Press Releases
Senators Lankford, Menendez, Gardner, Markey Honor US-Korean Alliance
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced a resolution to honor the US Alliance with the Republic of Korea. The two countries have worked together to promote international peace, security, economic prosperity, human rights, and the rule of law. "The US and Korea have a rich history and partnership that stems from our shared values and national interest," said Lankford. "Korean Americans are an essential benefactor … Continue Reading
04.10.19
Senators Lankford, Casey Call for Support of Organizations Providing Syrian Humanitarian Aid
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Bob Casey (D-PA) today introduced a resolution to affirm the work of Operation Good Neighbor, a partnership of the Israeli government, US NGO's, including faith-based organizations, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to provide humanitarian relief to Syrians. Operation Good Neighbor has helped to provide secure and safe access for NGOs throughout southern Syria. The bicameral, bipartisan resolution affirms the unique collaboration across gover… Continue Reading
04.09.19
Senate Confirms Oklahoman Patrick Wyrick as District Court Judge
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) today issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Oklahoma State Supreme Court Justice Patrick Wyrick to serve as District Judge on the US District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma: "A year ago, President Trump nominated Justice Wyrick to serve our nation on the federal bench," said Lankford. "Today, the Senate finally confirmed his nomination. I am grateful to State Supreme Court Justice Wyrick for h… Continue Reading
04.09.19
Senator Lankford Seeks Answers on Human Smuggling Crisis at Southern Border
CLICK HERE to watch Lankford's Q&A. WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today attended a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on the current situation of unprecedented migration to our southern border. Lankford's questions focused on the effects of existing US court cases and policies that hinder US Customs and Border Protection and other federal agencies from fully securing the southern border and processing migrant individuals, families, adults, and chi… Continue Reading
04.09.19
Senator Lankford Attends Hearing on Rising Drug Prices in America
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today participated in a Senate Finance Committee hearing entitled, Drug Pricing in America: A Prescription for Change, Part III. Lankford had the opportunity to question Derica Rice, Executive Vice President and President of CVS Health and CVS Caremark, Dr. William Fleming, Segment President, Healthcare Services of Humana Inc., John Prince, CEO of OptumRx, and Dr. Mike Kolar, Interim President & CEO, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Pr… Continue Reading
04.04.19
Senator Lankford Releases Podcast on How to Make the Senate Function Again
The Office of Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the seventh episode of Lankford's podcast, The Breakdown with James Lankford. The seventh episode focuses on how to make the Senate function again in regard to the nominations process, which has been grossly delayed over the last two years. During the episode, Lankford discusses the proposal he offered to improve Senate rules, how each president deserves to pick their staff, and how he hopes the change will allow the Senate to function a… Continue Reading
04.04.19
Senators Lankford, Rounds Introduce Legislation to Prohibit Medical Providers from Performing Dismemberment Abortions
Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) today introduced the Dismemberment Abortion Ban Act of 2019. This legislation would prohibit physicians from performing dismemberment abortions. It would impose a criminal fine, up to two years in prison, or both for individuals who perform this type of abortion. "Oklahomans and our nation are divided on the issue of when life begins, but most Oklahomans know by now that I believe life begins at conception and that I believe each child in th… Continue Reading
04.03.19
Senator Lankford Issues Statement on Votes to Change Senate Rules
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued the following statement after a series of votes to change the Senate timeline for nominations to pass by a simple majority. Lankford introduced a resolution to officially change Senate rules (Senate Resolution 50) earlier this year, but it failed to receive the necessary votes for passage yesterday. "Every president, no matter their party, deserves to pick their staff without unnecessary delays," said Lankford. "In 2013, when nominatio… Continue Reading
04.03.19
Senator Lankford Rebukes Lack of Bipartisanship to Get Senate Back to Work
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke on the Senate floor to express his frustration with the lack of bipartisanship in the conversation of how to make the Senate function again with regard to the nominations process. Earlier this year, Lankford introduced his resolution, S. Res. 50, to update the rules of the Senate regarding the number of hours of "post-cloture" debate time for which nominees are eligible. Lankford's resolution passed the Senate Committee on Rules and Adm… Continue Reading
04.03.19
Senator Lankford Welcomes First Sergeant Wyatt as Guest to Joint Session of Congress
WASHINTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today welcomed First Sergeant Larry "Dean" Wyatt (Oklahoma Army National Guard, Ret.) as his guest to the Joint Session of Congress at which North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addressed both the Senate and House. Lankford met with 1st Sgt. Wyatt when he visited Kosovo in December 2016, where Wyatt served with the Oklahoma Army National Guard. "I was grateful to get to meet 1st Sgt. Wyatt on a congressional… Continue Reading
04.02.19
Senator Lankford Discusses His Nominations Rules Change Proposal on Senate Floor
CLICK HERE to watch Lankford's floor speech. WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke on the Senate floor in ardent support of his resolution, S. Res. 50, to update the rules of the Senate regarding the number of hours of "post-cloture" debate time for which nominees are eligible. Lankford's resolution passed the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration on February 6, 2019, in a vote of 10-9. On March 28, 2019, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) filed cloture on… Continue Reading
04.02.19
Senators Lankford, Portman, Klobuchar, Durbin Introduce Resolution to Designate April 2019 as “Second Chance Month”
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Rob Portman (R-OH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced a resolution to designate April 2019 as "Second Chance Month" and to honor those who work to remove unnecessary barriers that prevent individuals with a criminal record from becoming productive members of society. Last year, the Senate passed the First Step Act, which provides federal inmates programming opportunities to avoid their return to jail upon release; prov… Continue Reading
04.02.19
Senators Lankford, Shaheen, Tillis, Van Hollen on US Suspending F-35 Parts to Turkey
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) issued statements following the announcement from the Pentagon to suspend F-35 equipment to Turkey. Last week, the bipartisan group of Senators introduced a bill to prohibit the transfer of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to Turkey until the government certifies that Turkey will not accept delivery of Russia's S-400 air defense system. "Four days ago, Senators Shaheen, Till… Continue Reading
03.29.19
Senator Lankford Celebrates Women’s History Month, Discusses Budget Process on Senate Floor
CLICK HERE to watch the full video of Lankford's floor speech. WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today delivered remarks on the Senate floor in support of Women's History Month and to discuss the President's budget proposal and the process by which Congress funds the government. March is National Women's History Month, and Lankford took to the floor to highlight some of Oklahoma's women leaders and pioneers. Additionally, Lankford discussed President Trump's fiscal year 2020 budge… Continue Reading
03.28.19
Senators Lankford, Shaheen, Tillis, Van Hollen Introduce Bill to Prohibit Transfer of F-35 Aircraft to Turkey
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) today introduced a bill to prohibit the transfer of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft to Turkey until our government certifies that Turkey will not accept delivery of Russia's S-400 air defense system. Under the US-led, multinational Joint Strike Fighter program, Turkey was expected to accept delivery of the F-35 next fall. "Turkey is an important NATO ally and willing partne… Continue Reading
03.26.19
Senators Lankford, Portman, Johnson, Collins, & Ernst Introduce Bill to Provide Regulatory Relief for Businesses & Workers
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Rob Portman (R-OH), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) today introduced the Independent Agency Regulatory Analysis Act to require independent regulatory agencies to analyze the costs and benefits of new regulations and tailor new rules to minimize unnecessary burdens on the economy and job creators. For more than 30 years, presidents of both parties have required agencies to analyze the costs and benefits of major ne… Continue Reading
03.25.19
Senator Lankford Issues Statement on Mueller Report
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement on the conclusion of the investigation lead by Robert Mueller into interference by Russia in the 2016 presidential election. "After two years, $25 million, 500 interviews, 2,800 subpoenas, 500 search warrants, and a team of 19 lawyers and 40 FBI agents, Mr. Mueller was able to complete an exhaustive, comprehensive report that concluded that President Trump did not conspire with Russia to interfere in the 2016 electio… Continue Reading
03.21.19
Senator Lankford Issues Statement on Higher Ed Executive Order
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement this afternoon after President Trump signed an Executive Order to improve transparency and promote free speech in higher education: "It's unfortunate that we need an Executive Order or bill to clarify that free speech needs to be protected on our nation's college campuses-places that are supposed to inspire thought, creativity, and learning. But that cannot be achieved if diverse voices are silenced. "I applau… Continue Reading
03.14.19
Senator Lankford Attends Two Finance Committee Hearings on President’s Budget
CLICK HERE to watch Lankford's Q&A with Secretary Azar. CLICK HERE to watch Lankford's Q&A with Secretary Mnuchin. WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today attended two Senate Finance Committee hearings regarding President Trump's recently released budget blueprint for fiscal year 2020. During the first hearing, Lankford questioned Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar on issues concerning the rising cost of prescription drugs and the ongoing work to address thos… Continue Reading
03.14.19
Senator Lankford Supports President Trump’s Emergency Declaration
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today voted against the Senate's resolution of disapproval regarding President Trump's declaration of emergency to address the humanitarian crisis at the southern border. A "no" vote on this resolution means Senator Lankford approves of the President's actions to secure the border. Despite Lankford's "no" vote, the resolution of disapproval passed 59-41 but is expected to be vetoed by President Trump. "There are two questions involved in this vote … Continue Reading
