House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) addressed the House Committee on Rules in support of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148, known as the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. The legislation includes funding for several key federal departments and agencies.
Cole explained that the original package was assembled and passed by the House two weeks prior, covering the final six appropriations measures for fiscal year 2026. The Senate has since amended this package, fully funding five divisions for the year and placing the Department of Homeland Security under a two-week continuing resolution.
"Chairwoman Foxx, Ranking Member McGovern, members of the Rules Committee, I appreciate the opportunity to testify today. While the moment certainly feels familiar, the issues before us remain critically important," Cole stated.
He outlined that today's full-year bills cover: "The Department of Defense; The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education; The Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development; The Department of State; The Department of the Treasury; and Many agencies related to each of these departments."
Cole emphasized that providing funding for these missions is a constitutional responsibility. He noted that while a bipartisan agreement had been reached previously between both chambers to move forward with appropriations bills for fiscal year 2026, changes made by the Senate have now presented members with limited options.
"I acknowledge the frustrations of this situation, and I share in those sentiments. Trust me, I speak from direct experience – but our obligation is not to our feelings – it is to the American people. Getting ninety percent of something is better than one hundred percent of nothing," he said.
He continued: "I still believe the best and most appropriate course of action was for the Senate to approve the six-bill package as we negotiated it. The Senate, however, has chosen a different path. And so, we are left here in the House with a classic Hobson’s Choice: we can take the amended bill, or we can leave it."
"My view is that we should take it. Today’s bill will close out five of our remaining six appropriations bills for FY2026, including our two largest measures, covering Defense and the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education departments. It will also include a two-week continuing resolution for our sixth and final bill – the Department of Homeland Security – which will give some time for additional negotiations on that measure."
Cole referenced President Trump's involvement in discussions with Democrats: "President Trump has directly engaged Democrats in good-faith conversations while making clear that holding the government or the American people hostage is wrong."
He expressed confidence about future negotiations regarding funding for Homeland Security: "I am confident that once these discussions are completed, the final outcome will closely mirror the measure Chairman Amodei negotiated and the House passed two weeks ago – a comprehensive bill that, unlike this stopgap, funded ICE body-worn cameras and deescalation training, delivered a pay raise for our Coast Guard and air traffic controllers, increased support for firefighters and first responders, strengthened disaster preparedness, and enhanced efforts to combat fentanyl."
"So, today is Groundhog Day – both literally and figuratively – but doing the right thing for the American people never gets old," Cole concluded.
"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."
