Cole: Finding Common Ground

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Congressman Tom Cole

Since our nation’s founding, we have been a nation of ideas, including common beliefs held by the vast majority of Americans but also stark differences. Especially in government, there will always be a number of issues that tend to divide us rather than unite us. But instead of focusing on the things capable of tearing us apart, it is important that we work together when and where there is common ground.

I am pleased that last week in the U.S. House of Representatives, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle showed that they can unite for the good of the entire country. As members considered and voted on legislation, there were items that showed a shared commitment to getting things done. That’s how government should operate, especially when it is a divided government.

On Wednesday, the House considered and voted on H.R. 647, the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. Using the same idea of college saving funds, this legislation helps families of disabled children also plan for the future. It does so by giving states the option of establishing an ABLE program, in which families can put pre-taxed money away in ABLE accounts that operate similar to a Roth IRA. This allows money to grow and be used for future disability expenses without the penalty of taxes when the money is taken out.

The House also acted with strong bipartisanship to pass vital legislation that authorizes funds for our military personnel, readiness and operations. On Thursday, the House passed the negotiated agreement of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) between the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee. Without question, maintaining the strength of our military deserves our utmost attention and support, and I am glad that the House again showed its commitment to giving the military the resources needed both at home and abroad.

Very important to Tinker Air Force Base in the Fourth District, I am pleased that the defense bill included funding for several vital aviation programs including AWACS, C-130 and A-10. Earlier this year, the Administration recommended the deactivation of seven AWACS aircraft stationed at Tinker used for both wartime and peace missions. Such reductions to the size and capability of the AWACS fleet would significantly impact our Armed Forces in future conflict and make it more difficult to combat enemies.

With budget constraints in place across areas of government, I hope that the Department of Defense will manage future budgets carefully and weigh all competing variables when making readiness and workforce decisions going forward. Passage of this bicameral, bipartisan legislation provides hope that we will continue to prioritize our dedicated military personnel and authorize the funding needed to strengthen our national security.

As we continue to consider legislation in the remaining days of the 113th Congress and as we begin the 114th Congress with a fresh majority, I remain optimistic that we will find common ground with each other.


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