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As I discuss in CFTC, the funding bill I authored as the House Appropriations THUD Subcommittee Chairman was signed into law this week, and I was honored to stand alongside President Trump in the Oval Office as he put his signature on the package.
My THUD bill invests in what matters to the American people: economic growth, safe and efficient mobility, and housing affordability. Here are some of the highlights:
AVIATION
The legislation prioritizes aviation safety by allocating $22.2 billion to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These dollars will fully fund air traffic control operations and enable the hiring of 2,500 new controllers. It will also accelerate the modernization of outdated facilities and equipment, strengthening the safety and reliability of our national airspace system.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
My bill provides $64.3 billion for our highways, with the overwhelming majority sent directly to states by formula, because states—not Washington—are best positioned to deliver roads and bridges that improve safety, strengthen freight movement, and support local economies.
In addition, I allocated $200 million to address the nationwide shortage of safe, available truck parking. This investment will help ensure that America’s truckers can continue doing their jobs—keeping grocery shelves stocked, packages delivered, and our supply chains moving.
Read more about the need for truck parking HERE.
HOUSING
My division of the package also allocates $30 million to support the Melania Trump Foster Youth to Independence Initiative. This program provides critical housing assistance to young people aging out of the foster care system who might otherwise face homelessness. Working with the First Lady on this initiative has been a privilege, and I greatly admire her commitment to empowering young adults to build self‑sufficient futures.
Read more about this initiative HERE.
COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING
Just in my THUD bill, I secured $97.6 million in Community Project Funding for 11 Third District projects. Specifically, my bill invests in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley by providing:
- $59 million for the construction of the Springdale Northern Bypass.
- $3 million for Highway 112 improvements.
- $3 million for the construction of future Interstate 49.
- $1.75 million for Benton County water system improvements.
- $1.25 million to Benton County for NEBCO fire station improvements.
- $4.4 million for water system improvements in Crawford County.
- $6.5 million for bridge repairs in Farmington.
- $3 million for water system improvements in Fort Smith.
- $3 million for water system improvements in Huntsville.
- $500,000 for the city of Mulberry’s Community Food Pantry.
- $12.2 million for water system improvements in Tontitown.
The signing of my THUD bill brings the total amount of community project funding I’ve secured for the Third District this fiscal year to $108.467 million. You can read more about each project and what stakeholders are saying about the impact of this funding HERE.
WHAT’S NEXT
There is now just one remaining bill needed to complete passage of all twelve FY 2026 funding measures: the bill that funds the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Recent events in Minnesota made Senate passage of the House’s DHS bill impossible, as it required bipartisan support. In response, we passed a continuing resolution to keep DHS funded at current levels through February 13, 2026. That deadline leaves very little time to negotiate a workable agreement.
While the challenges in passing the DHS bill stem from the divisive reactions to ICE and Border Patrol actions in Minnesota, it’s important to remember that the DHS appropriations bill funds far more than just those agencies. FEMA, TSA, and the Coast Guard are all funded through the DHS appropriations bill.
Nevertheless, the Appropriations Committee will begin work on next year’s funding. My hope is that Congress will maintain this momentum and accelerate our pace so we can deliver FY 2027 funding on time. |