Washington, D.C. – House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) addressed the floor regarding H.R. 10515, the American Relief Act of 2025. The legislation aims to keep the government operational and provide disaster relief.

Cole emphasized the importance of ensuring government functionality as funding is set to expire. "With government funding running out, it’s our duty to act," he stated.

The House Appropriations Committee has successfully reported all twelve annual appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2025, passing five in the House. However, none have been passed by the Senate, necessitating a second continuing resolution to avoid a shutdown.

Today's bill extends government funding through March 14 and raises the debt limit until January 20, 2027. This allows President-elect Trump to begin his term without immediate debt concerns.

The legislation also addresses disaster relief needs across various U.S. regions affected by natural disasters, including Oklahoma and North Carolina. Cole noted that additional investment is crucial for recovery efforts: "We need to provide the necessary disaster recovery aid for states and communities as our fellow citizens rebuild and restore."

Cole urged colleagues to support H.R. 10515: "For these reasons, I urge all of my colleagues to vote in support of H.R. 10515 today."