House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) addressed the Rules Committee today regarding H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025. He emphasized the necessity of keeping the government operational to serve the American people.
"Chairman Burgess, Ranking Member McGovern, and esteemed members of the Rules Committee, it’s good to be back," Cole began his remarks. "I’m here to testify on the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025."
Cole stressed that with Fiscal Year 2024 ending on September 30th, it is crucial for Congress to act promptly. "Everyone in this room is well aware Fiscal Year 2024 ends on September 30th. With this looming deadline before us, Congress is responsible to act. We are here today to ensure that the government remains open and serving the American people."
He acknowledged that the appropriations process is challenging and requires significant effort. Despite delays in starting due to a late President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2024, Cole noted that all twelve Fiscal Year 2025 bills were passed out of committee and five were passed by the House floor.
"Despite this strong momentum, time has drawn short," he stated. "The situation before us is not ideal, but neither is the reality of harmful disruptions to our national security and the vital programs our constituents rely on. That’s why a continuing resolution is needed."
The proposed bill extends government funding until December 20th and includes extensions for essential programs like WIC, TANF, and the National Flood Insurance Program. It also allocates additional resources for Secret Service protection while ensuring their cooperation with congressional investigations.
"All in all, today’s bill is a narrow and tailored CR that will allow us to continue government operations through the election," said Cole. "This path ensures Americans aren’t needlessly punished with a costly shutdown and allows the people – and importantly the next president – to have a say in the appropriations process."
While expressing his preference for passing full-year appropriations bills through regular order, Cole highlighted that time constraints necessitate this continuing resolution.
"I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan measure," he concluded. "I thank each of you for your time, and look forward to your questions today."
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