Today, in a Zoom interview from Washington, D.C., Farm Director KC Sheperd, along with Oklahoma Senator James Lankford, announced a “possible end in sight” to the ongoing government shutdown, while sharply criticizing the Democratic strategy he claims caused the stalemate. Lankford Talks Shutdown, Ag Bill Delay, and Beef Price Strategy
Lankford alleged the shutdown was a political tactic designed to influence recent elections in New York City by motivating the Democratic base.
“The frustrating thing is, we think they were trying to hold out until after the elections in New York City, because the shutdown was really all about energizing their base, that we’re fighting Trump,” Lankford said. He called the strategy “really, really painful” for those affected.
“I can’t imagine what all the SNAP recipients are feeling, and the folks from Head Start and the Federal workers that they’ve not been paid… so They could fire up the base in New York City,” he stated.
The “Piece of Paper” Problem
When asked to explain the mechanics of the shutdown, Lankford said the current situation is unusual. He explained that in the past 13 impasses, both parties agreed to a “continuing resolution” (CR) to keep the government funded while negotiations continued.
This time, Lankford said, Democrats refused a “clean” CR.
“Republicans said, ‘Let’s just open the government at current year funding levels.’ And Democrats said, ‘No, I want a government shutdown to show our resistance to Trump,'” Lankford claimed. “Well, I don’t have a piece of paper to negotiate with at that point.”
Lankford said a breakthrough seems imminent as “a few of them are ready to stop their protest.”
Amid the shutdown, Lankford noted that negotiators have finalized three full appropriation bills, including the Agriculture (Ag) appropriation bill. However, he later noted that the shutdown has delayed other crucial legislation.
“The farm bill that was scheduled to be taken up this fall, now with this shutdown, is now pushing that into spring to get the second half of the farm bill done,” he said.
Defending the Filibuster
Lankford also defended the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster rule, which President Biden reportedly suggested eliminating. Lankford argued the rule is essential for forcing bipartisan cooperation.
“The filibuster rule is there to be able to force both sides to be able to… talk to each other,” Lankford said. “The Senate is the only place in our government where both sides have to be grown ups, sit down and actually talk to each other and to be able to work out their differences.”
He warned that without the rule, a party with simple control of the House, Senate, and White House could unilaterally pass major legislation, citing past Democratic proposals on DC statehood, court-packing, and federal abortion laws.
Agriculture, Beef, and Healthcare
On agricultural issues, Lankford mentioned his recent discussion with the President about high beef prices.
“The President’s really focused on how he can bring beef prices down,” Lankford said. “We’ve been very clear… It’s a deal on the Packers side of things, not on the farmers and ranchers.”
Lankford also pushed back on the idea of importing more beef from Argentina. “Americans are used to good quality American beef. That’s what they’re looking for,” he said.
The senator tied the budget fight to healthcare, arguing that Democrats are focused on increasing subsidies for 19 million people on “Obamacare” rather than addressing rising costs for all Americans.
“I don’t want to just talk about 19 million people. I want to talk about everybody in the country in their health care premiums,” Lankford said. “What can we do to be able to bring their rates down?” He suggested solutions like offering more insurance options and creating “high risk pools” to lower premiums for the general population.
A Proposal to End Shutdowns
Lankford, who called shutdowns “dumb,” also promoted his legislative proposal to prevent them entirely.
Under his bill, if a funding deadline is reached, a continuing resolution would automatically kick in. “But,” he added, “the House and the Senate both have to be in session seven days a week, and we can only work on appropriation bills until it’s done.”
He noted the bill previously received 57 of the 60 votes needed to pass and that he is working to get the final votes.
A Final Message to Producers
Concluding the interview, Senator Lankford offered a direct message to Oklahoma’s producers:
“Keep praying for the nation. Don’t give up on us. God’s still God. We’ve still got work to get done, and so we’re going to continue to be able to work until we get the government back open.”
To watch the full interview, click here:
