House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) addressed the House of Representatives in support of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026. The bill aims to reopen the federal government and restore key services following a six-week shutdown.
During his remarks on the House floor, Cole criticized Democrats for their handling of the shutdown. He stated: "History reminds us that shutdowns never change the outcome – only the cost paid by the American people." He added that for more than forty days, Americans experienced disruptions including missed paychecks for families, food assistance lapses affecting seniors, airport delays, and halted community programs.
Cole highlighted the particular impact on military families during Veterans Day: "Our military families were left wondering if they would be paid. Thanks to President Trump, they were."
He explained that the proposed legislation would restore critical services and ensure continued funding for important federal programs. According to Cole: "This bill supports our troops. It pays federal workers. It fully funds SNAP benefits until September 30th of next year. It compensates our air traffic controllers right before a busy holiday season."
The measure includes three full-year appropriations bills for fiscal year 2026 covering Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; Legislative Branch; and Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration divisions. Cole noted these bipartisan measures will provide stable funding for essential programs such as medical care for veterans, security at the Capitol, and nutrition assistance like WIC and SNAP.
He also pointed out that Community Project Funding is included in both military construction and agriculture sections of the bill: "This was a top priority for the Appropriations Committee, and we achieved it while holding overall spending levels in check."
Cole emphasized that Republicans have reinstated what he described as a responsible appropriations process rather than relying on last-minute comprehensive spending packages: "My sincere apologies to Minority Leaders Jeffries and Schumer, but after today, you will no longer get to hold the government hostage – and you will not get to force a rushed, pork-filled Christmas omnibus at the end of the year."
Addressing Democratic lawmakers directly, Cole asked them whether they wanted leverage or legislative progress and urged them to prioritize constituents over political strategy:
"Do you want leverage, or to legislate?
Do you treat Americans as collateral damage or constituents?
And do you answer to your caucus, or your country?"
He concluded by calling on Democrats to join Republicans in reopening government operations: "Eight Senate Democrats saw reason and did exactly that. House Democrats should do the same."
The bill’s passage would fund federal operations through September 30 of next year for key areas such as SNAP benefits while continuing efforts toward regular order in appropriations work.
