Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – After gaveling in the first full committee hearing in years, titled "Funding Lapses: Analyzing Shutdown Reform," House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) delivered opening remarks reaffirming that government shutdowns should never become an accepted feature of governance and that Congress has a constitutional duty to uphold Article I responsibly. The proceeding is examining legislative proposals intended to reduce lapses, considering their implications, and discussing ways to promote a more stable process. Protecting the American people from the consequences of needless, partisan shutdowns should be an objective shared by all lawmakers. 

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives met to consider H.R. 9770, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027. The measure was approved by a vote of 220–205.

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) delivered remarks while leading debate on the House Floor in support of H.R. 9770, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027.

Washington, D.C. – The power of the purse is not simply a talking point – it is a constitutional duty so important the Founders prescribed it in Article I. Yet, over the past several decades, the mandate to fund the government in a timely, orderly, and reliable manner has become increasingly lost. For too long, Congress relied on backroom omnibus deals or lurched from deadline to deadline instead of prioritizing regular order.

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) spoke before the House Committee on Rules in support of H.R. 9770, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2027.

With all twelve FY27 appropriations bills advanced through the full committee and three passed across the floor, the House is taking the next responsible step to ensure government operations remain unimpeded in the fall as work toward full-year funding continues.

Washington, D.C. – This week, Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee Chairman Dave Joyce (R-OH), Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), and FSGG members conducted an oversight hearing with Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler. Lawmakers underscored the shared goal of fostering pro-growth environments where entrepreneurs can start, grow, and succeed – while reinforcing their Article I oversight responsibilities to ensure the SBA operates effectively, efficiently, and responsibly.

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives met to consider H.R. 8595, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027. The measure was approved by a vote of 217–209.