Rep. Tom Cole on Ending Government Shutdown and Obamacare Tax Credits

Legislation to End Government Shutdown

• 🎯 Congressman Tom Cole believes the legislation to end the federal government shutdown will pass, though he anticipates a close vote.
• 💡 He expresses a desire for more bipartisan support but is confident in the votes due to the quality of the product and widespread fatigue with the shutdown.
• 🗓️ The legislation sets a deadline of January 30th for finalizing the remaining spending bills, including significant ones like defense and labor-HHS-education.

Appropriations Process and Future Funding

• 🤝 Cole emphasizes working in good faith with negotiating partners across the aisle and in both chambers to package bills.
• 🎄 The goal is to get the next package of bills done before the Christmas break, contingent on the mood of colleagues.
• 🏛️ He highlights the importance of passing bills for agriculture, WIC, SNAP, military construction, veterans affairs, and the legislative branch itself to set a positive stage for more substantive bills.

Avoiding Future Shutdowns and Certainty

• 🤞 Cole hopes to avoid another shutdown at the end of January 2026 and favors a continuing resolution if all work cannot be completed.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 He stresses the need to provide certainty for federal workers, contractors, and vulnerable citizens relying on SNAP and WIC.
• 🤝 Bipartisan compromise is essential for the appropriations process to succeed.

Obamacare Tax Credits and Reform

• ❓ Cole is uncertain about a December vote on extending Obamacare tax credits, as it's outside his committee's jurisdiction.
• 💰 He believes the current tax credits are too costly, estimating $1.5 trillion in guaranteed spending over 10 years, and were not passed with bipartisan support.
• 🗣️ While open to negotiation and reform, he opposes accepting the current situation, noting that individuals earning up to $500,000-$600,000 are receiving subsidies.
• 💡 He finds the idea of sending money directly to individuals for healthcare choices, as suggested by the president, to have merit, while ensuring the truly needy receive necessary subsidies.