Washington, D.C. — The House Appropriations Committee today approved the spending bill for the Departments of Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), which included a provision authored by Congressman John Culberson (TX-07) that prohibits federal funding for two unaffordable and unwanted light rail projects in Congressional District 7.   

“My primary responsibilities as a congressman include protecting the taxpayers and protecting the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said Congressman Culberson.  “This new law will help ensure that METRO does not build more rail than the taxpayers can afford. I want to thank Houston METRO Chairman Gilbert Garcia for working with me and agreeing to withdraw METRO’s opposition to my amendment with the changes I added today. My amendment guarantees that taxpayers and voters will have the final say on when, where and how much additional rail is built in Houston. I will continue to work with Houston METRO to find other areas of agreement where we can help reduce traffic congestion and give Houstonians back more of their own time.” 

The proposed rail line on Richmond was not on the ballot in 2003 when Houston voters narrowly approved a light rail referendum.  Culberson’s amendment to the fiscal year 2016 THUD bill continues to protect homeowners and businesses owners along Richmond Avenue west of Shepherd and Post Oak Boulevard who do not want the rail built, while also allowing METRO to apply for future federal funds only if the rail lines are approved by voters in a new election. 

“Chairman Garcia has been committed to making METRO more transparent and accountable, and I am especially pleased that our agreed upon amendment today will make METRO the first transit agency in America to require voter approval of a very detailed and very specific transportation plan before they can move forward with construction,” Congressman Culberson said. 

You can read details of the agreement of cooperation between Congressman Culberson and METRO Chair Gilbert Garcia by clicking here. 

Congressman Culberson recently spoke with radio station KUHF about the METRO agreement. To listen to the audio, click here.