House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole testified before the House Committee on Rules in support of H.R. 7006, which covers appropriations for Financial Services and General Government as well as National Security, Department of State, and related programs for fiscal year 2026.
Cole described H.R. 7006 as a two-bill package that is the result of bipartisan and bicameral negotiation. He stated, "Today is the second time this month that we are bringing forward bills that are the result of a bipartisan and bicameral negotiation. It’s important progress that reflects us doing exactly what we promised the American people we would: moving small, targeted packages forward. I am greatly pleased that, with this package, we once again demonstrate full-year funding that reflects member priorities, the America First agenda, and collaboration across political aisles and chambers that serves the nation."
He emphasized progress toward passing all required appropriations bills for the year: "This good faith consensus and steady momentum is moving us towards our number one objective: Completing all of our FY26 work and comprehensively sending our entire discretionary budget to President Trump’s desk for signature."
Cole provided an update on recent legislative activity: "In November, our first three-bill package was enacted into law. Last week, we passed our second three-bill package, and as a result, we now have half of our twelve appropriations measures passed out of the House. Now, it’s time to add two more to that tally."
The bill includes provisions aimed at economic growth and national security. Cole said, "The Financial Services and General Government portion of the bill includes important provisions that will drive economic growth, protect American consumers, support entrepreneurship and small business, and encourage consumer freedom. In the National Security and Department of State portion, we champion an America First foreign policy, reprioritizing funding in support of our national security while also eliminating wasteful spending. We continue to provide unwavering support for our critical ally Israel, while also restoring deterrence and upholding support for American national security interests across the globe."
He summarized by stating: "To sum it up, we are safeguarding taxpayer dollars, driving economic growth, strengthening security and diplomacy, and realigning priorities to meet the needs of the nation."
Cole highlighted efforts to restore regular order in congressional appropriations: "Policy is just as important as process. It’s notable that this week’s action marks another strong step toward returning the appropriations process to regular order. In recent years, it seemed as though Congress could only appropriate through omnibus spending packages against a holiday deadline. That process was unfair to this country and this institution, and when I assumed the chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee, I committed myself to ending it. As we have seen, both with this package and with the package we considered last week, those days are over. Indeed, I hope they never return."
He concluded his remarks by urging members’ support: "I thank each of you for your time, and I urge all members to support this bipartisan package. I look forward to your questions today."
The House Committee on Appropriations manages annual federal spending measures through 12 subcommittees focused on specific areas such as financial services or national security operations (https://appropriations.house.gov). The committee was established in 1865 after its responsibilities were separated from those handled by Ways and Means (https://appropriations.house.gov). It plays a central role in drafting annual spending bills needed for government operations (https://appropriations.house.gov) as well as providing guidance on community project funding requests (https://appropriations.house.gov).
Tom Cole currently serves as chairman—the 43rd person in this role—leading efforts such as those discussed during his testimony (https://appropriations.house.gov).
