Tom Cole

Tom Cole is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Oklahoma's 4th Congressional District since 2003. Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, he is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation and holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Native American in the history of Congress. Cole's academic background includes a B.A. from Grinnell College, an M.A. from Yale University, and a Ph.D. in history from the University of Oklahoma, where he later served as a faculty member. Before his election to Congress in 2002, Cole established a lengthy career in political strategy and public service. He served as the Chairman of the Oklahoma Republican Party, a member of the Oklahoma State Senate from 1988 to 1991, and Oklahoma's Secretary of State from 1995 to 1999. Nationally, he served as the Executive Director of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) and Chief of Staff for the Republican National Committee. In April 2024, Cole was elected Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, having previously chaired the House Rules Committee and the NRCC.

Tom Cole's policy positions are generally characterized by fiscal conservatism and a focus on national security. On immigration, he emphasizes the necessity of securing the U.S. border first through physical barriers and enhanced enforcement while opposing amnesty for those who have entered the country illegally. He supports bipartisan reform and strict sanctions for employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers. In economic policy, Cole advocates for pro-business measures, including corporate tax reductions and the reduction of regulatory burdens on small businesses and community banks. He has also proposed restricting the use of SNAP benefits for the purchase of soft drinks and candy. Regarding foreign policy and defense, Cole is an advocate for a strong national military and a firm U.S.-Israel relationship. His legislative record includes support for the Patriot Act and sanctions against state sponsors of terrorism. On environmental issues, he has supported forest management practices and the streamlining of approval processes for energy projects, while frequently voting against expanded EPA funding. Cole has historically supported a traditional definition of marriage and has voted for the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.