US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) has released the ninth edition of his annual “Federal Fumbles” report, which outlines billions of dollars in government waste, fraud, and inefficiencies. The report highlights questionable research grants, weak oversight on taxpayer funds sent abroad, systemic failures in food assistance programs, and the financial impact of government shutdowns. It also proposes policy solutions to address these issues.
“It’s Federal Fumbles season again. My ninth edition takes a hard look at the spending and inefficiencies that leave taxpayers wondering what Washington is doing with their money and why government is not serving them,” said Lankford. “From research projects that raise eyebrows to dollars sent overseas with little oversight to fraud in food programs to shutdowns that cost billions, the pattern is the same. Too often, the federal government is not accountable to the people. Fumbles is about more than pointing out the problems – it lays out a playbook to fix them, like cracking down on COVID fraud, untangling a disaster relief system that runs through more than 30 agencies, stopping programs that waste money without results, and passing my Prevent Government Shutdowns Act so Washington’s dysfunction does not come at the expense of Americans. It also highlights touchdowns like the Working Families Tax Cut Act, which included reforms like my Charitable Act and ALIGN Act to help families, small businesses, and farmers keep more of what they earn. Federal Fumbles is about transparency, accountability, and making sure taxpayers know someone is fighting for them.”
Lankford serves as Oklahoma’s representative in the United States Senate and leads several committees including Finance; Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; Intelligence; as well as chairing the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. His legislative priorities include protecting life and families while addressing high costs for Americans (official website). He has been recognized by organizations such as the National Taxpayers Union for his advocacy on behalf of taxpayers (official website).
The “Federal Fumbles” report includes both examples of government mismanagement—such as fraud in food assistance programs—and recommendations for reform. Among Lankford’s proposals are stricter measures against COVID-related fraud and restructuring disaster relief systems involving over 30 agencies.
The report also notes positive developments such as recent tax reforms intended to benefit working families, small businesses, and farmers.
Lankford has represented Oklahoma in Congress since 2014 after serving previously in the House of Representatives (official website). He maintains offices across Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Oklahoma Statewide, and Washington D.C., providing constituent services including assistance with federal agencies (official website).
The full “Federal Fumbles” report can be accessed online along with supporting materials.
