The new bill approved by the House Appropriations Committee "Provides for Smarter, More Efficient Amtrak Operations"; "Supports Aviation"; "Addresses Critical Housing Needs"; and "Funds Highway Spending", while cutting some critical programs.
"Over the committee's strong objections, Congress has passed major transportation authorization bills which established guaranteed levels of discretionary transportation spending. These laws amended the rules of the House to prevent consideration of appropriations bills unless they provide inflated levels of discretionary spending for certain transportation programs."
"The bill provides $900 million for Amtrak and includes significant financial and management reforms. The bill mandates that Amtrak reduce its operating subsidy which includes finding savings in food and beverage service, and first class service."
"Program Terminations
HOPE VI: -$99 million; Rural Housing and Economic Development: -$17 million; Section 108 loan guarantees: $4 million; Brownfields: -$10 million; FTA Small Starts: -$200 Million; Housing Counseling Assistance: -$45 million; National Defense Tank Vessel Construction Program: -$74 million; Open Roads Financing Pilot Program: -$100 million"
FULL STORY: FULL COMMITTEE PASSES FY07 TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT BILL

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Milwaukee Road to Get Complete Streets Upgrades
The city will reduce vehicle lanes and build a protected multi-use trail including bioswales and other water retention features on its ‘secret highway.’

Tackling Soil Contamination With Nature-Based Solutions
Los Angeles County residents and experts are turning to nature-based methods like bioremediation to address long-standing and fire-exacerbated soil contamination without resorting to costly and disruptive removal.

Rebuilding Smarter: How LA County Is Guiding Fire-Ravaged Communities Toward Resilience
Los Angeles County is leading a coordinated effort to help fire-impacted communities rebuild with resilience by providing recovery resources, promoting fire-wise design, and aligning reconstruction with broader sustainability and climate goals.
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