WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- Rep. Tom Cole, R-Oklahoma, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release: * * * Extended Shutdown Threatens Appropriations Conference Work on Full-Year Funding Bills House Appropriations Committee Cardinals are united behind the mission to restore regular order and fund the government with 12 appropriations bills. Democrats shut the government down, halting any progress on full-year funding bills and injecting hyper-partisan obstructi  more

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18 -- Rep. Tom Cole, R-Oklahoma, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following news release: * * * Defense Defection: Senate Democrats Flip on the Troops After proudly advancing the FY26 Defense appropriations bill through committee with a 26 to 3 bipartisan vote, Senate Democrats executed a full retreat on the floor. They blocked the same legislation they once hailed for strengthening deterrence, investing in U.S. defense capabilities, and delivering c  more