Why I voted Yes on H.R. 5972
I voted Yes on H.R. 5972, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2013.
This legislation provides annual funding for the Department of Transportation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and related agencies. In total, the bill provides $51.6 billion in discretionary spending, a net reduction of $3.9 billion below last year's level.
Specifically regarding highway programs, the bill funds the federal highway program at the same level as last year. The Federal Aviation Administration would receive $91 million above last year's level under the bill, which will enable the Next Generation Air Transportation System which allows our nation to move forward with the next step in modernizing our air control and airport system. Importantly for Upstate communities, the bill contains an increase in funding for the Community Development Block Grant program which will receive $396 million above last year's level.
I supported H.R. 5972 because it adequately funds our national transportation and housing programs while reducing spending overall in a fiscally-responsible manner.
The legislation was approved by a vote of 261 – 163.
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