Press Releases
Senator Lankford Response To Social Security Trustees Annual Report: We Must Reform SSDI Now
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement on the Social Security and Medicare Board of Trustees Annual Report regarding the financial outlook of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). "The release of the Social Security and Medicare Board of Trustees Report is yet another warning that now is the time to reform SSDI," said Lankford. "We cannot continue down a path where we put seniors and disabled Americans at risk of losing their benefits. It's … Continue Reading
07.22.15
Senator Lankford Introduces Bill To Defund Planned Parenthood During Investigation
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced a bill to end taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood for a year while they are investigated for possible illegal practices. Specifically, the bill, Defund Planned Parenthood Act (S.1836) would set a one-year moratorium on Planned Parenthood funding from the government, unless the organization ceases performing abortions. This would allow more federal dollars to go toward organizations like community health centers, which serve low… Continue Reading
07.20.15
Senators Lankford, Heitkamp Introduce Regulatory Improvement Bills
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) today announced they introduced three bills that will facilitate greater transparency and accountability in the federal rulemaking process. The Smarter Regulations Through Advance Planning and Review Act would require agencies to plan for and conduct regular mandatory retrospective reviews; the Early Participation in Regulations Act of 2015 would allow Americans to participate in the regulatory process earlier; and the Pr… Continue Reading
07.20.15
VIDEO: Senator Lankford Explains Objection To Export-Import Bank Reauthorization
WASHINGTON, DC - Ahead of President Obama's Wednesday meeting with small business owners on the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank, and a possible vote on it in the Senate this week, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released a video statement explaining his objection to the reauthorization, and possible reforms he would like to see. On June 30th, the Export-Import Bank's authorization expired. The Export-Import Bank is one of twenty federal agencies that participate in trade and export prom… Continue Reading
07.17.15
Lankford Subcommittee Examines Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
WASHINGTON, DC - The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, under the chairmanship of Senator James Lankford (R-OK), held a hearing Thursday to examine the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the federal regulatory process. The hearing was entitled, "Reviewing the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs' Role in the Regulatory Process" and included OIRA Administrator Howard Shelanski as the sole witness. Crea… Continue Reading
07.16.15
Oklahoma Congressional Delegation Hosts 10th Annual Oklahoma Prayer Breakfast in Washington
WASHINGTON, DC - The Oklahoma Congressional delegation today hosted its 10th Annual Oklahoma Prayer Breakfast at the United States Capitol in Washington, DC to pray for Oklahomans and celebrate the proud history and tradition of the Sooner State. Approximately 140 people attended, ranging from Oklahomans visiting the Capitol to native Oklahomans who now work in Washington. Former Senator Don Nickles, who served in the U.S. Senate from 1981-2005, emceed the event, while former Governor Frank K… Continue Reading
07.16.15
VIDEO: Senator Lankford Speaks About Planned Parenthood on Senate Floor
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate about the recent Planned Parenthood video and their abortion practices to harvest body parts. Lankford also wrote an op-ed on the matter calling for Congress to end taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood and take up the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (S.1553) to ban abortions after 20 weeks. At the time of the speech, Lankford was the only Senator to speak on the floor about the Pla… Continue Reading
07.15.15
Senator Lankford Statement on President Obama’s Visit to Oklahoma
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statement and information on the topics being discussed by President Obama during his visit to Oklahoma: “Even with our many differences on policy, I, like many Oklahomans, pray for the President and want the best for our nation. As I have said before, the President of the United States is always welcome in Oklahoma. I welcome the President to the conversation regarding criminal justice reform, prison employee issues, Triba… Continue Reading
07.15.15
VIDEO: Senator Lankford Advocates for Greater Local Control of Education Policy, End to No Child Left Behind
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate about the ongoing education debate over No Child Left Behind and Every Child Achieves Act (S. 1177). Since No Child Left Behind was passed in 2001, it has forced states to adopt mandates imposed by Washington, such as Common Core, and test-based academic requirements. The Every Child Achieves Act will give state and local governments more control of education decisions, and decrease federal te… Continue Reading
07.14.15
Senator Lankford Statement on Iran Nuclear Deal
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement on the United States and five other nations reaching a nuclear deal with Iran: "I have reasonable concerns with what has been announced regarding the Iran nuclear agreement. While I remain hopeful for a diplomatic solution, Iran is the world's largest state-sponsor of terrorism according to our State Department-this fact is impossible to ignore. The initial reports suggest that the UN would have limited or de… Continue Reading
07.13.15
MEDIA ADVISORY: Senator Lankford Hearing to Examine the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs
WASHINGTON, DC - The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, under the chairmanship of Senator James Lankford (R-OK), will hold a hearing on Thursday, July 16, at 2:00pm ET entitled, "Reviewing the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs' Role in the Regulatory Process." The purpose of this hearing is to analyze the role of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the federal regulatory process. OIRA is part o… Continue Reading
07.09.15
Senator Lankford Supports A-PLUS Amendment to Education Bill to Force More Local Control
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today supported the Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success (A-PLUS) amendment to the Every Child Achieves Act (S. 1177), which is being debated in the Senate. The A-PLUS amendment, offered by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) and co-authored by Lankford, would provide states and local leaders the ability to completely opt out of programs outlined under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, the most recent reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary … Continue Reading
07.09.15
Senator Lankford Statement on OPM Announcement of Second Large Data Breach
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement on the OPM announcement of a larger data breach of sensitive information, including the Social Security Numbers of 21.5 million individuals. Previously, OPM announced that a separate breach affecting the personally identifiable information of just 4.2 million federal employees or those who applied for federal jobs through USAJobs: “This OPM data breach is a major national crisis. The lives of 21.5 million Americans … Continue Reading
07.08.15
Lankford, Mullin Bill to Remove Economic Barriers for Miami Tribe of Oklahoma Becomes Law
WASHINGTON, DC - A bill authored by two Oklahoma lawmakers to remove the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma's charter of incorporation was signed into law Monday. Senator James Lankford (R-OK) introduced S. 321 on January 29, 2015 and Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) authored H.R. 533, the companion to Lankford's bill which passed the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously on June 1, 2015. The House version of the bill passed the Senate unanimously on June 24, 2015. "I am grateful to work alongsid… Continue Reading
07.08.15
Senator Lankford’s Office Releases Biannual Activity Report
WASHINGTON, DC - To mark the half-way point of Senator James Lankford's first year in the United State Senate, Lankford's chief-of-staff Greg Slavonic released a memo detailing the activities and accomplishments of the Senator's service to Oklahoma this year. Since January, Lankford has visited 23 counties in Oklahoma, launched a nationwide effort to reduce regulatory burdens, and introduced or co-sponsored 76 bills. Lankford has also been part of a new Republican-led Senate that has returned t… Continue Reading
07.08.15
Senator Lankford Questions FBI Director During Rare Public Senate Intelligence Hearing
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today participated in a rare public Senate Intelligence Committee hearing with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James B. Comey as the lone witness. The purpose of the hearing was to analyze challenges for America’s counterterrorism and counterintelligence operations. The hearing discussion focused on an appropriate balance between lawful, fourth amendment searches and a commitment to protection of personal privacy, as well as the impl… Continue Reading
07.06.15
Senator Lankford Announces Hire and Promotion in DC and Oklahoma Offices
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today announced the addition of Chloe Pickle as the Administrative Director, and the promotion of Patti Liles as the Office Manager for the Oklahoma offices. "I am pleased to announce we have a full team in the Oklahoma and DC offices," said Lankford. "Chloe and Patti's background and experience will help the offices continue to serve Oklahomans efficiently, and I am grateful for their assistance as we work hard on behalf of Oklahoma." Chloe w… Continue Reading
06.26.15
Senator Lankford Statement on Marriage Supreme Court Ruling
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement on the Supreme Court ruling on marriage: "I am disappointed with today's ruling on marriage. During oral arguments the Court stated that there is a millennia of history for traditional marriage and that the issue has historically been decided by the people, not the courts. Two years ago, the Supreme Court even ruled that marriage policy is a state issue, but today they reversed themselves and redefined marriage over t… Continue Reading
06.25.15
Senator Lankford Statement on King vs. Burwell Supreme Court Ruling
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement on the Supreme Court ruling on King v. Burwell: “I have opposed Obamacare from day one and I am profoundly disappointed with today’s Supreme Court decision. Obamacare continues to be a nightmare for millions of Americans who are facing higher premiums, higher deductibles, and fewer health care options. “This ruling sets a difficult precedent for the future of legal interpretation. The court ruled that because the… Continue Reading
06.24.15
Senator Lankford’s Bill To Reduce Fraud In Federal Retirement Benefits Passes Committee
WASHINGTON, DC- The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee today approved Senators James Lankford's (R-OK) and Heidi Heitkamp's (D-ND) Representative Payee Fraud Prevention Act of 2015, a bill that would crack down on federal retirement benefit fraud and misuse. Lankford and Heitkamp are chairman and ranking member, respectively, of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management. "I'm pleased the Homeland Security a… Continue Reading
