House Votes to Fund Government for FY 2014

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 3547, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014. This bipartisan omnibus, comprised of 12 appropriations bills, follows the $1.012 trillion funding level set by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 and fully funds the federal government during fiscal year 2014.

"Today's vote is a bipartisan victory for the House of Representatives, but most importantly, it's a victory for the American people," said Cole. "Not only does passage of this bill avert another painful government shutdown, but it also restores regular order to the appropriations process. I am encouraged by the tireless efforts of House Chairman Hal Rogers and Ranking Member Nita Lowey, who worked with Senate Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski and Ranking Member Richard Shelby to craft a bill before the deadline.

"Since 2009, we have faced financial crisis after crisis, and, rather than pass an actual budget, we relied on short-term funding measures and prevented appropriators from fulfilling an important role. While there is still work to be done, this legislation strikes an appropriate balance between Republican and Democratic priorities.

"I remain optimistic that we can continue to work together, find common ground and improve our economic situation," concluded Cole.

###