Press Releases
Senator Lankford Welcomes New Citizens At Naturalization Ceremony
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today delivered a speech at a Naturalization Ceremony in Oklahoma City to welcome new American citizens and applaud their successful immigrant journey. The ceremony took place at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. “It was an honor to welcome new American citizens during today's Naturalization Ceremonies in Oklahoma City. It is a powerful thing to witness the recitation of the Oath of Allegiance by people who have imm… Continue Reading
05.28.15
Senator Lankford Chairs Indian Affairs Committee Field Hearing in Oklahoma
ANADARKO, OK - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) led a Senate Indian Affairs Committee field hearing on Wednesday in Anadarko, Oklahoma to highlight Indian-owned businesses and discuss policies that help foster economic development in Native American communities. The hearing, entitled "Advancing Economic Success in Indian Country," served as a forum for Tribes and Native American business owners and community development officials to examine paths to economic success and discuss common barriers … Continue Reading
05.28.15
Lankford Tours Flood Damage In Southern Oklahoma
TISHOMINGO, OK - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today toured flood damage in Tishomingo, Oklahoma during a visit to southern Oklahoma. During the past 72 hours, Oklahoma and Texas have seen record-setting rain falls that have caused damage and even led to deaths. "Oklahoma is no stranger to severe weather, but it is difficult to view the devastation and damage caused by flood waters," said Lankford. "Our thoughts and prayers are with those who helplessly stand and watch the rising waters cover t… Continue Reading
05.26.15
Senators Urge Department of Education to Streamline Student Loan Contracts
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) today urged the U.S. Department of Education to remove the limitations for Not-for-Profit (NFP) organizations servicing federal student loans, to better streamline the program. In a letter to Secretary Duncan, the senators referenced the recent hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee. They reiterated their expectation, based on Secretary Duncan's recent testimony, that the department will reexamine and el… Continue Reading
05.22.15
MEDIA ADVISORY: Senator Lankford, Rep. Cole and Secretary of Interior to visit Riverside Indian School
WASHINGTON, DC - On Wednesday, May 27, 2015 Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and U.S. Representative Tom Cole (OK-04) will join Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell on a tour of Riverside Indian School. The tour will take place prior to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs field hearing at Anadarko High School. The school's administrators and principal will lead the tour. WHO: US Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, US Senator James Lankford, US Representative Tom Cole. WHAT: Tour of Rive… Continue Reading
05.22.15
MEDIA ADVISORY: Senator Lankford to Hold Indian Affairs Field Hearing in Oklahoma
WASHINGTON, DC - The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will hold an oversight field hearing on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. entitled "Advancing Economic Success in Indian Country". Oklahoma Senator James Lankford (R-OK) will chair the meeting. The hearing will focus on the success stories of how Tribes and individual Native American business owners have achieved sustainable, independent economic success; what barriers they face to continue success; and how their stories can be used by o… Continue Reading
05.20.15
Lankford Subcommittee Examines Federal Workforce Challenges For 21st Century
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 the federal government's ability to recruit and retain a modernized federal workforce that can meet 21st century demands. The hearing, entitled "21st Century Ideas for the 20th Century Federal Civil Service," was the first subcommittee hearing of this year on federal workforce issues. T… Continue Reading
05.18.15
Lankford’s Bipartisan Religious Freedom Amendment to Trade Promotion Authority Unanimously Passes Senate
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford's (R-OK) Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) amendment (#1237) that promotes international religious freedom tonight passed the Senate unanimously by a vote of 92 to 0. The amendment adds a provision to the overall negotiating objectives outlined in TPA, requiring the Administration to take religious freedom into account whenever negotiating trade agreements. If signed into law, this would be the first time in history that religious freedom considerations woul… Continue Reading
05.18.15
VIDEO: Lankford Makes The Case For Adding Religious Freedom Amendment to Trade Promotion Authority
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today made remarks on the Senate floor on his Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) amendment (#1237) that promotes international religious freedom among potential trading partners of the United States. Specifically, the amendment would add a provision to the overall negotiating objectives outlined in TPA, requiring the Administration to take religious freedom into account whenever negotiating trade agreements. Later this evening, the Senate will vote on … Continue Reading
05.15.15
Lankford Files International Religious Freedom Amendment to the Trade Promotion Authority Bill
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) has offered a Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) amendment (#1237) that promotes international religious freedom among potential trading partners of the United States. Specifically, the amendment would add a provision to the overall negotiating objectives outlined in TPA, requiring the Administration to take religious freedom into account whenever negotiating trade agreements. On Monday, May 18th at approximately 5:30pm, the Senate will vote on the amen… Continue Reading
05.15.15
VIDEO: Senator Lankford Announces Senate Office Locations
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today announced his three permanent office locations in Oklahoma and Washington D.C. and released a video describing the five month transition from temporary to permanent office space at the U.S. Capitol. Lankford and staff moved into a permanent office in Washington D.C. and Tulsa this week. CLICK HERE to view the video. Freshman senators are given temporary office space at the beginning of their term. Senator Lankford was officially sworn in as … Continue Reading
05.14.15
Senator Lankford Presses Federal Agencies For Regulatory Review Details
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, today wrote to federal agency heads seeking details of their regulatory review and oversight, often called "retrospective review" or "regulatory look-backs." These types of review identify regulations that may not achieve intended goals, have become outdated, or may have unintended consequences. The letters were sent to the Departm… Continue Reading
05.13.15
Lankford, Inhofe Join Bipartisan Senate Coalition To Introduce Bill to End Ban on Crude Oil Exports
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators Jim Inhofe (R-OK) and James Lankford (R-OK) today joined Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), chairwoman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) along with 10 of their Senate colleagues in introducing the Energy Supply and Distribution Act of 2015 (S.1312). This bipartisan legislation would modernize federal energy policy by ending the outdated ban on crude oil exports. “I am proud to support Chairman Murkowski's bill to lift the oil… Continue Reading
05.13.15
VIDEO: Lankford Criticizes ‘Corporate Payment Shift’ Phony Pay-For In Preferences Trade Bill
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) made the following remarks on the Senate floor today on the 'Corporate Payment Shift' pay-for gimmick being used in The Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 (S.1267) to project deficit-neutral legislation. CLICK HERE to view the video. "Mr. President, I have a concern. It's not about trade. Quite frankly, trade is one of the things we've done as a nation all along. We were free traders before we were a nation. One of the grievances we had in th… Continue Reading
05.08.15
VIDEO: Senator Lankford Delivers Maiden Speech
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today delivered his first formal address on the floor of the Senate. This time-honored tradition, called a Maiden Floor Speech, dates back to the early 1900's. The speech focused on challenges that lay ahead for America and how the nation can address them. Lankford specifically talked about the role of federal government, the impact of the regulatory state on American people, our national defense and foreign threats, and the impact of families on … Continue Reading
05.08.15
Transcript of Sen. James Lankford's Maiden Speech
This is the full transcript of Senate James Lankford's maiden speech on the Senate floor on Thursday, May 7, 2015. CLICK HERE to view the video. It's an honor to represent my family, my neighbors and the millions of people in my diverse state of Oklahoma. I'm an ordinary Oklahoman. I don't come from a prominent political family or any kind of political machine. My wife of 23 years, Cindy, is in the chamber today. We've raised two incredible girls who love God and love our nation. Stepp… Continue Reading
05.06.15
Lankford Transparency Bills Pass Committee
WASHINGTON, DC - Two bills introduced by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) to increase government transparency were today reported out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee during a markup hearing - the Truth In Settlements Act and the Taxpayers Right To Know Act. Both pieces of legislation expose government waste and improve federal accountability. "The Truth In Settlements Act and the Taxpayers Right To Know Act are a major step forward in increasing transparency and … Continue Reading
05.06.15
VIDEO: Senator Lankford Talks #CutRedTape on Periscope & Meerkat
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today conducted an interview on the social media platforms, Periscope and Meerkat, about regulatory reform and his new #CutRedTape Initiative. The bipartisan initiative is a way for American families and businesses to communicate with the Senate about how federal regulations impact them. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) joined Lankford in launching the initiative in March. Lankford and Heitkamp are Chairman and Democrat Ranking Member, respectively, of … Continue Reading
05.05.15
Senator Lankford Remarks on Balanced Budget Resolution
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today praised the passage of the first Congressional 10-year balanced Budget Resolution in over a decade. The passage represents an important step to combat our nation's habitual overspending and add over $400 billion in economic growth over the next 10 years. "Today, our nation took another step to achieve true economic relief through the adoption of this balanced Budget Resolution," said Lankford. "This budget will help create a healthier, strong… Continue Reading
05.01.15
Lankford, Heitkamp Dedicate the Week of May 3 as Public Service Recognition Week
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) honored the vital work of federal, state, county, and local government employees and members of the uniformed services across the nation by passing a bipartisan resolution designating May 3 - 9, 2015 as Public Service Recognition Week. As Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee which oversees the federal workforce, Heitkamp and Lankford will continue to lead efforts to make the federal governm… Continue Reading
