Lankford to Seek HSGAC Ranking Member Position in 120th Congress

WASHINGTON, DC - US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today announced he intends to seek the position of Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) in the 120th Congress:

"In the days ahead, I intend to ask my Republican colleagues on HSGAC for their support for me to be selected as Ranking Member next Congress. There is important work ahead on FEMA reform, the federal workforce, and making government operate more effectively and efficiently for the American people.

"In many areas of government operation, HSGAC can operate in a bipartisan manner. Waste and inefficiency should not be a Republican or Democratic issue. Over the last decade on the Homeland Security Committee, I have worked across the aisle to improve emergency communications in federal buildings, strengthen the United States Postal Service, increase federal cybersecurity preparedness, government transparency, and the use of artificial intelligence. This Committee has a broad responsibility to make sure the federal government does its job well.

"As the only Committee with broad oversight and subpoena authority across the federal government, we have an important responsibility to ask hard questions, get answers, and make sure government is working as it should. However, the job of any Ranking Member is to also push back on a majority that goes too far. There is important work done at the Department of Homeland Security by brave men and women and their efforts should not be hampered simply because of partisan politics. Oversight is responsible, but obstruction is unacceptable.

"I look forward to serving with Senator Maggie Hassan in our new roles. We have worked together very productively on numerous occasions, most recently on our Prevent Government Shutdowns Act. Years ago, Dr. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma and Senator Tom Carper of Delaware worked together on this same Committee to do essential oversight and non-partisan work for the American people. I plan to work together when we can agree and be a fierce opposition if there is an attempt to undercut our nation's security.

"The Department of Homeland Security is the third-largest federal department, and its work touches the lives of Americans every day. From TSA and CISA to Border Patrol and the United States Coast Guard, the men and women of DHS work to keep America safe on our borders, at sea, and in our skies. I look forward to highlighting their work and making sure the Department is fulfilling its mission."

Background

Lankford has served on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee since 2015 and has spent more than a decade working on issues within its jurisdiction. He has served as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management and currently chairs the Subcommittee on Border Management, Federal Workforce, and Regulatory Affairs, where he has led oversight hearings on border security, federal workforce readiness, government operations, and regulatory accountability.

Lankford has worked to make the federal government more accountable to the people it serves. He authored the Taxpayers Right-to-Know Act, which became law in 2021, and has worked on issues ranging from federal hiring and regulatory reform to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

As Subcommittee Chairman, Lankford has also led oversight of border security and federal preparedness, including a 2025 hearing examining federal readiness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2028 Olympics, and America's 250th anniversary.

Former Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn served as Ranking Member of HSGAC from 2013 to January 2015.

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