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Economy & Small Business

Cole Statement on House Passage of Continuing Resolution
December 20, 2018
Press Release
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a short-term funding measure to avoid a partial government shutdown. The continuing resolution funds the remaining areas of government at current levels until February 8, 2019. It also includes additional funding for border security and disaster relief.
Issues:Economy & Small Business
Responsibly Preserving Mandatory Programs
October 26, 2018
Weekly Columns

Following the recently ended fiscal year, it was reported that the federal government's budget deficit increased significantly compared to the previous year. While this is certainly discouraging news, the existence of a deficit is not surprising or unusual. Critics are of course quick to blame the implementation of tax reform as the chief contributor to the recent deficit. However, the reality is that another factor has for years been driving deficits and as a result, adding to the national debt.

Issues:Economy & Small Business
Responsibly Funding American Priorities
October 1, 2018
Weekly Columns

Last week, Congress responsibly fulfilled its most fundamental duty to the American people by funding some of the nation's most critical and pressing needs. The legislation signed into law by the president not only provides funding to strengthen and support our national defense, but it ensures vital programs and initiatives that serve all Americans can continue to do so effectively. While this recent action by Congress and the president is unquestionably good news for the country, I am proud that it also marks a historic and much-needed return to governing by regular order.

Issues:Economy & Small Business
More Jobs, More Growth, More Economic Confidence
June 12, 2018
Weekly Columns
Our economy is witnessing an exciting change that is affecting millions. With thousands of new jobs and a reformed, working tax system, Americans everywhere are benefitting from the recent economic boost that is bound to deliver continued long-term results. But in just a few short months, our nation's economy has seen the immediate effects of healthy economic and tax policies.
Since President Trump was elected, the stock market has displayed enormous confidence and has repeatedly closed at record numbers.
Issues:Economy & Small Business
Continuing Achievements
May 7, 2018
Weekly Columns
As Congress reaches the final stretches of its 115th session, the House can reflect on a long list of accomplishments it has achieved since the beginning of the session. Despite the constant discussions that partisan gridlock may be the new norm, it has been quite the opposite. Since the beginning of the 115th Congress, the House has passed 598 bills – 470 of which are sitting in the Senate with no action. That means almost 79% of all legislation passed thus far have yet to see the Senate Floor or the President's desk.
Issues:Defense, National Security & Foreign AffairsEconomy & Small Business
The Costs of Tariffs
March 19, 2018
Weekly Columns
This past year, the United States has been experiencing a welcome surge in economic growth. The economic successes America is enjoying is surely due to the hard work and ingenuity of the American people, the implementation of the Republican tax reform and President Trump's initiative to bring American companies back home. In general, free trade contributes to our national prosperity as well. However, having open markets is not an invitation for others to take advantage of us. When bad actors exist, we have every right to use our power to protect our interests.
Issues:Defense, National Security & Foreign AffairsEconomy & Small BusinessTaxes
President Trump’s State of the Union
February 6, 2018
Weekly Columns
After his first year in the White House, President Trump and his Administration have much of which to be proud. Their accomplishments have delivered actual results, and the country is continuing to reap the benefits of those changes. During his first State of the Union speech, the President reinforced those achievements – many of which will certainly be remembered as signature accomplishments of his Presidency.
Issues:Defense, National Security & Foreign AffairsEconomy & Small BusinessImmigrationTaxesTransportation
Tax Reform is Working for Employees and Businesses
January 29, 2018
Weekly Columns
If you are an American taxpayer, you most likely have bills that need to be paid on a schedule, like an electric bill or a car payment. For many taxpayers, paying those bills might just get a little easier this year. The new tax code has already promised bigger paychecks for individuals and families, but the wave of its effects since passage into law is being realized across the nation from the corporate level to the individual taxpayer.
Issues:Economy & Small BusinessTaxes
Democrats Are Playing Politics Over Our Nation's Security
January 17, 2018
Weekly Columns
This week, the House will once again consider another funding measure to keep the government running and to avoid the possibility of a government shutdown. This spending bill will be the fourth Fiscal Year 2017 continuing resolution that the House has taken up to fund federal agencies, the military and a wide range of discretionary programs. Unfortunately, this means that the federal government is going to continue to run on funding levels that were set more than a year ago.
Issues:Defense, National Security & Foreign AffairsEconomy & Small Business
The Economic Boost
January 8, 2018
Weekly Columns
When the American people elected President Trump and a Republican majority, they expected big things in 2017. This past year brought with it several positive changes because the Trump administration and Congress have been focused on the American people's priorities. One of the biggest accomplishments was the first major tax reform in more than three decades. And that's just in year one.
Issues:Economy & Small BusinessTaxes