Press Releases
Senator Lankford’s Taxpayers Right to Know Act Receives Committee Approval
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford's (R-OK) transparency bill, The Taxpayers Right to Know Act, was reported favorably out of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs today during a markup. The bipartisan bill would require the federal government to make public the details, costs, and performance metrics of every federal program above one million dollars. Currently, Americans are unable to see all of the programs paid for by their tax dollars. The House unanimously… Continue Reading
03.14.17
Senator Lankford Votes to Overturn Obama Administration Labor Drug Testing Regulation
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today voted for and applauded Senate passage of H.J.Res.42, a Congressional Review Act to overturn an unemployment drug testing regulation issued by the Department of Labor on August 1, 2016. This rule, promulgated from the bipartisan Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, was reinterpreted by the Obama administration to limit states' congressionally intended discretion in implementing their unemployment compensation and unemployment … Continue Reading
03.14.17
Senator Lankford Visits White House to Discuss Obamacare Replacement
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement after meeting with Vice President Mike Pence and senior officials at the White House about the repeal and replacement of Obamacare: "Because of Obamacare, thousands of families in Oklahoma can no longer afford health insurance or the rising premiums and deductibles. Oklahoma is currently experiencing a one-year 76 percent insurance increase with only one insurer through the federal exchange, on top of a 35 pe… Continue Reading
03.13.17
Senator Lankford Applauds President Trump Executive Order to Reorganize Executive Branch
WASHINGTON, DC -Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today released the following statement on President Trump's government reorganization and modernization Executive Order: "I applaud President Trump's Executive Order to develop a plan that will reorganize and reduce duplication in federal agencies. This directive from the President will allow agencies to address areas that are wasteful, and prioritize the departments and programs that are most needed by Americans. It is time the federal governmen… Continue Reading
03.10.17
Small Business Groups Praise Lankford’s Small Business Regulatory Bill
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - On Wednesday, Senator James Lankford introduced a package of regulatory improvement bills, including the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act (S.584), which is co-sponsored by Senators John Hoeven (R-ND); Chuck Grassley (R-IA), chairman of the Judiciary Committee; and Jim Risch (R-ID); chairman of the Small Business Committee. Similar legislation passed the House and is building support in the Senate. Here is what some small business advocacy groups are sa… Continue Reading
03.09.17
Senators Lankford, Inhofe Provide Information Available to Oklahomans Affected by Wildfires
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK) today released information on the services available to provide assistance to Oklahomans impacted by the wildfires affecting northwestern Oklahoma. Lankford and Inhofe will also tour the region and hold a press conference tomorrow at 10:00AM CT at the West Woodward Airport. For press conference information, click here. "All of Oklahoma stands with our friends and neighbors in northwest Oklahoma battling the devastat… Continue Reading
03.09.17
Lankford Subcommittee Examines Use of Sound Science During the Creation of Regulations
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 how agencies use scientific information when making regulatory decisions. The hearing also analyzed how past administrations have encouraged the use of sound science, and steps that Congress should take to ensure agencies use the best available information and apply it in a transparent m… Continue Reading
03.08.17
Senator Lankford Calls on Senate to Overturn Obama Administration Education Regulation
CLICK HERE to view the video WASHINGTON, DC -Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today delivered a speech on the floor of the Senate in favor of overturning an Obama administration Department of Education accountability and state plans regulation. In December 2015, Congress passed, and President Obama signed into law, the Every Student Succeeds Act to repeal No Child Left Behind, but the Obama administration Department of Education reinterpreted the bill's regulations to place more federal mandates a… Continue Reading
03.08.17
Senators Lankford, Hoeven, Risch, and Grassley Introduce Small Business Regulatory Relief Bill
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act (S.584) to require federal agencies to analyze the full impact of a proposed regulation on small businesses during the rulemaking process. The bill is co-sponsored by Senators John Hoeven (R-ND), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), who is chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and Jim Risch (R-ID), who is chairman of the Small Business Committee. "Small businesses are responsible for nea… Continue Reading
03.08.17
Senator Lankford Introduces Regulatory Improvement Bills to Improve Rulemaking Process
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today introduced a package of regulatory improvement bills aimed at improving the federal rulemaking process so that the final regulation works better for the American people. Lankford's objective is to improve the process of how regulations are made by facilitating greater transparency and accountability in the federal rulemaking process. "No matter who the president is, the federal rulemaking process needs greater transparency and accountability… Continue Reading
03.08.17
Senator Lankford Statement on Passing of Mike McCarville
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statement on the passing of long-time Oklahoma journalist Mike McCarville: "I'm saddened to learn of the passing of Mike McCarville. Mike was an investigator, communicator, and he had a passion for people and politics. He loved his state and its people, and he will be missed by me and my family. My prayers are with his loved ones and many friends." ###… Continue Reading
03.07.17
Senators Lankford and Inhofe Join the Senate in Urging DHS and DOJ to Address Threats to Jewish Institutions
WASHINGTON, DC - Senators James Lankford and Jim Inhofe joined the entire Senate in urging the Trump Administration to take action in response to the recent anonymous bomb threats made against Jewish Community Centers (JCC's), Jewish Day Schools, and Synagogues. In a bipartisan letter that was sent to Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and FBI Director James Comey, the Senators stressed the importance of these centers within their communities, a… Continue Reading
03.06.17
Senator Lankford Statement on Revised Immigration Executive Order
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford today released a statement in response to President Trump's revised travel Executive Order. "It is appropriate for an incoming Administration to review the policies and practices of a previous Administration. This revised travel Executive Order should provide clarity and direction for DHS, TSA, transportation companies, and embassies as they comply with the order. After a full and thorough evaluation of the immigration vetting processes is completed, I lo… Continue Reading
03.02.17
Senator Lankford Applauds Confirmation of Dr. Ben Carson as Housing and Urban Development Secretary
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today supported the confirmation of Dr. Ben Carson as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). "I am pleased to support Dr. Carson's confirmation to serve as Secretary of HUD," said Lankford. "Dr. Carson will work to transition HUD into an agency that helps people escape poverty, rather than just survive in it. His personal rise out of poverty and genuine love for people will serve the nation well in this position." Lankford met with Dr. … Continue Reading
02.28.17
Senator Lankford Statement on President’s Address to a Joint Session of Congress
CLICK HERE to view the YouTube video CLICK HERE to view the DropBox video WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford today released the following statement on President Trump's address to a Joint Session of Congress: "Tonight, President Trump gave a moving speech to the nation in a Joint Session of Congress that hit on the heart of the issues facing all Americans. His focus on bringing a very divided nation together to build a more united States of America was an important message after a divisi… Continue Reading
02.28.17
Senator Lankford Speaks at HBCU Conference, Meets with Langston University President in DC
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today addressed about 60 presidents and chancellors of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who were in Washington, DC to participate in a day-long higher education policy conference at the US Library of Congress. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and Rep. Mark Walker (R-NC) hosted the event, and other speakers included Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Se… Continue Reading
02.28.17
Senator Lankford Applauds President Trump ‘Waters of the United States’ Executive Order
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today applauded President Trump's executive order to revise and unwind the President Obama-era 'Waters of the United States' (WOTUS) regulation. The Executive Order requires the EPA and other applicable departments to review the WOTUS rule and ensure it promotes economic growth and minimizes regulatory uncertainty. The EO also requires agencies to rescind or revise aspects of WOTUS that are incompatible with this new policy guidance. "We must prot… Continue Reading
02.24.17
Senator Lankford Joins Tulsa Leaders to Unveil Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Senator James Lankford today joined State Senator Kevin Matthews, Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, Oklahoma Historical Society Director Dr. Bob Blackburn, and others to formally announce the formation of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission. The purpose of the Commission is to educate Oklahomans and Americans about the Race Massacre and its impact on the state and nation; remember its victims and survivors; and create an environment conducive to fostering sustainable ent… Continue Reading
02.17.17
Senator Lankford Applauds Confirmation of Scott Pruitt as EPA Administrator
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released the following statement on the confirmation of Scott Pruitt to be the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Senate voted to confirm Pruitt by a bipartisan vote of 52 to 46: "Scott Pruitt will be an outstanding Administrator of the EPA. Rather than twist environmental laws to invent new powers for the EPA, Scott will enforce existing law and ensure that we protect the environment, and also protect family budgets. … Continue Reading
02.16.17
Senator Lankford Calls on Senate to Confirm Scott Pruitt for EPA Administrator
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford tonight spoke on the Senate floor in support of Scott Pruitt's confirmation as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. A final confirmation vote for Pruitt is scheduled for approximately 12:00pm CT on Friday. CLICK HERE to view the speech Speech Transcript: "Mr. President, it is an absolute honor today to be able to rise and speak in support of Attorney General Scott Pruitt. For the last 6 years, Scott has been a leader in the state of Ok… Continue Reading
