Daily Whipline

July 23, 2009

Whipline

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Floor Schedule and Procedure  

• H. Res. 669 – Rule providing for consideration of H.R. 3288 – Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2010  (Rep. Arcuri – Rules):  The structured rule provides for one hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the Chair and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Appropriations.  The rule makes in order (1) the amendments printed in part A of the report of the Committee on Rules accompanying this resolution; (2) not to exceed seven of the amendments printed in part B of the report of the Committee on Rules if offered by Representative Flake of Arizona or his designee; and (3) not to exceed two of the amendments printed in part C of the report of the Committee on Rules if offered by Representative Hensarling of Texas or his designee.  The rule provides that each such amendment may be offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for 10 minutes equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole.  The rule provides that the proponent of any such amendment may modify its amendatory instructions.  The rule provides that for those amendments reported from the Committee of the Whole, the question of their adoption shall be put to the House en gros and without demand for division of the question.  The rule provides one motion to recommit the bill with or without instructions.  The rule provides that after disposition of the amendments specified in the first section of the resolution, the chair and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations or their designees each may offer one pro forma amendment to the bill for the purpose of debate, which shall be controlled by the proponent.  The rule provides that the Chair may entertain a motion that the Committee rise only if offered by the chair of the Committee on Appropriations or his designee.   The rule also provides that the Chair may not entertain a motion to strike out the enacting words of the bill.  Finally, the rule provides that during consideration of H.R. 3288, the Chair may reduce to two minutes the minimum time for electronic voting.  Debate on the rule will be managed by Rep. Arcuri, and consideration will proceed as follows: 
  • One hour of debate on the rule.
  • Possible vote on a Democratic Motion ordering the previous question. Members are urged to vote yes.
  • Vote on adoption of the rule. Members are urged to vote yes.

• H.R. 3288 – Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2010  (Rep. Olver – Appropriations):  Pursuant to H.Res. 669, general debate on the bill will be managed by Appropriations Committee Chair Rep. Dave Obey or his designee.  Consideration on the bill will proceed as follows:
  • One hour of general debate on the bill.
  • Debate and possible votes on amendments to the bill.
  • Possible debate and vote on Republican motion to recommit the bill.
  • Vote on final passage of the bill.  Members are urged to VOTE YES.

• Postponed Suspension Votes:

1. H.Res. 566 - Congratulating the 2008-2009 National Basketball Association Champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, on an outstanding and historic season (Rep. Waters - Oversight and Government Reform)
2. H.Res. 350 - Honoring the life and accomplishments of Harry Kalas for his invaluable contributions to the national past-time of baseball, the community, and the Nation (Rep. Sestak - Oversight and Government Reform)
3. H.Res. 538 - Resolution supporting Olympic Day and encouraging the International Olympic Committee to select Chicago, Illinois, as the host city for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games (Rep. Schakowsky - Foreign Affairs)
4. H.Res. 285 - Congratulating the people of the Republic of Lithuania for its 1000th anniversary and celebrating the rich history of Lithuania (Rep. Shimkus - Foreign Affairs)
5. H.Res. 519 - Expressing appreciation to the people and Government of Canada for their long history of friendship and cooperation with the people and Government of the United States (Rep. Stupak - Foreign Affairs)

Bill Summary & Key Issues

Summary of H.R. 3288 – Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2010 
BILL TOTAL

• 2009 Enacted: $54.99 billion
• President’s Request: $108.32 billion
• Chairman’s Mark: $68.82 billion

SUMMARY: 2010 TRANSPORTATION, HOUSING AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT APPROPRIATIONS

KEY INVESTMENTS

INVESTING IN NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE

• Federal Transit Administration: $10.48 billion, $148 million above the request and $352 million above 2009 including:
• New Construction: $1.83 billion, equal to the President’s Request and $18.1 million above 2009, for Capital Investment Grants for commuter rail or other light rail systems to increase public use of mass transit, alleviate traffic congestion, reduce gas consumption, and save commuters time and money.
• Transit Formula Grants: $8.34 billion, equal to the President’s Request and $182.6 million above 2009, for Formula and Bus Grants for on-going capital and operating needs of urban and rural transit systems, including funding for new buses, stations, intermodal facilities, and technology improvements.
• Capital and Preventive Maintenance Grants for WMATA: $150 million in new funding for grants to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority to address safety deficiencies and to maintain the nation’s subway system.
• Amtrak: $1.5 billion, matching the request and $10 million below 2009, to support the national passenger rail system.
• High Speed/Intercity Passenger Rail Grants: $4 billion, $3 billion above the request and $4 billion above 2009, to provide grants to states or Amtrak for high speed/intercity passenger rail to create a 21st Century passenger rail system that reduces congestion and environmental impacts. The Secretary may use or transfer $2 billion to a National Infrastructure Bank if one is authorized by the end of the fiscal year.
• Highway Infrastructure: $41.1 billion, the same as the request and $407 million above 2009, to improve and repair our nation’s aging highway infrastructure.
• Airport Modernization, Safety and Efficiency Grants: $3.5 billion, matching the request and $500,000 above 2009, to ease congestion and prepare our nation’s airports for growing use.
• Modernizing Air Traffic Control: $2.9 billion, equal to the request and $183 million above 2009, including $785 million to modernize the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control system.

PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO VULNERABLE POPULATIONS IN TOUGH TIMES

• Public Housing Capital Fund: $2.5 billion, $256 million above the request and $50 million above 2009, for Public Housing Authorities to make critical repairs and improvements to public housing units and improve living conditions for residents.
• Public Housing Operating Fund: $4.8 billion, $200 million above the request and $345 million above 2009, for maintenance, crime prevention and energy costs. HUD and the PHAs have determined $5.3 billion is needed in 2010.
• Section 8 Tenant Based Vouchers: $18.2 billion, $406 million above the request and $1.2 billion above 2009, to support 2.1 million vouchers to individuals and families.
• Veterans Affairs Housing Vouchers: $75 million, matching 2009 and $75 million above the request, to provide 10,000 housing vouchers for homeless veterans.
• Section 8 Project Based Vouchers: $8.7 billion, $600 million above the request and $1.6 billion above 2009, to provide affordable housing to 1.3 million low-income families and individuals, two-thirds of whom are elderly or disabled.
• Housing for the Elderly: $1 billion, $235 million above the President’s request and the level provided in fiscal year 2009, to rehabilitate and build housing for low-income elderly people. Ten eligible seniors are on the waiting list for every one unit of housing available.
• Housing for the Disabled: $350 million, $100 million above the request and 2009, for grants to rehabilitate and build housing for disabled people.
• Homeless Assistance Grants: $1.85 billion, $56 million above the request and $173 million above 2009, for grants to local communities to provide housing and services for the homeless. This increase will help fund new competitive projects in communities with capacity and demonstrated need for this housing.
• Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation: $196.8 million, $30 million above the request and $15.8 million above 2009, to provide counseling for families in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure.
• Housing for Persons with AIDS: $350 million, $40 million above the request and 2009, to help address homelessness within this vulnerable population.
• Housing Counseling Assistance: $70 million, $30 million below the request and $5 million above 2009, to continue pre-purchase counseling for prospective homebuyers.

REVITALIZING LOCAL COMMUNITIES

• Community Development Block Grants: $4.6 billion, $174 million above the request and $725 million above 2009, to fund community and economic development projects in 1,180 localities.
• Brownfields Redevelopment: $25 million, $15 million above 2009 and $25 million above the request, to remove blight and spur economic development on formerly vacant commercial and industrial sites.

HOPE VI: $250 million, $130 million above 2009, to fund competitive grants to transform neighborhoods of extreme poverty into sustainable mixed-income neighborhoods through the demolition of severely distressed public housing.

RURAL COMMUNITIES

• Essential Air Service: $175 million, matching the request and $38.8 million above 2009, to continue essential air service to small and/or rural communities. The Administration has committed to working with Congress to develop a more sustainable program.
• Rural Transit Formula Grants: $607 million, $69 million above 2009, to support public transportation in rural communities.
• Rural Innovation Fund: $25 million, matching the request, for a new initiative that will encourage innovative practices in rural communities to further economic development.
• Native American Housing Block Grants: $750 million, $105 million above the request and 2009, to rehabilitate and construct housing on Native American lands.

TRANSPORTATION SAFETY

• Aviation Safety Programs: $1.2 billion, $15.4 million above the request and $67.2 million above 2009, including $9.5 million to hire additional flight standard inspectors and $4.5 million to hire additional aircraft certification inspection staff.
• Highway Safety Programs: $867 million for the programs of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the same as the request and $11.2 million above 2009, to make America’s roads safer by encouraging safety belt use, preventing drinking and driving, improving child safety, motorcyclist safety, and other initiatives.
• Pipeline Safety: $105.2 million, matching the request and $12 million above 2009, for the state pipeline safety grant program. This increase will allow a 70/30 federal/local match for pipeline safety grants, which is a five percent increase in the federal match over fiscal year 2009.
• Federal Railroad Safety Research: $64 million, $30 million above the request, and $30.2 million above 2009, for passenger and freight railroad research and development. The increase will enable FRA to conduct research into high speed rail and advanced diesel locomotive design.
• National Transportation Safety Board Investigators: $99.2 million, $3.8 million above the request and $8.2 million above 2009, to provide additional investigators to respond to and investigate transportation crashes.

SIGNIFICANT CUTS

• Choice Neighborhoods: No funding for this new initiative, requested by the President at $250 million. This program is unauthorized, and duplicative of activities in the HOPE VI program.
• Energy Innovation Fund: The President requested $100 million for this fund and the bill provides $50 million. Some activities of this new initiative are duplicative of other Federal programs, particularly at the Department of Energy.
• National Infrastructure Bank: No funding directly provided, however, bill language is included to allow the Secretary to use or transfer up to $2 billion to the Bank if authorized by the end of the fiscal year.

IMPORTANT POLICY ITEMS

• Sustainable Communities Initiative: The bill includes $150 million within the Community Development Block Grants program, as requested in the President’s budget, for a new sustainable communities initiative to provide grants to assist local communities with integrated housing, transportation and energy planning efforts.
• Loan limits for FHA and GSEs: The bill extends the loan limits enacted in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the end of the 2010 fiscal year.
• Reverse Mortgages: The bill provides for the continuation of the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program, which provides an important option for seniors to remain in their homes.
• Flight 93 National Memorial: $4 million to improve road access to the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Amendments to H.R. 3288 – Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2010

Amendments in Part A of the Rules Committee report – all made in order:

1. Olver (Manager’s): :  Provides $250,000 for alternative fuel vehicle safety; increases the Federal Railroad Administration’s Railroad Research and Development account by $3,000,000; increases funding for the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space by $1,000,000; eliminates a Neighborhood Initiatives project and lowers the CDBG and Neighborhood Initiatives funding levels by $2,000,000; modifies the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program to ensure that it can be implemented; prohibits funds from being used to purchase light bulbs that do not have Energy Star or Federal Energy Management Program designation; and prohibits first class travel for employees of agencies funded in the bill.
   Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE YES.
2. Hensarling: Strikes funding for the HOPE VI program, which is funded at $250 million.  This program revitalizes dilapidated, severely distressed public housing and replaces it with mixed-income communities.
   Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
3. Latham: Cuts high speed and passenger rail funding by $3,000,000,000, a reduction of 75 % below the funding level provided in the bill ($4,000,000,000).  This funding is needed since the Department of Transportation received over $102 billion in pre-applications covering 40 states for the $8 billion provided in the Recovery Act.  The amendment also eliminates the Secretary’s ability to transfer funds to an infrastructure bank if one is authorized.
   Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
4. McHenry: Increases funding for the Amtrak Inspector General by $1,000,000 with a $1,000,000 offset from Amtrak operating expenses.  Additional resources will assist the Amtrak IG’s oversight activities. 
   Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE YES.
5. Schock: Reduces the HOME program by $5 million or less than one percent and increases the Housing Counseling program by $5 million or 7 % . The additional funding will assist families with pre-purchase and foreclosure mitigation counseling.
   Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE YES.
6. Cao: Requires the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation to report to Congress on a quarterly basis, rather than a bi-annual basis, on their National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling program.
   Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE YES.
7. Freylinghuysen/Engel: Prohibits the Federal Aviation Administration from implementing the preferred alternative on the New York/New Jersey/Philadelphia airspace redesign project.  Airspace redesign is critical to increasing capacity and reducing delays for flights that travel into and through the New York/New Jersey airspace.
   Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
8. Blackburn: Makes a 5 % across-the-board cut to all funding accounts in the bill.  This would reduce the bill by $6.2 billion.  It would eliminate 117,000 families from the Section 8 program.  It would cut $2.1 billion in highway infrastructure investment and 73,000 construction jobs; reduce FAA’s air traffic budget by $365 million and cut 1,800 air traffic controllers; and, cut 25 investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board.
   Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
9. Burton: Prohibits funds from being used by Amtrak to provide free alcohol.  Amtrak does not currently provide free alcoholic beverages as they are either purchased by a customer or included within the ticket price.
   Chairman Obey does not make a vote recommendation.
10. Jordan: Reduces the bill by $20,050,000,000 taking the funding level back to FY 2008 levels.  This represents a 16.3% overall reduction and would eliminate funding for over 1,000 aviation safety inspectors; eliminate 381,000 families from the Section 8 program; eliminate over $300 million in homeless assistance funds; and, slash $572 million in airport safety and capacity construction grants.
    Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
11. Neugebauer: Reduces the bill by $13,533,000,000.  This represents an 11% overall reduction from the FY 2010 recommendation. It would eliminate 257,000 families from the Section 8 program; reduce investments in public transportation by $1.2 billion reducing transit service and capital improvements; cut over $800 million for FAA’s air traffic control workforce which would lay off over 3,500 controllers. 
    Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
12. Stearns: Reduces the total discretionary funding in the bill by 25%.  This would eliminate $17,000,000,000 in resources from the bill.  This would eliminate 585,000 families from the Section 8 program; cut $462 million in homeless assistance funds; cut $375 million in Amtrak funding forcing capital maintenance deferrals and service reductions; slash $1.8 billion and over 9,100 air traffic controller positions.
    Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
13. Turner: Allows veterans to receive preference for affordable housing units on property owned by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
    Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE YES.
14. Rangel: Prohibits funds to implement the community service requirement in public housing.  Public housing residents are currently required to complete 8 hours of community service. 
    Chairman Obey does not make a vote recommendation.

Amendments in Part B of the Rules Committee report – SEVEN made in order:

1. Flake #1: Eliminates $500,000 in project funding for replacement of the terminal at Grand Forks International Airport in North Dakota.   This project would address numerous deficiencies found at the current terminal, including mold infestation, safety code deficiencies, and the lack of an automatic fire protection system.  Rep. Pomeroy requested this project. 
   Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
2. Flake #2: Eliminates $400,000 in project funding for construction and renovation of structures at the Hornell Family YMCA.   This project will maintain and increase space for YMCA programs.  Rep. Massa requested this project.
    Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
3. Flake #3: Eliminates $500,000 in project funding for downtown revitalization and improvement of Round Rock, Texas.   This project will improve basic infrastructure, including sidewalks, utilities, and streets, including the construction of a bridge.  Rep. Carter requested this project.
   Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
4. Flake #4: Eliminates $250,000 in project funding for the renovation of the Murphy Theater Community Center in Wilmington, Ohio.   This project will refurbish a facility that has become dilapidated over the years.  Rep. Turner requested this project.
    Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
5. Flake #5: Eliminates $250,000 in project funding for construction and renovation of the welcome center at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia.   This project will replace a trailer facility and improve the image and functionality of the park for tourists.  Rep. Capito requested this project.
   Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
6. Flake #6: Eliminates $250,000 in project funding for Phoenixville downtown streetscape improvements in Pennsylvania.   This project will improve sidewalks, accessibility and help to revitalize the downtown area.  Rep. Gerlach requested this project.
    Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
7. Flake #7: Eliminates $250,000 in project funding for the development of a facility for non-profit organizations in New York City.  This project will house several community services, including the area’s first Latino cultural institution in the neighborhood.  Rep. Rangel requested this project.
    Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
8. Flake #8:  Eliminates $400,000 in project funding for the renovation of a long-vacant building for purposes of economic development in Jal, New Mexico.   This project will upgrade the building to attract businesses to the area.  Rep. Teague requested this project.
    Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
9. Flake #9: Eliminates $250,000 in project funding for construction of a farmer’s market facility in Monroe County, Kentucky.   This project will foster economic development and create a forum for community interaction.  Rep. Whitfield requested this project. 
    Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
10. Flake #10: Eliminates $500,000 in project funding for planning and construction of access roads for the Millennium Technology Park in New Castle, Pennsylvania.   This project will encourage the growth of businesses, strengthening the local economy.  Rep. Altmire requested this project.
     Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
11. Flake #11: Eliminates $500,000 in project funding for the reconstruction of Rib Mountain Drive in Wisconsin.   This project will add turn lanes, signals, and sidewalks and improve the safety and efficiency of the road.  Rep. Obey requested this project.
     Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
12. Flake #12: Eliminates $250,000 in project funding for construction and renovation of the Community Cultural and Educational Center of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum in New York. This project will allow for increased access to education programs, cultural programs, and earned income opportunities at the center.  Rep. Clarke requested this project.
  Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.

Amendments in Part C of Rules Committee report – TWO made in order:

1. Hensarling #1: Eliminates $1,000,000 in project funding for reconstruction and streetscape improvements of the streets in the Gaslight District in Manchester, New Hampshire. This will improve infrastructure and pedestrian amenities and accessibility, while also enhancing the redevelopment potential of the area.  Rep. Shea-Porter requested this project.
    Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
2. Hensarling #2: Eliminates $250,000 in project funding for the Wolf Trap Performing Arts Multi-Use Trail in Fairfax, Virginia. This project will connect a gap in the regional network of trails, allowing better accessibility to cultural venues and facilitating healthy lifestyles.  Rep. Jim Moran requested this project.
   Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
3. Hensarling #3:  Eliminates $2,000,000 in project funding for the Doyle Drive replacement project in San Francisco, California. This project will replace the deteriorating and hazardous road that provides the only southern access to the Golden Gate Bridge.  Rep. Pelosi requested this project. 
    Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.
4. Hensarling #4: Eliminates $750,000 in project funding for transportation improvements to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. This project will allow for increased pedestrian, bicycle, and public transit access as well as ease congestion.  Rep. Brady requested this project.
    Chairman Obey recommends that Members VOTE NO.

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