James Lankford

Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2026

This bill would set up automatic funding rules to keep the federal government running if Congress fails to pass a budget on time, preventing government shutdowns that leave agencies without money and federal workers without paychecks. It would establish what happens during these funding gaps and create procedures for how long temporary funding can last and what services would continue operating. The measure aims to reduce the disruption caused by budget deadlocks that periodically halt government operations.

A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that public servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the United States during Public Service Recognition Week and throughout the year.

The Senate passed a resolution recognizing and thanking government workers for their service to the country, both during Public Service Recognition Week and year-round. The resolution honors federal, state, and local employees across all agencies who work in public service. This is a ceremonial measure with no legal requirements or changes to policy.

A resolution congratulating the University of Oklahoma women's gymnastics team for winning the 2026 National Collegiate Athletic Association Championship, the eighth national title in program history.

The Senate is officially recognizing and congratulating the University of Oklahoma women's gymnastics team for winning the 2026 NCAA Championship, marking their eighth national title in the program's history. This is a ceremonial resolution that honors the team's athletic achievement without creating any new laws or policies. The resolution passed unanimously in the Senate.

CDL Act

States would be required to add a marking to driver's licenses and ID cards showing whether the holder is a U.S. citizen in order for those documents to be accepted for federal purposes like boarding airplanes or entering federal buildings. The bill also sets new standards that states must follow when issuing commercial driver's licenses to be recognized by the federal government. This would affect anyone who needs a state ID for federal activities and states that issue these documents.

A resolution relating to the life and death of Chuck Norris.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of Chuck Norris, the actor, martial artist, and television personality known for his roles in action films and the "Walker, Texas Ranger" series. The measure recognizes his contributions to entertainment and popular culture, as well as his philanthropic work and advocacy efforts throughout his career. Congress is expressing its respect for Norris's impact on American entertainment and society through this formal recognition.

Ensuring Access to Lower-Cost Medicines for Seniors Act

Ensuring Access to Lower-Cost Medicines for Seniors Act This bill requires prescription drug plans under the Medicare prescription drug benefit to include generic drugs and biosimilars on their formularies. Specifically, the bill requires plans that use formularies to include generic drugs and biosimilars on the formularies and without any requirements (e.g., prior authorization requirements) that are more restrictive as compared to those for brand-name drugs and biologics. Plans that use cost-sharing tiers must also have specific tiers for generic drugs and biosimilars, in accordance with certain limitations.

Retirement Annuity Supplement Clarity Act

This bill would require that when a court orders someone to receive a supplemental annuity payment (extra retirement income), the court's written decision must explicitly state that this payment is required. The change affects federal employees and retirees whose retirement benefits might be modified through legal proceedings, ensuring there's no confusion about whether courts actually intended to order these additional payments.

Equal Campus Access Act of 2025

This bill aims to improve campus accessibility for students with disabilities by requiring colleges and universities to meet specific standards for physical access, technology accommodations, and support services. The legislation would affect both students with disabilities seeking equal educational opportunities and schools that would need to ensure their facilities and programs comply with these accessibility requirements. Hearings have been held to gather input on what barriers students currently face and how institutions can better remove obstacles to full campus participation.

Conscience Protection Act of 2025

This bill would allow healthcare workers and medical facilities to refuse to provide certain medical services, including abortion and contraception, based on their personal religious or moral beliefs without facing legal penalties or losing federal funding. The law would protect doctors, nurses, hospitals, and other healthcare providers from discrimination lawsuits or government sanctions if they decline to perform procedures they object to on conscience grounds. Patients seeking these services would need to find alternative providers, potentially making access more difficult in areas with limited medical options.

A resolution commemorating the 250th anniversary of the passage of the resolution of March 16, 1776, which declared May 17 as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer.

Congress is recognizing the 250th anniversary of a 1776 resolution that set aside May 17 as a day for humiliation, fasting, and prayer, which was a significant moment in American history related to civil rights and religious freedom. The resolution has passed the Senate without any changes and serves as a commemorative statement rather than creating new laws or policies. This marks a historical acknowledgment of an important date in the nation's past.

Stop Unemployment Fraud Act

This bill would create new measures to detect and prevent people from fraudulently claiming unemployment benefits they're not entitled to, likely through improved verification systems and data-sharing between government agencies. The changes would affect both unemployed workers seeking benefits and the state agencies that administer these programs. By reducing fraudulent claims, the bill aims to protect the unemployment insurance system and ensure benefits reach only eligible recipients.

A resolution condemning the Government of Iran for its suppression of the right of Iranians to peacefully assemble.

This resolution expresses Congress's disapproval of Iran's government for preventing Iranian citizens from gathering peacefully and exercising their right to protest. The measure does not create new laws or impose penalties, but rather serves as an official statement condemning Iran's restrictions on freedom of assembly and calling attention to human rights concerns. It reflects U.S. opposition to authoritarian practices that limit basic freedoms in Iran.

Conscience Protections for Medical Residents Act

This bill would allow medical residents and fellows to refuse to perform or participate in certain medical procedures—such as abortion or assisted suicide—based on their personal or religious beliefs, without facing penalties like dismissal or loss of training opportunities. The law would protect these doctors-in-training from retaliation by hospitals and medical schools while they complete their education, though it would need to balance patient access to care in emergency situations.

CIPZIP Act of 2025

The proposal would establish new procedures and requirements for how federal agencies handle cybersecurity incidents and information protection within government operations. It aims to strengthen coordination between different government departments when dealing with cyber threats and data breaches that could affect national security or public services. The legislation would affect federal employees, government contractors, and potentially the public by setting standards for how quickly agencies must report and respond to cybersecurity problems.

Preserving Patient Access to Long-Term Care Pharmacies Act

This bill would protect patients' ability to use specialized pharmacies that deliver medications for long-term care settings like nursing homes and assisted living facilities, likely by preventing insurance companies or government programs from restricting which pharmacies patients can use. The measure aims to ensure that elderly and disabled residents continue to have access to the pharmacy services they depend on without facing new barriers or forced changes to their current providers.

Guidance Clarity Act of 2025

Guidance Clarity Act of 2025 This bill requires federal agencies to state on the first page of guidance documents that such guidance (1) does not have the force and effect of law, and (2) is intended only to provide clarity to the public about existing legal requirements or agency policies.

Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025

Prevent Government Shutdowns Act of 2025 This bill provides continuing appropriations to prevent a government shutdown if the appropriations bills for a fiscal year have not been enacted before the fiscal year begins and continuing appropriations are not in effect. Specifically, the bill provides appropriations at the rate of operations that was provided for the prior fiscal year to continue programs, projects, and activities that were funded in the preceding fiscal year. The bill also limits official travel, congressional recesses or adjournments, and the consideration of legislation that is unrelated to appropriations after the beginning of a fiscal year if the appropriations process has not been completed.

A resolution recognizing religious freedom as a fundamental right, expressing support for international religious freedom as a cornerstone of United States foreign policy, and expressing concern over increased threats to and attacks on religious freedom around the world.

This resolution recognizes religious freedom as a fundamental human right and expresses concern over threats to religious freedom around the world, such as through harassment, violence, and imprisonment.

Historic Greenwood District—Black Wall Street National Monument Establishment Act

This bill would establish a national monument in Tulsa, Oklahoma to honor the historic Greenwood District, also known as Black Wall Street, which was a thriving African American business and cultural center in the early 1900s before being destroyed during the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. The monument would preserve and interpret this important but often overlooked chapter of American history for visitors and future generations. The designation would bring federal recognition and resources to commemorate the district's significance and the experiences of the Black community that built and lost this prosperous neighborhood.

A resolution congratulating the University of Oklahoma women's gymnastics team for winning the 2025 National Collegiate Athletic Association Championship, the seventh national title in program history.

The Senate is formally recognizing the University of Oklahoma women's gymnastics team for winning the 2025 NCAA national championship, marking their seventh national title in program history. This resolution celebrates the athletic achievement of the student-athletes and coaching staff. The measure passed unanimously in the Senate without any changes.

POWER Act of 2025

Promoting Opportunities to Widen Electrical Resilience Act of 2025 or the POWER Act of 2025 This bill authorizes electric utilities receiving certain emergency assistance for the restoration of power to also carry out cost-effective hazard mitigation activities in combination with the power restoration activities. Additionally, the bill specifies that electric utilities receiving such assistance for a facility may, if otherwise eligible, also receive hazard mitigation assistance for the same facility under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance program.

SOIL Act of 2025

Security and Oversight for International Landholdings Act of 2025 or the SOIL Act of 2025 This bill establishes and expands requirements for reviewing and disclosing transactions regarding foreign investments in agricultural land. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) must review certain investments in agricultural land held by a person (i.e., individual or entity) that is a national of, or subject to the jurisdiction of, a country (1) designated as a nonmarket economy, or (2) identified as posing a risk to the national security of the United States. Under current law, CFIUS reviews the national security implications of certain foreign investments in U.S. businesses or real estate, including critical infrastructure or technologies. CFIUS must also review certain real estate acquisitions or transfers of an interest, other than a security, for nonresidential properties that are located within 50 miles of a military installation. The bill also prohibits federal assistance, including subsidies, from being provided to a person for an agricultural real estate holding which is owned by any of the foreign persons specified above. The bill requires any foreign person who enters into a leasing agreement for agricultural land that is longer than five years to report the lease to the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Current requirements only apply to agriculture land acquired or transferred. Further, USDA must prepare and make publicly available an annual report describing agricultural land holdings by foreign persons, including specific information related to foreign persons from China and Russia.

BEST Facilitation Act

Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade Facilitation Act of 2025 or the BEST Facilitation Act This bill establishes a pilot program for positions within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to review inspection images of vehicles and cargo entering or exiting the United States. Specifically, the bill establishes the position of image technician 1 within the CBP Office of Field Operations. An image technician must (1) review nonintrusive inspection images of vehicles and cargo entering or exiting the United States; (2) assess whether such vehicles and cargo contain contraband, illicit drugs, weapons, or persons seeking to unlawfully enter the United States; and (3) refer suspicious vehicles and cargo for further inspection by a CBP officer. These reviews must take place at one of five regional command centers established pursuant to this pilot program. The bill also establishes the position of image technician 2 with additional responsibilities, including receiving and reporting intelligence to the National Targeting Center about techniques used by malign actors to transport contraband, illicit drugs, weapons, and persons seeking to unlawfully enter the United States. Image technicians must be supervised by a supervisory CBP officer. The bill establishes annual training requirements for both positions, including training on privacy and civil liberties and how to analyze inspection images. This pilot program ends five years after the date of enactment of this bill. Individuals employed as image technicians at the end of the pilot program may transfer to comparable positions within CBP or the Department of Homeland Security.

MERP Clarifications Act of 2025

Methane Emissions Reduction Program Clarifications Act of 2025 or the MERP Clarifications Act of 2025 This bill modifies the Methane Emissions Reduction Program, including by exempting certain facilities from methane emission reporting requirements and fees. Under the program, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must (1) provide financial and technical assistance to measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and (2) collect a fee on methane emissions that exceed certain thresholds. The bill exempts certain small upstream facilities from the program's reporting requirements and fees. Specifically, the exemption applies to a facility that, as of August 16, 2022, (1) was emitting less than 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gases per year, and (2) had 2,500 or fewer full-time employees. The bill also prohibits the EPA from imposing a fee on certain facilities during any period in which the facilities (1) comply with specified emission standards, and (2) are located in states that are complying with their state implementation plans. Further, the bill requires the EPA to disburse all incentive grants under the program and finalize revisions to certain emissions reporting regulations before it collects fees. The EPA must also propose a rule to establish an expedited process for certain facilities to appeal or dispute the amount of fees. Additionally, the EPA must publish specified information about the program, including a clear explanation of the reporting requirements and calculations necessary to understand them. Finally, the bill automatically terminates the program on December 31, 2034.

No Deductions for Marijuana Businesses Act

This bill would prevent marijuana businesses from claiming standard tax deductions and credits that other legal businesses can use, effectively increasing their tax burden. Currently, federal tax law already restricts some deductions for marijuana companies due to the drug's illegal status under federal law, but this bill would go further by eliminating additional deductions these businesses might otherwise claim. The change would primarily affect marijuana retailers, growers, and distributors operating in states where the drug is legal.

Fairness for Crime Victims Act of 2025

Fairness for Crime Victims Act of 2025 This bill establishes budget points of order in the House of Representatives and the Senate against considering provisions in appropriations legislation that contain changes in mandatory programs (CHIMPs) that would cause the amount available for obligation during the fiscal year from the Crime Victims Fund to be less than the annual average for the three previous fiscal years. A CHIMP is a provision that (1) would have been estimated as affecting direct spending or receipts if the provision were included in legislation other than an appropriations bill; and (2) results in a net decrease in budget authority in the current year or the budget year, but does not result in a net decrease in outlays over the period of the total of the current year, the budget year, and all fiscal years covered under the most recently adopted budget resolution. The points of order do not apply if the difference between the amount in the Crime Victims Fund as of September 30 of the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year to which the CHIMP relates and the amount available for obligation under the CHIMP is not more than $2 billion.

Improving Federal Financial Management Act

Improving Federal Financial Management Act This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to take certain actions to improve financial management systems across the federal government and expands the responsibilities of federal agency Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). The bill requires OMB to submit a four-year governmentwide financial management plan to Congress within six months of enactment and thereafter with the budget submitted in the first full fiscal year following the start of a presidential term. Such plans must address certain topics, including strategies for (1) improving financial management systems; (2) strengthening the financial management workforce; and (3) reporting performance and cost information. OMB must annually submit related status reports to Congress and the Government Accountability Office. Each agency CFO is assigned new responsibilities, including preparing the agency plan to implement OMB's governmentwide financial management plan; overseeing and providing leadership in the areas of budget formulation and execution, planning and performance, risk management, internal controls, financial systems, accounting, and other areas designated by OMB; coordinating with designated agency personnel on the strategic planning, performance measurement and reporting, and risk management functions of the agency; managing the formulation and financial execution of the agency budget; linking performance and cost information; and preparing annual reports on progress in implementing the governmentwide financial management plan and transmitting such reports to the agency head, OMB, and Congress. The bill establishes new requirements for audits of agency accounts, such as having auditors evaluate the design of the agency's internal controls over financial reporting.

TRUE Accountability Act

Taxpayer Resources Used in Emergencies Accountability Act or the TRUE Accountability Act This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue guidance to certain executive branch agencies for the development of internal control plans that are available for immediate use in future emergencies or crises. ( Internal control refers to a process that provides reasonable assurance of achieving effective and efficient operations, reliable financial reporting, and legal compliance.) This guidance must be in alignment with the Government Accountability Office reports entitled A Framework for Managing Improper Payments in Emergency Assistance Programs and A Framework for Managing Fraud Risks in Federal Programs . Periodically, the agencies subject to this guidance must submit their internal control plan to OMB and OMB must submit such agency plans to Congress.