Tom Cole

U.S. Representative · OK-04

Republican

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Where Tom stands

Positions inferred from the public record. Each one shows our confidence level — and when the evidence isn't there, we say so.

What should the federal government's overall approach to taxes and spending be?
Clear record
Lower taxes modestly and trim some federal programs
Lower taxes, smaller governmentHigher taxes, expanded programs
Cosponsored TCJA Permanency Act and Permanently Repeal the Estate Tax Act; voted for a balanced-budget amendment and Rescissions Act of 2025.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 21 votes · 47 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · Jun 2026 — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8312) to establish fraud prevention and program integrity functions and data sharing authorities within the Department of Treasury and a permanent governmentwide Inspector General for Fraud, Accountability, and Recovery, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8464) to amend title 31, United States Code, to authorize pausing and segmenting payments, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1335) condemning actors seeking to defraud the United States Government, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that governmentwide fraud and improper payment prevention reforms will meaningfully improve the financial prosperity of the United States, and that Federal program eligibility should be verified before payment; and providing for consideration of the bill (S. 2) to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of S. Con. Res. 33.
Voted No · Jun 2026 — Ukraine Support Act
Voted No · Jun 2026 — Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2027
Voted Yes · Jun 2026 — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8646) making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7726) to amend the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to withhold funds from noncompliant States under such Act; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7892) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require to the Secretary of Education to use an identity fraud detection system to review each FAFSA to determine whether the FAFSA presents a reasonable suspicion of identity fraud; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8872) to amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to target funds to low-income families, strengthen program integrity guardrails for State expenditure of funds, require measurement of improper payments, and establish goals for eliminating fraud and improper payments under the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families, and for other purposes.
Voted Yes · May 2026 — Making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes.
+16 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026
Sponsored — Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026
Sponsored — Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026.
Sponsored — Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026
Sponsored — Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026
+42 more
How should Social Security and Medicare be changed, if at all?
Clear record
Keep current benefits and address shortfalls through modest adjustments
Reduce or restructure benefitsExpand benefits
Sponsored the Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act to address trust-fund solvency; cosponsored and voted yes on the Social Security Fairness Act (2024).
The record we reviewed on this issue — 7 votes · 12 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · Apr 2026 — Clergy Act
Voted Yes · Nov 2025 — Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026
Voted Yes · Jul 2025 — An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Voted Yes · Nov 2024 — Social Security Fairness Act of 2023
Voted Yes · Nov 2024 — Equal Treatment of Public Servants Act of 2023
+2 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026
Sponsored — Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act of 2023
Sponsored — Bipartisan Social Security Commission Act of 2022
Cosponsored — Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2022
Cosponsored — Telehealth Modernization Act
+7 more
What should the federal government's role be in setting wages and protecting workers?
Clear record
Reduce federal labor regulation; let states and markets set wages and conditions
Less federal labor regulationStronger federal worker protections
Voted against the Faster Labor Contracts Act and Protect America's Workforce Act; cosponsored the National Right-to-Work Act and FOCA Act.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 14 votes · 19 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted No · Jun 2026 — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5408) to accelerate workplace time-to-contract under the National Labor Relations Act.
Voted No · Jun 2026 — Faster Labor Contracts Act
Voted Yes · Jan 2026 — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2988) to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to specify requirements concerning the consideration of pecuniary and non-pecuniary factors, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2262) to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exclude certain activities from hours worked, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2270) to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to exclude child and dependent care services and payments from the rate used to compute overtime compensation; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2312) to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to revise the definition of the term ''tipped employee'', and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4366) to clarify the treatment of 2 or more employers as joint employers under the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.
Voted Yes · Jan 2026 — Flexibility for Workers Education Act
Voted No · Jan 2026 — Tipped Employee Protection Act
+9 more
Cosponsorships
Cosponsored — Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act
Cosponsored — GIG Act
Cosponsored — Wage Equity Act of 2021
Cosponsored — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board relating to "Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status".
Cosponsored — Employee Rights Act
+14 more
How should the federal government structure healthcare coverage and costs?
Some evidence
Reform the ACA to lower costs and reduce regulation; preserve private insurance
Market-based, private insuranceSingle-payer government insurance
Voted yes on the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act and Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, favoring private insurance and reduced regulation.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 17 votes · 58 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · Apr 2026 — Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act of 2025
Voted Yes · Dec 2025 — Do No Harm in Medicaid Act
Voted No · Dec 2025 — Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act
Voted Yes · Dec 2025 — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6703) to ensure access to affordable health insurance; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 498) to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to prohibit Federal Medicaid funding for gender transition procedures for minors; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3492) to amend section 116 of title 18, United States Code, with respect to genital and bodily mutilation and chemical castration of minors; and relating to consideration of the bill (H.R. 4776) to amend the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to clarify ambiguous provisions and facilitate a more efficient, effective, and timely environmental review process.
Voted Yes · Nov 2025 — Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026
+12 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026
Sponsored — American Relief Act, 2025
Sponsored — Medical Student Education Authorization Act of 2022
Sponsored — Fairness for Rural Medicare Beneficiaries Act of 2021
Cosponsored — Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2022
+53 more
How should the federal government address climate change and energy policy?
Clear record
Prioritize energy affordability and reliability; minimize climate-related restrictions on production
Prioritize energy production and affordabilityRapid transition off fossil fuels
Voted yes on the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act and Homeowner Energy Freedom Act; cosponsored the Paris Climate Accord Accountability Act and POWER Act.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 22 votes · 31 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted No · May 2026 — Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025
Voted Yes · Apr 2026 — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 7567) to provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2031, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2616) to require public elementary and middle schools that receive funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to obtain parental consent before changing a minor’s gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on any school form or sex-based accommodations, including locker rooms or bathrooms; providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 33) setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2035; providing for consideration of the bill (S. 1318) to direct the American Battle Monuments Commission to establish a program to identify American-Jewish servicemembers buried in United States military cemeteries overseas under markers that incorrectly represent their religion and heritage, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1346) to amend the Clean Air Act with respect to the ethanol waiver for Reid Vapor Pressure under that Act, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.
Voted Yes · Apr 2026 — HEATS Act
Did not vote · Apr 2026 — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4690) to amend the Energy Conservation and Production Act to repeal certain Federal building energy efficiency performance standards, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 1182) expressing support for rural communities across the United States as stewards of the environment, major suppliers of United States energy resources, critical providers of food production and manufacturing capacity, and drivers of national economic stability, and recognizing the work of the House of Representatives in the 119th Congress in support of those vital communities; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1897) to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to optimize conservation through resource prioritization, incentivize wildlife conservation on private lands, provide for greater incentives to recover listed species, create greater transparency and accountability in recovering listed species, streamline the permitting process, eliminate barriers to conservation, and restore congressional intent; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5587) to amend the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 to waive the requirement for a Federal drilling permit for certain activities, to exempt certain activities from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes.
Voted No · Apr 2026 — Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act
+17 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026
Sponsored — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4365) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1130) to repeal restrictions on the export and import of natural gas; and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 684) condemning the actions of Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, for subverting the Second Amendment to the Constitution and depriving the citizens of New Mexico of their right to bear arms.
Sponsored — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2811) to provide for a responsible increase to the debt ceiling, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 39) disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Commerce relating to "Procedures Covering Suspension of Liquidation, Duties and Estimated Duties in Accord With Presidential Proclamation 10414".
Sponsored — Prohibition on Imports of Russian Oil Act
Cosponsored — Strategically Lowering Gas Prices Act
+26 more
What should federal abortion policy be?
Clear record
Federal restrictions on abortion early in pregnancy
Federal restrictions on abortionFederal protection for abortion access
Cosponsored the Life at Conception Act and Heartbeat Protection Act; voted no on the Women's Health Protection Act (2022).
The record we reviewed on this issue — 12 votes · 14 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · Jan 2026 — Pregnant Students’ Rights Act
Voted No · Jan 2026 — Supporting Pregnant and Parenting Women and Families Act
Voted Yes · Jan 2026 — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6945) to amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to clarify the authority of States to use funds for pregnancy centers, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6359) to require institutions of higher education to disseminate information on the rights of, and accommodations and resources for, pregnant students, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (H.J. Res. 140) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Land Management relating to Public Land Order No. 7917 for Withdrawal of Federal Lands; Cook, Lake, and Saint Louis Counties, MN.
Voted Yes · Jul 2025 — An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Voted No · Jan 2025 — Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act
+7 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Prevent Discrimination in Title X Act
Cosponsored — Conscience Protection Act of 2021
Cosponsored — Sanctity of Human Life Act
Cosponsored — Heartbeat Protection Act of 2021
Cosponsored — Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
+9 more
What should federal firearms policy be?
Clear record
Expand firearm rights nationally (concealed carry reciprocity, reduced federal restrictions)
Expand firearm rightsExpand firearm restrictions
Cosponsored the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act; voted yes on the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act and no on the Assault Weapons Ban (2022).
The record we reviewed on this issue — 20 votes · 8 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted No · May 2026 — Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act
Voted Yes · May 2026 — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1041) to amend title 38, United States Code, to prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from transmitting certain information to the Department of Justice for use by the national instant criminal background check system; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6047) to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the dollar amounts for the payment of certain disability compensation and dependency and indemnity compensation under the laws administered by the Secretary; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1329) to permit the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to be located within the Reserve of the National Mall, and for other purposes; and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.
Voted No · Mar 2026 — Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act
Voted Yes · Feb 2026 — Law-Enforcement Innovate to De-Escalate Act
Voted Yes · Feb 2026 — Providing for consideration of the bill (S. 1383) to establish the Veterans Advisory Committee on Equal Access, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2189) to modernize Federal firearms laws to account for advancements in technology and less-than-lethal weapons, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 261) to amend the National Marine Sanctuaries Act to prohibit requiring an authorization for the installation, continued presence, operation, maintenance, repair, or recovery of undersea fiber optic cables in a national marine sanctuary if such activities have previously been authorized by a Federal or State agency; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3617) to amend the Department of Energy Organization Act to secure the supply of critical energy resources, including critical minerals and other materials, and for other purposes; and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.
+15 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4365) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1130) to repeal restrictions on the export and import of natural gas; and providing for consideration of the resolution (H. Res. 684) condemning the actions of Governor of New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham, for subverting the Second Amendment to the Constitution and depriving the citizens of New Mexico of their right to bear arms.
Cosponsored — Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act
Cosponsored — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'".
Cosponsored — Protecting the Second Amendment in Financial Services Act
Cosponsored — Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2025
+3 more
What should US immigration policy be?
Clear record
Increase enforcement and tighten asylum standards; maintain current legal levels
Reduced immigration, stricter enforcementExpanded immigration, humane policy
Voted for the Secure America Act and Stop Illegal Reentry Act; cosponsored Kate's Law alongside legal-pathway bills like the Conrad State 30 reauthorization.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 24 votes · 11 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · Jun 2026 — Secure America Act
Voted Yes · Apr 2026 — A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2026 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2027 through 2035.
Voted No · Apr 2026 — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1689) to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for temporary protected status.
Voted No · Apr 2026 — To require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for temporary protected status.
Voted Yes · Mar 2026 — Pay Our Homeland Defenders Act
+19 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2026
Cosponsored — To require timely publication of CBP border encounters, and for other purposes.
Cosponsored — Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act
Cosponsored — Asylum Abuse Reduction Act
Cosponsored — Preserving Employment Visas Act
+6 more
How should the federal government approach criminal justice and policing?
Clear record
Stronger sentencing, expanded law enforcement authority and funding
Stronger enforcement, expanded authorityDecarceration and federal reform
Voted yes on the HALT Fentanyl Act, Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act, and DC CRIMES Act expanding enforcement and sentencing.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 26 votes · 15 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · May 2026 — Cashless Bail Reporting Act
Voted Yes · May 2026 — Monitor Accountability Act
Voted Yes · May 2026 — Keeping Violent Offenders Off Our Streets Act of 2025
Voted Yes · May 2026 — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5625) to direct the Attorney General to make publicly available a list of each State and unit of local government that permits cashless bail, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 6260) to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit fraud in connection with posting bail; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8365) to provide for conditions on the appointment of monitors by courts, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 96) expressing support for law enforcement officers; and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8469) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes.
Voted Yes · May 2026 — Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025
+21 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Cherokee Nation and Chickasaw Nation Criminal Jurisdiction Compacting Act of 2021
Cosponsored — Protect and Serve Act of 2025
Cosponsored — Public Safety Enhancement Act of 2021
Cosponsored — BADGES for Native Communities Act
Cosponsored — Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025
+10 more
What should drive US foreign policy?
Clear record
Active leadership of democratic alliances against authoritarian powers
Sponsored Israel and Indo-Pacific Security Supplementals; cosponsored the AUKUS Submarine Transfer and Taiwan Policy Acts; opposed Iran war-powers withdrawal resolutions.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 28 votes · 55 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted No · Jun 2026 — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2913) to authorize support for Ukraine, and for other purposes.
Voted No · Jun 2026 — Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from Lebanon.
Voted No · Jun 2026 — Ukraine Support Act
Voted No · Jun 2026 — Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
Voted No · May 2026 — Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
+23 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026
Sponsored — Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026
Sponsored — Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026
Sponsored — Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024
Sponsored — Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024
+50 more
How should the federal government approach democratic institutions and elections?
Clear record
Strengthen election integrity through voter ID, citizenship verification, and signature checks
Sponsored the Protect American Election Administration Act; voted yes on the SAVE Act and Equal Representation Act requiring citizenship verification.
The record we reviewed on this issue — 21 votes · 12 cosponsorships
Votes
Voted Yes · Feb 2026 — Veterans Accessibility Advisory Committee Act of 2025
Voted Yes · Sep 2025 — District of Columbia Judicial Nominations Reform Act of 2025
Voted Yes · Jun 2025 — To prohibit individuals who are not citizens of the United States from voting in elections in the District of Columbia and to repeal the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022.
Voted Yes · Jun 2025 — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 884) to prohibit individuals who are not citizens of the United States from voting in elections in the District of Columbia and to repeal the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2056) to require the District of Columbia to comply with federal immigration laws; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2096) to restore the right to negotiate matters pertaining to the discipline of law enforcement officers of the District of Columbia through collective bargaining, to restore the statute of limitations for bringing disciplinary cases against members or civilian employees of the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, and for other purposes; and providing for consideration of the bill (S. 331) to amend the Controlled Substances Act with respect to the scheduling of fentanyl-related substances, and for other purposes.
Voted No · Apr 2025 — SAVE Act
+16 more
Cosponsorships
Sponsored — Protect American Election Administration Act of 2025
Sponsored — Protect American Election Administration Act of 2023
Sponsored — Strengthen the Pediatric Research Initiative Act
Sponsored — Protect American Election Administration Act of 2022
Cosponsored — Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2025
+7 more

Where Tom stands

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