Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026

Floor Speech

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Mrs. BICE. Mr. Chair, I rise in strong support of H.R. 7148, which contains the Defense, Labor-Health and Human Services-Education, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development appropriations bills.

This is a strong package, and as the vice chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, or T-HUD, I am particularly proud of that portion of this bill. It provides $103 billion in budget authority and supports President Trump's America First agenda. It invests in transportation infrastructure and housing affordability while cutting wasteful spending and reducing the Federal bureaucracy. In fact, this bill codifies DOGE cuts, like reducing HUD staff by 24 percent and DOT by 5 percent, helping to rightsize the Federal workforce.

When it comes to aviation safety, a top priority, FAA funding is increased to $22.2 billion, including $10.3 billion for air traffic control operations, $4 billion to modernize facilities and equipment, and additional resources to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers. This will help keep America's skies safe.

The bill also invests $64 billion in highway infrastructure, including $879 million for priority needs, such as addressing truck parking shortages and resources needed to improve Tribal transportation.

The package supports housing affordability and community development by providing $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grants and $1.25 billion for the HOME program, giving States and localities flexible tools to expand affordable housing.

It also eliminates waste, including $929 million from the failed California High-Speed Rail project, which has been totally mismanaged and is completely indefensible. Nearly $1 billion in Biden-era Green New Deal spending is redirected to critical infrastructure needs. This is welcome news for taxpayers across the country.

Finally, and most importantly, this bill delivers direct wins for Oklahoma's Fifth District, including fully funded runway improvements at the Chandler and Shawnee Regional Airports and critical electric grid upgrades in Edmond, Oklahoma.

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Mrs. BICE. Mr. Chair, I urge passage of this bill.

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