112th Congress
In less than 90 days, the military will face devastating spending cuts accompanied by massive lay-offs to the defense industry unless President Obama and Senate Democrats work with House Republicans to stop the sequester. Everyone in Washington agrees that the $492 billion in automatic, arbitrary military spending cuts known as sequestration would be disastrous for both our defense capabilities and our economy. It is absolutely unacceptable that the president and Senate have allowed the process to advance this far without offering solutions.
Almost one month after the September 11 attack on the consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans, the Obama administration's constantly evolving explanations raise more questions than answers.
The latest discouraging economic news provides a sobering reminder of exactly what is at stake when Congress reconvenes to address the "fiscal cliff" issues at the end of this year. The most recent economic growth report shows almost no growth to speak of. At a weak 1.3 percent for the quarter, the economic growth rate showed a decline from the previous quarter's 2 percent growth and is well below the 1.7 percent growth that had been projected.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced its intention to transfer $450 million in aid funding to Egypt. Cole serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, which is chaired by Rep. Kay Granger.
Roll Call - Daniel Newhauser
The House Republican Conference might have more women in its upper ranks than ever next year, and several members of the freshman class are seeking to raise their profiles, but not before a slate of contested races decides the leadership landscape.
At this point, the top three leaders of the party are safe bets. Barring electoral catastrophe, Speaker John Boehner (Ohio), Majority Leader Eric Cantor (Va.) and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) will again head the GOP's House leadership next year.
It is considered one of the great political compromises, and one of the most unequivocally successful policy changes in recent congressional history. Welfare reform, a joint effort by President Clinton and a Republican Congress led by Speaker Newt Gingrich, confirms both that bipartisan progress is possible in a sharply divided government and that good things happen when the status quo is toppled
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House passed H.J.Res. 118, a resolution to overturn the Obama administration's move to waive welfare work requirements.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 5912, bipartisan legislation he authored to terminate taxpayer financing of party conventions. Since 1976, over $220 million in taxpayer funds have been spent on presidential nominating conventions for such expenses as make-up artists, political consulting fees, gift bags, banners and more. The bill passed by a wide, bipartisan margin of 310-95.
Exactly 11 years after the September 11th attacks, the tragic and troubling events in Libya and the greater Middle East are a reminder that freedom and American values remain a target for violent extremists.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (OK-4) released the following statement regarding the attacks in Libya:
"The sympathy and prayers of all Americans are with the families of the fine public servants who were murdered in this senseless attack.
"The Libyan government owes its freedom in large measure to U.S. men and women in uniform, and Libya's complete cooperation is demanded to bring swift and sure punishment to those responsible.