Madam President, reserving the right to object--I would like to reserve the right to object on this. My friend came with a proposal to try to ban the sale and ownership of stocks by Members of Congress. I am pretty confident of why this came up today, because earlier today, we had a vote in this body to ban Members of Congress from owning stock--or, I am sorry, buying and selling stock on it. But it also included what the vast majority of Americans also want and that is voter ID. It is pretty simple and straightforward. It is a very short bill.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatR+35$676K raised
James Lankford
Senator · Oklahoma · Republican
James Lankford
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Fifty years ago today, there was the passage of an appropriations bill that was just another appropriations bill, except this one was a little harder because it was actually a veto override. Let me set the context for you. In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled on something called Roe v. Wade. For the previous 200 years as a country, every State made a decision about abortion. That was the way it worked.
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.
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
Reach Oklahoma Lawmakers
Senator Lankford focuses on Government Operations and Politics, Health and Taxation. Deliver personalized constituent letters to Oklahoma's federal, state, and local officials — live in under five minutes.
Grassroots advocacy & legislator intelligence. Used by nonprofits, associations, and GR firms nationwide.
Start a Campaign