fbpx
 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) was appointed chairman of the House Rules Committee for the 118th Congress by Speaker Kevin McCarthy today.  

Cole, a member of the Chickasaw Nation and co-chair of the Native American Caucus, is the first Native American and first Oklahoman ever to chair the powerful committee. Every major piece of legislation must first pass through the Rules Committee before consideration on the House floor. 

 “The American people made it abundantly clear that they want to see change in the way things operate in Washington, and our Republican majority is already taking steps to reopen the People’s House, restore freedom and security, hold government accountable, bring back fiscal sanity and build a transparent and effective body,” Cole said in a statement. “I look forward to my continued part in the critical work ahead for the American people.”

Prior to this appointment as chairman, Cole served several stints on the House Rules Committee. He was first selected as a member from 2004 to 2006, then reappointed in 2013 in the 113th Congress and remained on the panel during each consecutive Congress.  He served as Vice Chairman of the committee beginning in 2017 and as Ranking Member of the committee during the past two congresses. 

Cole, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, also released a statement this afternoon in response to reports that the House Republican majority is considering cuts to defense spending.

“Reducing wasteful spending is certainly a goal I share with my Republican colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee in the 118th Congress,” Cole said in the statement. “However, cutting funding specifically for our national defense is not something I, nor a majority of my colleagues on the committee, will ever support. 

“Over the past few years, the world has faced several increasing global security threats including war in Europe, Chinese aggression in the western Pacific and the reemergence of terrorism in Afghanistan. Now is not the time to go backwards, and I cannot and will not support any appropriations bills that do not adequately provide for the readiness and technological superiority of the U.S. military and our men and women in uniform.”

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (October 1, 2023): D.C. Briefs
Geoffrey Blackwell Named NCAI's General Council and Chief of Staff
Assemblymember James C. Ramos Remembers Sen. Feinstein's Commitment to Sacred Sites
Federal Shutdown Averted Through a Stopgap Bill
Orange Shirt Day Observed on Friday on the Grounds of Closed Tomah Indian Industrial School

Stand with us in championing Indigenous journalism that makes a difference. Your support matters.

Support our Indigenous-led newsroom as we shed light on critical issues, such as the painful history of Indian Boarding Schools. To date, we've published nearly 200 stories dedicated to this important topic, providing insights and awareness to a global audience. Our news is freely accessible to all, but its production demands resources. That's why we're reaching out to you this month for your generous contribution.

For those who commit to a recurring donation of $12 per month or more, or make a one-time donation of $150 or greater, we're excited to offer you a copy of our upcoming Indian Boarding School publication. Additionally, you will be added to our Founder's Circle. Together, we can ensure that these vital stories continue to be told, shared, and remembered.

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].