Cole Comments on Opening Session of 113th Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after being sworn in for a sixth term of Congress:

"The new session of Congress must be exceptionally focused on spending restraint. House Republicans have been elected to two consecutive majorities because the American people demand serious action to prevent a debt crisis we all know is coming soon. During the last Congress, we achieved the largest single spending cut in history despite constant opposition from a Democratic Senate and president dedicated to radically expanding the size of government.

"In the coming months Congress will have several opportunities to make meaningful, serious reform to our nation's economic health. House conservatives can be counted on to take a leading role in the efforts to cut spending, reduce our deficits and make serious reforms to the entitlement spending that is the number one driver of our national debt.

"The American people are rapidly losing patience with a federal government that fails to take seriously the economic challenges facing our country. Any elected official who fails to understand this fact does so at their own peril."

Cole serves on the Appropriations Committee, Budget Committee and was appointed this week to serve on the House Rules Committee.