Cole Votes in Favor of the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act to End Senate Democrat Chaos

March 26, 2026 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | CONTACT : Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165 Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after voting in favor of the Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act, which would reopen the Department of Homeland Security, allowing it to return to its mission of protecting our homeland and paying the personnel entrusted with doing so: “Every additional day Democrat leadership allows their shutdown to continue represents more lost paychecks, more airport delays for travelers, more risks to the homeland, and weakened readiness across our national security operations. Where the other side fails, House Republicans step up and make it clear whose priorities we represent – the American people’s,” said Congressman Cole. “The Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act reflects a simple choice: do you want to defend national security or defund it? I voted for our TSA, Secret Service, Coast Guard, cybersecurity experts, FEMA, and all DHS personnel who don’t get to walk away from their duties. Senate Democrats can act now to resolve this. All they have to do is vote ‘yes’ and bring this shutdown to an end. This should not be a partisan issue, as it is about responsibility, safety, and delivering stability for the American people,” said Congressman Cole. ### Issues : Immigration