Cole Statement on Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen's Retirement

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, announced his intention to retire at the end of the 115^th Congress.

"Chairman Rodney Frelinghuysen's announcement of his retirement from Congress at the end of this term is a tremendous loss," said Cole. "Throughout his 24 year career in a federal office, Chairman Frelinghuysen has served his district and the American people with great distinction and integrity. He will be missed by both sides of the aisle in Congress and especially by his colleagues on the Appropriations Committee.

"Before he concludes his career in the House, however, Chairman Frelinghuysen still has much to do. It will be up to him to negotiate an omnibus for Fiscal Year 2018 with the Administration, the Senate and our Democratic colleagues in the House.

"In addition, he will soon begin work on the Appropriations bills for Fiscal Year 2019. I look forward to working with him in my capacity as Chairman of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Subcommittee as he completes this important work."