Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole will be in a major leadership role in the House after being picked to be the next Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
The Committee is considered one of the more powerful and influential committees in the House because it is responsible for passing appropriation bills along with its Senate counterpart. Bills passed by the Appropriations Committee regulate expenditures of money for the federal government.
The Republican Steering Committee unanimously endorsed Chairman Cole late Tuesday night, with the GOP Conference ratifying it Wednesday morning.
“I am honored to be chosen by the Republican Steering Committee to succeed Congresswoman Kay Granger as Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. I would like to thank the Steering Committee, as well as my fellow Appropriations Committee members, for their support. It means a great deal to have the confidence of these well-respected Members, and I am deeply humbled to be entrusted with this duty,” said Cole.
Cole will take on the position in the wake of Congress failing to pass a federal budget by its September 2023 deadline. The budget was passed in March as another threat of a government shutdown loomed.
“There is substantial work to be done, and I care deeply about our mission. I will be utilizing my expertise and years of service on this Committee to responsibly guide us forward and fight for conservative, Republican priorities. I look forward to hitting the ground running tomorrow and am committed to engaging with the entire Conference to deliver the necessary appropriations bills in a timely manner. Everything I do will be in pursuit of fulfilling our fiscal commitments no matter the obstacles we face,” said Cole.
Congressman Frank Lucas joined in celebrating Cole’s leadership role in the House.
“I’d like to congratulate my fellow Oklahoman and long-time friend, Tom Cole, for his appointment as chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations,” said Congressman Frank Lucas.
“Chairman Cole has the distinct privilege of being the first Oklahoman to ever serve in this incredibly important and influential position. This stands as a landmark day in the history of our state’s congressional representation, and I join my fellow Oklahomans in celebrating this momentous achievement. I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Cole in advancing priorities that benefit communities across the state and nation.”
