I voted Yes on H.R. 2577, the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Act for 2016.
This bill provides $55.3 billion for the operations and programs of the Department of Transportation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This amount is $9.7 billion less than the President's request, but fully funds the Departments' core missions by prioritizing spending on our most vital national interests.
The legislation continues funding in accordance with current policies that benefit roads and bridges in upstate New York and provides the Federal Aviation Administration with the resources it needs to advance its "NextGen" air traffic control modernization efforts. Importantly, H.R. 2577 provides additional resources to make safety upgrades to highway rail-grade crossings and install Positive Train Control technology on Amtrak trains in response to recent high-profile accidents at rail crossings and the deadly crash in Philadelphia. I was particularly pleased to support an amendment that enhances privacy protections by prohibiting federal funds from being used to purchase cameras that collect or store vehicle license plate numbers. In addition, the bill fully funds veterans' homelessness programs and continues current funding levels for the Community Development Block Grant program, which provides vital assistance to communities throughout Central New York.
I supported H.R. 2577 because it is a fiscally-responsible approach that reins in wasteful spending while prioritizing programs that improve transportation safety and provide housing support to vulnerable families and veterans.
The legislation was approved by a vote of 216-210.