House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) addressed the House Committee on Rules in support of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026. In his remarks, Cole emphasized the effects of the ongoing government shutdown, which has lasted for six weeks.
Cole outlined several consequences of the shutdown, noting that millions of federal workers have not received pay and essential services such as air traffic control and SNAP benefits have been disrupted. He stated: "As members of this committee are all too painfully aware, for the last six weeks the federal government has been shut down. Millions of workers have gone unpaid. Air traffic control functions have slowed to a near halt. SNAP benefits expired, forcing millions of Americans to either find assistance from food banks or else go hungry. Seniors saw telehealth resources suspended. And Head Start education programs for children have been closing. These are just a few examples of the harm being inflicted on our nation. Yet, it didn’t have to be this way."
Cole attributed responsibility for the shutdown to Senate Democrats: "Nearly two months ago,the House passed a continuing resolution that would have kept the government open and operating. This would have allowed Congress time to keep working on the FY 2026 appropriations process through regular order. But instead, Senate Democrats blocked its passage. The result of this political temper tantrum has been the longest government shutdown in our nation’s history."
He continued: "For forty-two days, and counting, Democrats have held the country hostage. Make no mistake, all the pain, all the suffering, and all the difficulty Americans have endured these past six weeks could have – and should have – been avoided."
Cole further criticized Democratic leadership: "Instead, the hardship and damage caused was an intentional choice made by Democrat leadership. Minority Leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer led their caucus to shut down the government. And for forty-two days, the American people have borne the brunt of that decision and have been mere pawns at the partisan hands of Democrats."
Regarding a path forward, Cole said: "At long last, reason has prevailed, and the measure before us will finally end this pointless shutdown. Today’s bill will not only re-open the government, but it will also move the FY 2026 appropriations process forward, representing a return to regular order."
The legislation under discussion includes full-year appropriations measures covering Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; Legislative Branch; and Agriculture divisions—areas negotiated between both chambers with bipartisan agreement.
Cole explained what will be funded if these measures pass: "With passage of these three divisions, we will have full-year funding in place for many of our most crucial programs. Military construction needs will be met for a full year, as will medical programs for our nation’s veterans. The legislative branch will be fully funded, including critical funding enhancements for the Capitol Police and for member security. The Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration will also be fully funded, as will the WIC program to ensure that pregnant women and young children will get the food and nutrition they need to survive and to thrive."
He highlighted Community Project Funding included in both military construction and agriculture divisions as evidence of Congressional oversight over spending.
Cole also commented on changes in how appropriations bills are handled: "We also break Senator Schumer’s beloved end-of-year holiday omnibus habit. No more thousand-page spending behemoths at midnight – Republicans have restored an open, line-by-line process." He noted that a Continuing Resolution would fund other parts of government through January 30th while work continues on remaining bills.
Concluding his remarks Cole said: "The simplest truth today is this: reopening the government will put an end to the chaos Democrat leadership has inflicted on Americans... It will ensure that SNAP funds are made available to ensure that no American goes hungry. It will re-establish control of the skies... It will pay federal workers and American military personnel... And it will ensure government can continue to provide critical services..."
Cole expressed hope that lessons learned from this shutdown would prevent similar events in future appropriations cycles.
