02.03.26

Congress Approves FY 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill

The bill now heads to the President to be signed into law

Washington, D.C. –Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Act by a vote of 217 to 214. The legislation, which passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 71 to 29, provides resources to revitalize America’s infrastructure, improve aviation safety, and address housing availability and affordability challenges. It now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

 

The bill provides $102.9 billion in discretionary funding, including $388 million in defense funding and $102.5 billion in nondefense funding.

 

“It is critical that we make significant investments to modernize our air traffic control systems and improve our airports, roads, railways, bridges, and ports. We must also ensure that a greater supply of safe, affordable housing is available to communities throughout the country,” said Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee. “This legislation directly addresses those needs by maintaining existing rental assistance for more than 4.6 million households and supporting programs aimed at tackling homelessness, especially for our nation's youth.”

 

“With the Senate passage of this bill, we are ensuring funds will be provided for our nation’s important needs instead of relying on another continuing resolution that would lock in funding levels and policies from the previous administration. Within our budget allocation, this Transportation, HUD Appropriations bill adjusts resources to meet the challenges we face today to ensure better air traffic safety, improve transportation infrastructure, build up our communities, and care for those most in need,” said Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Chair of the THUD Appropriations Subcommittee. “A lot of hard work has gone into this bill, which has strong bipartisan support. I now look forward to President Trump signing this bill into law as soon as possible.”

 

Bill Highlights:

 

Department of Transportation (DOT): $25.1 billion in discretionary budget authority.

  • Office of the Secretary: $1.1 billion, including $145 million for the BUILD grant program and $513.6 million for the Essential Air Service program.
  • Federal Aviation Administration: $22.2 billion, including $13.7 billion for Operations, $4 billion for Facilities and Equipment, $290 million for Research and Development, and $4 billion for Grants-in-Aid for Airports. This funding provides for an dditional 2,500 new air traffic controllers and prioritizes investments to modernize outdated systems in our National Airspace.
  • Federal Highway Administration: $64.3 billion, including $350 million for a competitive Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation program, $200 million for commercial motor vehicle public parking projects, and $200 million for the Tribal Transportation program.
  • Federal Railroad Administration (FRA): $2.9 billion for the FRA, which includes a rescission of California High Speed Rail funding. Of this total, $2.4 billion is for Amtrak, of which $1.6 billion is for Amtrak’s National Network and $137 million is for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program. Additionally, up to $4.8 million is provided for FRA’s Close Call Reporting System, as well as funding for railroad trespass prevention and positive train control support.
  • Federal Transit Administration: $16.5 billion, including $1.7 billion for the Capital Investment Grants program, $14.6 billion for Transit Formula Grants to fund programs like the Bus and Bus Facilities grants, and $211 million for Transit Infrastructure Grants, including $45 million for ferry programs. 
  • Maritime Administration: $917 million, including $103.3 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program and $35 million for Assistance to Small Shipyards Grants. The bill also includes $390 million for the Maritime Security Program, $81.6 million for the Tanker Security Program, and $10 for the Cable Security Fleet, which are critical to national security. Additionally, $138.9 million is provided for State Maritime Academies and more than $200 million is provided for the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

 

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): $77.3 billion for rental assistance and self-sufficiency support for low-income working families, seniors, and the disabled; housing and services to homeless individuals; and support for economic and community development.

  • Office of Public and Indian Housing: $48.4 billion, including $38.4 billion for Tenant-based Rental Assistance, $8.3 billion for the Public Housing Fund, $206.4 million for self-sufficiency programs, and $1.4 billion for Native American/Native Hawaiian programs.
  • Office of Community Planning and Development: $13.3 billion, including $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program, $4.4 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants, $1.25 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships program, $65 million for the Self-Help and Assisted Homeownership Opportunity Program, and $30 million for the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act recovery housing program.
  • Office of Housing: $19.9 billion, including $18.5 billion for Project-based Rental Assistance, $1 billion for Housing for the Elderly, and $287 million for Housing for Persons with Disabilities.

 

Independent Agencies: $424.7 million, including $9.9 million for the Access Board, $40 million for the Federal Maritime Commission, $29.2 million for the Amtrak Inspector General, $145 million for the National Transportation Safety Board, $158 million for NeighborWorks, $40.8 million for the Surface Transportation Board, and $3 million for the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

 

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