Today, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) issued a statement as the ongoing government shutdown became the longest in U.S. history. Cole attributed responsibility for the shutdown to Democratic leadership.
“Chuck Schumer needed primetime content to pass the progressive socialist litmus test, so he manufactured a political crisis. The result? Inflicting the longest government shutdown in history on the American people. It’s a grim milestone met by continued harm and pain across the nation.
“Federal personnel are working without pay. Nutrition assistance has lapsed, leaving families at risk. Airports are in chaos and issuing ground stops due to staffing shortages. Seniors have had telehealth resources cut. Nuclear safety and security workers have been furloughed. Head Start education programs are shuttering. Veterans can’t reach certain counseling and assistance programs. Small businesses can’t access SBA loans. Headstone placement at national cemeteries is paused. America’s economy is losing billions in growth. Even some homebuyers seeking their American dream are facing stalled processes. Every one of these harms was entirely avoidable. Instead, Democrat leadership designed this shutdown, celebrated it, and weaponized it — all while Americans lose paychecks, benefits, and critical services. They must end this chaos and reopen government.
“As we wait for Senate Democrats to do the right thing for the country, I continue to reflect on the work ahead. There is no better way to end this cycle of shutdown threats than to pass and have President Trump sign into law full-year FY26 appropriations bills. I remain resolute in advancing our constitutional Article I duties and delivering regular order for American taxpayers. Heralding us into the golden years of America means bold leadership — and Appropriators in both the House and Senate have disrupted old, broken processes. We have done the line-by-line work and stand ready to deliver the priorities of this Administration and the American people the moment the Senate reopens the government.”
Cole called for passing full-year appropriations bills as a solution to prevent future shutdowns, emphasizing what he described as necessary legislative work from appropriators in both chambers.
