The Fiscal Year 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act has been introduced with a total discretionary funding of $97.484 billion, aimed at supporting crucial programs that impact millions of Americans every day. Senator Brian Schatz, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, "This bill includes critical funding to support affordable housing, help alleviate homelessness, improve roads and highways, and enable the hiring of air traffic controllers and rail safety inspectors—among other priorities."
Senator Patty Murray, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the bill's focus on addressing homelessness and housing challenges. Murray noted, "There’s so much more we need to do to end homelessness and ensure every American has a roof over their head, but this bill protects essential rental assistance for millions, boosts investments to reduce homelessness, and helps increase our nation’s housing stock."
The bill allocates significant resources to various sectors, including transportation and housing. In the transportation domain, it provides $106 billion in total funding for the Department of Transportation, with a focus on enhancing air and rail safety. The bill also supports the RAISE Grant program with $345 million, aiming to improve transportation infrastructure and safety at the local level.
Regarding housing and urban development, the bill allocates $70.07 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, emphasizing the importance of maintaining rental assistance programs while addressing homelessness and improving access to affordable housing. The bill also includes a record $1.344 billion for the Native American Housing Block Grant program, aiming to address the housing needs of Indian Country.
Overall, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024 underscores a bipartisan effort to strengthen safety measures in transportation and address housing challenges faced by many Americans. The bill reflects a commitment to critical investments in infrastructure, homelessness reduction, and affordable housing programs, with a focus on improving the quality of life for individuals across the nation.
