Press Releases
Senator Lankford Introduces Bill To Phase Out Federal Energy Tax Credit
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced the PTC Elimination Act, a bill that would phase out federal renewable energy tax credits, including wind, by 2026. PTC stands for the Production Tax Credit, which was established 23 years ago as part of the Energy Policy Act of 1992. Specifically, the bill will remove the credit from the tax code making it a permanent sunset of the credit. Currently, the credit expired in December 2014, however, it is routinely retroactively extend… Continue Reading
10.01.15
Senator Lankford Applauds Passage of Bill to Protect Small Employers From Obamacare Mandate
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today applauded Senate passage of an Obamacare reform bill that he co-sponsored, the Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees (PACE) Act. This bill would protect small businesses from healthcare premium increases under Obamacare, by allowing states to maintain the current small group market definition, which applies to businesses with up to 50 employees. Doing so would prevent premium increases and disruption for small and mid-sized businesses, … Continue Reading
09.29.15
Lankford, Senators Challenge Department of Labor Regulatory Actions
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today led a letter with Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) to Department of Labor Secretary Thomas Perez to challenge the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) recent use of an expedited regulatory guidance process rather than a more transparent and deliberative regulatory rule-making process that allows input from the American people. The letter comes less than a week after the Senators part… Continue Reading
09.28.15
Lankford-Peters Remanufacturing Bill Headed to President’s Desk
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Gary Peters (D-MI) today applauded the passage in the U.S. House of Representatives of legislation they introduced, the Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act, which requires federal agencies to encourage the use of remanufactured parts in federal vehicle repairs when doing so lowers costs, maintains quality and performance and does not compromise safety. Lankford and Peters introduced the legislation in February, and the bill now heads to the… Continue Reading
09.25.15
Senator Lankford Statement on Speaker Boehner
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement on the announcement of Speaker Boehner's resignation: "I've always appreciated Speaker Boehner's sincere love for his family, his country and his party. It is admirable that he demonstrated a willingness to work on important issues, such as government transparency, energy, regulatory reform, defense, transportation and education. Leadership in Congress is a challenge for anyone, especially during a time when A… Continue Reading
09.24.15
Senator Lankford Statement on Pope Francis Speech to Congress
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today made the following statement on Pope Francis' address to a Joint Session of Congress: "Pope Francis' first ever address before Congress was an historic event not just for our Catholic brothers and sisters, but for all Americans. I appreciate Pope Francis' encouragement for us to learn from Biblical leaders as we engage one another in everyday life, as well as in our political discourse. Faith greatly contributes to the building and strengtheni… Continue Reading
09.23.15
Lankford Subcommittee Examines the Proper Use of Regulatory Guidance by Federal Agencies
WASHINGTON, DC - The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, under the chairmanship of Senator James Lankford (R-OK), today held a hearing to examine whether federal agencies use regulatory guidance appropriately. Representatives from the Government Accountability Office, Department of Labor and Department of Education testified at the hearing. "Today's hearing provided dialogue about the use of regulatory guidance by federal agencie… Continue Reading
09.22.15
Senator Lankford Votes For Pain-Capable Bill, Files Motion For Senate Vote on Defund Planned Parenthood Bill
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today voted in favor of The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36) after advocating for a Senate vote on the bill for two months. The Pain-Capable legislation would prohibit abortions past five months of pregnancy in light of the fact that indisputable science has proven that unborn babies feel pain at this stage. The United States is one of only seven countries that allow abortion at five months of pregnancy, including nations such as Nor… Continue Reading
09.22.15
Senator Lankford’s Truth in Settlements Act Passes the Senate
WASHINGTON, DC - The Truth in Settlements Act (S.1109), bipartisan legislation to increase transparency around major settlements reached by federal agencies, introduced by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in April, passed the Senate by unanimous consent late Monday. "I am grateful to my colleagues in the Senate for supporting legislation that ensures the American taxpayer has full access to review settlements negotiated on their behalf," said Lankford. "The Tru… Continue Reading
09.22.15
Senator Lankford Invites Archbishop Paul S. Coakley as Guest For Pope Francis Joint Session of Congress
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) has invited Archbishop Paul S. Coakley to be his guest as his Holiness Pope Francis addresses a joint session of Congress on Thursday. Bishop Coakley was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as the fourth Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma in December 2010. "Pope Francis's visit is an historic event not just for our Catholic brothers and sisters but for all Americans," said Lankford. "Pope Francis has dedicated his life's work to serving the Lord … Continue Reading
09.18.15
MEDIA ADVISORY: Senator Lankford Announces Hearing to Examine The Use of Agency Regulatory Guidance
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 Wednesday, September 23, at 11:00am ET entitled, "Examining the Use of Agency Regulatory Guidance." The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) allows agencies to produce guidance documents to clarify issues in an existing regulation. Specifically, the APA allows that agencies issue non- economical… Continue Reading
09.18.15
Senator Lankford Applauds Social Security Administration Decision To Explore SSDI Eligibility Reforms
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) applauds the Social Security Administration's (SSA) recent decision to seek comments on updating the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program's medical and vocational guidelines, commonly known as "The Grid." On September 14, the SSA announced an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to begin the process of considering regulatory changes to update the criteria by which Americans are considered eligible for SSDI benefits. There have been … Continue Reading
09.17.15
Lankford, 46 Senators, Introduce Resolution to Nullify Expanded WOTUS Definition Harmful to Oklahomans
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined 46 Senators today to introduce a joint resolution disapproving of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Army Corps of Engineers (ACE) rule that expands the scope of federal authority over land and waterways in the United States under the Waters of the U.S., also known as WOTUS. The resolution reads that, "Congress disapproves the rule submitted by the Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency relating to 'Clean Wa… Continue Reading
09.17.15
Senator Lankford Co-Sponsors Legislation to Repeal the Cadillac Tax
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today co-sponsored The Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015 to eliminate Obamacare's High Cost Plan Excise Tax, also known as the "Cadillac Tax." Beginning in 2018, employers will be hit with a 40 percent tax on employee health benefits insurance premiums exceeding $10,200 for individuals and $27,500 for families. "Businesses and families have already endured enough failed promises and penalties from Obamacare," said Lankford. "This b… Continue Reading
09.16.15
Senator Lankford Greets Oklahoma Honor Flight Veterans In Washington, DC
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today greeted veterans from Oklahoma during a one-day trip to Washington, DC war memorials with the Honor Flight charity. The Oklahomans visited the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Wall, the Lincoln Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial, and the Arlington National Cemetery. "One of my greatest honors is to welcome and personally thank veterans from America's Greatest Generation during their visit to Washington, DC," said Lankfo… Continue Reading
09.15.15
Senator Lankford Statement on White House Defense of Crude Oil Export Ban
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement in response to White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest's comments during the daily press briefing that the White House opposes a bill moving through Congress that would end the outdated ban on crude oil exports: "It is ridiculous that President Obama fights so hard to help Iran export their oil through the Nuclear Agreement, but opposes American energy exports. How can the President argue that it is good for … Continue Reading
09.15.15
VIDEO: Senator Lankford Continues To Speak Out Against Iran Nuclear Agreement
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke on the Senate floor again about the President's Nuclear Agreement with Iran. Today's remarks were his third Senate speech about the deal, which is scheduled to be voted on today. Among various points, Lankford focused today's speech on what a better Iran Nuclear deal would look like. CLICK HERE to view the video Below is the transcript from the speech: "Mr. President, I do have a concern as well. Typically we reward people for a chang… Continue Reading
09.11.15
Senator Lankford Statement On Anniversary Of September 11 Attack
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- Senator James Lankford made the following statement on the Anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks: "On September 11, 2001, our nation was forever changed. We will never forget that day or the Americans that died at the hand of radical Islamic extremism. From the viewpoint on my Committee assignments, I can tell you that brave men and women in our military, law enforcement and the intelligence community continue to protect us from similar terror threats every day, in… Continue Reading
09.10.15
Senator Lankford Continues To Press White House on Immigration Enforcement
WASHINGTON, DC- In February, Senator James Lankford questioned the Obama Administration on the President's February 25 comments that there would be "consequences" for federal immigration officials who continue deportations after the President's November immigration executive actions. The White House did not respond directly, but instructed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to respond to Lankford on August 27, 2015. In the past eight months, courts have blocked the President's executive … Continue Reading
08.28.15
MEDIA ADVISORY: Senator Lankford Announces Events for Week of August 31
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - The Office of Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the entire list of events for the week of August 31 that Senator Lankford will be attending. The U.S. Senate began its August state work period on August 5, and will open again for legislative business in Washington, DC on September 8. During the state work period, Senator Lankford is traveling throughout the state to meet with and listen to Oklahomans during visits and town hall-style Community Conversations. Monday… Continue Reading
