Rep. Cole Says He Has Funding Bill That'll Work for All Sides

Bipartisan negotiations have resulted in an appropriations bill that will fully fund the government while including items that will satisfy all sides, Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., said Tuesday. 

"I'm working on appropriations first," Cole said, when asked on MSNBC's "Morning Joe" about the ongoing talks over healthcare reform. "You know, there's a place where we had a big breakthrough."

The bill, he said, will go across the floor with bipartisan support, and at a time when lawmakers are struggling with healthcare, "we've got an example in the appropriations process on how to move forward, in my view."

The bill will fully fund the government while not serving as a continuing resolution or an extension, Cole said.

"It's a full appropriations bill," Cole said. "I'm very pleased. The National Institutes of Health will get a $2 billion increase, the Centers for Disease Control will increase."

The bill also will include major military spending increases sought by President Donald Trump, along with border control money he fought for and won. Democrats are also having some successes in the bill, Cole said.

The funding, Cole said, is for the balance of fiscal year 2017, while other proposals, made by Trump, are for next year.

"He got a lot of what he wanted there, and he wanted to get additional money for border security," Cole said. "He didn't get money for the wall. To be fair, you couldn't contract in the amount of time left in the year for that anyway."

There is also money allocated for the National Endowment for the Arts, Cole said, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting "picked up $10 million for an interconnectivity device that they need to improve their service. Again, all these things got through fine."

Cole also discussed recent statements made by Trump, including comments on North Korea, saying it is always concerning to see "things that suggest inconsistency in the presidency."

"On the other hand, I've watched the president in healthcare negotiation where, honestly, I think he has done very well, and he's actually pushed this thing in the right direction," Cole said. "I've watched him in the appropriations process where, again, I think – you know, I disagreed with some of the his initial positions. He proved to be very reasonable in the negotiation and set realistic goals from what he wanted to attain."

• Gingrich: Trump Will Be 'More Dominant' by Fall
• Rep. Swalwell: 'Our Country Needs a White House Shutdown'