House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) addressed the House Floor in support of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148, known as the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. Cole emphasized the importance of Congress fulfilling its responsibility to fund the government.
He noted that six appropriations bills had already been signed into law by President Trump, providing full funding for those departments and agencies through the end of the fiscal year. The remaining six bills have passed the House, but a partial government shutdown is ongoing.
Cole stated, "Funding the government is not an optional exercise – it’s the most basic duty we have in Congress."
Two weeks earlier, a bipartisan and bicameral agreement was reached between the House and Senate on these remaining appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2026. Cole said, "The House acted expeditiously to pass these bills, marking historic progress for our appropriations process and the return to ‘regular order’ that every member of this chamber wants to see."
He acknowledged frustration with last-minute changes made by the Senate but stressed that lawmakers' obligation is to serve the American people. "While we all worked hard, especially our cardinals, to ensure that all twelve bills would be signed into law before the January 30th deadline, the Senate has put us on a different path," he said.
Cole advocated passing five of the remaining bills along with a short-term stopgap measure for the Department of Homeland Security. This plan would provide full-year funding for more than 95 percent of federal operations and avoid further disruption caused by a shutdown.
"To continue the government shutdown would be to repeat all the same mistakes my friends across the aisle made in October of last year – throwing federal employees into chaos and confusion while they are forced to work without pay; wreaking havoc at our airports while TSA and FAA are unfunded; putting undue stress on our military families; and causing further instability to the United States economy," he said.
He added, "Shutdowns are never the answer. They don’t work. They only hurt the American people."
The legislative package includes priorities such as strengthening national defense, advancing biomedical research and education programs, enhancing infrastructure safety, supporting small businesses and cybersecurity efforts, restoring deterrence internationally, and reinforcing economic stability across communities.
Cole explained that there will be a two-week continuing resolution for funding at the Department of Homeland Security to allow more time for negotiations with input from both parties. He highlighted President Trump's involvement: "President Trump is leading by example and engaging directly with Democrats in good-faith conversations on that front. He’s also been explicitly clear that holding the government hostage is wrong. I wholeheartedly agree with him."
Quoting President Trump from a recent statement: "'We need to get the government open, and I hope all Republicans and Democrats will join me in supporting this bill – and send it to my desk without delay.'"
Cole concluded his remarks urging bipartisan support: "This vote is about governing responsibly and doing our jobs. I look forward to us nearing completion of our FY26 duties, and I urge all members to support this bipartisan package."
The House Committee on Appropriations plays a central role in drafting annual spending bills needed for federal operations each year. The committee also oversees guidance on community project funding requests included within these appropriations measures. Tom Cole serves as chairman—the 43rd person in this position—continuing longstanding leadership over one of Congress's most influential committees when it comes to budget policy (source). The committee's work shapes significant legislation such as continuing resolutions during times when annual appropriations are delayed (source).
