Sen. James Lankford, U.S. Senator from Oklahoma, addressed several national and international issues in a series of posts on September 22, 2025.
In his first post, Lankford commented on the possibility of a government shutdown. He stated on September 22, 2025: “We are quickly approaching a potential government shutdown next week. Shutting down the government does not fix our debt problem, it makes it worse. We need to take shutdowns off the table and keep Congress in Washington until we fund the government.” Government shutdowns have historically resulted from budget impasses in Congress, often impacting federal services and employees while failing to address underlying fiscal challenges.
Later that day, Lankford referenced a longstanding student prayer event, posting at 17:27 UTC: “For 35 years, students have gone to their flag pole to pray for their nation. Let’s do it again on Wednesday. I will See You At The Pole.” “See You at the Pole” is an annual student-led prayer gathering held around school flagpoles across the United States since 1990.
In another post at 18:07 UTC, Lankford addressed ongoing tensions involving Hamas and Jewish hostages during the Jewish High Holidays: “As Jews across America and around the world prepare to celebrate the High Holidays, the terrorists of Hamas continue to hold Jewish hostages. Instead of insisting on the immediate release of the hostages, some nations have determined that right now is the moment to recognize a” His comments come amid ongoing international debates regarding responses to hostage situations and diplomatic recognition related to conflicts involving Israel and Hamas.
Senator Lankford has been active in discussions about federal spending negotiations and religious expression in public spaces. The issue of government shutdowns remains a recurring topic in Congress as lawmakers face deadlines for passing appropriations bills each fiscal year. Meanwhile, events like “See You at the Pole” highlight continuing conversations about religion in schools.
