Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) spoke before the House Committee on Rules in support of H.R. 7744, the Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026. Read Chairman Cole's remarks as prepared here and below:

Washington, D.C. – House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) released the following statement in support of President Trump’s launch of Operation Epic Fury against the Iranian regime – the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism – which has long brutally suppressed and executed its own people – while exporting violence across the globe:

Washington, D.C. – ICYMI: This week, President Trump delivered a historic State of the Union address, sharing the positive impact renewed leadership in the White House has had on our nation. Our Commander in Chief presented his vision for a strong America – a nation that has not yet reached its peak. 

Washington, D.C. – This week, the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Subcommittee, chaired by Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), hosted a hearing with the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) President and CEO, Damon Wilson. The hearing provided Appropriators the opportunity to give serious attention to, and rigorous oversight of, the programs funded in the NSRP bill, as well as support the Trump Administration's America First foreign policy. The National Endowment for Democracy, founded by President Ronald Reagan, is a critical tool to advance U.S. foreign policy priorities around the world and support those fighting for freedom under authoritarian regimes in Iran, North Korea, and Cuba. 

Washington, D.C. – Today, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) released guidance for Fiscal Year 2027 programmatic, language, and Community Project Funding requests. Chairman Cole said in a dear colleague to Members, I am pleased to announce the beginning of the Fiscal Year 2027 appropriations process. On Wednesday, February 25, Members may begin submitting programmatic and language requests and Community Project Funding requests for the upcoming year.

Washington, D.C. – Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) released the following statement in response to President Donald J. Trump's State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress and the American people: “Tonight, President Trump delivered a powerful and forward-looking speech. American exceptionalism is not just an idea – it is the discipline to lead by the people, govern for the people, and defend the people with strength and conviction.

Washington, D.C. – Today, the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security enters double digits. For ten days, DHS has been operating without appropriated funding, forcing workers in critical national security roles to work without pay. This didn't have to happen – Democrats shut the government down intending to hurt President Trump's effective immigration efforts, border wall construction, and removal operations, all of which have reserve funding from last year's OBBBA and will continue uninterrupted during this shutdown. 

Washington, D.C. – Following President Trump’s call-to-action and redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), the House Appropriations Committee and House Foreign Affairs Committee delivered a joint report on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria to the White House. The findings follow a comprehensive investigation that included interviews with expert witnesses, a hearing and roundtable, two on-the-ground assessments through bipartisan congressional delegations to Nigeria, and close partnership with the Trump Administration.