fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 

The House Appropriations Committee is undergoing a leadership change, with Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) poised to become the new chair, succeeding retiring Chair Kay Granger (R-Texas). 

Cole, a member of the Chickasaw Nation who currently serves as the panel's vice chair, was recommended unanimously by the House Republican Steering Committee and is expected to be confirmed by the full House Republican conference. His appointment comes as Congress embarks on the fiscal 2025 appropriations process.

Cole's leadership is anticipated to bring a focus on timely completion of appropriations work, with efforts to avoid the tumult and delays experienced in the previous fiscal year. He is known for his conservative credentials, but also for his bipartisan approach, which has earned him praise from colleagues across the aisle.

Cole will have to relinquish his position as chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development. Cole's background in transportation and infrastructure funding is seen as advantageous, particularly in the context of upcoming efforts to secure emergency funding for infrastructure projects such as the replacement of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) remains chair of the Appropriations Committee and has been named permanent chair of the Senate subcommittee dealing with Department of Energy and water spending issues. 

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) will take over as chair of the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Subcommittee.

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 

 

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and Partners Kick Off 7th Annual Delapna: We Project
Native News Weekly (December 8, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community to Host the Annual National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Commemoration

Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?

Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.

Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.

Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today. 

Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.

No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.

About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].