Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (D-NY), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, delivered the following remarks at the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee's markup of its fiscal year 2020 bill:
Thank you, Chairman Price and Ranking Member Diaz-Balart, for your work on this bill. I also thank the staff for their efforts.
House Democrats continue our work for the people with the Fiscal Year 2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill, which focuses on improving public health and safetys, protecting the traveling public and enhancing our infrastructure, and investing in our communities so that every American has a shot at a better life.
The Department of Transportation should prioritize safety, and this bill would equip the Department to fund safety upgrades on our roads and rails as well as research to improve safety technologies. And with report language encouraging all construction projects funded in this bill to integrate resiliency, the bill would make important steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Housing is the foundation on which lives are built. It is nearly impossible to go to school, get a job, raise a family, or age in place without having a stable place to live.
Robust investments in this bill, such as increases to CDBG, HOME, and Lead and Healthy Homes, would make our communities heathier and safer. The bill also contains critical language to protect the most vulnerable, including undocumented individuals and LGBTQ youth, against eviction.
With this bill, we have the opportunity to invest in our infrastructure and fundamentally improve the lives of our constituents. I urge support.
Source: U.S. Department of HCA
