beginnin… Continue Reading
01.02.20
Senator Lankford Statement on Death of Iranian General Soleimani
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement regarding an operation that killed Iranian General Soleimani: "For years, the Iranian regime has pursued a reckless strategy of intimidation, fear, and aggression. Its acts of terrorism have destabilized the entire Middle East. As the leader of the Quds Force, General Soleimani has personally been responsible for killing US military and allied forces in Iraq, including a US contractor just last week. President Trum… Continue Reading
12.29.19
Lankford, Rosen Statement on Anti-Semitic Attack in Monsey, New York
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Today, Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), co-chairs of the Senate Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism, released the following statement regarding last night's mass-stabbing attack at the home of Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg during a Hanukkah celebration in Monsey, New York. "Last night, at a celebration of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, the scourge of anti-Semitism reared its ugly head, bringing darkness with it. We are deeply saddened by… Continue Reading
12.23.19
Senators Lankford, Inhofe Hail Naming of USS Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced today that the Navy's newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine will be named the USS Oklahoma: "Today, the US Navy once again selected the historic name Oklahoma for one of our nation's most powerful platforms for peace, this time a Virginia-class submarine. It's an honor that the US Navy will carry our state's values and history around the world. It has been m… Continue Reading
12.20.19
Senators Lankford, Inhofe Propose Plan to Give VA Greater Ability to Provide Chaplaincy Services
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) today introduced a bill to realign chaplains at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the Secretary of the VA and also enhance their ability to provide mental health, counseling, and pastoral services to our nation's veterans and VA employees. The move will centralize and streamline all faith-based programs and policies across the entire VA to improve consistency and the opportunity to have additional access to pastora… Continue Reading
12.20.19
Lankford, Durbin, Kinzinger, Loesback Introduce Bill to Support Rural Hospitals
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16) and Dave Loebsack (D-IA-02), introduced a new bill to support financially vulnerable rural hospitals facing the risk of closure. The Rural Hospital Relief Act would update Medicare's "Critical Access Hospital" (CAH) designation so more rural hospitals can qualify for this financial lifeline and continue to serve their communities with quality, affordable health care service… Continue Reading
12.20.19
Senator Lankford to Serve as Chairman of Senate Select Committee on Ethics
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) issued a statement that he will serve as the Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics: "It is an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility to fill the role as Chairman of the Select Committee on Ethics following Senator Isakson. Senator Isakson has been the model of bipartisanship, integrity, and fairness throughout his career in the Senate. It is my desire to ensure the Senate maintains adherence to federal law and Senate Rules. I loo… Continue Reading
12.19.19
Senator Lankford Supports Second Funding Package Focused on Defense
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued a statement following Senate passage of a spending bill to fund the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and key law enforcement entities. The bill includes a 3.1-percent pay increase for military service members and vital national security funding. The bill now heads to the President to be signed into law. This was one of two bills to fund the government through September 30, 2020. Lankford opposed the other bill, wh… Continue Reading
12.19.19
Senator Lankford Opposes Funding Bill that Adds to National Debt
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued a statement following Senate passage of H.R. 1865, Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, which also includes a number of extensions for federal tax breaks: "This bill has a number of legislative successes that benefit Oklahoma and our nation. This bill includes necessary funding for NIH research, supporting opioid addiction treatment and Alzheimer's research, funding medical student education at the University of Oklahoma and Oklah… Continue Reading
