Tom Cole

Mr. COLE

Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I just remind my friends, for the VA, which we both support, we offered more money than the administration asked for. It is pretty notorious for not doing a very good job of budgeting. That hasn't changed over the years. That is why we took away their ability to build hospitals. Finally, I agree with my good friend from Minnesota about the importance of trying to get things done for the military, but I would remind everybody here that there has been a long history of CRs on both sides of the aisle. These aren't that unusual. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Higgins), my very good friend.

Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Jordan), who is the distinguished chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.

Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meuser).

Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bean), my very good friend.

Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, as usual, these debates, particularly at these moments, get a little overheated, and I think we have seen a lot of that. I think the essence of what we are talking about here is pretty simple, and I think some of the charges that have been made against my colleagues in the majority are pretty ridiculous. We are told we want to shut down the government. Really? What we are proposing actually keeps the government open longer than anything my friends on the other side are proposing. We are told we didn't get our work done. Really? The United States Senate hasn't passed a single bill. It has not passed all of its bills out of committee. To be fair to my friends, and I have been around here a long time, when Democrats were in the majority, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle never got 71 percent of the bills passed in time, the money spent because Democrats couldn't pass a defense bill. My Democratic colleagues have never been able to do that. Once my colleagues on the other side of the aisle do that, the minority, frankly, will exceed whatever the Democratic target was. All of this stuff about not getting our work done or whatever, or we are not taking care of veterans, we gave this administration more money than it asked for, for veterans. At the last minute, we come back. I am for the Honoring our PACT Act. I voted for the Honoring our PACT Act. I am anxious to make sure it is appropriately funded, but if my colleagues think I am going to take the word of this administration's Department of Veterans Affairs at face value, no, I am not. Frankly, that agency has a long history of surprising administrations at the last minute, and this one is particularly bad. We are more than happy to deal with this. It doesn't have to be dealt with in a CR. It ought to be dealt with in the full bill during the final negotiations, and that is true for most of the things my friends have brought up. My colleagues like to talk about a clean CR and then give us a list as long as our arm of what is not in it. Mr. Speaker, a clean CR is a clean CR. It is not full of all these other things that you are requesting and demanding. My Democratic colleagues need to decide which one it is. Mr. Speaker, let's talk about what this bill does. It is pretty simple. It keeps the government open until the end of March, or roughly, March 28, about 6 months. If we can get our business done faster, I am with my friend, the ranking member. I would prefer to do that. Looking at the record of Congress, I wouldn't hold my breath. Having some extra time is not a bad idea. Second, I am extraordinarily perplexed that the idea of reaffirming, in a time of unmitigated disaster at the southern border, that you have to be an American citizen to vote in an election is somehow controversial. That is mystifying. Frankly, we have every reason to be worried given the disaster on the immigration front this administration has allowed to unfold. As colleague after colleague of mine have pointed out, they can talk to local supervisors in their district who tell them, yeah, we have some people here who are illegal, and they are registered, and they voted. What is the big deal about saying we want to make sure, in what we know is going to be a close election, that only American citizens participate. That is incredible that that is a controversial thing. Mr. Speaker, I conclude by, number one, thanking my friends who participated in the debate and worked so hard to present this. All we are trying to do is what my colleagues are asking us to do: Keep the government open. This bill will do that. The controversial poison pill, as it is called, is simply saying: If you are going to vote in a Federal American election, you have to be an American citizen, and we are asking for proof to be provided. I still get carded when I order a drink at a bar in some places. It is pretty flattering, but the requirement is there that I have to pull out my driver's license. I think it is a lot more important when we are talking about somebody voting in a consequential election that they be able to do that, so I think that is a perfectly reasonable thing. If my friends want to go on record opposing that, that is up to them. I hope my friends on my side of the aisle see the wisdom of keeping the government open, particularly a few weeks before an election, and see the importance of reaffirming that only American citizens can vote in American elections. We put those two things together. I think that is a very sensible thing to do, and I urge the support of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. COLE

Mr. COLE. Mr. Chair, I was unavoidably detained during the recorded vote on agreeing to the Cline amendment to H.R. 1516. Had I been present, I would have voted AYE on Roll Call No. 406.

Mr. COLE

Mr. COLE. Mr. Chair, I thank my good friend, the distinguished subcommittee chairman from Tennessee, for yielding. Today's measure provides funding for energy and water development initiatives for fiscal year 2025 which are crucial to the prosperity and security of our great Nation. Rising geopolitical threats show that readiness can never be taken for granted. It is exactly why this legislation bolsters our Nation's nuclear capabilities, particularly our nuclear deterrence posture. This bill includes significant funding to continue modernizing America's nuclear weapons stockpile and supports the operational nuclear naval fleet. It also directs resources to programs that prevent hostile nations and terrorist groups from acquiring nuclear devices, materials, and expertise. Today's bill also supports cutting-edge research and development functions, including an increase for the Office of Science in the Department of Energy and an increase in funding for nuclear energy innovation. I have long said that America must maintain an all-of-the- above energy policy in order to ensure our continued energy independence, and research and development efforts will help us uncover and utilize the energy sources of tomorrow. The Army Corps of Engineers, which conducts projects to maintain and improve American waterways, is robustly funded. From port improvements and hardware maintenance to flood control and hurricane protection, the Corps' work is critical to our Nation's economic vitality. I thank Chairman Fleischmann for his strategic approach in putting this bill together, and I urge all Members to support it.

Mr. COLE

Mr. COLE. Madam Chair, the United States boasts many natural wonders and resources, and the bill before us broadly supports our Nation's rich natural and cultural heritage. The basis of this year's Interior and Environment appropriations bill is good stewardship. We thoughtfully manage our public lands and conservation efforts, and direct fiscal resources where they are needed most. With one-fifth of the land in the United States under the purview of agencies within this legislation, responsible governance is critical. As the first Native American to chair this Committee, I am proud that this measure continues to uphold our sacred obligations to Tribal communities. The bill provides critical increases for tribal programs, including those covering tribal justice, the Bureau of Indian Education, and the Indian Health Service. Delivering on our trust and treaty commitments is of crucial importance to my home state of Oklahoma and to all people of Indian Country. We also implement vital investments to support wildfire response and our federal wildland firefighters. A permanent pay fix for these emergency responders ensures needed certainty for those protecting our communities. Importantly, the bill also reins in the Biden Administration's overreach, ensuring that misguided Green New Deal-style rules and regulations cannot be implemented. We take important steps to reverse misguided policies that have made us more reliant on foreign energy and resources. House Republications know that strong domestic production supports our national security and American jobs. All in all, there is much to champion in today's measure. I thank Chairman Simpson for his hard work in producing this bill, and I urge all members to support it.

Mr. COLE

Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, Chairman Graves for yielding to me. Like many of our colleagues, I recognize the critical importance of the biennial Water Resources Development Act. I also appreciate the need to move the House version as quickly as possible. However, I must raise serious concerns with the bill presented on suspension today. These concerns are shared by my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee on a bipartisan basis. Certain sections of the bill would cede Congress' Article I authority to fund and oversee Federal agencies. This should not only concern the Appropriations Committee, but all Members of Congress. Allowing agencies to become self-funded is a terrible idea. This is true whatever form it takes, whether allowing agencies to spend incoming fees without congressional approval, accept funding from other sources including non-Federal sources, or transfer funds across agencies without congressional oversight. Such actions make the Federal bureaucracy far less accountable and embolden unelected officials to overstep their congressional mandates. The requirement that agencies receive appropriations from Congress each year is one of the most important checks on their authority and is critical to preserving the separation of powers under the Constitution. Creating self-funded agencies also removes them from the top-line spending caps on appropriations, thereby increasing total spending and taking another piece of total spending outside of fiscal controls. Finally, it is the Appropriations Committee's exclusive jurisdiction to determine how much funding each Federal agency must work with, by carefully balancing the needs of the entire Federal Government. Putting certain agencies or activities outside of appropriations makes comprehensive budgeting more difficult, as agencies evade congressional controls. Without much time to review this text, we were not able to have a meaningful dialogue and fix these serious issues before today's vote. Giving this much power to agencies is not an action we should take lightly. The gentleman has provided his commitment to work through these issues before a final product is presented to the House. Because of that, I will not oppose the measure today. As we move forward, I expect that we as a conference will have an opportunity to thoroughly discuss this issue.

Mr. COLE

Mr. COLE. Mr. Chair, today's measure provides funding for the Legislative Branch for Fiscal Year 2025. Although this is the smallest of our twelve annual appropriations bills, it carries an outsized importance for our democracy. Each member of Congress has been entrusted with the solemn duty of representing the voices of their district, and this bill provides resources to serve the American people. It ensures we can assist our constituents and keep the government working for them. We also uphold resources to support our Article One lawmaking responsibilities prescribed by the Constitution--and the national institutions that contribute to this work. The measure provides funding to maintain vigorous oversight over the Executive Branch. It allows us to continue critical committee work that serves as a check to the other branches and funds institutions like the Congressional Budget Office, which has a key role to play in supervising our national budget and appropriations work. The safety of the Capitol complex for visitors and the good work of the U.S. Capitol Police are also reinforced. As the citadel for freedom and democracy, we sustain maintenance for the Capitol Building. More than just a meeting place, this chamber stands as a proud symbol of our constitutional form of government and our way of life, and it must be preserved for generations to come. This is a very strong bill, and one that champions our capacity to effectively represent the public in a fiscally responsible manner. I thank Chairman Valadao for his hard work in assembling this measure, and I urge all members to support its passage.

Mr. COLE

Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained during the vote on the motion to recommit H.R. 7637. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 340.

Mr. COLE

Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to make technical corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 8752, H.R. 8771, and H.R. 8774, to include corrections in spelling, punctuation, section numbering and cross-referencing, and the insertion of appropriate headings.

Mr. COLE

Mr. COLE. Madam Chair, today's measure covers the Department of Homeland Security and is critical to defending the homeland and protecting the American people. From the crisis at the southern border, to the scourge of fentanyl, to the threat of terrorism, the United States continues to face an evolving array of threats. It is more important than ever that we place the Department of Homeland Security in the best position to fulfill its mission. Today's bill accomplishes that goal. It invests the resources we need to secure the nation. In fact, this bill provides $64.8 billion to meet our needs, which is an increase of $2.9 billion over last year, and a full $4.25 billion over the President's budget request. This increase is sadly necessary. President Biden's policies at the southern border have created a humanitarian and security crisis, overwhelming not only the border itself, but also communities across the country. Each month hundreds of thousands of migrants cross the border illegally, many of whom are allowed to remain in the country without consequence. The decision to allow an open southern border has meant that countless wrongdoers--human traffickers, narcotraffickers, and potential terrorists--can enter our country freely. Enough is enough. Today's bill will take steps to end this state of affairs. It will provide $600 million for construction of the border wall. It will force President Biden and Secretary Mayorkas to adhere to the law. It invests resources to halt fentanyl from entering our country and our communities. It makes critical investments in the Border Patrol and the Coast Guard, and it forces the Department of Homeland Security to focus on its core mission: to keep the American people safe. I applaud Chairman Amodei for his good work in putting this measure together, and I urge all of my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. COLE

Mr. COLE. Mr. Chair, the United States has long been the global leader for peace, stability, and international cooperation. This role did not come easily or through weakness. It is the result of the great sacrifice of the American people. It came about not only because of our armed might, which served to defeat the fascist powers during World War 2, but also because of America's clear commitment to the values of freedom and democracy, not only for ourselves, but for all of humanity. Today's measure--the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025--reflects that persistent commitment to our national values. It also commands American excellence--we will not only be a participant in the international conversation, but the global leader of it. The bill prioritizes programs to protect our national security; enhance our working relationships with friends, allies, and partners around the globe; and promote freedom and democracy abroad. It supports our allies and partners like Israel and Taiwan, both democracies that face external threats. It includes funding to enhance security partnerships in the Indo- Pacific region, which is critical to countering Communist China's continued aggression. And it prioritizes funding for combating fentanyl, a crisis that is touching every community in every state in the Nation. The bill accomplishes these goals in a fiscally responsible way, ensuring that funds are spent where they are needed most. Critically, the bill also maintains longstanding bipartisan policies to promote religious freedom and to protect life, which are of great importance to so many Americans. I'm deeply proud of the work we have done on this bill, and I applaud Chairman Diaz-Balart for his hard work. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. COLE

Mr. COLE. Mr. Chair, I thank my good friend from Texas, the distinguished chairman of the subcommittee, for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of this important piece of legislation. There are many things that set our Nation apart from others. One of our greatest differentiators is the sustained call to service Americans have met generation after generation. Those who have worn the uniform past and present took an oath to defend our country, our ideals, and our people. Just as our veterans and troops answered the call of duty, so must this Chamber in meeting our constitutional obligations. That is why it is deeply fitting that the first fiscal year of 2025 appropriations bill we take up covers military construction and Veterans Affairs, two of the highest priorities for our Nation. This bill provides robust funding for military construction projects with a particular focus on the Pacific region and military family housing. These projects ensure that we can meet our national defense needs both at home and abroad. They also support housing at bases across the country and around the world, allowing members of our Armed Forces to serve their country without being separated from their loved ones. Even more importantly, this legislation provides full funding for healthcare and benefits for our Nation's veterans. Through devotion to duty and great personal sacrifice, our veterans have served this country and served it well, defending not only our homeland but our families and our way of life. The services the VA provides have been truly earned and represent the thanks of a grateful nation to our men and women who have served in uniform. Critically, today's bill fulfills these priorities while remaining true to the budgetary levels outlined in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, but in a reflection of the deep importance of this topic to America, this bill actually appropriates $400 million more than the President's budget request. We can and must direct our taxpayer dollars to our most important priorities, and today's bill succeeds in that important objective. Mr. Chair, I thank Chairman Carter for his hard work on this measure, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting it on final passage.

Mr. COLE

Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank very much, Leader Scalise, for yielding. I also thank my friend from Maryland for those incredibly kind and gracious remarks. Mr. Speaker, in the history of my State, there is a great political figure, former Governor, former Congressman, his son was later a Governor, he was once asked what makes a great public servant, and he said to look for three qualities: First, look for somebody too honest to be bought. If you think you could buy Kelly Dixon whether it was with money or flattery or kindness, because she is not susceptible to kindness, or any other way, you can't. You were always going to get an honest answer, a straight opinion, and a straight call on any issue. The second thing he said is to look for somebody too wise to be fooled. If you think you can fool Kelly Dixon, you are the fool because she sees clearly and sharply. She judges people wisely and well. She judges the institution and the motives well. I don't think I have ever seen her fooled or flustered in her life. Finally, he said to look for somebody too courageous to be intimidated. Now, who the hell here thinks they can intimidate Kelly Dixon? She intimidates you, but she does it for a wise and a good purpose. I did have the great fortune to have followed her most of her career and then obviously got to work with her very closely at Rules, and I can tell you several things about her. Number one, there is nobody in this institution that has a better friend than Kelly Dixon. It doesn't matter which side of the aisle you are on. It is the way she treats you, the way she responds to you. She is your friend. There is nobody in this Chamber that has a better staffer than Kelly Dixon. She started with my friend, Ken Calvert. She has held some of the most senior and responsible positions in our Conference and she has had the respect of her peers and colleagues and the Members on the other side of the aisle. That is a hard thing to do to command that kind of respect in this Chamber. The other thing I will tell you about her is, she is also the ultimate institutionalist. Everybody has in a long career a finest hour, a moment of supreme effectiveness in a worthy cause. I think Kelly Dixon's finest hour was in the 3 weeks of turmoil that we had when we lost a Speaker. She was a preeminent staffer for the Speaker pro tempore. She helped us through a difficult period and kept us together and kept us focused, and we ended up where we needed to be in an orderly way. I think it was absolutely an heroic moment, not one that most people had an opportunity to witness, but I bet you if Patrick McHenry was speaking, he would get up and tell you exactly the same thing. I would say that, too, for the way in which she has performed to help our Speaker, Speaker Johnson, get set up, get established, and move forward. This is a complex institution with great traditions, and nobody knows those traditions and knows this institution better than Kelly Dixon. Kelly, we are all going to miss you, but nobody is going to miss you more than me and, frankly, nobody is going to ever replace you. Thank you for what you have done for this institution.

Mr. COLE

Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to vote in favor on the motion to table the motion to vacate the Speaker. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 188.

Mr. COLE

Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 162; YEA on Roll Call No. 155; YEA on Roll Call No. 156; YEA on Roll Call No. 157; YEA on Roll Call No. 158; YEA on Roll Call No. 159; YEA on Roll Call No. 160; YEA on Roll Call No. 161; NAY on Roll Call No. 170; YEA on Roll Call No. 171; NAY on Roll Call No. 168; YEA on Roll Call No. 169; NAY on Roll Call No. 166; YEA on Roll Call No. 167; NAY on Roll Call No. 164; and YEA on Roll Call No. 165.

Mr. COLE

Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 153, and YEA on Roll Call No. 154.

Mr. COLE

Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Womack), chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies of the Appropriations Committee.

Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1160, I call up the bill (H.R. 8036) making emergency supplemental appropriations for assistance for the Indo-Pacific region and for related expenses for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim), my good friend.