07.24.25

Senate Committee Approves FY 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill

Bill passes Committee by a vote of 27-1

 

Washington, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Appropriations today approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Act, providing resources to revitalize America’s infrastructure, improve aviation safety, and address housing availability and affordability challenges.

 

The measure, which was advanced by a vote of 27-1, provides $400 million in defense funding and $99.8 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 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.”

 

“We’ve worked to achieve a strong bipartisan product that maximizes finite resources to carry out a broad range of programs and activities, ranging from highway safety to homelessness prevention to community development,” said Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Chair of the THUD Appropriations Subcommittee. “In the end, this bill is fiscally responsible and responsive to our nation’s needs, adhering to budgetary constraints, while making key investments to improve our nation’s transportation infrastructure and, among other things, fully funding existing rental assistance for seniors, the disabled, and working families.”

 

Bill Highlights:

 

Department of Transportation (DOT): $26.5 billion in discretionary budget authority.

 

  • Office of the Secretary: $1.1 billion, including $250 million for the BUILD grant program and $513.6 million for the Essential Air Service program.

 

  • Federal Aviation Administration: $22 billion, including $13.8 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 This funding provides for an additional 2,500 new air traffic controllers and prioritizes investments to modernize outdated systems in our National Airspace.

  • Federal Highway Administration: $63.3 billion, including $350 million for a competitive Rural Bridge Repair and Rehabilitation program, $25 million for high priority Tribal transportation projects, and $10 million for the National Scenic Byways Program.

 

  • Federal Railroad Administration (FRA): $2.9 billion, including $2.4 billion for Amtrak, of which $1.6 billion is for the National Network, as well as $100 million is for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program. Additionally, $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: $16.8 billion, including $1.9 billion for the Capital Investment Grants program, $1.1 billion for the bus and bus facilities program, and $55 million for the ferry program, which includes rural ferries.

 

  • Maritime Administration: $874 million, including $75 million for the Port Infrastructure Development Program and $30 million for Assistance to Small Shipyards Grants. The bill also includes a total of $400 million for the Maritime Security Program, Cable Security Fleet, and Tanker Security Program, which are critical to national security. Additionally, $143 million is provided for State Maritime Academies and more than $160 million is provided for the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

 

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): $73.3 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: $47.4 billion, including $37.4 billion for Tenant-based Rental Assistance, $8.4 billion for the Public Housing Fund, $211 million for self-sufficiency programs, and $1.4 billion for Native American/Native Hawaiian programs.

 

  • Office of Community Planning and Development: Nearly $11 billion, including $3.1 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program, $4.5 billion for Homeless Assistance Grants, $1.2 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships program, $70 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 billion, including $17.8 billion for Project-based Rental Assistance, $972 million for Housing for the Elderly, and $265 million for Housing for Persons with Disabilities.

 

Independent Agencies: $423.7 million, including $10 million for the Access Board, $40 million for the Federal Maritime Administration, $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 $2 million for the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

 

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