Press Releases
Senator Lankford Co-Sponsors Bill to End Taxpayer Funding of Abortion
WASHINGTON, DC— Senator James Lankford (R-OK) this week co-sponsored a bill to enact a permanent, government-wide prohibition of taxpayer funding for abortion. Currently, similar policies, such as the Hyde Amendment, require annual passage and do not apply to Obamacare. The No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (S. 582) also includes a provision requiring all health insurance plans offered by Obamacare exchanges to disclose coverage of elective abortion procedures and the abortion surcharge em… Continue Reading
02.25.15
Senators Lankford, Peters Introduce Bill to Save Taxpayer Money on Federal Vehicle Repair
WASHINGTON, DC- Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Gary Peters (D-MI) today introduced the Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act, which will help save taxpayer dollars on repair of government vehicles by encouraging the use of remanufactured automotive parts. The bipartisan measure requires federal agencies to encourage the use of remanufactured parts when doing so lowers costs, maintains quality and performance and does not compromise safety. "The federal deficit this year is nearly half-a-t… Continue Reading
02.24.15
Senator Lankford: This Keystone issue is bigger than oil
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement on President Obama's veto of the Keystone XL Pipeline: "Since the beginning of this debate six years ago, the dialogue has been dominated by misinformation and political sensationalism. Our nation already has thousands of miles of pipeline flowing through it, which transports crude oil faster and safer than many of the alternatives. All of the inaccuracies have been addressed; it is time to build. "It's also i… Continue Reading
02.23.15
MEDIA ADVISORY: Senator Lankford to Keynote Energy Policy Forum
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) will deliver a keynote speech at tomorrow's CQ Roll Call policy forum entitled, The Future of Advanced Biofuels and the Renewable Fuel Standard, at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. The forum will focus on the record of biodiesel and other advanced biofuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard as the energy industry anticipates the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) announcement of new volume requirements. Senator Lankford's remarks will… Continue Reading
02.23.15
Senators Lankford, Johnson Call on GAO to Review Immigration Executive Actions for Possible Violation
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) today called on GAO to review whether the Obama Administration's executive actions on immigration were implemented by the Department of Homeland Security as a rule under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). When an agency issues a rule, it must submit it to Congress and the Comptroller General for review; however, DHS did not submit the memos issued to implement the president's program to defer deportation to millions li… Continue Reading
02.13.15
MEDIA ADVISORY: Senator Lankford to Hold ‘Tuesday Talk’ Community Forum in Altus
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford will hold his first 'Tuesday Talk' community forum as a Senator on Tuesday, February 17th in Altus. The townhall-style forum will be held at City Hall in the Council Chambers Room, and the public is invited to ask questions and hear from the Senator about issues being debated in Washington D.C. As a U.S. Representative, Lankford held regular 'Tuesday Talk' forums in the 5th Congressional District of Oklahoma during the last four years. Senator Lankford in… Continue Reading
02.11.15
Senator Lankford Co-Sponsors ‘DRIVE LESS’ Act To Save Taxpayers $500 Million
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today co-sponsored bipartisan legislation to save taxpayer dollars by reducing the federal funding available for the acquisition and leasing of new federal vehicles. The Domestic Reduction In Vehicle Expenditure and Lowering Emissions from State Sources Act, or the DRIVE LESS Act, moves on the recommendations of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, which found that reducing the federal vehicle fleet budget by 20 percent would … Continue Reading
02.06.15
Senator Lankford: Oklahoma Grieves the Death of Trooper Nicholas Dees
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement on the tragic death of Oklahoma State Trooper Nicholas Dees, ahead of his funeral in Broken Bow: "All of Oklahoma grieves the tragic death of Oklahoma State Trooper Nicholas Dees. We are grateful for the service our Oklahoma State Troopers provide. This is a heartbreaking reminder of the danger troopers face for us each day. "Our prayers are with the family of Officer Dees during this tough time. As they mourn… Continue Reading
02.02.15
Senator Lankford Statement on the White House Budget
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued the following statement on the release of President Obama's Fiscal Year 2016 Budget: "The President's White House budget proposal does not address many of the challenges facing our nation. Although our federal budget deficit has improved, we still spend nearly half-a-trillion dollars more than we take in. It is reckless that the President's budget would increase federal spending by 7 percent in one year, and about 60 percent in ten year… Continue Reading
01.29.15
Senator Lankford Receives Appropriations Subcommittee Assignments
WASHINGTON, DC- The powerful Senate Committee on Appropriations today named Senator James Lankford (R-OK) to five Subcommittees: Energy and Water Development; Commerce, Justice, Science; Financial Services and General Government; Labor, HHS, Education; and State, Foreign Operations. "Membership on these Subcommittees will give Oklahoma a voice on important matters that span a wide area of federal policy," said Lankford. "I'm ready to get to work on federal waste and spending limitations through… Continue Reading
01.29.15
Senator Lankford Applauds Senate Passage of the Keystone XL Pipeline
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statement in support of Senate passage of the Keystone XL pipeline by a 62-36 vote: "The Keystone XL pipeline infrastructure project would infuse billions of dollars into our economy and it would support thousands of good-paying American jobs, all in an environmentally responsible way. The delay of this project has been far too long. Building a pipeline should not take an act of Congress. The Administration has blocked the pip… Continue Reading
01.28.15
Senator Lankford Introduces Taxpayers Right To Know Act
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced the Taxpayers Right To Know Act in the U.S. Senate, a bill that would provide the American people with a better understanding of how their tax dollars are spent. This bipartisan bill shines a light on the details, costs, and performance metrics of every federal program. As a U.S. Representative, Lankford introduced the bipartisan bill last Congress. It passed the House last February (H.R. 1423) by voice vote, and was cleared by the … Continue Reading
01.27.15
Senator Lankford, Rep. Mullin Introduce Bill to Remove Economic Barriers for Local Tribe
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Rep. Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) today introduced legislation in the Senate and House to remove an outdated charter that limits business and economic development opportunities for the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma. "Outdated laws and regulations hold communities back all around Oklahoma," said Lankford. "This federal corporate charter is unused by the Tribe, and yet its existence raises concerns for prospective business partners due to restrictive condit… Continue Reading
01.26.15
Senator Lankford Named Subcommittee Chairman
WASHINGTON, DC- The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee today named Senator James Lankford (R-OK) the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management. Committee Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI) announced the chairmen appointment of the three subcommittees during a markup of the Committee's rules today. "I'm honored to lead this important Senate Subcommittee," said Lankford. "We will work hard to foster effective federal agency operations and shine a … Continue Reading
01.26.15
Senator Lankford Statement on the Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued the following statement on the 42nd anniversary of Roe v. Wade and the annual March for Life rally in Washington, D.C.: "In our Declaration of Independence, the Founders of this great nation declared that everyone is endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including and especially life. One of our generation's greatest tragedies is that in the United States of America, we allow elective killing of our children. We must… Continue Reading
01.26.15
Senators Lankford and Fischer Introduce Bill to Bring Transparency to Unfunded Mandates
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) introduced The Unfunded Mandate Information and Transparency Act (S. 189) yesterday. Their legislation would close loopholes that allow federal agencies to impose mandates on state and local governments, as well as the private sector, without first providing a transparent accounting of their costs. "While the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 has brought more accountability and transparency on the economic impacts … Continue Reading
01.26.15
Senator Lankford Named Co-Chairman of Congressional Prayer Caucus
WASHINGTON, DC- Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R-VA), founder and co-chairman of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, today named Senator James Lankford (R-OK) co-chairman of the Prayer Caucus. The Caucus works to protect the fundamental human right of religious freedom and guards the right of individuals to pray and practice their faith freely. This announcement comes the day before Religious Freedom Day, a time to recognize the important role of religious freedom in our nation's founding. Each President h… Continue Reading
01.19.15
Senator Lankford Statement on the President’s State-of-the-Union Speech
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statement in response to the President's State-of-the-Union speech: "Tonight's State-of-the-Union address took a celebratory tone that simply isn't consistent with what is happening across the nation. I am thankful that some economic data points are improving, but many in our nation are frustrated. I believe, as most Oklahomans do, that our nation can and must do much better. We must not become complacent to stagnant hourly w… Continue Reading
01.14.15
Senator Lankford Announces Senate Staff
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today announced the appointments for his staff in the United States Senate: "I'm excited about the team we have assembled on behalf of the people of our state," said Lankford. "The Senate has some serious challenges ahead and this team will help us find effective solutions on behalf of all Oklahomans." Washington DC Staff: Greg Slavonic, Chief-of-staff Michelle Altman, Legislative Director D.J. Jordan, Communications Director Linda Good, Administr… Continue Reading
01.09.15
Senator Lankford Co-Sponsors Local Control of Education Bill
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today co-sponsored the "Local Leadership in Education Act," a bill that would protect states and local school districts from increased federal intrusion. This is Lankford's first legislation co-sponsorship as a United States Senator. "It is time for a major re-write of No Child Left Behind and the return of state innovation in education. Ever-expanding national education mandates are a prime example of a Washington-knows-best philosophy that does … Continue Reading
