Agricultural News
Sen. James Lankford Plans to Address the Issues Left Unattended by Obama During His New Term
Tue, 08 Nov 2016 21:44:52 CST
Early into the evening on Election Day, Sen. James Lankford's race against contender Mike Workman, was called in Lankford's favor. Upon learning the news that he will be able to keep his seat in the US Senate, he spoke with Farm Director Ron Hays about his win and the issues he plans to pursue in his new term.
"Biggest concerns I've heard over and over again - terrorism, education, what's happening with national debt, direction of the country," Lankford said. "We seem to be drifting a lot of issues and people are just legitimately concerned about all the family issues and the things that are happening."
When asked about his thoughts on how the Senate would work with either of the presidential candidates in the White House, Lankford expressed a very contrasted vision.
"It's a great unknown," Lankford said. "President Obama wasn't interested in working with Congress. That created the gridlock we have right now. If Hillary Clinton decides to do the same thing President Obama has than that's a problem.
"Obviously, if we have Trump as president, it will be very different," Lankford added.
Regarding the Trans Pacific Partnership, Lankford was more than doubtful that the issue would be discussed during the lame duck session, remarking that no serious hearings had even been held regarding TPP. However, the senator expressed great concern about the Waters of the US rule and his recent move in concert with Sen. Jim Inhofe and several others, calling on the courts to vacate EPA's implementation of the rule.
"The administration interpreted that old law in a new way that was never considered by Congress - that should never be allowed by the courts," Lankford said.
What will be top of mind though for the senator when he returns to Washington will be repealing Obamacare.
"I know people get sick of that," Lankford admitted. "But after six years of pressing it up and the president vetoing it or blocking it, we still have to deal with it."
In addition, he says he will turn attention to reviewing our current tax policy and major parts of our economic policy as well.
"Those things have got to be addressed," Lankford said, "because they've been unaddressed by this president for a long time."
Listen to Ron Hays' complete post-election interview with Sen. James Lankford, by clicking on the LISTEN BAR below.
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