Senator Lankford Pleased with Plan to Reopen Government, Repay Federal Workers, and Continue Border Security Negotiations

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today offered cautious optimism after the Senate voted to approve a continuing resolution to fund the government through February 15th, pay federal employees, and establish a conference committee process for working through funding for border security during the three-week period.

“The President and leaders in the House and Senate agreed that we need to pay federal workers and continue the ongoing dialogue on immigration and border security,” said Lankford. “I am incredibly grateful for federal workers, whose dedicated service has been highlighted for the whole country to be proud of, but they should not have been put in this situation. For their sake, I supported passage of a bill to provide full-year funding so federal workers do not have to live in the shadow of a threat of another shutdown in three weeks. We could have finished the work to fully fund the government and provide border security, but resolving it for three weeks is a good step forward.

“Democrats promised the President that if they had three weeks they could come to the table on border security. Trust is earned, and Washington can use more of it. The President trusted Senator Schumer and Speaker Pelosi, and I look forward to successful negotiations on border security going forward.”

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