Allred Votes to Make Investments in Transportation Infrastructure and Job Creating R&D

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Colin Allred (TX-32), released the following statement after the House passed a funding package that includes five appropriations bills; Commerce-Justice-Science, Agriculture-Related Agencies, Interior-Environment, Military Construction-VA and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development. 

“As North Texas continues to grow it is more important than ever that we make big, bold investments in our infrastructure and this bill is a down payment on that effort,” said Allred. “As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I look forward to building on this progress and working to deliver results that reduce congestion, create jobs and help our businesses succeed.” 

“Investments in infrastructure support economic growth, strengthen communities, and improve public safety,” said House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey. “Thanks to the work of Congressman Allred and his colleagues, we have provided robust funding for infrastructure priorities in our fiscal year 2020 appropriations bills. I look forward to continue working with Colin to make investments needed to help communities in Texas and across the U.S. thrive and move forward.”

Allred specifically advocated for:

• HUD Community Development Block Grants, $3.6 billion (a $300 million increase)
• Federal Transit Administration, Capital investment grants, $2.3 billion
• DOT University Transportation Centers, $15 million for new Tier 1 Centers
• DOT Railroad Research and Development, $41.6 million (a $1 million increase)
• Federal Aviation Administration research and development language on additive manufacturing. 

Additionally, in this bill, Texas will receive $138.2 million in highways and transit funds and $55.7 million Texas in Community Development Block Grants.  

The bill includes: 

• Commerce-Justice-Science: Provides strong funding for 2020 Census; funds economic development; invests in the safety of our communities; funds anti-opioid initiatives; increases resources for gun violence prevention efforts; invests in criminal justice reform; and expands climate change research.
• Agriculture-Related Agencies: Supports rural development and infrastructure; expands broadband access; ensures food and drug safety; and funds nutrition and health programs for low-income families and other vulnerable Americans.
• Interior-Environment: Funds the National Park System and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; robustly funds EPA’s core science and environmental program work; ensures access to safe drinking water and clean air; funds tribal programs; and builds resilience to climate change.
  Military Construction-VA: Provides funding for military construction across the country and overseas;  makes critical investments in VA medical care including mental health services, opioid abuse recovery, suicide prevention; and addresses disability claims backlog.   
• Transportation-HUD: Provides much-needed funding for roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports, and aviation; strengthens communities with a large investment in CDBGs and the HOME Investment Partnerships initiative; and funds new affordable housing units for seniors and people with disabilities.

A detailed fact-sheet of the bill can be viewed here.