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Cole Statement on Passage of Continuing Resolution for Fiscal Year 2017

September 28, 2016
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a short-term continuing resolution that funds the government until December 9, 2016 and prevents a government shutdown.

"One of the most fundamental responsibilities of Congress is to fund the federal government. Failing to do that and allowing the government to shut down is simply irresponsible," said Cole. "This bill will allow the government to remain funded while Congress works to complete the full year of appropriations bills."
In particular, the continuing resolution addresses funding the ongoing Zika crisis without funding Planned Parenthood, and provides disaster relief to flood-ravaged communities in Louisiana and West Virginia.
"Oklahomans are far too familiar with the unpredictable nature of weather, and unfortunately West Virginia and Louisiana witnessed the incredible damage that it can do. I'm glad that this bill will help with the immediate recovery efforts for those affected, as it has done in the past for Oklahoma," said Cole.
Most importantly, this bill will fully fund Veterans Affairs well above the President's request and essential military construction projects at Tinker Air Force Base, Altus Air Force Base, and Fort Sill Army Post, among others across the nation.
"We acted responsibly and passed legislation that will ensure that our nation's needs are met and our service members in combat will not have to worry about when the next paycheck is arriving," assured Cole. "Our federal workforce as well as our military members and their families deserve to have the confidence that their government will do its job and not fail them."
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