The Daily Punch Lankford on the filibuster and Iran
Mar 12, 2026
James Lankford, U.S. Senator from Oklahoma and member of key intelligence and homeland committees, offers his take on Iran, FISA 702, the SAVE Act and the filibuster. Anthony Adragna, a defense policy reporter, joins the post-interview panel to analyze defense spending and Iran-related funding debates. Multiple short conversations probe hearings, wartime supplemental costs, and Senate rules and strategy.
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Protect Foreign Surveillance By Extending Section 702
- Extend Section 702 (FISA) cleanly to preserve foreign surveillance that prevents attacks.
- Lankford warns the intelligence community relies on post-702 authorities and recent reforms like an amicus in FISA courts improved oversight.
Section 702 Focuses On Foreign Targets Not Americans
- Section 702 targets foreign nationals overseas, not U.S. citizens, to detect plots before they reach Americans.
- Lankford emphasizes protections that limit American searches while noting foreigners abroad lack the same constitutional safeguards.
Secure Mail Voting With ID And Notary Requirements
- Don’t ban mail-in voting nationally; instead require state-level security measures like voter ID and notarization.
- Lankford uses Oklahoma’s system—ID checks and notary-sealed mail ballots—to argue against a blanket federal ban.