Cole asks Democrats: What Do You Stand For?
Washington, D.C. – Today, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) led debate on the House Floor in favor of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026.
Watch Chairman Cole's remarks here.
Chairman Cole delivered the following remarks. Read them here and below:
"Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026.
"History reminds us that shutdowns never change the outcome – only the cost paid by the American people.
"Over the last forty-three days, the facts did not shift, the votes required did not shift, and the path forward did not change. The only thing that did move was the level of pain Democrats inflicted on the nation.
"For six long weeks, Americans have paid the price for a shutdown they neither caused nor deserved. The pain has been all too real for far too many Americans, including families struggling without paychecks, seniors on the brink of hunger with food assistance lapsed, airports in chaos, and communities bracing as programs they rely on stalled or stopped altogether.
"And with yesterday being Veterans Day, we especially reflect on the impact of this shutdown on those who served our nation – past and present. Our military families were left wondering if they would be paid. Thanks to President Trump, they were.
"Yet, this is not how the greatest nation in the world should function. Today, that changes.
"The legislation before us reopens the government, restores critical services, and puts an end to the needless hardship Democrats have inflicted on this country.
"This bill supports our troops. It pays federal workers. It fully funds SNAP benefits until September 30th of next year. It compensates our air traffic controllers right before a busy holiday season. In fact, it takes a holistic approach in ensuring federal services and programs are operational. In the simplest terms: we are putting the government back to work for its people.
"The bill is fundamentally the same responsible approach House Republicans offered on September 19th, but with an important addition: three full-year appropriations bills for FY26.
"These bipartisan, bicameral full-year appropriations measures cover the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs; Legislative Branch; and Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration divisions.
"Once passed, we will have full-year funding in place for many of our most crucial programs. Military construction needs will be met for a full year, as will medical programs for our nation’s veterans. The legislative branch will be properly resourced, including critical funding enhancements for the Capitol Police and for member security. And agriculture food and nutrition programs like WIC and SNAP will be fully funded to help vulnerable people in need.
"Importantly, this legislation delivers member-driven Community Project Funding in both the military construction and agriculture divisions, which will direct resources back into the hands of the communities we represent. This was a top priority for the Appropriations Committee, and we achieved it while holding overall spending levels in check.
"It’s responsible appropriations progress like this that causes me to reflect on an important message to Democrat leadership. My sincere apologies to Minority Leaders Jeffries and Schumer, but after today, you will no longer get to hold the government hostage – and you will not get to force a rushed, pork-filled Christmas omnibus at the end of the year.
"Republicans have actively restored a responsible, line-by-line process. Over the next few months, we will continue this work and efforts through regular order. This Article I advancement is an accomplishment that every member of this chamber can be proud of, regardless of party.
"Yet some still need to decide what they stand for today. So, to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle:
- Do you want leverage, or to legislate?
- Do you treat Americans as collateral damage or constituents?
- And do you answer to your caucus, or your country?
"For Republicans, the answer has been clear for the last forty-three days. We have – and we will continue to – put Americans first. Democrats can join us. They have an opportunity to make the responsible choice to reopen our government and pass three critical full-year bills.
"Eight Senate Democrats saw reason and did exactly that. House Democrats should do the same.
"True courage is taking responsible action for the nation even when politics makes it inconvenient. Let’s reopen the government and get back to work.
"With that, I reserve the balance of my time."
###
