Oklahoma Republican Sens. Jim Inhofe and James Lankford said Monday that they support a massive aid package to help Americans through economic hardship, despite their concerns about the cost and increase to national debt.
“Yes it is a big bill,’’ Lankford said in an interview in regard to the GOP-backed legislation. “It’s a very unique moment ... I do plan to support it."
Inhofe, who said last week that he would back direct payments to Americans, said Monday that the package — estimated at $2 trillion — was necessary even though the total amount was “almost disgusting to me.”
In speeches, Lankford has warned frequently about the threat of the national debt. But he said Monday the economic pain caused by the coronavirus is “ugly.”
He noted in a telephone town hall meeting later that the measure includes money for individuals, small businesses and health care providers. He said the aid to major corporations would have to be paid back.
Lankford on Monday was pushing a bipartisan amendment to the package to increase the charitable deduction for income taxes, hoping to spur giving to nonprofit organizations.
Republican and Democratic leaders negotiated along with the White House on Monday about the details of the package. A timetable for getting a bill through both houses and to the president was uncertain.
Both Oklahoma senators voted for the first coronavirus aid bill, which was intended to help states and the federal government obtain tests and other equipment. They both opposed the second aid bill last week, which included funding boosts for social programs and paid leave.
-
Related to this story
-
Gallery:
Oklahomans opt for takeout, drive-thrus during pandemic
-
Gallery:
Homeland lets seniors shop early amid pandemic
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Gospel recording artist Sandi Patty has COVID-19
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: U.S. Olympic whitewater trials in Oklahoma City postponed
-
Article:
Oklahoma elections secretary: Localities can reschedule April 7 elections
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Sheriff's sales, foreclosures suspended
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Federal jury trials called off
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: We can still help each other get through this
-
Article:
A running guide to local dining during the ongoing pandemic
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Child at St. Luke's childcare center tests positive for COVID-19, center plans to stay open
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: OKC malls closing to prevent spread of COVID-19
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Local researchers looking for vaccine
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Guns sales on the rise as anxiety over COVID-19 climbs
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: State ready financially for unemployment claims
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: City Manager Craig Freeman says emergency closure orders will be enforced
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: State faces "critical shortage" of tests as cases mount
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Responsible remote work practices can limit feelings of isolation
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Devon Energy confirms positive test for employee
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: former Ponca City nursing home resident tests positive for COVID-19
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Integris officials urge public to avoid ER, stay home
-
Article:
Inhofe, Lankford oppose funding bill for testing, relief programs and paid leave
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Q&A with infectious disease experts concerning COVID-19
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: hospitals not available for storm shelter
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: OU, UCO classes staying online through semester's end
-
Article:
U.S. Reps. Kendra Horn, Tom Cole to self-quarantine for two weeks
-
Article:
Tulsa County man first Oklahoma death from COVID-19
-
Article:
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 jump by 15 on Thursday
-
Article:
Can't make a credit card or mortgage payment? Here's how to ask for help
-
Article:
BCBSOK waiving telemedicine copays
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Unemployment claims skyrocket as state is on pace for 10,000 in one week
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Health Department issues new guidelines for daycares
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Oklahoma County commissioners vote to limit courthouse access
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: State defers income tax payments
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Plaza District in OKC is 'quieter' after restrictions
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Corrections Department stops accepting inmates from jails
-
Article:
Stitt anticipates tapping Rainy Day Fund as possible revenue shortfall looms
-
Article:
Oklahoma state epidemiologist reassigned amid COVID-19 turmoil
-
Article:
Drug being tested for COVID-19 can have deadly side effects
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: State health department slow to let staff work from home
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Annual aerospace recruiting trip a no-go
-
Article:
Democrats call on Stitt to close businesses, ban gatherings of more than 10 people
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Hofmeister proposes distance learning to keep school buildings closed
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: As cases rise, many hospitals say visiting hours are over
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: City warns against flushing wipes
-
Article:
Confirmed COVID-19 cases up 25 in Oklahoma
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Tribes sue insurance companies over business interruption coverage
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Oklahoma City limits public access to some offices
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Norman mayor announces stay at home order
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Further restrictive measures in Oklahoma City to be announced Tuesday afternoon
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Nursing home resident in Norman dies after testing positive
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Nonprofit programs continue to deliver food, attention to homebound adults
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Gov. Stitt announces stricter coronavirus regulations
-
Article:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: DHS caseworker tests positive
-
Video:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Sharing the story of diagnosis
-
Video:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: How can you stop the spread? What if you are exposed?
-
Video:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: The role of emergency rooms and COVID-19
-
Video:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Oklahoma researcher joins vaccine effort
-
Video:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: State officials provide update
-
Video:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Integris officials urge public to avoid ER, stay home
-
Video:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: State of sports landscape
-
Video:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Impact on restaurants
-
Video:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: One woman's warning about chloroquine
-
Video:
Coronavirus in Oklahoman: U.S. Rep. Kendra Horn talks about efforts
-
Video:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Stitt forms coronavirus task force
-
Video:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: Students and families pick up meals
-
Video:
Coronavirus in Oklahoma: State health department slow to let own employees work from home
-
Show more