Senator Lankford Opposes Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) issued the following statement on his opposition to the FY2017 Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill, which passed committee today by a vote of 29-1. Lankford was the lone ‘no’ vote:

“A more transparent and open appropriations process is moving through the Senate. I’m glad this bill prioritizes funding for basic medical research, year-round pell grants for low-income students, and includes modest Social Security Disability Insurance reforms, however, this bill avoids some big issues that must be addressed. I’m disappointed that this bill avoids basic common sense reforms to Obamacare. This bill doesn’t address the Department of Labor’s disastrous new overtime rule, which will increase college tuition and hurt nonprofits and small businesses across Oklahoma. This bill supports a conflicting dichotomy that increases access for marijuana while we fight the national opioid epidemic. This appropriations bill also continues the deceptive budget gimmicks that present fake savings to the tune of $5.7 billion. In addition, this bill rewards the rogue Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights that has been the model for President Obama’s overreach, that does not deserve a $3 million funding increase.

“The appropriations process is ground zero for making serious debt reduction and policy reforms. I know that I will not always get everything I want in a bill, but this Labor-HHS bill avoids the serious policy problems for the nation that must be addressed. I will continue to fight to address the issues that face Oklahomans and Americans when this bill comes to the floor.”

###