Cole Appointed to Rules Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) was appointed to a seat on the House Rules Committee tonight by House Speaker John Boehner.  The Rules Committee is part of the House leadership and works with the Speaker and the Majority Leader to schedule bills and set the terms of debate on the House floor.  Every piece of legislation considered by the House must first pass through the Rules Committee. 

Cole will continue to serve on the House Budget Committee and the House Appropriations Committee.
    
"It's a tremendous honor to be asked to serve on the House Rules Committee," Cole said.  "The Rules Committee is responsible for every piece of legislation considered on the House floor.  Serving on the Rules Committee while also serving on the Appropriations Committee and Budget Committee will provide a unique opportunity to influence crucial legislation to reduce the national debt.  Balancing the budget will be the focus of the 113th Congress, and enacting responsible spending cuts and entitlement reform will be my top priority."

The nine Republican members of the Rules Committee are personally selected by the Speaker, subject to a vote of approval by the House Republican Conference. The House Republican Conference approved the nominees this evening. Committee appointments require final approval by the full House.  This pro forma action usually takes place by unanimous consent and is expected in the near future.  Cole previously served on the Rules Committee during the 109th Congress and is the only Oklahoman to serve on the committee in nearly 40 years.  He continues to serve as Deputy Whip for the House Republican Conference.