Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after the announcement that House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Kay Granger (TX-12) will not seek reelection after this term.
“It was with deep regret but genuine respect that I learned of Chairwoman Granger’s decision to retire from the House after this term,” said Cole. “Chairwoman Granger and I served together throughout my entire time in the House of Representatives. We have sat together at the leadership table and have worked hand in glove on the Appropriations Committee. During my time on the committee, I served as Vice Chairman for her on the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs Subcommittee, and later served with her as Vice Ranking Member and Vice Chairman of the full committee.
“Throughout her career, Kay Granger has been a principled, pragmatic conservative who has always put the interests of the American people, the state of Texas and the Republican Conference first. Under her leadership, Republicans fought to check Democrats’ excessive spending. I am sure that under her leadership, we will secure a favorable negotiated deal for both fiscal year 2024 and fiscal year 2025.
“Kay Granger has been a trailblazer her entire career. She was the first woman Mayor of Fort Worth, the first Republican woman to serve in Congress in the Texas delegation and the first Republican woman to ever chair the full Appropriations Committee. She has always been a lioness of the House and Texas tough in every decision she has made. It has been an honor to serve with her and learn at the feet of a master appropriator.
“Knowing Kay Granger, her last act will be her best act. I expect her to finish with the style, distinction and accomplishment that has marked her entire career. I look forward to working with her to make sure these last 14 months of her career are the best 14 months of her long and distinguished tenure in the House of Representatives.”
