Mr. President, it is toward the end of June, and 250 years ago today Thomas Jefferson was in the third floor of a rented space in Philadelphia, literally by himself, working at a desk that he had built himself writing a declaration--250 years ago literally today he was by himself writing away on that. Within about 4 days from now 250 years ago, the Committee of Five-- the four others that worked with him--all determined: No, this is the document that we are going to present to the Continental Congress. It is kind of remarkable to be able to think about that kind of history.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatR+35$676K raised
James Lankford
Senator · Oklahoma · Republican
James Lankford
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, a lot of words have been said today about our colleague Lindsey Graham and his passing. As the Presiding Officer knows well, where my desk sits, I literally sit and stand directly behind Lindsey's chair--where right now there is a black drape and white roses--where he should be today, but he is not. We miss our colleague. We miss his humor. We miss his ideas. We miss his insight on a lot of things, his passion for Israel, his passion for national defense, his passion for the life of the unborn, his passion for this body, for our Nation, and for South Carolina.
Mr. President, reserving the right to object, I actually brought a bill tonight to be able to protect the conscience rights of individual healthcare workers. It doesn't change the number of abortions in America. It doesn't raise insurance costs. It doesn't do anything else. It just says to a nurse that doesn't want to perform abortions that her hospital can't compel her to be able to perform abortions. That seems like a pretty reasonable bill. Obviously, my colleague disagrees on that. But he wants to instead bring a bill that dramatically could increase the number of abortions in America.
Biography
James Lankford, a former Baptist youth camp director, was elected U.S. Senator for Oklahoma in 2014. He has focused on government transparency, religious freedom, and fiscal responsibility. Lankford authored the Federal Fumbles report, highlighting wasteful government spending, and serves on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Through detailed oversight and a pragmatic approach, he aims to ensure accountability and responsive representation for Oklahomans.
Education
- Master of Divinity in Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary,1994
- B.S. in Secondary Education, University of Texas, Austin, TX1990
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2015–PresentSenator from Oklahoma. 3 terms.
U.S. Representative
2011–2015Represented Oklahoma's 5th congressional district for 2 terms.
Youth Ministry Specialist, Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma
1995–2009Director, Falls Creek Youth Camp
1995–2009
Policy Focus
Government Operations and Politics11%
Health4%
Taxation4%
Armed Forces and National Security4%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from James Lankford's record in Congress.
Religious Freedom Restoration
Co-sponsored legislation to protect religious organizations' rights, including the Protecting Religious Expression Against Censorship Act.
Government Accountability
Championed the Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act to increase federal spending transparency and reporting requirements.
Criminal Justice Reform
Supported the First Step Act, which reformed federal sentencing laws and expanded rehabilitation programs.
Native American Affairs
Secured funding and advocated for improved healthcare and infrastructure for Oklahoma tribal communities.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Select Committee on EthicsChairman
- Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
- Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
- Senate Committee on Finance
Sen. James Lankford FAQ
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