Press Releases
Senator Lankford Joins Colleagues on Senate Floor to Tout Benefits of Tax Reform
CLICK HERE to view the video WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke on the Senate floor, along with his Senate colleagues, in support of efforts to reform the US federal tax code for the first time in 30-years. Lankford continues to advocate for tax reform that spurs economic growth, simplifies the overcomplicated tax code, and reduces the national debt. Lankford also joined MSNBC Morning Joe today to discuss the Senate's tax reform proposal and the repeal of the Obamacare … Continue Reading
11.15.17
Senator Lankford Urges Trump Administration to Prioritize Job Creation Over Trade Deficits in NAFTA Renegotiations
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today led a letter to the Trump Administration with respect to US trade policy, including the ongoing renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Lankford was joined on the letter by Senate Budget Committee Chairman Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John Thune (R-SD). Specifically, the Senators urged the US Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, to refrain from the pursuit of… Continue Reading
11.14.17
Senator Lankford Introduces Universal Charitable Giving Bill
WASHINGTON, DC -Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced the Universal Charitable Giving Act, which creates a universal charitable deduction in addition to the standard deduction for individuals and married couples that do not itemize. Currently, only taxpayers that itemize their deductions are able to withhold charitable donations. The Universal Charitable Giving Act incentivizes charitable giving for low-income to middle-income taxpayers. This will encourage the continued growth in givin… Continue Reading
11.13.17
Senator Lankford and Congressman Russell Travel to Ukraine and NATO
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) and Congressman Steve Russell (R-OK) returned to the United States today after traveling to Ukraine and NATO to evaluate key anti-terrorism intelligence programs in the region, and visit members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard's 45th Infantry Brigade currently deployed in Ukraine. This trip took place during the Veterans Day weekend from November 9 to November 13 with Senate Intelligence Committee staff and military personnel. While overseas, … Continue Reading
11.10.17
Senator Lankford Releases Veterans Day Message, Praises Senate Passage of Inhofe-Lankford Veterans Bill
CLICK HERE to view the video WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released a video and made the following statement in observance of Veterans Day: "A hero is someone who has devoted their life for something greater than themselves - this describes our veterans. To the many veterans living and serving throughout Oklahoma, thank you for your service." Senators Lankford and Jim Inhofe also praised the Senate's passage of the Enhancing Veterans Care Act (S.1266), a bill introduced by I… Continue Reading
11.09.17
Senator Lankford Statement on Release of Senate Tax Reform Plan
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement on the release of a Senate tax reform plan: "Tax reform provides an opportunity to kick-start our stagnant economy, provide tax relief to millions of hardworking American families, and simplify our complicated tax code. Today's Senate Republican tax proposal is a starting point for us. In the coming weeks, I expect a vigorous debate in Committee and on the floor of the Senate. Historically, the American econo… Continue Reading
11.04.17
Senators Lankford, Inhofe Applaud Administration’s Announcement of Lee Denney and Scott Biggs
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) today praised the Administration's announcement of Lee Denney to serve as Oklahoma state director for USDA Rural Development (RD) and Scott Biggs to serve as Oklahoma state director of USDA Farm Services Agency (FSA). "I am pleased the Administration filled these vital positions that serve Oklahoma's diverse agricultural and rural communities," said Lankford. "Lee and Scott are the right candidates to faithfully serve the a… Continue Reading
11.02.17
Senators Lankford, Inhofe and Congressman Russell Respond to VA OIG Report on OKC VA Health Care System
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), and Congressman Steve Russell (OK-5) released statements following today's release of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) report on the results of an investigation of the Oklahoma City VA Health Care System. Earlier this Congress, Lankford, and Inhofe introduced S. 1266, the Enhancing Veterans Care Act, which allows VA's Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) directors and medical center… Continue Reading
11.02.17
Senators Lankford and Manchin Introduce Resolution to Commemorate Anniversary of Balfour Declaration
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) today introduced a Senate resolution to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Balfour Declaration. The Balfour Declaration was public statement issued by Great Britain on November 2, 1917, during World War I, announcing support for the establishment of a nation for Jewish people. This declaration set into motion a series of events that led to the reestablishment of the State of Israel in 1948. "It is entirely appropriate… Continue Reading
11.01.17
Senator Lankford To Social Media Companies: Publicize Fake Russian Content
CLICK HERE to view the video WASHINGTON, DC - During a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today challenged social media executives to do more to stop misleading and false advertising from Russian entities, and publicize examples of the fake content so Americans can be aware. The rare open hearing featured testimony from Facebook, Twitter, and Google about what they are doing to mitigate foreign interference in the 2018 election cycle and beyond. Witnesses inclu… Continue Reading
10.31.17
Senator Lankford Statement on New York City Terrorist Attack
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) made the following statement on today's terrorist attack in New York City: "Today's terrorist attack in New York is reprehensible and heartbreaking. My prayers are with the families of the victims and the New York City community. I am grateful to our intelligence community, law enforcement, and first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep Americans safe. We will not let this attack change our spirit or way of life. Terror wil… Continue Reading
10.31.17
Senator Lankford Defends Amy Coney Barrett and Religious Freedom on the Senate Floor
CLICK HERE to view the video WASHINGTON, DC -Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke on the Senate floor in support of the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to serve on the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. In September during her nomination hearing, Barrett was challenged by Democrat Senators to explain her faith, and they suggested she could not be an impartial judge, if confirmed, because of her level of devotion to her faith. Yesterday, Lankford joined his Senate Republican colleagues and mem… Continue Reading
10.30.17
Senator Lankford Joins Leader McConnell, Senate Republicans, and Religious Liberty Groups to Support Free Exercise of Religion
CLICK HERE to watch the video WASHINGTON, DC -Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today joined Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-TX), Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK), Senator Todd Young (R-IN), Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) at a press conference to defend 7th Circuit Court of Appeals nominee, Amy Coney Barrett. In September, Barrett was challenged by Democrat Senators t… Continue Reading
10.30.17
Senator Lankford joins Leader McConnell, Senate Republicans, and Religious Liberty Groups for Press Conference MONDAY
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), and other Republican Senators will hold a press conference on the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. WHAT: Press Conference on the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett WHO: Senator James Lankford, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Senator Todd Young (R-IN), Senator Orrin Hatch (… Continue Reading
10.26.17
Lankford Subcommittee Examines Regulatory Solutions From State Legislatures
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 state-level solutions to improve the regulatory process, increase transparency, and issue cost-effective rules, and whether these ideas could be implemented at the federal level. State elected leaders from Idaho, North Dakota, and Connecticut testified at the hearing. "For decades, Cong… Continue Reading
10.26.17
Senator Lankford Statement on White House Announcement Regarding Opioid Epidemic
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement on the White House's announcement to declare a public health emergency to address the national opioid crisis: "Opioid abuse is a nationwide crisis that continues to grow and the effects continue to devastate families across America," said Lankford. "This crisis is all too real in Oklahoma as it impacts young people, families, and communities from all parts of the state. It is time for action. Our state ranks … Continue Reading
10.26.17
Senators Lankford, Inhofe Praise Senate Confirmation of Scott Palk to Oklahoma Federal Court
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Jim Inhofe (R-OK) today praised the Senate for finally confirming Scott Palk, by a vote of 79-16, to the US District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma. Palk was first nominated by President Obama in December 2015 but never received a vote during the last session of Congress. President Trump renominated Palk in May of this year. Before the vote, Senator Lankford delivered a floor speech in support of Scott Palk, and also issued this s… Continue Reading
10.25.17
Senator Lankford Delivers Floor Speech on Scott Palk, Push for Senate Rules Reform
CLICK HERE to view the video WASHINGTON, DC -Senator James Lankford (R-OK) spoke on the Senate floor today on the nomination of Scott Palk to be US District Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma. President Trump nominated Palk on May 8, 2017, and he was reported out of the Judiciary Committee on June 18, 2017. Palk was also nominated by President Obama in 2015. Excerpts: On Scott Palk: Let me introduce you a little bit to Scott Palk… This is not a controversial nominee, and he … Continue Reading
10.24.17
Senator Lankford Supports Reauthorization of Key Intelligence Program
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today supported a bipartisan reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) during a Senate Intelligence Committee markup. Section 702 of FISA authorizes a key national security program within the Intelligence Community to target the communications of non-Americans located outside the United States for foreign intelligence purposes. The FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017, which passed today by a 12-3 vote… Continue Reading
10.19.17
Senator Lankford: This Budget Provides Path for Tax Reform
WASHNGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statement after voting for the FY2018 budget, which also provides reconciliation instructions for the consideration of a tax reform bill later this year: "Our tax code hasn't been updated in over 30 years - it's complicated and outdated. This budget resolution provides the legislative path for tax reform that brings our tax code into the 21st century. After a decade of economic growth below two percent, we must get our econom… Continue Reading
