OKC Standard

Senator James Lankford, Republican Conference Vice Chair and founding member of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Caucus, hosted his first floor event for the Republican Conference as Vice Chair. The event included participation from Senators Shelley Moore Capito, Joni Ernst, Pete Ricketts, Roger Marshall, and Eric Schmitt.

Lankford addressed the inefficiencies in government spending. "I don’t know a single one of the great four million Oklahomans, that if I went to their house and knocked on their door and said, ‘Is the federal government the most efficient body in the country?’ That they would say yes," he stated. He emphasized that efficient government should not be a partisan issue.

Senator Capito remarked on accountability with federal spending: "Each misspent dollar represents a missed opportunity for our neighbors, our communities, our families. But that’s going to end with this incoming Administration." She highlighted that future Congress sessions will ensure accountability.

Ernst echoed similar sentiments regarding bipartisan efforts: "While this is a personal issue for me, it should not be a partisan issue. After all, every American benefits from a more efficient government." She invited collaboration across party lines for greater transparency and accountability.

Ricketts pointed out areas of agreement between parties on government roles: "And for those things, we should do them really well. All too often, government fails because it’s not properly managed."

Marshall stressed restoring accountability: "It’s time for federal agencies and unelected bureaucrats to remember that ‘We, the People,’ sign their checks."

Schmitt expressed optimism about changes under President Trump: "The good news is President Trump will soon occupy the White House...returning power back to the people."