Cole, Tom

Tom Cole represents Oklahoma's 4th congressional district and serves as chair of the House Appropriations Committee, a position he assumed in April 2024. As chair, Cole controls the committee's agenda, schedules hearings and markups, and determines which appropriations bills advance through Congress. The Appropriations Committee wields substantial power over federal spending, directing how taxpayer dollars are allocated across every executive agency and federal program. This role makes Cole one of the most influential members of Congress in shaping the federal budget.

Cole brings extensive experience in government and education to the role. He holds a PhD in British history from the University of Oklahoma and previously served as an assistant professor before entering politics. His political career includes service in the Oklahoma Senate from 1988 to 1991 and as Oklahoma's secretary of state from 1995 to 1999. As an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation, Cole is the longest-serving Native American in congressional history, a distinction reflecting both his tenure since 2003 and his deep roots in Oklahoma.

Cole's legislative work reflects his background and constituency interests. He has sponsored appropriations bills for the Department of Homeland Security and continuing appropriations measures, as well as legislation addressing Native American concerns, including the Tribal Warrant Fairness Act and the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act. His committee assignments and sponsored bills demonstrate a focus on federal spending priorities and tribal governance issues.

As a Republican who has served in Congress for over two decades, Cole has established himself as a senior party member with significant institutional influence. His appointment to chair the Appropriations Committee reflects his standing within the Republican caucus and positions him to shape federal spending priorities during his tenure.