Press Releases
Senator Lankford Welcomes Oklahoma Honor Flight Veterans To Washington D.C.
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today welcomed 88 veterans from the Tulsa area during a one-day trip to visit Washington, D.C. 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 the Arlington National Cemetery. "It was my honor to thank so many veterans personally during their visit to Washington, DC," said Lankford. "We owe our nation's freedoms… Continue Reading
06.10.15
Senator Lankford Demands Answers on OPM Cybersecurity Breach
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today urged the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to reveal more information regarding its recent cybersecurity incident, which was the largest breach of federal employee data in recent years. In a letter to OPM Director Katherine Archuleta, Lankford expressed great concern with the latest breach and requested that OPM provide details regarding its detection of and response to the breach. Lankford is the chairman of the Homeland Security and Gov… Continue Reading
06.09.15
Oklahomans May Experience Skyrocketing Healthcare Premiums Next Year
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released information regarding the potential skyrocket of premiums for Oklahomans due to Obamacare. The information comes from a recent report released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on the heels of an active Supreme Court case, King v. Burwell. "As we await the Supreme Court ruling on King v. Burwell, we must focus on ways to protect Oklahoma families and businesses from the harmful effects of this failed law," sa… Continue Reading
06.08.15
Senator Lankford: Change Citizenship Language to Reflect Freedom of Religion
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today urged the Department of Homeland Security to change all United States Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization and citizenship materials to reflect our First Amendment right of the free exercise of religion, instead of simply the "freedom of worship." Currently, the naturalization test civics questions only reflect "freedom of worship." In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, Lankford highlighted the constitutional … Continue Reading
06.05.15
Senator Lankford Announces Hire of Northwest Oklahoma Field Representative
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today announced the hire of Brookes Wright as Field Representative for northwest Oklahoma and Agriculture Policy Advisor. The job of Field Representative is to represent the Senator throughout the region at meetings and events. Brookes will be based in the Senator's Oklahoma City office and will travel through northwest Oklahoma on a daily basis. "I am pleased to have Brookes on our team," said Lankford. "His experience and roots in northwest Okla… Continue Reading
06.04.15
Senator Lankford: Regulation of hydraulic fracturing should remain with states
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) report on hydraulic fracturing’s impact on drinking water: “Today, the EPA released a multi-year report on hydraulic fracturing that confirms again that it poses no widespread threat to our drinking water, as has been claimed by some environmental extremists. As time passes, more studies confirm that hydraulic fracturing is safe when done correctly. This study b… Continue Reading
06.04.15
Lankford Subcommittee Discusses Solutions for Improving Federal Regulatory Process
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 roundtable discussion on bipartisan ideas to provide immediate improvement to the federal regulatory process. The subcommittee's roundtable was entitled, "Examining Practical Solutions to Improve the Federal Regulatory Process." "The more anyone examines our massive federal regulatory state, the more the… Continue Reading
06.04.15
Lankford Provides Disaster Assistance Information for Flood Victims
WASHINGTON, DC - To help Oklahomans dealing with flood damage and disaster relief, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) is providing residents with contact information for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Assistance Improvement Program. Senator Lankford toured flood damage in Tishomingo and Miami over the past week. Flood victims should call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or contact FEMA through the website: www.disasterassistance.gov. The Disaster Assistance Improvement Program’s miss… Continue Reading
06.02.15
Senator Lankford Applauds Passage of USA FREEDOM Act
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statement after voting for the USA FREEDOM Act (H.R.2048), which passed the Senate by a vote of 67 to 32: “Oklahomans demand that their elected officials not only keep them safe but also protect their freedoms. National security and privacy are not mutually exclusive - they can both be accomplished through responsible intelligence gathering and careful respect for the freedoms of law-abiding Americans. The USA FREEDOM Act w… Continue Reading
05.29.15
VIDEO: Sen. Lankford's Oklahoma State Commencement Speech
WASHINGTON, DC -- On Saturday, May 9, 2015, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) deliverred a commencement address for Oklahoma State University. The transcrpt of the address is below. To watch the university video of the address, click here: http://www.ostate.tv/?play=E5914DC6-66B5-5B82-A5D8-48FB03945A81 To watch the C-SPAN video of the address, click here: http://www.c-span.org/video/?325857-1/senator-james-lankford-rok-commencement-address-oklahoma-state-university To read the university summar… Continue Reading
05.29.15
Senator Lankford Statement on New Renewable Fuel Standards Proposal
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statement on today’s Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule announcement of annual mandates for the Renewable Fuel Standard: “The renewable fuel standard mandates are unrealistic and have been mismanaged from the start. The EPA is already 18 months late on releasing the 2014 requirements and 6 months late on the 2015 requirements - this late notice has created uncertainty and great challenges for blenders … Continue Reading
05.29.15
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
