FY2016 Transportation, HUD Appropriations Bill Approved by Senate Committee

Press Release

The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the FY2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Bill, making the $55.65 billion measure available for consideration by the Senate.

The bill, approved 20-10, includes funding for the Department of Transportation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other related agencies. Working within the framework of the Budget Control Act, the bill provides funding for transportation and infrastructure priorities, and endeavors to increase the efficiency and affordability of federal housing programs.

The measure recommends $40.26 billion for federal-aid highway programs and increases funding for U.S. aviation, rail safety and the nation's ports and intermodal water and land transportation. The bill also adds funding for housing for the most vulnerable while improving the efficiency of these programs.

"The American economy relies on the effectiveness of our infrastructure, which makes this legislation important. The demands for more infrastructure investment are significant. The budget requires us to set priorities and this Senate bill makes those choices and focuses on using the taxpayer money wisely," said U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "I commend Senators Collins and Reed for putting together a thoughtful bill that I recommend to the Senate for consideration."

"Through negotiation and compromise, this bipartisan bill makes smart investments in our nation's infrastructure, helps meet the housing needs of the most vulnerable among us, and provides funding for economic development projects in our communities," said U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), chairman of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee. "From rental assistance for low-income families to safety-related provisions for our transportation infrastructure, the many critical programs funded by this bill were balanced to fund the wide range of operations that play a crucial role in reinvigorating our economy."

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