'Exceptionally frustrating': GOP rep’s 'bipartisan negotiations' leave Republicans divided

US Senator James Lankford can't catch a break as he attempts to strike a bipartisan US border deal with Sens. Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ).

Although Lankford was appointed by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) "to lead bipartisan negotiations on immigration," according to Politico, the backlash he's received from fellow GOP lawmakers suggests he's unfit for the job in their eyes.

"It's been exceptionally frustrating," Lankford said Wednesday, days after Oklahoma Republicans unsuccessfully attempted to censure him over his efforts. "Everybody's saying: 'prove me wrong on this. Here's this Internet rumor, prove this is wrong.' The only way to do that is to get the text."

POLL: Should Trump be allowed to hold office again?

According to Politico, "There is still no bill text, nor is there a guarantee that it will be released in time for the Senate to hold a vote before an impending recess." Still, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) told Politico that "Republicans are turning on him 'because it’s more convenient politically than explaining the merits of it … that’s frustrating to me.'"

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) emphasized Lankford "has not deserved the criticism."

The Oklahoma senator insisted, "We'll still have gaps and openness in the border a decade from now if we don't resolve it now. This kind of moment doesn't come very often. When it comes, we have to have a longer look than 10 months from now.”

However, Politico notes, "As Trump gains influence by the day in the GOP, many Republicans are so confident about a victory in the fall that they feel they can wait until he’s president to take action on the border."

READ MORE :Meeting to censure Oklahoma GOP senator was 'held illegitimately': report