Press Releases
Senator Lankford Statement on President’s Decision to Withdraw From Iran Deal
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today made the following statement on the President's decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also called the Iran Nuclear Deal, and impose additional sanctions on Iran. "The Iran nuclear agreement, designed and agreed to by President Obama, had major flaws from the beginning. The agreement gave permanent tariff relief to Iran in exchange for temporary restrictions on its nuclear weapons program. Iran has spent ye… Continue Reading
04.26.18
Senator Lankford Applauds Confirmation of Mike Pompeo
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statement on the confirmation of Mike Pompeo to be Secretary of State: "I've known Mike since 2011. He has served our country as a US Representative from Kansas, as an officer in the United States Army, the director of the CIA, and as a businessman. He is a hard-working, dedicated public servant who will serve our nation well at the US Department of State. I am disappointed that Mike did not receive more bipartisan support fo… Continue Reading
04.26.18
Senators Lankford, Shaheen, and Tillis Introduce Bill To Stop Transfer of Fighter Aircraft To Turkey
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) today introduced a bill to prevent the transfer of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to Turkey. The bill would also block Turkey's role as a maintenance depot for the aircraft. Under the US-led, multinational Joint Strike Fighter program, Turkey was expected to purchase more than 100 aircraft. "Senators Shaheen and Tillis have worked diligently with me and others in Congress to address America's rap… Continue Reading
04.25.18
Senator Lankford Requests Unanimous Consent of Taxpayer Transparency Bill, Senator Schumer Objects
CLICK HERE to view the video WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO), sponsors of the Taxpayers Right To Know Act (S. 317), today went to the Senate floor to request that their bill be passed by unanimous consent. Their request was blocked by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), the only Senator opposed to the bill. Specifically, the bill would create an online database that reports financial data and performance metrics for every federal program abo… Continue Reading
04.25.18
Senator Lankford Applauds Rules Committee Passage of Gridlock Reform
WASHINGTON, DC - The Senate Rules Committee today approved Senator Lankford's gridlock reform resolution (S. Res. 355) to permanently speed up Senate debate time on most executive and judicial nominees. The next step would be for a vote in the full Senate. "Former Democratic Leader Harry Reid led an identical bipartisan rule change to create more efficiency for the 113th Congress," said Lankford. "Now, it's time to make this original Democratic proposal permanent, for this Senate and future Se… Continue Reading
04.25.18
Senator Lankford Invites Oklahoma Business Leader to French President Macron Joint Meeting of Congress
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today invited Paul Campbell, President & CEO of Enviro Systems Inc. of Seminole, Oklahoma, to be his guest for the Joint Meeting of Congress with French President Emmanuel Macron. "It is a unique opportunity to hear a joint address to Congress from a French President, and I'm glad an Oklahoma business leader with ties to France was able to join me," said Lankford. "For more than 250 years, America and France have enjoyed a good and steady rela… Continue Reading
04.24.18
Senator Lankford Responds to Senator Schumer’s Hypocrisy on Gridlock Reform Rules Proposal
CLICK HERE to view the video WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today delivered a floor speech in response to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's (D-NY) criticism of Lankford's gridlock reform Senate rules change resolution (S. Res. 355), which will be voted on in the Rules Committee tomorrow. In 2013, former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) introduced this same resolution solely for the duration of the 113th Congress (2013-2014); it passed with bipartisan support, 78-16 … Continue Reading
04.19.18
Senators Lankford and Shaheen Call for Sanctions on Turkish Officials
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) tonight released the following joint statement on their decision to pursue targeted sanctions against Turkish officials in this year's Fiscal Year 2019 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs spending bill in response to the unjust imprisonment of Dr. Andrew Brunson: "Turkish President Erdogan has continued to violate the trust between our two nations by holding Pastor Brunson and other innocent Americans behind … Continue Reading
04.19.18
Help For Oklahoma Wildfire Victims
OKLAHOMA CITY - Throughout the last several days, wildfires have ravished neighborhoods and communities in Western Oklahoma, especially areas of Seiling, Taloga, Woodward, and Putnam. For Oklahomans and Americans who want to assist wildfire victims in Oklahoma, here is a list of ways to help: Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association - The Oklahoma Cattlemen's Foundation, a charitable arm of the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association has set-up a Fire Relief fund for monetary donations. Checks should be ma… Continue Reading
04.19.18
Senator Lankford Backs Congressman Bridenstine and Director Pompeo for Key Roles in the Administration
CLICK HERE to view the video WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today delivered a floor speech to show support for the confirmation of Congressman Jim Bridenstine (R-OK) to serve as Administrator of NASA and current CIA Director Mike Pompeo to serve as Secretary of the US Department of State. During the speech, Lankford spoke on Bridenstine's extensive background, which provides him experiences necessary to serve as NASA administrator. The Senate is scheduled to vote on Bridenstine'… Continue Reading
04.18.18
Senator Lankford Recognizes Anniversary of Oklahoma City Bombing
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement on the eve of the 23rd anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing: "More than two decades have passed and the memory of the lives lost and the hope of the survivors remain vibrant throughout the Oklahoma community. The Oklahoma Standard that the nation saw in 1995 continues to live on to this day and brings comfort to the families and survivors. The memorial and the museum continue to remind the nation that even thoug… Continue Reading
04.17.18
Senator Lankford Meets With Secretary of State Nominee Mike Pompeo
WASINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statement after meeting with CIA Director Mike Pomeo, who is now the President's nominee to be the Secretary of State: "Mike Pompeo is a hard-working public servant who is dedicated to the security of our nation and understands the priority and value of peaceful diplomacy. I completely support Mike Pompeo to be our next Secretary of State. During our conversation today, we discussed how Mike, if confirmed, can work with Congre… Continue Reading
04.16.18
Senator Lankford Statement on Andrew Brunson Trial in Turkey
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today made the following statement on the start of the trial of American Dr. Andrew Brunson, who has been imprisoned in Turkey since October 2016: "It is unconscionable that Turkey, a NATO ally, has unjustly held an American pastor in prison since October 2016. Today's hearing is further proof of the deteriorating relationship between our two countries. If Turkey does not release Dr. Andrew Brunson, Congress stands ready to take necessary and appro… Continue Reading
04.13.18
Senator Lankford Statement on Coalition Airstrikes in Syria
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) tonight released the following statement on coalition airstrikes in Syria from Great Britain, France, and America: "For several years, the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad has attacked his own citizens - multiple times with chemical weapons. Sadly, Assad has again released poison gas on his people. This action cannot stand. I appreciate that the President has responded in conjunction with our allies, France and the United Kingdom. Russia certifie… Continue Reading
04.12.18
Treasury and OMB Reach Major Agreement on IRS Regulatory Oversight
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 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA). Just before the hearing, the Department of Treasury and the OMB revised a long-standing agreement, in place since 1983, that exempted most IRS regulations from OIRA review. For several decades,… Continue Reading
04.12.18
Senator Lankford Announces Staff Hires
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today announced the hires of Emily Bishop and Mason McMillan as Staff Assistants in the Washington, DC office. As staff assistants, Bishop and McMillan will be the first encounter to assist Oklahomans on the phone and in person with requests such as Capitol tours, sending US flags that have flown over the US Capitol, in addition to hearing about their opinions and ideas for federal policy. "I am grateful to Emily and Mason for making the move from… Continue Reading
04.11.18
Senator Lankford Urges Trump Administration To Resolve Trade Deals Soon, Warns Against Retaliatory Trade Action
CLICK HERE to view the video WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today delivered a floor speech on free and fair trade and the importance that international trade plays in supporting Oklahoma jobs. Lankford also reiterated the urgency needed for trade negotiations, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the US-Korea (KORUS) deal, to conclude expeditiously to provide stability to American workers and businesses. During the speech, Lankford gave several examples r… Continue Reading
04.10.18
Senator Lankford Named Chairman of Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today was named Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government. Lankford previously served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch. Today's subcommittee leadership shift is due to the resignation of former Senator and Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-MS) and appointment of Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL) as the new Appropriations Committee Chairman. "I'm excited to t… Continue Reading
04.10.18
Senators Lankford, Inhofe Applaud Oklahoma Nominees for US District Court
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) today praised President Trump's nomination of Justice Patrick Wyrick to serve as District Judge on the US District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma and John M. O'Connor to serve as District Judge on the US District Court for the Eastern, Northern, and Western Districts of Oklahoma. "Justice Wyrick and John O'Connor are dedicated and principled Oklahomans that will uphold the rule of law while serving the nation from… Continue Reading
04.09.18
CBO Budget Report Is Another Startling Reminder About Debt and Deficit
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) made the following statement about the release of Monday's Congressional Budget Office (CBO) budget and economic outlook report, which shows that the deficit will surpass $1 trillion per year by 2020: "This CBO budget and economic outlook report is yet another startling reminder that our total debt and yearly deficits are headed in the wrong direction. CBO confirmed that our deficit is rapidly approaching $1 trillion in overspending. In just two y… Continue Reading
