Research!America Statement on Rep. Tom Cole’s Selection as Next House Appropriations Chair
Research!America released this statement today following the selection of U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) as the new chair of the House Appropriations Committee:
“Representative Tom Cole brings vision, resolve, and a record of extraordinary leadership to this crucial role as chair of the House Appropriations Committee,” said Research!America President and CEO Mary Woolley.
“Bold and determined leadership has never been more important. The decision to bolster or backslide on funding for such foundational American assets as science and technology will determine whether our nation confronts or capitulates to growing health and security threats. Those same funding decisions will determine whether the U.S. out-innovates or underperforms China and other fierce economic competitors. We are at a fork in the road: will we seek to achieve the economic growth needed for fiscal stability, continued prosperity, and U.S. self-sufficiency, or will we watch our science & technology capabilities whither on the vine?
Research!America is confident in Chair Cole’s ability to meet this moment, working across the aisle with his House and Senate colleagues to ensure our nation invests in itself for the sake of us all.”
Cole is the 2016 recipient of Research!America’s Edwin C. Whitehead Award for Medical Research Advocacy.
Contact Glenn O’Neal, Senior Director of Communications, at 571-482-2737 or goneal@researchamerica.org with press inquiries.