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Cole Supports Bipartisan, Bicameral Omnibus to Avoid Government Shutdown

December 11, 2014

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 83, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2015. Using the topline number and terms set in the Ryan-Murray budget agreement, the omnibus legislation fully funds the government at $1.013 trillion and prevents another government shutdown.

This omnibus spending bill includes full funding for 11 of the 12 regular appropriations bills through the end of the fiscal year. The Homeland Security appropriations bill is funded under a temporary continuing resolution until February 27, 2015, to allow the incoming Republican majority of Congress to address the president's executive overreach and prevent his plan of granting executive amnesty to illegal immigrants before that plan is implemented.

"Today's vote is the result of a bipartisan, bicameral negotiation," said Cole. "While it has been a tough negotiation, the omnibus reflects common sense and conservative priorities. It also gives the incoming Republican majority the opportunity to address President Obama's executive overreach related to immigration. Most importantly, passage of the omnibus prevents another government shutdown that would put partisan differences ahead of the best interests of the American people.

"Especially after the IRS scandal that revealed unfair targeting of conservative groups, I am pleased that the omnibus cuts funds directed there. Since 2010, the IRS budget has been reduced by more than $1.2 billion, and this legislation cuts $345 million. In the same vein, this legislation decreases EPA funding for the fifth consecutive year, bringing staffing to its lowest level since 1989.

"In addition to maintaining historic pro-life provisions, the omnibus also requires Obamacare plans to disclose whether or not abortion services are provided.

"Along with necessary cuts to various areas of government, the omnibus also redirected savings to fund important programs. I am especially pleased that it includes funds for the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act, which I co-authored with my colleague Congressman Gregg Harper and that was signed into law by President Barack Obama earlier this year. Funded at $12.6 million in the omnibus, this money previously spent on political party conventions will instead go toward valuable pediatric disease research.

"After passage of the National Defense Authorization Act last week, which authorized funding for our military, I am pleased that the funding carried over in the legislation passed today. Of great importance to the Fourth District of Oklahoma, the omnibus prevents the Administration's recommended deactivation of seven AWACS stationed at Tinker Air Force Base—a move that would significantly impact the readiness and ability of our Armed Forces to combat current and future conflicts. It also addresses critical readiness gaps for aircraft depot maintenance caused by sequestration and repeated resource cuts by diverting funds from lower priority items.

"The omnibus also addresses the need to maintain our national security by dealing with very real threats, including funds to help with the Ebola epidemic in West Africa and combat the growing terrorist threat posed by ISIL in the Middle East.

"While this agreement isn't perfect, I do believe this is best solution before we are joined by a Republican-led Congress in January. It funds the most important areas of government through 11 regular appropriations bills, but it also provides an opportunity for Republicans to address the president's executive overreach before his plan to provide legal status to thousands of illegal immigrants is implemented," concluded Cole.

To watch Congressman Cole's remarks during the Rules Committee hearing on Wednesday evening, click here.

To watch Congressman Cole's opening remarks while managing the rule on the legislation, click here.

For detailed information about items contained in the legislation, click here.

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