The House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations has approved a fiscal 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) funding bill with a discretionary total of just over $90.2 billion, significantly lower than the Biden Administration's budget request. In contrast, the Senate Committee on Appropriations passed its own FY 2024 THUD funding bill, providing more than $98.9 billion in total discretionary funding.

The House bill ensures guaranteed funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for the Highway Trust Fund and "advance appropriations." While the Senate bill includes measures to address the shortage of air traffic controllers, improve rail safety, and expand transportation infrastructure assistance for tribal governments.

 

According to Rep. Kay Granger, the committee's chair, the FY 2024 THUD bill prioritizes highway, railway, and aviation safety while maintaining housing assistance for vulnerable populations. However, the bill does reduce funding for 19 annually-funded discretionary grant programs by $8.35 billion, including U.S. Department of Transportation grant programs and Department of Housing and Urban Development grant programs.

While the House bill was praised for its funding of critical transportation infrastructure, Rep. Mike Quigley expressed disappointment, stating that it falls short of the critical investments needed for affordable housing and commuter and passenger rail. In contrast, the Senate bill received bipartisan support.

Both bills prioritize transportation and housing, but they differ in funding allocations and priorities. As the House bill moves to the full House for a vote, and the Senate bill awaits further consideration, lawmakers aim to strike a balance between supporting transportation infrastructure, affordable housing, and addressing the nation's pressing needs. The final outcome of these bills will have significant implications for Americans' access to safe, affordable housing and reliable transportation options.

https://aashtojournal.transportation.org/appropriations-committees-approve-thud-bills/