Tom Cole

Washington, D.C. – The power of the purse is a fundamental responsibility – the Founders made that unmistakably clear in Article I. Yet, too many members have disregarded and obstructed that mandate, which was never intended to become a partisan bargaining chip or a casualty of political dysfunction. After Senate Democrats instigated the two longest government shutdowns in American history, broke bipartisan and bicameral funding agreements, and forced reconciliation pathways simply to fund certain agencies, there is no denying that the American people – and this institution – deserve better. House Republican Appropriators refuse to accept government shutdowns as business as usual. This week, Chairman Cole convened all committee members to renew attention on the consequences of lapses. The hearing titled " Funding Lapses: Analyzing Shutdown Reform ," elevated a conversation that Congress too often postpones until the brink of a funding deadline, examined reform proposals, and reinforced the need for a more stable, predictable process in both chambers. While the House Appropriations Committee hasn't wavered from its work – advancing all twelve annual appropriations bills through the full committee, moving individual funding bills and conference packages, and repeatedly voting to prevent and ultimately end government shutdowns instigated by partisan politics – Article I cannot be upheld by the House alone. Congress, as a whole, cannot expect to preserve its constitutional prerogatives while repeatedly allowing political posturing to replace good governance. Every manufactured funding crisis chips away at the institution's credibility and its constitutional role. Read on for some member highlights and perspectives from the hearing: Image House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole opened the hearing by focusing on the broader structural failures that contribute to funding delays, arguing that responsibility extends beyond the Appropriations Committee. He questioned how Congress can complete its work when the President's budget and congressional budget resolution routinely arrive late, and he also raised constitutional questions about whether Congress can statutorily require changes to Senate procedures. Chairman Cole emphasized that appropriators often shoulder the blame for a process held up elsewhere, observing, "We've got other players in this that set us behind and make life very difficult." Image LHHS Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt focused his questioning on the structural issues that contribute to government shutdowns, examining both the relationship between authorizing committees and appropriators, in addition to the procedural differences between the House and Senate. Focusing on the broader institutional challenge, Aderholt asked Sen. Lankford, "How do you see the shutdown dynamics play out differently from your perspective in the House and now being in the Senate?" Image Interior and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson focused on restoring regular order as the key to preventing government shutdowns, arguing that Congress must return to passing budget resolutions and completing appropriations on time. He also stressed the importance of compromise and greater accountability from authorizing committees, warning that narrow majorities have made governing more difficult. As Simpson put it, "Too many people in Congress, frankly, have forgotten what the word compromise is...That's what this place operates on – or should." Image Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chairman John Carter emphasized the constitutional responsibility of Congress to fund the government while highlighting the real-world consequences of shutdowns for federal workers and contractors. Drawing on his experience as a judge, he argued that government functions depend on consistent adherence to the law and asked how proposed shutdown reforms would protect civilian employees and contractors, particularly those support