Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Senate amendments to H.R. 6500, the Continuing Appropriations Act of 2027. Mr. Speaker, today is the first day of September. At this time of year, some people think of fall. Some people, like me, think of football, but on the Appropriations Committee, our focus is on the end of the fiscal year. September 30 marks the end of the fiscal year 2026, and that means both the House and the Senate must act to fund the government for the coming fiscal year. The Constitution entrusts Congress with a solemn duty to fund the government.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatR+40R shift +6$2.4M raised
Tom Cole
Representative · Oklahoma · Republican
Tom Cole
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
I rise today, Mr. Speaker, in strong support of S. 550, the companion legislation to my bill, H.R. 2827. The Miami Tribe of Oklahoma have been waiting more than 10 years for this legislation to pass, and today is finally that day. Mr. Speaker, that would not be possible without Chairman Westerman's help and support, and I am very appreciative. Resolving this land claim will remedy a mistake made by the Federal Government roughly two centuries ago.
Again, all 12 bills were reported out of committee in the fastest time since fiscal year 2020. I know those bills aren't in their final form, and so does my friend. We still need to sit down and bargain together and bargain with the Senate. Out of that, I believe we will emerge with a bipartisan compromise that both sides can be proud of and that we can send to the President for his approval. For that to occur, the United States Senate has to begin to act. They have to produce bills.
Biography
Tom Cole, a member of the Chickasaw Nation and former small business owner, has represented Oklahoma’s 4th congressional district in the U.S. House since 2003. Known for his work on budgetary policy, Native American affairs, and military support, Cole has played a key role on the House Appropriations Committee, including serving as Chair of its Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. He has championed legislation to increase funding for tribal health programs and strengthen military installations in Oklahoma. Cole is recognized for his pragmatic approach and deep engagement with the needs of his district, particularly in advocating for rural communities and tribal governments.
Education
- Ph.D. in British History, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK1984
- M.A. in British History, Yale University, New Haven, CT1974
- B.A. in History, Grinnell College, Grinnell, IA1971
Professional History
U.S. Representative
2003-PresentRepresenting Oklahoma's 4th district
Chief of Staff, Republican National Committee
1999–2001Secretary, Oklahoma Office of the secretary of State
1995–99Member, Oklahoma Senate
1988–91College Professor of History and Politics
President, Cole Hargrave Snodgrass & Associates (political Consulting Firm)
Chairman/executive Director, Oklahoma Republican Party
Policy Focus
Congress30%
Economics and Public Finance19%
Native Americans17%
Health9%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Tom Cole's record in Congress.
Native American Advocacy
Championed legislation supporting tribal sovereignty and increased federal funding for Native American health and education programs.
Military Base Funding
Secured federal investments for Tinker Air Force Base and other military installations in Oklahoma.
National Institutes of Health Funding
Helped lead bipartisan efforts to increase funding for the National Institutes of Health as a senior appropriator.
Disaster Recovery Assistance
Facilitated federal disaster aid for Oklahoma communities impacted by tornadoes and severe weather events.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on AppropriationsChair
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