Tom Cole on Government Funding and DHS Reform Negotiations

Government Funding Package Status

• 🤝 An agreement was reached with the Senate on a bipartisan funding package, with bills negotiated closely with Democratic colleagues.
• 🏛️ The Senate's request for six bills in one package was initially met, but subsequent events in Minnesota impacted deliberations, leading to a change in the deal.
• ⚠️ A direct negotiation between the President and the Senate minority leader resulted in one bill being broken out, requiring a re-evaluation of the packages.
• 📌 There is no substantive disagreement on the five bills that have passed the Senate and are ready for House passage.

Prioritizing Agreed-Upon Funding

• 💰 94% of the government will be funded, ensuring military pay, border security, research programs, and support for vulnerable populations.
• ✈️ Passing these agreed-upon items is crucial to prevent disruptions, such as air traffic controllers and Coast Guard personnel not getting paid, or the lack of funds for natural disasters.
• 🚢 The speaker expresses frustration with the Senate's past actions, noting they have previously broken agreements and introduced extraneous matters.

Department of Homeland Security Reform

• 🔍 Negotiations are ongoing at the highest levels regarding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with moves made by both parties and the President.
• 🗓️ A two-week extension is in place for the remaining bill to allow for further negotiations on the contentious DHS funding and reform.
• 🚫 The speaker emphasizes that they will not derail the rest of the government over the unresolved DHS issues, advocating for passing the agreed-upon funding first.
• 💔 Disappointment is expressed over the broken agreement, highlighting the hard work put into the initial negotiation.