Tom Cole

Washington, D.C. – As the August work period begins, members have traded the dais for the district. Before the cameras turn toward local events and conversations back home, we're taking another look through the full committee lens at moments from our final hearing before flyout. Some moments made headlines. Some images documented members in the midst of questioning. Some scenes included birthday wishes . And some photos recorded greetings after the final gavel. Together, they capture a hearing beyond the transcript, offering a glimpse into the engagement, focus, and deliberation that shape the appropriations process. Image House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole delivers opening remarks, reaffirming that there is never a circumstance where a shutdown is preferable to keeping the government open and working. Image Sen. James Lankford testifies on legislative proposals to reduce funding lapses while keeping Congress accountable. Image Labor, HHS and Education Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt examines the structural and procedural factors that contribute to government shutdowns. Image Interior and Environment Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson listens as the discussion centers on restoring regular order and strengthening the congressional budget process. Image Behind the dais , Appropriators receive copies of testimony, pads for notes, and pencils. Image Rep. Tom McClintock, a hearing witness, engages in conversation about the importance of timely appropriations and fiscal responsibility. Image Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee Chairman John Carter highlights Congress's constitutional responsibility to fund the government and protect federal workers. Image Shalanda Young , former OMB Director and NYU Law Distinguished Scholar, offers testimony drawing on her more than a decade of experience working on the House Appropriations Committee. Image Interesting fact: While most hearings are held at the subcommittee level, the size of this full committee hearing required a larger room to accommodate all lawmakers and witnesses. Thanks to the Financial Services Committee for allowing us to use their hearing room! Image Before the hearing was brought to order, Rep. Mike Simpson shares a quick, bipartisan chat with Rep. Betty McCollum . Image Defense Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert discusses the national security consequences of continuing resolutions and funding lapses. Image Vice Chairman and NSRP Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart questions how shutdown reforms can strengthen accountability without encouraging political brinkmanship. Image Transportation and Housing Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack examines structural reforms to improve the congressional budget process. Image Energy and Water Development Subcommittee Chairman Chuck Fleischmann prepares to question the witnesses on lasting reforms to prevent government shutdowns while preserving congressional accountability. Image Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris and Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairman Mark Amodei listen intently during discussions on modernizing the federal budget process. Image Rep. John Moolenaar participates in the proceedings examination of government shutdown reform. Image Rep. Ben Cline takes notes on proposals to improve the appropriations process and restore regular order. Image Rep. Ashley Hinson highlights the operational and economic costs of government shutdowns for agencies and the American people. Image Rep. Julia Letlow discusses strengthening congressional accountability during funding lapses. Image Details from the witness table . Image Rep. Michael Guest monitors discussions on reforms to prevent future government shutdowns. Image Rep. Stephanie Bice and Rep. Scott Franklin engage in conversation before the hearing is gaveled in. Image Rep. Jake Ellzey tracks testimony as questions on restoring regular order and preventing government shutdowns continue. Image Rep