House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) addressed the House Committee on Rules in Washington, D.C., to discuss two key funding bills for Fiscal Year 2026: H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, and H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act.
Cole explained that these measures represent the final four appropriations bills for the fiscal year, covering the Department of Defense; Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; Department of Homeland Security; and Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development. He noted that H.R. 7148 encompasses Defense, Labor-HHS-Education, and Transportation-HUD divisions, while H.R. 7147 is focused solely on Homeland Security.
"Bipartisan and bicameral negotiations are complex and take time," Cole said. "Nonetheless, today marks the third time in as many weeks that we are appearing before you with a package representing the consensus, deliberation, and the priorities of our great nation. As with our previous packages, this outcome reflects the reality of serious governing: shared contributions and shared compromise."
Cole highlighted that all twelve negotiated appropriations bills reduce spending compared to what would have occurred under a continuing resolution. He emphasized that these bills ensure full funding for priorities from both the Republican conference and the Trump Administration while delivering results through community projects.
"At its core, this measure is about American strength – and a focused future," Cole stated. He described how the Defense division aims to support military power by providing necessary tools for service members. The Labor-HHS-Education title invests in biomedical research, medical supply chains, education programs like TRIO and Gear Up for first-generation college students, as well as rural healthcare.
On homeland security funding, Cole said: "The Homeland Security bill provides for much-needed investments into enhanced border security, as well as other measures essential to protecting the American homeland from terrorists, narco-traffickers, criminals, and others who wish us harm."
He also detailed infrastructure investments included in Transportation-HUD: "Touching every district in every state, it supports the growth of America’s transportation sector by enhancing FAA facilities, modernizing air traffic control, repairing and rebuilding bridges, and strengthening transit systems."
Cole concluded his remarks by recognizing bipartisan cooperation: "Producing a bipartisan and bicameral appropriations package is never easy. Yet today, we are once again moving forward with a complete set of bills. It’s a testament to the hard work exhibited by this committee – including members on both sides of the aisle and our hardworking staff who make this process work."
He urged members to support what he called a bipartisan package aimed at addressing national needs across defense, health care, education, security measures at U.S. borders, transportation, housing programs, urban development, among other areas.
