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Cole Statement on Passage of House Democrats’ Second Partisan FY 2021 Appropriations Package

July 31, 2020

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Vice Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after he voted against House passage of H.R. 7617, a six-bill appropriations package for fiscal year 2021. The legislation is comprised of the following annual appropriations titles: (1) Defense; (2) Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, and Related Agencies; (3) Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; (4) Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies; (5) Financial Services and General Government; and (6) Transportation, Housing, Urban Development, and Related Agencies. Cole also serves as the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.

"Similar to the first set of flawed and partisan appropriations bills brought up by Democrats last week, this second ‘minibus' is a nonstarter as well. Between the misguided approach in writing the bills, in violation of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 with the Trump Administration, and the inclusion of partisan policy provisions, this package will never see the light of day in the Senate or make it to the president's desk," said Cole. "Especially in divided government, Congress' fundamental function of funding the government must be bipartisan. It is my hope that lawmakers can work together in the days ahead and strike a compromise that reflect the priorities of the American people."

Yesterday, Cole managed general debate on H.R. 7617 for Republicans on the House floor. His transcribed remarks as delivered and video are available here.

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