Sen. Lankford Advocates For Big Beautiful Bill to Prevent Tax Hike Before July 4 Deadline

U.S. Senators are currently evaluating a significant bill proposed by President Trump. Oklahoma Senator James Lankford, part of the tax-writing committee, highlighted the bill's two main goals: preventing a looming tax increase for Americans next year and addressing $2 trillion in overspending.

Thursday, June 5th 2025, 8:30 am

By: David Prock

U.S. Senators are currently evaluating President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," and are hoping to get it to his desk by July 4th.

Oklahoma Senator James Lankford, part of the tax-writing committee, highlighted the bill's two main goals: preventing a looming tax increase for Americans next year and addressing $2 trillion in overspending.

Tax Bill Aims to Prevent “Major Increase” and Cut Overspending

Lankford said the Senate is working to prevent an automatic tax hike set to take effect in January 2026, describing the effort as a bipartisan attempt to control rising costs for American families.

“When the calendar changes into next year, our tax rate just automatically changes, and it goes up dramatically next year for every single American,” Lankford said. “So we want to prevent that tax increase.”

The bill also focuses on cutting $2 trillion in overspending through fraud reduction and improved accountability in federal programs.

One of the more attention-grabbing proposals would add a work requirement for adults on Medicaid with no dependents.

“We think that's beneficial not only for them and for their families, but for the community as well,” Lankford said.

Lankford Reflects on Middle East Trip, U.S. Role in Stability

The senator recently returned from a diplomatic trip through Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel, where he met with regional leaders and discussed humanitarian aid and counter-terrorism efforts.

“I spent Memorial Day week in the Middle East,” Lankford said. “There’s a lot of optimism in Lebanon right now, pretty dramatic change between the Lebanese armed Forces and Israel taking on Hezbollah.”

In Israel, Lankford met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and discussed humanitarian aid entering Gaza and strategies to “put down that Hamas terrorism.”

“It is to America’s best interest to be able to have peace and stability in that region,” he said.

Greenwood Monument Bill Clears the Senate

A bipartisan bill co-authored by Lankford to designate Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District as a National Monument recently passed the Senate and is now headed to the House.

“This doesn’t change property ownership, doesn't give federal government control, doesn't do any of that kind of stuff. It just designates the area around Greenwood as a National Monument,” Lankford explained. "So that when people are traveling around the country, and there are a lot of people that do... that they would have Tulsa as one of those locations as they're traveling the country to also come to. To not only see what's happened in the past, there in the tragedy of years ago, but also the triumph that's still happening.

The senator said the designation will help educate people on Greenwood’s tragic history and enduring resilience, while also bringing tourism dollars to the city.

“It’s a good way to highlight our past and our future,” he said.

Thunder Basketball, PGA, and Olympic Momentum for Oklahoma

Lankford is also embracing Oklahoma’s moment in the sports spotlight. The senator has a bet with Indiana Sen. Todd Young over the OKC Thunder playoff series jersey for jersey.

“He is going to wear a Thunder jersey after the Thunder win the finals,” Lankford said, laughing. “There’s a lot of banter in the hallways, as you can imagine.”

With the PGA Championship returning to Tulsa and part of the 2028 Olympics coming to Oklahoma, Lankford said Oklahoma is in a great place.

“We’re very grateful to be in a great state,” he said.