‘Model’ appropriators are getting the job done despite stark party division

The House Appropriations Committee has been working overtime since the record government shutdown last year, displaying the type of “functionality” Congress often struggles to achieve in an era of stark partisan divides.

House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) have long been known on Capitol Hill for their pleasant working relationship and optimism in the government funding process.

“I think they’re a model for the type of functionality we need,” Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) told the Washington Examiner.

The appropriation process is one of the most important in Congress, as each funding bill serves as a tool to keep the government open, a constitutional duty given to the legislative branch. 

“It’s doing our job,” Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) said. “It’s