Today, a new video series titled "Appropriations 101" was highlighted, featuring Interior and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson (R-ID). The initiative aims to provide insights into the appropriations process by bringing together key members of the committee. The first episode features Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), where both discuss the development and passage of 12 bills each fiscal year.

In their conversation, Simpson emphasized the importance of completing all bills on time before the start of the next fiscal year, noting that this has not been achieved since 1994. He asked Cole about his experience as Chairman of the Committee. Cole responded, “Number one, it’s a great privilege, and it's a sign of confidence in your colleagues having you, but it's an enormous responsibility."

Cole elaborated on the scope of activities covered by the United States Government, ranging from biomedical research to infrastructure development and disaster aid. He pointed out that despite public perception, appropriators do not control mandatory programs like Social Security and Medicare, which significantly impact the deficit.

Simpson mentioned a period when discretionary spending was held flat for ten years. Cole confirmed this, stating it occurred from Fiscal Year 2010 to Fiscal Year 2019 under Speaker John Boehner's Budget Control Act.

Discussing his goals as Chairman, Cole noted he assumed his role mid-fiscal year with unfinished appropriations budgets. He credited leadership from Kay Granger and Speaker Mike Johnson for passing all appropriations bills in March through two minibuses. Looking ahead, Cole expressed determination to get all bills written by subcommittees and through the full committee by August break. The first bill expected to move across the floor is Military Construction and Veterans Affairs.

Cole concluded with optimism about negotiating with Senate counterparts and other political factions: "It's going to be a tall order to get all these bills across the floor."