Tom Cole — Republican Candidate for U.S. House in Oklahoma, 2026

Tom Cole voted for the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 and the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2026. These bills included funding to sustain 22,000 Border Patrol agents and $3.8 billion for custody operations to detain and deport criminal and removable aliens, while also aiming to end programs incentivizing illegal immigration. Cole praised a significant drop in illegal immigration and noted that the House requires the Senate to lead seriously on an immigration deal before taking action. He advocates for a bipartisan approach to immigration reform.

““An immigration deal is something the Senate needs to take the lead on. You’ve got Rubio there to take the lead on it. You’re not going to get the House to do it until they know the Senate is serious." - Rep. Tom Cole, Politico.com”

Congressman Tom Cole voted in favor of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, which included funding for Labor, Health, and Human Services. He also supported the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, aiming to broaden insurance options and decrease premium costs. Cole states the Affordable Care Act is not affordable and seeks to create a healthcare system that prioritizes patients and their finances.

““The underlying issue here is this: the Affordable Care Act is not affordable,” said Congressman Cole. “President Obama and the Democrats created a program Americans cannot afford, that works for big insurance companies, instead of patients, and that is filled with waste, fraud, and abuse. Now, as a result, House Republicans are trying to fix what has been broken through the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act.” (Congressman Tom Cole, statement regarding the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, cole.house.gov)”

Tom Cole voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations Act, citing a belief that America’s prosperity starts with energy dominance to lower costs and strengthen the grid. He also supported the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act of 2026 to strengthen national security and deliver community projects. Additionally, he voted in favor of the "Homeowner Energy Freedom Act" and the "Don't Mess With My Home Appliances Act" in February 2026.

“America’s prosperity begins with energy. The Fiscal Year 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations Act unleashes American energy dominance, lowers costs for families and businesses, and restores confidence in our grid. Energy strength is national strength – fueling jobs, innovation, and resilience in every community – and no longer will traditional energy sources be punished for being affordable and reliable. This bill also makes a historic commitment to critical mineral production, securing the resources America needs to reduce dependence on adversaries and power the technologies of tomorrow. United States safety and security are further prioritized through modernizing our nuclear deterrent and safeguarding technology from the CCP and other hostile regimes. Further, it backs vital investments in water infrastructure, ports, and flood control that protect communities and keep commerce moving,” said Congressman Cole. (Congressman Tom Cole, press release, Fiscal Year 2026)”

Congressman Tom Cole has consistently opposed abortion and supported pro-life legislation, citing the right to life as a fundamental unalienable right from conception. He voted in favor of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act and measures like the Hyde Amendment to prevent federal taxpayer-funded abortions. Cole also opposed H.R. 8296 and H.R. 8297, legislation aimed at expanding abortion access nationwide, arguing it infringes on states' rights and disregards the sanctity of life. He received an endorsement from National Right to Life for his stance.

“I would remind my colleagues of the words of the Declaration of Independence: that the right to life is one of those inalienable rights endowed upon us all, including unborn children, by our Creator. I will always be proud to stand strongly in favor of defending life, and I proudly stand in opposition to these bills today." - Congressman Tom Cole, upon managing the rule for H.R. 8296 and H.R. 8297, as quoted on http://cole.house.gov/media/press-releases/cole-opposes-overreaching-abortion-legislation.”

Congressman Tom Cole voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2026 Defense Appropriations Act and the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. He states his position is based on the principle of 'peace through strength' and emphasizes restoring military strength, securing borders, and strengthening strategic deterrence against adversaries. He aims to ensure warfighters are equipped with the latest technology and improve servicemember quality of life.

““Peace through strength. This is a concept that has long been the foundation of American foreign policy. Furthermore, during this time when we are constantly facing threats from state sponsors of terror, foreign terrorist organizations, and other adversaries, peace through strength is a strategy we must continue to apply,” said Congressman Cole, following his vote in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026.”

Tom Cole voted in favor of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, which included increased funding to train workers and educate students in rural America. He also introduced the Medical Student Education Authorization Act (H.R. 5428) to provide grants for expanding graduate medical education in states facing primary care provider shortages. Cole stated this helps increase access to quality care in rural, tribal, or underserved communities by supporting local medical training.

“Data shows that medical students and residents often decide to practice in the same community where they completed their training. Therefore, by providing medical education in rural, tribal, or underserved areas – and increasing recruitment in these places – we can make a difference by increasing the likelihood of access to quality care in these communities in the long term. The Medical Student Education Authorization Act will help to do just that,” said Congressman Tom Cole on February 4, 2026, when introducing the Medical Student Education Authorization Act.”

Tom Cole voted against H.R. 1808, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022, stating that the Second Amendment does not allow Congress to remove the right to bear arms from law-abiding citizens. He also opposed legislation to expand background checks, believing such proposals do not offer effective solutions to gun violence and infringe on constitutional rights. Cole maintains an A rating from the NRA and is committed to upholding Second Amendment rights for responsible gun owners.

“H.R. 1808 constitutes the greatest attack on the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners that I have seen during my time in Congress, and I vehemently oppose it. More importantly though, the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution does not allow Congress to take away that right. As I have said before, I believe that any effort to address gun violence must be deliberative and open and must ensure that constitutional rights are preserved for all Americans. Sadly, this bill does not meet that test and instead tramples on the rights of law-abiding Americans." (Congressman Tom Cole, Statement after U.S. House passed H.R. 1808, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2022)”