Topic: James Lankford

During the State of the Union, President Biden mispronounced the name of Laken Riley, an innocent woman killed by an illegal immigrant, calling her "Lincoln." Biden blamed Donald Trump for the failure of a bipartisan border bill, while Republicans like Marjorie Taylor Greene heckled him from the floor. Critics argue Biden already possesses the executive authority to close the border without new legislation.

Senator James Lankford and Senator Marco Rubio are pushing a bill to end the biannual clock shift and "lock the clock" permanently. Lankford argues that the practice is a relic of World War I intended to save lamp oil and causes health issues and stress for families. Arizona is cited as a successful example of a state that has already abandoned the practice without disrupting commerce.

Jonathan Capehart and David Brooks discussed the failed bipartisan border bill on PBS NewsHour. Capehart struggled to remember Senator James Lankford's name and later admitted he would need to call the White House to understand the President's authority on executive actions. The hosts characterize the segment as a humiliation for Capehart and a demonstration of media acting as a mouthpiece for the administration.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen testified before Senator James Lankford regarding the disparate treatment of large versus small banks. Yellen admitted that only banks deemed a "systemic risk" would have uninsured deposits protected, effectively encouraging large depositors to move funds from community banks to "preferred" major institutions. This policy is criticized for picking winners and losers in the financial sector.

President Trump and Congressional Republicans attempt to link the resolution of family separations to the funding of a $25 billion border wall. While Senator James Lankford calls for keeping families together, the administration maintains that legislative loopholes must be closed by Democrats. The segment notes the political stakes for the upcoming midterm elections and the influence of senior advisor Stephen Miller.

Senator James Lankford criticizes the Russian regime's global interference and domestic propaganda regarding Syria and Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry released an April Fool's voicemail offering services for "Russian hackers" and "election interference."

Senator James Lankford compares Russian cyber operations to artillery tactics used in infantry warfare, suggesting they fire messages everywhere to find a "break in the wall." He calls for the education of the American public and criticizes mainstream media for amplifying fake news stories.