Press Releases
Senator Lankford Shares Frustrations with Turkey’s President for Lack of Democracy, Human Rights on the Senate Floor
CLICK HERE to watch Lankford's speech on the Senate floor. WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke on the Senate floor regarding the visit of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to the White House. Lankford has been disappointed in the Turkish regime's increasingly troubling relationship with Russia, particularly with regard to its acquisition of the S-400 missile system from the Russian Government. Lankford issued a statement in October 2019 supporting President Trump's announc… Continue Reading
11.13.19
Senator Lankford Commends ICE for Work to Protect Southern Border
CLICK HERE to watch Lankford's Q&A. WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) questioned officials from the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS), Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Justice at a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing to obtain updates on immigration processes including issues with state e-verify participation, government immigration attorney shortages to process immigration claims, and ongoing… Continue Reading
11.07.19
Senator Lankford Announces Public Events for Veterans Day & November 12
WASHINGTON, DC - The Office of Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the public events for Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, 2019, and Tuesday, November 12, 2019: WHAT: Senator Lankford gives the opening prayer at City of Moore Veterans Day Ceremony WHEN: Monday, November 11, 2019, 10:00 am CT WHERE: 1900 SE 4th Street, Moore, OK 73160 WHAT: Senator Lankford speaks at Bridge Dedication for Lt. Damon Leehan, Killed in Actio… Continue Reading
11.06.19
Senators Lankford, Inhofe Applaud Nomination of Tulsa Attorney to Serve on US District Court
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) today issued statements of support for President Trump's nomination of John Heil to serve as judge on the US District Court for the Eastern, Northern, and Western Districts of Oklahoma. In addition to announcing Mr. Heil's nomination, President Trump also made remarks on the administration's judicial confirmation milestones. "John Heil's work and reputation across Oklahoma has proven he is well-qualified, and I am confident h… Continue Reading
11.06.19
November 11 is Veterans Day; Senator Lankford Honors Oklahoma Veterans on the Senate Floor
CLICK HERE to watch Lankford's speech on the Senate floor. WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke on the Senate floor to honor Oklahoma veterans ahead of Veterans Day, which the nation will recognize on Monday, November 11, 2019. Veterans Day originated from Armistice Day, which was originally a day to commemorate the end of World War I. It is now a day to honor veterans that have served at home and aboard and in war and in peach across all generations. One out of every 11 … Continue Reading
11.06.19
Senator Lankford Shares Story of Oklahoman Impacted by Federal Budgeting Uncertainty
CLICK HERE to watch Lankford's comments. WASHINGTON, DC - During a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Business Meeting, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today shared a story from an Oklahoman that has been directly impacted by the Continuing Resolution (CR) which is set to expire on November 21. The business meeting was focused on discussing pending legislation before the committee, but Members also discussed the importance of moving The Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, passed out of th… Continue Reading
11.05.19
Senator Lankford Prioritizes Election Security in Questions to DHS Chief Intel Officer
CLICK HERE to watch Lankford's Q&A. WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today questioned Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray, Under Secretary for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis David J. Glawe, and Acting Director of National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) Russell Travers, during a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing on "Threats to the Homeland." This is an annual hearing to address some of the … Continue Reading
11.04.19
Senators Lankford, Rosen Praise FBI Efforts to Thwart Anti-Semitic Attack
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) today issued a statement on the FBI arrest of an individual suspected of planning an attack on a synagogue in Colorado: "On behalf of the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism, we are grateful to the team at the FBI that assessed and stopped an attack on a synagogue in Colorado today. No one should be afraid to live their faith or attend their place of worship. Anti-Semitism has no place in this count… Continue Reading
11.04.19
Lankford, Hartzler Lead Amicus Brief in Support of ‘Little Sisters of the Poor’
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Representative Vicky Hartzler (R-MO) led Members of Congress in an amicus brief to urge the United States Supreme Court not to enforce a rule issued by Health and Human Services (HHS) during the Obama administration that forces organizations like the Little Sisters of the Poor to violate their religious beliefs. In Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Trump, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro threatened the Little Sisters of the Poor minis… Continue Reading
11.01.19
Lankford Visit Langston University
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued a statement on his visit to Langston University. Langston is Oklahoma's only Historically Black College and University (HBCU). "Today I was able to spend time on the campus of Langston University with students and administration leadership. Langston University is growing academically and in population and it continues to play a significant role in the education of Oklahoma students inside and outside of the classroom," said Lankfo… Continue Reading
11.01.19
Senator Lankford Supports Efforts By the Administration to Find Loving Homes for Foster, Adoptive Children
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) supports efforts by the Trump Administration to reverse a change in regulation made at the end of the Obama Administration to expand Title IV-E of the Social Security Act, which provides funding for foster care and adoption, in a way that resulted in some faith-based Child Placing Agencies (CPAs) having to choose between serving vulnerable children and families or operating in accordance with their religious beliefs. The Department of Health and … Continue Reading
10.31.19
Senator Lankford Statement on House Impeachment Resolution
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement on the House of Representatives vote on a resolution to outline impeachment proceedings. "Today's purely partisan vote in the House to formally outline the impeachment probe is set solely by the House Democrats. The hearings that have been held behind closed doors will continue indefinitely without allowing the President's legal team to participate or allow Republicans to call witnesses until Democrats choose … Continue Reading
10.31.19
Senators Lankford, Hassan, Inhofe, Rubio Introduce Small Business ‘Mulligan’ Bill
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), and Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship Chairman Marco Rubio (R-FL) today announced the introduction of their Harmless Error Lesser Penalty (HELP) for Small Businesses Act (S. 2757). This simple, straight-forward, bipartisan good government bill would waive fines for first-time paperwork violations by small businesses, excluding fines for violations that endanger the public health or s… Continue Reading
10.31.19
Senator Lankford Supports First Funding Package
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today supported Senate passage of the first appropriations package considered by the full Senate. The appropriations bill provided Fiscal Year 2020 funding for agencies supported by the following appropriations bills: Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Rela… Continue Reading
10.31.19
Senators Lankford, Inhofe Praise Committee Passage of Oklahoman to be District Court Judge
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) today applauded the Senate Judiciary Committee's advancement of Mrs. Jodi Dishman to serve as district court judge for the Western District of Oklahoma. Dishman's nomination will now move to the full Senate for a confirmation vote. "Jodi Dishman is a reputable, well-qualified attorney, and I am confident she will continue to serve with excellence in her new capacity on the federal bench as a district court judge for the Weste… Continue Reading
10.30.19
Senators Lankford, Peters, Johnson, Klobuchar Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Local Governments
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Gary Peters (D-MI), Ron Johnson (R-WI), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced a bipartisan bill to strengthen local government cybersecurity defenses by switching to the .gov domain for websites and email addresses. The DOTGOV Online Trust in Government Act of 2019 directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide resources and assistance to local governments wanting to adopt .gov web addresses. Federal and state government agencies commo… Continue Reading
10.30.19
Senators Lankford, Inhofe Introduce Legislation To Prohibit Discrimination of Babies with Down Syndrome
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) to introduce the Down Syndrome Discrimination by Abortion Prohibition Act, which would prohibit abortion based on an unborn child having Down syndrome. Congressman Ron Estes (KS-04) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives. Sponsors of the bill include Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT), Tom Cotton (R-AR) Rick Scott (R-FL), James Risch (R-ID), Mike Braun (R-IN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-… Continue Reading
10.30.19
Senator Lankford Opposes Resolution to Reverse State Flexibility for Obamacare
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today voted to oppose a Senate-Democrat-backed Resolution of Disapproval that would have reversed Trump Administration policy guidelines concerning section 1332 State Innovation Waivers for certain Affordable Care Act (ACA) health plan requirements. Oklahoma is not one of the states seeking a section 1332 waiver. However, the 13 states that received waivers saw their health insurance premium costs decrease by anywhere from six to 30 percent. The gui… Continue Reading
10.30.19
Senator Lankford Introduces Oklahoma Judge to Judiciary Committee
CLICK HERE to watch Lankford's introductory remarks. CLICK HERE to view more photos from the introduction. WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced Judge Bernard M. Jones, a United States magistrate judge, at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Jones was nominated by President Trump on October 3, 2019, to serve as judge on the US District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. Jones has served as a magistrate judge for the Western Distri… Continue Reading
10.29.19
Senator Lankford Calls on Congress to Urgently Pass USMCA
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke on the Senate floor in support of the urgent need for Congress to pass the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to open up North American free trade for our nation and for Oklahoma. Lankford serves on the Senate Finance Committee with jurisdiction over trade. In June, Lankford questioned US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on the benefits of the USMCA over the current North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). On October 1, members… Continue Reading
