Press Releases
Senator Lankford Defends Washington Coach Right to Live His Faith
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) made an impassioned speech on the Senate floor about his opposition to Bremerton, Washington School District's decision to put Coach Joe Kennedy on administrative paid leave after he refused to stop praying after football games. On Wednesday, Lankford urged the school district to allow Coach Kennedy to live his faith during a floor speech on the Senate floor. Since 2008, Assistant Coach Kennedy has practiced a tradition of praying at the 50-yard lin… Continue Reading
10.29.15
Senator Lankford Statement on Budget Deal
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) tonight made the following statement on his opposition to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (H.R. 1314): "Oklahomans want to see our deficit reduced and our efficiency increased - this budget does neither. Our outrageous debt still stands at $18.5 Trillion. This Budget deal hurts the hardworking American taxpayer by perpetuating the status quo and refusing to take a single step toward balance. Oklahomans have asked over and over for serious entitlem… Continue Reading
10.29.15
VIDEO: Senator Lankford Slams Budget Deal, Pleads with Congress to Reform SSDI
CLICK HERE to view the video of the speech WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke on the Senate floor about his opposition to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, and his plea to Congress to pursue real reforms to the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. Lankford objected to the Budget deal because it perpetuates the status quo on government spending, it doesn't move us toward a balanced budget, it doesn't reduce the deficit, and it uses budget gimmicks to ap… Continue Reading
10.29.15
Senator Lankford Offers Real Reforms to Social Security Disability Insurance Program
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today offered an amendment to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 (H.R.1314) that reforms the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. Specifically, the amendment (#2755) would improve the adjudication process for appeals and reconsiderations; prevent individuals from receiving SSDI who are not disabled; and ensure stronger program integrity, processing and oversight. "This Congress has missed another opportunity for real reform. The Socia… Continue Reading
10.29.15
Senator Lankford on FoxNews.com: Let Coach Kennedy remain free to pray, as we are in Congress
by Sen. James Lankford and Rep. Randy Forbes
As members of the House and Senate, we open each daily legislative session with prayer-a tradition which dates back to a prayer given before the First Continental Congress on September 7, 1774. Often, these prayers are given by the House or Senate chaplain, but at times members themselves have also offered the prayer. Were these prayers a violation of the Establishment Clause because they were offered by elected representatives? No - they are free expressions of personal faith that are consti… Continue Reading
10.28.15
VIDEO: Senator Lankford Defends Washington Football Coach's, OSU Football Team's Right to Pray on Senate Floor
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke on the Senate floor to defend Bremerton, Washington School District football coach Joe Kennedy's First Amendment right to pray after games. Since 2008, Assistant Coach Kennedy has practiced a tradition of praying at the 50-yard line after the conclusion of games. At times, students have chosen to pray with him. Earlier this month, and after seven years, the Bremerton School District ordered Coach Kennedy to stop. On Tuesday, Senator Lank… Continue Reading
10.27.15
Senator Lankford Applauds Passage of Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today praised the passage of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (S.754) which passed with bipartisan support on a vote of 74-21. The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 includes provisions to protect personal privacy by taking steps to combat cyber-attacks before they happen. "Cybersecurity is quickly becoming one of the most pressing concerns for every American business and family," said Lankford. "It is time to confront cyb… Continue Reading
10.27.15
Senator Lankford, Rep. Forbes Lead Congressional Challenge to Washington School District in Support of Praying Football Coach
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA), co-chairmen of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, today led a Member of Congress letter to Bremerton, Washington School District officials to defend the First Amendment right of Bremerton High School football coach Joseph Kennedy to pray after games. Since 2008, Assistant Coach Kennedy has practiced a tradition of praying at the fifty yard line after the conclusion of games. At times, students have chosen to pray with him… Continue Reading
10.27.15
Lankford, Senators, Co-Sponsor Resolution Opposing the EPA’s Clean Power Plan Regulations
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined with 47 Senators today to co-sponsor a resolution to disapprove of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed Clean Power Plan regulations for existing power sources. Lankford spoke out against the Clean Power Plan in an energy speech on the floor of the Senate recently. He said, "It seems to be another day for the EPA to release massive regulations. People wonder why food costs more, products cost more and why energy costs more. I'… Continue Reading
10.21.15
Senator Lankford Greets Oklahoma Honor Flight in Washington, DC as Program Winds Down
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today greeted veterans from central 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 Arlington National Cemetery. "The Oklahoma Honor Flight has allowed many veterans to see the World War II memorial, as well as other memorials in Washington, DC for the first time,… Continue Reading
10.21.15
Senator Lankford and Congressman Forbes Question State and Homeland Security Departments on Syrian Refugee Process
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) today sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to encourage the prioritization of refugee assistance for religiously persecuted Syrians, while also ensuring a thorough security process that protects Americans from undercover terrorists. Lankford and Forbes are co-chairmen of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, which works to protect the fundamental human right of religious … Continue Reading
10.20.15
Senator Lankford Votes To Stop Sanctuary Cities
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued the following statement on the Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act (S. 2146). Sanctuary cities are localities with policies that prohibit or restrict police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement efforts. The bill addresses the threat to community safety by releasing illegal immigrants with criminal records back into our neighborhoods and providing a safe harbor for those here illegally. "Failure to enforce ex… Continue Reading
10.16.15
Lankford Letter - October 16
CLICK HERE for the October 16, 2015 Lankford Letter.… Continue Reading
10.13.15
Senator Lankford in The Norman Transcript: NDAA Would Help Strengthen Security
by Senator James Lankford
When I'm home, Oklahoma moms tell me over and over that they are worried about our nation's security. They are concerned for their kids; they are concerned about terrorism; they are concerned that the world is spinning out of control. Oklahoma moms are right to be concerned. The world has become a very chaotic place. The challenges need a clear strategy and the commitment to act on the strategy. Each year, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) authorizes the budget authority of the Depa… Continue Reading
10.13.15
Senator James Lankford Statement on Planned Parenthood
WASHINGTON, DC-- Senator James Lankford made the following statement on today's news that Planned Parenthood will not receive funds for fetal tissue research: "It is clear that Planned Parenthood knows it is wrong to profit from the sale of baby body parts, but their decision to stop selling organs doesn't change the fact that Planned Parenthood still profits from the death of children. This organization still engages in the inhumane treatment of children, and our federal government forces taxp… Continue Reading
10.09.15
Senator Lankford Questions Obama Administration Commitment to International Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry to question the Obama administration's commitment to promoting international religious freedom through diplomatic relations, as is stated as a "key objective of U.S. foreign policy." Among several concerns for Lankford, the State Department left the role of special envoy for religious freedom in the Middle East vacant for a year and demoted the position to a lower level that does not report to Sec… Continue Reading
10.09.15
Senator Lankford: It’s time to remove barrier for domestic energy production
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement on U.S. House passage of legislation (HR 702) to lift the ban on U.S. crude oil exports. The bill passed with a vote of 261-159: "The House's strong bipartisan vote to lift the ban on oil exports sends a powerful message that the American people want policies that will provide more jobs and a stronger economy. Oklahomans know that a consistent energy market means consistent energy jobs. Responsible and safe… Continue Reading
10.08.15
Senator Lankford Praises Congressional-Executive Commission on China Report
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today praised the release of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China's (CECC) yearly report, his first as a new member of the Commission. As part of the CECC's mandate, a report detailing their findings is submitted annually to the President and Congress. The CECC was created in October 2000 by Congress to monitor human rights and the development of the rule of law in China. Lankford was appointed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on… Continue Reading
10.07.15
VIDEO: Senator Lankford Praises Passage of NDAA, Slams President Obama’s Veto Threat
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke on the Senate floor applauding passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which passed by a vote of 70-27- a bipartisan, veto-proof majority in the Senate. The NDAA is an annual comprehensive bill to authorize the budget authority of the Department of Defense and some national security programs. Despite bipartisan support of the bill, the Obama administration has threatened to veto the bill several times. Senator Lankfor… Continue Reading
10.07.15
Senators Lankford, Heitkamp Regulatory Improvement Bills Pass Committee
WASHINGTON, DC - Three bipartisan regulatory improvement bills introduced by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) today passed the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The bills aim to facilitate greater transparency and accountability in the federal rulemaking process. The Smarter Regulations Through Advance Planning and Review Act would require agencies to plan for and conduct regular mandatory retrospective reviews on their most expensive rules; the Early… Continue Reading
