Cole on H.R. 7148 and H.R. 7147: "This is What Responsible Governance Looks Like."
On H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, Chairman Cole spoke to finalizing Fiscal Year 2026 funding with certainty - strengthening national defense, investing in America’s future, and delivering responsible, Republican-led governance aligned with President Trump’s agenda:
"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. Our Defense bill sends a clear message – America’s military will remain the strongest in the world. It restores deterrence by strengthening readiness, modernizing capabilities, and reinforcing the defense industrial base. The bill also supports our service members with a well-earned pay raise. Together, these investments ensure our forces can deter conflict and win decisively if deterrence fails. The Labor-H title invests in the long-term strength of the country. We support lifesaving biomedical research, strengthen workforce training, and expand access to care – particularly in rural communities. These investments help students gain skills, workers find opportunities, and communities stay healthy. And through Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, we keep America moving. From roads and bridges – to ports and skies – the bill strengthens the safety and reliability of vital transit systems. It modernizes air traffic control, supports the hiring of needed controllers, and accelerates the deployment of new technologies. It also empowers local communities through programs that promote economic development and provide housing assistance for vulnerable Americans.
"This package reflects a nation that is strong, prepared, and ready for the future. These are real deliverables, and real wins.
"This process has underscored a very important point: Congress can make tough decisions that are necessary to govern this country and chart a bold course with President Donald Trump. Our objectives were clear, and we followed through. 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. And we promised to deliver on America’s agenda – which is why we put President Trump’s priorities in place and end Biden-era mandates. This is what responsible governance looks like. This measure is the product of sustained engagement and serious legislating. It advances reforms, delivers full-year funding, and reflects a Congress doing its job."
On H.R. 7147, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, Chairman Cole emphasized completing the FY26 agenda by strengthening border and homeland security, combating fentanyl and human trafficking, supporting frontline personnel, and ensuring DHS has the resources and certainty needed to protect the American people:
"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...We enhance resources to combat fentanyl and other deadly drugs while safeguarding children through expanded investigations into human trafficking and forced labor. From our borders and ports to aviation and cyberspace, this legislation delivers the personnel, training, and technology needed to reinforce our defenses and confront those who wish us harm. It also prioritizes strong and resilient communities by bolstering disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
"H.R. 7147 is focused on outcomes – not partisan rhetoric. It equips frontline personnel, strengthens enforcement, and provides the certainty DHS needs to carry out its mission effectively."
Read Chairman Cole's full floor remarks on H.R. 7148 here and on H.R. 7147 here.
