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This week, the House will consider the Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies appropriations bill as a standalone measure. This bill funds the Department of Transportation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Passing it will ensure that people living in housing supported by HUD aren’t evicted.
Because of the Trump Shutdown, some of the most important activities funded in the Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies have ground to a halt. In addition to concerns over possible evictions and severe slowdowns with Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, the shutdown has also led to other serious impacts:
Health and Safety of Renters Put At Risk. HUD’s Real Estate Assessment Center is not conducting inspections in assisted housing units because of the government shutdown. These inspections are critical to ensure decent, safe, and sanitary housing.
Vehicle Safety Activities Suspended. Because of the shutdown, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has suspended data analysis and investigations into motor vehicle manufacturing defects. Recalls as a result of automotive defects will not occur.
Reduces the Aviation Workforce. The FAA training academy in Oklahoma City is closed, slowing the training of new air traffic controllers, despite shortages of qualified staff nationwide. Additionally, FAA has suspended the issuance of airmen certificates which are mandatory for becoming a student, private, or commercial pilot; flight engineer, navigator, or attendant; or other aviation-related professions. FAA airmen certificates are required for the crew of international carriers that transit through the U.S.
House Democrats’ bill, which is virtually identical to legislation that has already passed the Senate on a 92-6 vote, will reopen these Departments and stop some the worst impacts of the Trump Shutdown on families, businesses, and communities.
The bill provides $71.4 billion in discretionary funding, $23.3 billion above the President’s budget request and $1.1 billion above the FY2018 enacted level. The total includes more than $17 billion in funding for new infrastructure projects, in addition to $49 billion for infrastructure from dedicated fuel and aviation taxes.
It rejects President Trump’s deep cuts to Public and Indian Housing and Community Planning and Development. The bill also rejects President Trump’s proposed elimination of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and the Choice Neighborhood Initiative.
Source: U.S. Department of HCA
