Cole Floor Remarks on H.R. 7148, The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026
Madam. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act. 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.
Specifically, this package addresses core areas of national consequence:
- Defense;
- Labor, health, and education; and
- Transportation and housing and development.
These aren't abstract concepts on a page – they affect how Americans live, work, learn, and travel every day.
That matters – because behind every line item is an impact:
- A military family with more certainty in their budget;
- A senior depending on a rural hospital;
- A student pursuing technical training for a good-paying job; and
- A traveler trusting that the plane they board will land safely.
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.
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. I commend the detailed work of our Chairmen – Representatives Robert Aderholt, Ken Calvert, and Steve Womack – whose stewardship ensured this package was both thoughtful in substance and built to deliver results. I thank their accompanying Ranking Members – Representatives Rosa DeLauro, Betty McCollum, and James Clyburn – for their support. I also want to recognize the dedicated staff whose work made this possible, particularly our Chief Clerk, Susan Ross. 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.
I thank each of you for your time, and I urge all members to support this bipartisan legislation. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.
