Economy & Small Business
Political opinions aside, it is clear that our economy is broken and that our debt is growing at an alarming rate. In fact, the bipartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) recently called our situation “unsustainable indefinitely.” The entire nation was reminded and awakened to this grave reality over the last several weeks—first with the lapse in appropriated funds that caused shutdown and second with the debt ceiling deadline that, without action, would have resulted in default.
As described, established and intended in the United States Constitution, our nation’s government is broken into three separate branches. Like the people that make up our country, each branch provides a unique perspective and represents differing points of view. When one party controls both chambers of Congress and the White House, America tends to look more unified and productive. But even in divided government, we can find ways to function, achieve common ground and make all voices heard and considered.
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House voted for a resolution to fund the federal government through January 15, raise the debt ceiling through February 7 and appoint a conference committee to negotiate long-term budget reforms.
"The last three weeks have been challenging for lawmakers and unfair for Americans, but today is a better day," said Cole. "Because both sides worked together and negotiated, the government will reopen at last and federal employees can finally return to work.