Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after H.R. 6363, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives with Cole’s support. This legislation would provide funding at current levels to the federal agencies that fall under the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture and Energy and Water appropriations bills through January 19, 2024, and remaining agencies through February 2, 2024.
“While finishing the appropriations process and fully funding the government at more responsible spending levels for the next fiscal year would be the ideal scenario, the reality is we are not there yet,” said Cole. “Moreover, we cannot shut down the government and punish the American people, our service members and civilian workforce in the interim. The legislation passed in the House today avoids disruption to government operations and American families during the holiday season and it would provide for lawmakers to continue to work responsibly under regular order to finish government funding.”
