NEWS
House Appropriations Committee
Chairman Hal Rogers
Website address: http://appropriations.house.gov/
For Immediate Release: May 13, 2015
Contact: Jennifer Hing, (202) 226-7007
Appropriations Committee Approves the Fiscal Year 2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Bill
Bill will fund critical infrastructure and safety programs, provide responsible levels of funding for low-income housing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill on a vote of 30-21. The legislation includes funding for the Department of Transportation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other related agencies. It will now go to the House floor for consideration.
In total, the bill reflects an allocation of $55.3 billion in discretionary spending – an increase of $1.5 billion above fiscal year 2015 and $9.7 billion below the President’s budget request. However, given reduced offsets – primarily caused by a $1.1 billion decline in Federal Housing Administration receipts – the bill actually represents an increase of only $25 million above the current level. Within the legislation, funds are targeted toward transportation, infrastructure, and housing programs of national need and significance that have the biggest impact on Americans and communities across the country.
“This bill strikes a smart, intentional balance between funding essential programs and making responsible reductions to lower-priority activities to make sure we meet our tight-budget guidelines.” House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said. “This balance allows for important investments in national transportation infrastructure and programs that promote our economic well-being, and to help those people who are in dire need of affordable housing options.”
Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart said, “This bill supports our nation’s most critical infrastructure and housing needs by focusing on core operations and cutting wasteful programs. Though difficult decisions had to be made, I am confident our priorities will ensure the stability of these vital areas. I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to move this bill through the legislative process.
The following amendments to the bill were adopted by the full committee today:
Rep. Diaz Balart – The manager’s amendment makes technical and non-controversial changes to the bill and report. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
Rep. Culberson – The amendment prohibits funds for two light rail projects in Harris County, TX, unless the voters within the jurisdiction approve the projects. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
Rep. Lowey – The amendment increases the set aside for Highway Rail Grade Crossings within the Federal Highway Administration Highway Formula by $130 million. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
Rep. Kaptur – The amendment increases funds for the St. Lawrence Seaway account by $3 million, offset by a cut to the Maritime Operations and Training account. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
Rep. Rigell – The amendment increases funds for the Washington Metro Transit Authority (WMATA) by $25 million, offset by a $22 million cut from the Federal Aviation Administration and a $3 million cut to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) administrative account. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.
The bill was approved by the Committee on a vote of 30-21.
For a summary of the bill, please visit: http://appropriations.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=394177
For the text of the bill, please visit:
http://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/bills-114hr-fc-ap-fy2016-ap00-thud.pdf
For the text of the report, please visit:
http://appropriations.house.gov/uploadedfiles/hrpt-114-hr-fy2016-thud.pdf
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