House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) spoke on the House Floor in support of two key funding bills: H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026, and H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for 2026.
Cole described H.R. 7148 as marking the conclusion of months of work to finalize federal funding for the year. He stated, "The legislation before us is part of the final chapter of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process. This is where months of work turn into results. You see, we aren’t here for another stopgap or temporary fix. We are here to finish the job by providing full-year funding and closing out all twelve bills with certainty and direction...These bills were written with those priorities in mind."
He highlighted that the Defense bill included in this package aims to maintain U.S. military strength by enhancing readiness, modernizing capabilities, supporting service members with pay raises, and reinforcing the defense industrial base. Cole said these measures would ensure American forces can deter conflict and succeed if necessary.
The Labor-H portion was noted for investing in biomedical research, workforce training, and expanding healthcare access, especially in rural areas. According to Cole, these investments are intended to help students develop skills and support healthy communities.
On infrastructure, Cole referenced provisions related to transportation and housing: "From roads and bridges – to ports and skies – the bill strengthens the safety and reliability of vital transit systems." He added that modernization efforts include air traffic control upgrades and programs aimed at economic development and housing assistance.
"This package reflects a nation that is strong, prepared, and ready for the future. These are real deliverables, and real wins," he said.
Cole also addressed fiscal responsibility within these appropriations: "Republicans set out to spend less – and total FY26 funding does just that. We committed to codifying DOGE cuts – and these bills cut waste and rein in government bloat." He emphasized alignment with President Trump’s agenda while ending previous mandates from President Biden's administration.
On H.R. 7147 regarding homeland security funding, Cole stated: "This bill marks the final measure in our FY26 agenda. Our work here is about one of our most important duties: keeping the American people and our homeland safe..." The legislation increases resources for combating fentanyl trafficking, human trafficking investigations, disaster preparedness efforts, border security measures across multiple domains—including aviation and cyberspace—and provides support for frontline personnel.
"H.R. 7147 is focused on outcomes –not partisan rhetoric," he concluded.
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