Cicilline Statement on Transportation-Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill

Press Release

U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline (D-RI) today voted against the Fiscal Year 2015 Transportation-Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill, which would make devastating cuts to transportation and housing investments across the nation. The controversial measure narrowly passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 229 to 192.

"Instead of investing in America's future, this bill slashes key infrastructure and housing investments that will support jobs in the construction sector, grow our economy and rebuild America," said Cicilline. "While China, Russia and our competitors are ramping up their infrastructure programs, this bill will set our country back and have serious consequences on our ability to compete in the global economy. We must bet on America's economic future and dedicate resources to strengthening local communities by making wise investments in housing and infrastructure."

In 2012, China approved $150 billion for infrastructure projects to build highways, ports and airports and, according to reports, China plans on spending $162 billion on redeveloping low-income homes to support its urban population growth. Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed investing $43 billion to build a new superhighway in Moscow, modernize the Trans-Siberian Railway and construct a brand new 500-mile high speed rail line.

The House THUD bill would:

· Dramatically slash funding for the TIGER grant program that funds innovative highway, transit, port, freight and passenger rail projects. The bill also restricts the kinds of projects that can be funded with TIGER grants, limiting the flexibility of state and local communities to invest in the kinds of transportation projects that meet their needs.

· Slash funding for the Federal Transit Administration's capital investment grant program, providing $809 million below the President's request and provides funds only for those projects that are in construction phase during the current fiscal year. The projects that are scheduled to start construction in FY 2015 will be put off for at least another year.

· Reduce Amtrak's capital funding by $200 million below FY 2014 which would result in reduced track, signal and bridge work and would denigrate service.

· Cut the HOME investment partnership program by 30 percent that helps increase homeownership and affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans. This level of funding would be the lowest in the program's history.

· Reduce the Public Housing Capital Fund, which provides funds to public housing agencies for development, financing, and modernization of public housing and for management improvements. Public Housing is funded below the sequester level and $150 million below the President's request.

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