In Appropriations Markup, Rep. Lee Votes to Increase Access to Affordable Housing, Invest in Nevada Roads and Highways

WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Susie Lee, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted to pass the fiscal year 2023 Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies funding bill out of the full Appropriations Committee. This bill contains many provisions that Rep. Lee fought for, including funding for more affordable housing for seniors and working families. This bill also includes Rep. Lee's community project funding request for $5 million for improvements to the Henderson I-515/I-11 Interchange. The current Henderson Interchange was constructed between 2004 and 2006, and improvements are needed to accommodate increased demand and ensure traffic safety.

"Southern Nevada, like much of the country, is facing a serious housing affordability crisis," said Rep. Susie Lee. "Everywhere I go across the valley, I hear from constituents who are struggling just to keep a roof over their heads. This funding bill includes a significant boost in funding for new affordable housing for seniors and families, as well as funding to preserve current affordable housing units. This bill also includes my community project funding request for $5 million for the Henderson Interchange project, which would drive forward improvements to the Henderson I-15/I-11 interchange and nearby roads. As southern Nevada continues to grow rapidly, it's more important than ever that we ensure our roadways are able to accommodate this growth and allow Nevadans to get around safely."

The Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies funding bill:

• Includes Rep. Lee's Community Project Funding request for $5 million for improvements to the Henderson I-515/I-11 Interchange. The current Henderson Interchange was constructed between 2004 and 2006, and improvements are needed to accommodate increased demand and ensure traffic safety.
• Invests in affordable housing, including $12.8 billion in funding for new affordable housing and critical health, safety, and maintenance improvements. This includes $515.3 million for new affordable housing units for seniors and persons with disabilities.
• Combats supply chain challenges by investing in improvements to our transportation infrastructure, including ports and railroads.
• Creates and sustains tens of thousands of good-paying American jobs by rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure with significant investments in airports, highways, transit, passenger rail, and port systems.
• Supports the vulnerable with public housing safety, maintenance, and improvement investments, such as the remediation of lead paint and radon and installation of energy and water efficient systems.
• Promotes safe transportation and housing with a skilled and growing workforce to conduct inspections, mitigate hazards, and study emerging threats and innovative solutions.
• Includes more than $2.6 billion to reduce emissions, increase resiliency, and address historical inequities in transportation and housing programs.
• Supports community projects identified by 331 Members of Congress – both Democrats and Republicans – that increase the safety and viability of our airports, highways, and transit systems as well as strengthen our housing, businesses, and community infrastructure.

The following amendments to the bill were adopted by the full Committee:

• Rep. Quigley (IL) at the request of Rep. Price (NC) – The manager's amendment makes technical and noncontroversial changes to the bill and report. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
• Rep. Womack (AR) – This amendment to the bill exempts transporters of livestock, insects, and other agricultural products from having to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). The amendment was adopted by voice vote.
• Rep. Diaz-Balart – This amendment renames the Manufactured Housing Improvement and Financing Program to the Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE). The amendment was adopted by voice vote.

A summary of the bill is here. The text of the draft bill is here. The bill report, before the adoption of amendments in full Committee, is here. In keeping with the Appropriations Committee's commitment to transparency, information on Community Project Funding in the bill is here.

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