House Committee Markup: FY2026 Transportation, HUD Budgets

FY2026 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Bill

• 🎯 The subcommittee markup focuses on the fiscal year 2026 appropriations bill for transportation, housing, and urban development, aiming to meet critical needs while reducing spending by $4.5 billion below FY25 levels, totaling $89.9 billion.
• 💡 The bill prioritizes transportation safety (railways, roads, airways) and a responsible safety net for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, disabled, veterans, and working poor.
• ✂️ 38 programs totaling $7.3 billion were eliminated or reduced, and over $4 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) is being redirected to core infrastructure like air traffic control, highways, maritime, and rail.

Transportation Investments and Priorities

• ✈️ FAA facilities and equipment receive $5 billion, a nearly $2 billion increase, for technology updates and facility improvements, alongside funding to train and hire 2500 new air traffic controllers.
• 🛣️ Highways and bridges are allocated $63.4 billion through the highway trust fund, with specific funding for tribal transportation and truck parking.
• 🚆 Amtrak receives $925 million for the Northeast Corridor and $1.4 billion for the national network, with funds for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Grant Program (CRISI) for freight rail.
• 🚢 Maritime missions are supported with $481 million for strategic sealift programs, including increases for the maritime security and tanker security programs, and funding for the US Merchant Marine Academy and state maritime academies.

Housing and HUD Funding

• 🏠 Rental assistance programs, including Section 8 vouchers and project-based rental assistance, are funded at $50 billion, roughly equal to FY25 levels.
• 🏘️ Homeless assistance grants receive $4.16 billion, a 2.6% increase, with $3.8 billion for the continuum of care program.
• 🌐 The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is funded at $3.3 billion, maintaining a program proposed for elimination.
• 🚫 Funding for the HOME Investment Partnership Program is not provided due to low expenditure rates of previous funds.

Government Reforms and Fiscal Discipline

• 📉 The bill reflects a 5% total staffing cut across departments and agencies, consistent with Trump administration priorities, while ensuring DOT safety positions are fully funded.
• ⚖️ General provisions reinforce Trump administration policies on climate, immigration, regulatory burden, and innovation.
• 🎯 The bill aims to reign in spending and reduce regulatory overreach, with the goal of having a positive impact in every congressional district.

Opposition and Concerns Raised

• 💔 Ranking members and other members voiced strong opposition, citing concerns that the bill shortchanges rental assistance programs, eliminates investments in eviction prevention, and cuts housing construction and preservation programs significantly.
• ⚠️ Critics argue the bill makes it harder for constituents to find housing, cuts fair housing enforcement, and inadequately funds public transit and Amtrak, while taking funds from the bipartisan infrastructure law.
• 💸 Concerns were raised about the bill's impact on vulnerable populations, including seniors, families with children, people with disabilities, and veterans, and the potential to increase homelessness and evictions.
• 🏛️ Some members expressed concern that the bill sets a dangerous precedent by allowing the executive branch to substitute its judgment for Congress's decisions on appropriated funds.