SC Oklahoma News

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole's opinion piece was published in the Wall Street Journal today. In it, he discusses the need for addressing mandatory spending to ensure future prosperity and security for the United States.

Cole urges lawmakers, reform leaders, and citizens to work together on solutions to tackle threats to America's long-term success. He writes about the challenges faced when dealing with national debt and budget priorities, stating that "the nation will be snowed under unless we tackle the main cause of the problem, mandatory spending."

He acknowledges efforts by individuals like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy in proposing government reforms through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). According to Cole, these proposals align with conservative principles of efficiency and accountability.

As Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Cole highlights efforts made by House Republicans over the past two years in reducing spending on various programs. He points out that discretionary spending has decreased over time while mandatory spending continues without much oversight.

Cole argues against raising taxes or cutting essential budgets like that of the Pentagon as solutions to fiscal issues. Instead, he emphasizes addressing mandatory spending without eliminating entitlement programs crucial for Americans' lives.

He also mentions President-elect Trump's initiatives such as DOGE and encourages Congress to use budget reconciliation to protect vital programs. Finally, Cole stresses engaging with constituents to develop solutions that preserve programs reflecting national values.