Press Releases
March 16, 2026
Washington, D.C. – ICYMI: The Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies hosted a hearing on the benefits provided by community colleges and other alternatives to a four-year degree. With a modern and evolving workforce, labor demands aren't what they were 20 years ago. Four-year degrees aren't required for many high-paying, quality careers. Appropriators heard from expert witnesses about the innovative programs and partnerships they have developed to educate and train students for promising careers, including doing so without any added student debt burden.
March 13, 2026
Washington, D.C. – Senate Democrats are flying high while TSA agents and other hardworking federal employees miss full paychecks and Americans miss flights. After voting – again – to deny resources for homeland security operations and personnel, the very politicians responsible for the Democrat DHS shutdown are heading home – leaving everyday Americans grounded in the fallout. The ramifications are real.
March 12, 2026
Washington, D.C. – ICYMI: Appropriators continue the work of responsible governance, with hearings on FY27 funding well underway. Subcommittees have been working diligently to build on the FY26 enacted bills while laying the groundwork for the upcoming fiscal year. Oversight is a core responsibility of the Appropriations Committee. During proceedings, federal agencies must answer for how taxpayer dollars are spent, and inspectors general provide independent audits and findings on the use of funds. This process strengthens accountability and promotes transparency across government.
March 12, 2026
Washington, D.C. – TSA agents are about to miss a full paycheck. Airports across the nation are descending into delay and cancellation chaos at the height of spring break. Multiple attacks in urban areas are being investigated as potential acts of terrorism. The FBI is warning that Iran may retaliate with drone assaults on the West Coast. And Iranian hacktivists have launched a cyberattack against a U.S. medical device maker.
March 6, 2026
Washington, D.C. – The Washington Post Editorial Board published an editorial on the potential risks of a prolonged shutdown for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically following the recent strike on Iran and the shooting in Austin, TX, that is being investigated as a potential act of terrorism.
March 5, 2026
Washington, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7744, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026, with a vote of 221 to 209. This is the second time legislation to fully fund DHS and protect the nation’s border has advanced through the House, once again demonstrating bipartisan support for protecting the nation and ending the Senate Democrat-instigated shutdown.
March 5, 2026
Washington, D.C. – House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump announced the nomination of U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin to serve as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.
March 4, 2026
Washington, D.C. – Nearly three weeks into the Democrats’ shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, the American people are facing an evolving threat environment. Democrats must agree to the bipartisan, bicameral funding agreement they helped negotiate in January. Senate Democrats irresponsibly shut down DHS, knowingly limiting the capabilities of the department responsible for protecting Americans from dangerous individuals.
March 3, 2026
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:
February 28, 2026
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:
