Press Releases
VIDEO: Senator Lankford Delivers Maiden Speech
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today delivered his first formal address on the floor of the Senate. This time-honored tradition, called a Maiden Floor Speech, dates back to the early 1900's. The speech focused on challenges that lay ahead for America and how the nation can address them. Lankford specifically talked about the role of federal government, the impact of the regulatory state on American people, our national defense and foreign threats, and the impact of families on … Continue Reading
05.08.15
Transcript of Sen. James Lankford's Maiden Speech
This is the full transcript of Senate James Lankford's maiden speech on the Senate floor on Thursday, May 7, 2015. CLICK HERE to view the video. It's an honor to represent my family, my neighbors and the millions of people in my diverse state of Oklahoma. I'm an ordinary Oklahoman. I don't come from a prominent political family or any kind of political machine. My wife of 23 years, Cindy, is in the chamber today. We've raised two incredible girls who love God and love our nation. Stepp… Continue Reading
05.06.15
Lankford Transparency Bills Pass Committee
WASHINGTON, DC - Two bills introduced by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) to increase government transparency were today reported out of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee during a markup hearing - the Truth In Settlements Act and the Taxpayers Right To Know Act. Both pieces of legislation expose government waste and improve federal accountability. "The Truth In Settlements Act and the Taxpayers Right To Know Act are a major step forward in increasing transparency and … Continue Reading
05.06.15
VIDEO: Senator Lankford Talks #CutRedTape on Periscope & Meerkat
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today conducted an interview on the social media platforms, Periscope and Meerkat, about regulatory reform and his new #CutRedTape Initiative. The bipartisan initiative is a way for American families and businesses to communicate with the Senate about how federal regulations impact them. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) joined Lankford in launching the initiative in March. Lankford and Heitkamp are Chairman and Democrat Ranking Member, respectively, of … Continue Reading
05.05.15
Senator Lankford Remarks on Balanced Budget Resolution
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today praised the passage of the first Congressional 10-year balanced Budget Resolution in over a decade. The passage represents an important step to combat our nation's habitual overspending and add over $400 billion in economic growth over the next 10 years. "Today, our nation took another step to achieve true economic relief through the adoption of this balanced Budget Resolution," said Lankford. "This budget will help create a healthier, strong… Continue Reading
05.01.15
Lankford, Heitkamp Dedicate the Week of May 3 as Public Service Recognition Week
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) honored the vital work of federal, state, county, and local government employees and members of the uniformed services across the nation by passing a bipartisan resolution designating May 3 - 9, 2015 as Public Service Recognition Week. As Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee which oversees the federal workforce, Heitkamp and Lankford will continue to lead efforts to make the federal governm… Continue Reading
04.29.15
Senator Lankford Presses DHS Secretary On Agency Steps To Clarify Immigration Enforcement
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today pressed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson, during a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, on the President's immigration enforcement 'consequences' comment and questioned how the Department was handling the confusion that it created for enforcement staff. On February 27, Lankford wrote to President Obama seeking clarification on the President's February 25 comments that there would be 'consequ… Continue Reading
04.29.15
VIDEO: Senator Lankford Slams USCIS Naturalization Test For Using Freedom of Worship And Not Freedom of Religion
WASHINGTON, DC - During today's Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing with DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson, Sen. James Lankford (R-OK) criticized the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) naturalization test for misrepresenting America's First Amendment rights of freedom of religion. Question #51 on the study materials for the civics history and government section of the test lists "freedom of worship" as a possible response to the question, "What are two ri… Continue Reading
04.29.15
As Senate Debates Iran Nuclear Agreement Bill, Lankford Meets With Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri
WASHINGTON, DC - On Tuesday evening, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) met with former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri to discuss Lebanon, the current conflicts with Iran, and continued unrest in the Middle East. "It was an honor to meet with the former Prime Minister of Lebanon Saad Hariri to discuss events in the Middle East," said Lankford. "Clearly, Iran's growing boldness in the region concerns many of its neighbors. The growing unrest underscores the need for continued U.S. engagement in … Continue Reading
04.28.15
Lankford Subcommittee Examines Judicial Review in Federal Regulatory Process
WASHINGTON, DC - The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management today held a hearing to examine judicial review in the federal regulatory process. The hearing, entitled "Examining the Proper Role of Judicial Review in the Federal Regulatory Process," was the second for the new Subcommittee, led by Chairman James Lankford (R-OK). Specifically, the hearing focused on the balance of power between the three branches of government in the ad… Continue Reading
04.28.15
Senators Lankford, Warren Introduce Truth in Settlements Act to Make Federal Agency Settlements More Transparent
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) today introduced the Truth in Settlements Act, bipartisan legislation to increase transparency around major settlements reached by federal enforcement agencies. When federal agencies close investigations and settle cases, they release the dollar amount obtained from the offender, but in many cases the amount is misleading because of tax deductions and other 'credits' built into the settlement that reduce the settlement's… Continue Reading
04.22.15
Senator Lankford Praises Passage of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act
WASHINGTON, DC— Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today praised Senate passage of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (S. 178). The legislation would provide law enforcement with tools to target and investigate human traffickers, while also helping victims restore their lives. It is estimated that there are more than 14,000 sex and labor trafficking victims each year in America. “Human trafficking is a horrific reality for some Americans, many of them children,” said Lankford. “The Justice… Continue Reading
04.21.15
Senator Lankford Hires Key Staffers for Military Affairs, Subcommittee Chairmanship
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator James Lankford today announced the appointment of Stephanie Halcrow as Military Legislative Assistant and John Cuaderes as Staff Director for the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management, which is chaired by Lankford. "I am honored Stephanie and John have joined our team," said Lankford. "John's leadership on the Subcommittee will benefit Oklahomans and all Americans because of his passion for oversight. Step… Continue Reading
04.21.15
Senator Lankford Announces New Senate Staff and Promotions
WASHINGTON, DC- Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today announced the appointments of new staff and three promotions within his United States Senate office. "We are about three-and-a-half months into the first year in the Senate and our team is coming together," said Lankford. "We have a talented, hard-working group of individuals that will serve Oklahoma with me as we tackle the major challenges facing our country." Washington DC New Staff: John Cuaderes, Staff Director and Policy Advisor, Senate… Continue Reading
04.20.15
Senator Lankford Chairs Hearing To Examine Census Bureau Preparation for 2020
WASHINGTON, DC - Standing in for Chairman Ron Johnson (R-WI), Senator James Lankford (R-OK) led a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs hearing today on the challenges facing the U.S. Census Bureau in an effort to modernize and be cost-effective. "As the 2020 Decennial Census approaches, I appreciate the fact that the Census Bureau is actively taking steps to prepare, since, as we have seen in the past, a failure to do so can drastically increase costs for the federal government, and ulti… Continue Reading
04.17.15
VIDEO: Lankford Praises Passage of Resolution with Senator Inhofe, Releases Special OKC Bombing Anniversary Memorial Video
WASHINGTON, DC- While praising the passage of a Senate resolution authored by Senators Jim Inhofe and James Lankford to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing, Lankford released a special memorial video to remember the tragedy. CLICK HERE to view on YouTube. CLICK HERE to upload from DropBox. The text of the Senate resolution (S.Res.139) acknowledges the Oklahoma City bombing as one of the worst terrorist attacks on United States' soil, killing 168 people and injuring mo… Continue Reading
04.17.15
On the 20th Anniversary, Oklahoma Delegation Remembers Bombing Tragedy
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Members of the Oklahoma congressional delegation joined in remembrance of the tragic bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building on April 19, 1995. The act of domestic terrorism that took place 20 years ago claimed 168 innocent lives in Oklahoma City and left families, loved ones and communities forever changed. “Today we remember the 168 Oklahomans, including young children, who were killed in an evil act of domestic terrorism in Oklahoma City,” said Sen. Jim Inhofe. … Continue Reading
04.14.15
Senator Lankford Statement on Tax Day
WASHINGTON, DC— Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statement on Tax Day, the annual April 15 filing deadline and due date for federal income tax returns: “The federal government’s overly complex tax code, which contains over 4 million words and has changed over 4,600 times in the last 12 years, is a burden on all of us. “As we conclude the first year of the individual mandate of Obamacare in the federal tax code, we see the consequences the failed law has on American taxp… Continue Reading
04.13.15
Senator Lankford Provides Information for Panhandle Residents to Register Comments on Proposed Gaming Complex
WASHINGTON, DC— To help Panhandle Oklahoma residents voice their opinions regarding the possible construction of a gaming complex, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) is providing Oklahomans with contact information for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. In February, the Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma announced a proposal to build a gaming center near Guymon. The contact for the Bureau of Indian Affairs official in Oklahoma who will review the proposal is Bruce Maytubby. He can be reached by phone at (405) 2… Continue Reading
03.27.15
Senator Lankford Statement on Senate Passage of a Budget
WASHINGTON, DC— Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statement on the final passage of a Senate Budget resolution by a vote of 52-46: “Over the last 24 hours, the Senate engaged in a lengthy full and open debate about our nation’s budget and our governing priorities. The Senate took more amendment votes today and yesterday than the Senate took all of last year, and passed a balanced budget resolution. The Senate budget responsibly balances the federal budget in 10 years and pr… Continue Reading
