Press Releases
Senator Lankford Reintroduces Bill to Defund Planned Parenthood, Redirect Funds to Women’s Health Care
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and 30 of their Senate colleagues, reintroduced legislation to prevent any taxpayer dollars from going to the nation's single-largest provider of abortions, Planned Parenthood. "This important bill helps ensure women have numerous options to receive quality and affordable health care while preventing federal dollars from going to Planned Parenthood," said Lankford. "By redirecting federal dollars away from abortion-providers a… Continue Reading
01.15.19
Senator Lankford Speaks on the Value of Life
CLICK HERE to watch Lankford's remarks on the floor. WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke on the Senate floor about the issue of life and his support for us to come together as a nation and determine how to protect children, regardless of their size or viability. Lankford has supported numerous proposals to protect life and prevent the federal government from encouraging or funding abortions. This week, Lankford signed on as an original cosponsor to the No Taxpayer Funding… Continue Reading
01.15.19
Senators Lankford, Young, Jones, and Coons Reintroduce Bill Boosting Agriculture Education
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Todd Young (R-IN), Doug Jones (D-AL), and Chris Coons (D-DE) announced they have reintroduced legislation in the 116th Congress to update and modernize the charter for the Future Farmers of America (FFA), which will better reflect agriculture education in the 21st Century. The National FFA Organization's Federal Charter Amendments Act updates the FFA's charter to allow for student officer vice presidents to reflect the regional diversity… Continue Reading
01.15.19
Senator Lankford to Serve on Deputy Whip Team for 116th Congress
WASHINGTON, DC - Senate Majority Whip Senator John Thune (R-SD) today announced the deputy whip team for the 116th Congress. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) will lead the team as chief deputy whip. Serving as deputy whips are: Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Martha McSally (R-AZ), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Cornyn (R-TX), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Rob Portman (R-OH), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Tim Scott (R-SC), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Todd Young (R-IN). "This is a dynamic team, and I wi… Continue Reading
01.14.19
Senators Lankford, Wicker, and Roberts Lead Effort to Put a Permanent End to Taxpayer Funding of Abortion
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Pat Roberts (R-KS) introduced the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2019, S. 109. The measure would establish a permanent, government-wide prohibition of taxpayer funding for abortion. Similar policies, such as the Hyde Amendment, currently require annual passage and do not apply to Obamacare. "Regardless of Americans' beliefs on the issue of life, one thing remains clear: the … Continue Reading
01.10.19
Senator Lankford Discusses Solutions to Prevent Government Shutdowns
CLICK HERE to watch Lankford's remarks on the floor. WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke on the Senate floor about the impact of the federal government shutdown on Oklahomans, his suggestions for moving the negotiations forward, and his solutions to prevent or end government shutdown by holding congressional and White House leadership accountable, rather than federal employees in the event of a government shutdown. Lankford has consistently worked to appropriately fund t… Continue Reading
01.09.19
Senator Lankford Joins Letter to Urge HHS to Enforce Separate Abortion Fee Payment Requirement
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined a group of fourteen Senators, led by Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), today to encourage the Trump Administration to move forward with a final rule that would ensure pro-life consumers enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plans aren't subsidizing abortion services. In a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, the Senators expressed their support for an HHS rule on ACA Section 1303. The rule, titled "Patient Pro… Continue Reading
01.08.19
Senator Lankford, Senator Inhofe, and Congressman Cole Commemorate 150th Anniversary of Fort Sill
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), and Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK) recognized the 150th anniversary of Fort Sill. Lankford and Inhofe introduced S. Res. 11 today to recognize Fort Sill's milestone. Cole introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. "I am very proud of Fort Sill's 150 years of important work to further our military's mission and also train and equip thousands of our soldiers and Marines," said Lankford. "Fort Sill and the Fire… Continue Reading
01.03.19
Senator Lankford Selected to Serve on Senate Finance Committee
WASHINGTON, DC - In an announcement by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today was selected to join the Senate Finance Committee for the 116th Congress. He will retain his current assignments to the Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on Indian Affairs. "It is an honor to be selected to serve on the esteemed Senate Finance Committee," said Lankford. "This Committee is front and c… Continue Reading
12.21.18
Senator Lankford Leads Letter to Secretary Pompeo
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today joined eight Senators to send a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo regarding the use of American tax dollars to lobby for abortions in Latin America. The Senators expressed concern to Secretary Pompeo about the Department of State's lack of enforcement of the Siljander Amendment, which prevents State Department funds from being used to lobby about abortion. The concern stems from the fact that the Department continues to fund Latin Ameri… Continue Reading
12.21.18
Senators Lankford, Peters, Paul, and Jones Bill to Streamline Federal Property Review Process to be Signed into Law
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House passed bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Gary Peters (D-MI), Rand Paul (R-KY), and Doug Jones (D-AL) to save taxpayer money by streamlining the federal inventory review process. Currently, many federal agencies only declare property as excess during periods of transition, such as office moves or space reductions. This can result in agencies retaining or storing unneeded property that could be utilized by other agencies or in th… Continue Reading
12.21.18
Senator Lankford Provides More Details on First Step Act
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released a video detailing his work on the recent Senate-passed First Step Act to reform the federal criminal justice system. The video provides Oklahomans an update on some of the positive steps taken in the bill to address our incarcerated population through rehabilitation, recidivism, and prison safety. He also dispels rumors about some the bill's provisions. Lankford voted in favor of the bill earlier this week when it passed the Senate i… Continue Reading
12.20.18
Senator Lankford Applauds Passage of Stigler Act Amendments
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today applauded the final passage of H.R. 2606, the Stigler Act Amendments of 2018 in the House by a vote of 399-0. On December 13, Lankford requested unanimous consent of the bill on the Senate floor along with three other bills related to Tribal issues. The bill now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. The bill was authored by Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK). The bill adjusts the Stigler Act of 1947 to remove the "one-half degree" requirem… Continue Reading
12.20.18
Senator Lankford Applauds Passage of VA Bill
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) applauded the final passage of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018. The bill, which includes provisions from Lankford, will now go to the President to be signed into law. "This bill is a big deal for veterans, active duty service members, military spouses, children, and surviving spouses, and I'm glad Congress could complete this work before the end of the year," said Lankford. "For Oklahoma, it authorizes additional funding to complet… Continue Reading
12.20.18
Senator Lankford Applauds Senate Passage of Bill to Modernize the Johnson-O'Malley (JOM) Program
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today applauded the Senate passage of S. 943, the Johnson-O'Malley Supplemental Indian Education Program Modernization Act, which now heads to the President's desk for signature. The bill Amends the Johnson-O'Malley Act to direct the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with the Director of the Bureau of Indian Education, to take initial steps to ensure full participation of all qualified and eligible Indian students in the JOM program. The b… Continue Reading
12.19.18
Senator Lankford Disappointed in Continuing Resolution
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today expressed frustration that Congress had to resort to another continuing resolution (CR) to partially fund the government through February 8, 2019. The CR passed by voice vote and now heads to the House for consideration. This vote marks the 179th CR to fund the government since 1977. In fact, Congress has not followed the correct annual process to fund the federal government since fiscal year 1995. "I am disappointed that a year's worth of w… Continue Reading
12.19.18
Senator Lankford’s Bipartisan Bill to Safeguard National Security from Supply Chain Security Threats Approved by Senate
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) applauded the passage of the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act (FASCSA) of 2018, which is an important national security priority. Lankford is the lead Republican on the legislation joining Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO). The bill will ensure government agencies consider the supply chain risks to national security and public interest when buying information technology (IT). The legislation will establish a council to equip the governmen… Continue Reading
12.18.18
Senator Lankford Supports Federal Criminal Justice Reform Bill
WASHINGTON, DC -Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today applauded the passage of the First Step Act by the Senate. The revised bill provides federal inmates programming opportunities to avoid their return to jail upon release; provides enhanced prison security and officer safety; gives non-violent offenders the opportunity to be productive members of society when they finish serving their time; and other reforms. The bill passed the Senate in a vote of 87 to 12. "Congress has finally heard the call… Continue Reading
12.17.18
Senator Lankford Provides Oversight of US Operations in Afghanistan
WASHINGTON, DC -Senator James Lankford (R-OK) provided the following statement today after he returned from a congressional delegation trip to Afghanistan (Kabul, Mazar-e Sharif, and Kandahar) to conduct oversight of ongoing US operations on the ground. Lankford traveled with the Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Richard Burr (R-NC), and Senator Kamala Harris (D-CA). "This oversight trip was a great opportunity to directly see the ongoing operations in Afghanistan to work… Continue Reading
12.14.18
Senator Lankford Joins Letter to President Trump on Keystone XL Pipeline
WASHINGTON, DC -Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today joined 43 Members of Congress to send a letter to President Trump to urge any immediate action necessary to move construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline forward after a federal judge issued a decision that blocked construction of the pipeline in November. "The Keystone XL pipeline will bring nearly 6600 high paying jobs in the near-term and nearly $4 billion in new capital investment next year alone," the letter states. "[O]ne of your first a… Continue Reading
