112th Congress
House, Senate Agree to Largest Spending Cut in American History
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) released the following statement after Congress approved a temporary funding measure to avert a government shutdown and agreed to pass a long-term bill to cut almost $80 billion below President Obama's 2011 budget request -- the largest spending cut in American history:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) today introduced legislation requiring the Obama administration to release any State and Defense department documents pertaining to consultation with Congress prior to committing U.S. forces to intervene in Libya. Examining the documents will allow members of Congress to determine if the Obama administration complied with its requirements under the Constitution and War Powers Resolution to consult with the legislative branch before sending troops into combat operations.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 1363, The Troop Funding Bill, which was passed today by House Republicans. The legislation funds government operations for one week with cuts of $12 billion, provides funding for U.S. Armed Forces for the remainder of the fiscal year, and would avert a government shutdown if adopted in the Senate.
"The President in every possible instance shall consult with Congress before introducing United States Armed Forces into hostilities or into situations where imminent involvement in hostilities is clearly indicated by the circumstances."
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement regarding the Government Shutdown Prevention Act, which will be considered in the House of Representatives this week:
"It's been 39 days since House Republicans passed a bill to cut $100 billion and keep the government running for the rest of the year, yet the Senate refuses to act. Two things are obvious: Senate Democrats have no interest in cutting spending, and they believe a government shutdown serves their political interests.
Last week marked the one-year anniversary of the passage of Obamacare into law, and opposition among the nation's employers remains as strong as ever. Nancy Pelosi's infamous comment that Congress would "have to pass the bill so that we find out what is in it" underscores the fact that the more job creators learn about it, the more they dislike it.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) will be holding a series of town hall meetings in April. Rep. Cole will be available to answer questions and address concerns about federal legislation. Members of Cole's staff will also be available to assist residents with federal casework.
Please contact Cole's office in Norman at (405) 329-6500 for more information about the town hall meetings.
Ardmore- Monday, April 18 @ noon
Ardmore Convention Center
2401 N. Rockford Road
Ardmore, OK 73401
A recent report from the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) eloquently illustrates the connection between spending cuts and job creation. In their analysis of economic data from all developed countries between 1970 and 2007, the JEC uncovered some instructive and encouraging findings.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House approved the latest in a series of short-term budget measures to avert a government shutdown and fund the government through April 8 while cutting $6 billion in spending:
"Democrats seem content to waste week after week dealing with their unfinished business from last year while our economic security hangs in the balance, but enough is enough. House Republicans have passed $100 billion in spending cuts, yet Senate Democrats can't even agree to cut $10 billion.