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Op-Ed in Red Alert Politics: Government Can Function

December 17, 2014
Weekly Columns

Red Alert Politics - Congressman Tom Cole

Even though many would prefer to forget, last week was a reminder of the painful government shutdown during October of last year. As we recall, that situation dragged on for too long and caused the American people to question the ability of lawmakers to do what they were elected to do. However, when both sides came to the table, they were able to find common ground that restored hope of a government that can function and serve the best interests of the nation.

This hope was restored last December through the Bipartisan Budget Act, unveiled and negotiated by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan and Senate Budget Chairman Patty Murray. Providing top-line budget numbers for two fiscal years, the agreement provided a much-needed guide to appropriators to fund for the long-term, rather than rely on short-term continuing resolutions.

With the topline number already agreed upon in the Ryan-Murray agreement, House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers and Senate Appropriations Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski wasted no time in working out differences for funding the government in fiscal year 2015. After months of tough negotiations, the leadership announced a bipartisan, bicameral agreement last week that reconciled the inevitable differences and conflicting priorities that are present in divided government. Most importantly, this “omnibus” funding bill demonstrated that bipartisanship can work and that shutdown is still not the answer.

While the agreement isn’t perfect, I do believe it is the best solution to be expected in the midst of divided government, and it still reflects conservative priorities. The omnibus includes full funding for 11 of the 12 regular appropriations bills through end of the fiscal year. The Homeland Security appropriations bill, however, is funded at current levels under a temporary continuing resolution set to expire at the end of February.

By limiting the funding to Homeland Security through February, the incoming Republican majority will have the opportunity to address the president’s executive overreach related to immigration. While the president announced last month that he will grant legal status to approximately 5 million illegal immigrants, the Administration isn’t expected to implement that plan until the spring. This buys time for the Republican-led Congress to address his overreach.

The omnibus achieves much-needed changes to both the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Not only did the IRS lose more of its funding, but the language prohibited the IRS from targeting groups for scrutiny based on their political beliefs. Changes to the EPA sought to rein in some of the regulatory overreach that has prevented utilization of our own natural resources. With a rich supply of oil and natural gas present in our nation, domestic production of these resources should be encouraged rather than hindered. EPA staffing reductions helps prevent excessive regulations and provides promise of a pathway to energy independence.

Along with limited and reduced funding across various areas of government, the omnibus also redirects savings to fund important programs that all Americans can agree are worthwhile. For example, a piece of legislation that I co-authored with Congressman Gregg Harper and that was signed into law by the president earlier this year took effect. The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act takes money previously spent on political party conventions and instead funds valuable pediatric disease research.

The omnibus also shows commitment to our military and national security. Not only does it fully fund our military, but the legislation acknowledges the need to deal with immediate and very real threats in our midst, including the Ebola epidemic in West Africa and the growing terrorist threat posed by ISIL in the Middle East.

In what were some of the remaining days of the 113th Congress, I am pleased lawmakers fulfilled their responsibility of funding our government. By putting partisan differences aside, it proved again that we can work together and lead in divided government. It also showed the American people that their government can work.

Rep. Tom Cole, a member of House Appropriations Committee, represents Oklahoma's Fourth Congressional District.

Online: Red Alert Politics

Issues:Economy & Small Business