Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Womack
In Committee
Summary
FY2026 funding and rules for transportation and housing programs. This bill would set FY2026 spending levels for the Department of Transportation and HUD while imposing tighter transfer, reprogramming, and eligibility controls that shape who gets aid and how funds move between programs.
Show full summary
- Families and renters would see major housing supports maintained and targeted. The bill provides $16.7 billion for project-based rental assistance and $4.2 billion for Homeless Assistance grants to renew contracts and support homelessness services.
- Seniors and people with disabilities would get dedicated renewals and service funding. Section 202 receives $950.0 million for elderly housing capital and service coordinator funding, and Section 811 gets $261.8 million for supportive rental assistance.
- Travelers, airports, and surface-transportation users would be affected by aviation and airport investments and tighter spending controls. The bill includes $13.8 billion for FAA operations and $4.0 billion for airport grants while adding strict reprogramming and notification rules to limit fund shifts.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
38 provisions identified: 18 benefits, 10 costs, 10 mixed.
More help for homeless housing
If enacted, homeless assistance would receive $4.158 billion through September 30, 2028, including $290 million for Emergency Solutions Grants. HUD would notify grantees of their formula shares. The bill would also provide $505 million for housing help for people with HIV/AIDS and would renew certain older supportive housing contracts before funding new ones.
More funding and oversight for public housing
The bill would provide $7.334 billion for public housing through September 30, 2029. It would fund operating costs ($4.975 billion), capital needs ($2.286 billion), emergency repairs ($30 million, with at least $10 million for safety and security), and shortfall help ($25 million). HUD would get $50 million for inspections and assessments. Small PHAs could opt out of some asset‑management rules, and PHAs could not use capital funds to replace operating funds beyond allowed limits. PHA executive pay from Section 8/9 funds would be capped at the Executive Schedule Level IV rate for FY2026.
Cuts to prior HUD balances
This bill would permanently cancel some unobligated HUD funds from past years. It includes $417 million from Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, plus amounts from Public Housing, Choice Neighborhoods, Community Development, and $15 million from Manufactured Housing fees. That would reduce money available for those programs.
More tribal and Native Hawaiian housing aid
If enacted, $1.344 billion would go to Indian housing, including about $1.111 billion for block grants and $150 million for competitive grants, with allocations calculated to give each tribe the larger of two census‑based need measures. The bill would also fund Section 184 tribal loan guarantees ($1.7 million subsidy and $0.4 million admin), supporting up to $1.8 billion in guaranteed principal through September 30, 2027. Native Hawaiian housing would receive $18.3 million, and new Section 184A guarantees would be capped at $28 million in principal through September 30, 2027. For Native Alaskan housing funds in this bill, only recipients that got FY2005 funds could apply.
Community development grants and loan caps
The bill would provide $5.642 billion for community development, including $3.3 billion for CDBG with no more than 20% for planning and administration. It also includes $30 million for activities tied to overdose rates and $2.312 billion for Economic Development Initiative projects. For FY2026, Section 108 loan guarantees would be capped at $300 million in principal, and borrower fees would be set to make the subsidy cost zero.
Funding for FSS, ROSS, and Jobs‑Plus
If enacted, $175 million would fund self‑sufficiency programs through September 30, 2029: $125 million for Family Self‑Sufficiency coordinators, $35 million for ROSS services, and $15 million for competitive Jobs‑Plus grants. HUD could allow limited rent and income rule waivers to run Jobs‑Plus, with notice at least 10 days before taking effect.
Lead hazard grants for troubled agencies
If enacted, public housing agencies under receivership or a federal monitor could apply for and use competitive lead hazard grants. They could also use these funds to meet work required by settlements or consent decrees. This could help renters, especially families with children, get lead checks and cleanup.
Fewer trucking mandates and preserved preemption
Funds could not be used to enforce electronic logging device rules on haulers of livestock or insects. The government could not require inward‑facing cameras or DOL apprenticeship registration for the safe driver apprenticeship pilot. Funds also could not advance a speed‑limiter mandate for heavy interstate trucks. Two prior FMCSA preemption rulings would be locked in, and waiver petitions would be denied without a hearing.
Keep Amtrak police staffing levels
Amtrak could not use certain grant funds to reduce uniformed police staffing below the level on May 1, 2019. This aims to keep safety resources on trains, in stations, and along rail lines.
States can reuse old highway earmarks
If enacted, States could repurpose earmarked highway funds that are more than 10 years old for eligible in‑state projects. The State must notify DOT and report projects each year. The funds would stay available for three fiscal years after notice. This generally applies to earmarks with less than 10% obligated and within 25 miles of the original area.
HUD 30‑day eviction notice blocked
HUD would be barred from using this funding to run or enforce the 30‑day notice rule for evictions due to nonpayment (published December 13, 2024). If you live in HUD‑assisted housing, this could remove a federal notice protection for nonpayment cases.
Section 8 limits for college students
If enacted, many college students under age 24 would be blocked from Section 8 unless they meet specific exceptions. You would be barred if you are under 24, not a veteran, unmarried, have no dependent child, are not a covered person with disabilities, were not getting Section 8 on Nov. 30, 2005, are not a former foster youth at risk, and are not otherwise eligible. Also, student aid that is more than tuition and required fees would count as income for eligibility, except for people over 23 with a dependent child.
Cap on Amtrak overtime pay
If enacted, Amtrak could not use funds to pay more than $35,000 in overtime to any single employee. The Amtrak President could waive the cap for specific employees if needed for safety or operational efficiency. Amtrak must report overtime payments for 2025 and the prior three calendar years within 60 days.
No new energy rules for HUD housing
HUD would not be able to use this bill’s funds to raise minimum energy‑efficiency standards for new HUD‑ or USDA‑financed housing. New homes could be built to older standards, which could mean higher energy bills over time for residents.
Stronger Buy American rules for projects
Entities that spend money from this bill would have to follow key Buy American rules. Anyone convicted of violating the Buy American Act could not receive funds. For Federal-aid highways, DOT would need at least 15 days of public notice before any Buy America waiver and must post waivers online.
Stronger protections in Section 8 buildings
HUD would have to act faster after failing inspections in Section 8 multifamily properties, including a 15‑day deadline for a Notice of Default and 3‑day fixes for urgent hazards. During HUD foreclosures or dispositions, rental assistance attached to units would be kept in place or moved to other properties if staying is not feasible. HUD could transfer project‑based assistance to other buildings in 2026–2027 to preserve housing, and tenants would not have to leave until replacement units are ready. HUD could also use older unobligated balances to renew or amend Section 8 project‑based contracts to keep assistance going.
Tighter controls on shifting agency funds
Agencies could not reprogram money from this bill to create new programs, undo limits set by Congress, or move more than $5 million or 10% without 30‑day notice and approval. Agencies would also have to send a baseline report within 60 days of enactment. Separately, up to 50% of unspent FY2026 salaries and expenses could carry into FY2027, with reprogramming requests before spending.
Eminent domain limits and refinance ban
Federal funds in this bill could not support projects that use eminent domain unless it is for a public use like transit, highways, utilities, or fixing urgent hazards. Also, FHA, Ginnie Mae, and HUD would be barred from backing a refinance that replaces a mortgage taken by eminent domain. This could protect some owners from takings for private gain but restrict federal backing for certain refinances.
Split of recaptured homeless housing funds
Half of certain recaptured homeless‑housing budget authority or cash would be rescinded or sent to the Treasury. The other half would be used by State or local housing entities for eligible projects approved after January 1, 1992. Up to 15% of the non‑rescinded amount could incentivize owners to refinance at lower interest rates.
Advance notice for DOT awards
DOT would need to tell Congress at least three full business days before announcing many discretionary grants, loans, guarantees, letters of intent, and similar deals. A full list must be provided before that notice. Special 3-day notice would also apply for certain credit assistance and for quick Emergency Relief releases.
Easier transitions for homeless grants
HUD would be able to give one‑year transition grants so Continuum of Care projects can switch components without gaps in service. CoC recipients could also count eligible program income toward their required match for awards from FY2015–FY2026. This would make it easier to keep services running during changes.
More help for self‑help homebuyers
The bill would provide $56 million for self‑help and assisted homeownership through September 30, 2028. It includes $9 million for the Self‑Help Homeownership program, $42 million for capacity building (at least $5 million for rural work), and $5 million for national rural housing groups.
Transit pass payments stay on track
DOT’s Working Capital Fund could advance-pay and then get reimbursed for federal transit pass benefits. The fund could keep a reserve up to one month of benefits to avoid interruptions. Up to 10% of unused FY2026 receipts, with no more than $1 million obligated in FY2026, could pay for support contracts. Agencies would need to fully reimburse the actual cost.
Help for airports hit by flight bans
Up to $3.5 million would reimburse non‑gateway airports and their general aviation service providers for losses when airports close during a Presidential temporary flight restriction. No payments could be made until an independent audit is done. Losses caused by illegal acts or negligence would not be eligible. Reimbursement would require a full release of claims against the U.S.
Certified delivery for FMCSA violations
If enacted, FMCSA would have to send certain violation notices by certified or registered mail, or another method that records who received it. Carriers and responsible persons would have clear, documented notice.
No federal money for congestion pricing
Federal funds could not be used to implement cordon pricing zones or New York City’s central business district tolling program. This would make federal support for those toll programs less likely.
HUD research and IT funding flexibility
The bill would let HUD’s research office reuse unspent research funds in the same or next year for the same purpose. It would also let HUD move up to $5 million into its IT fund for modernization, with notice and limits on projects with big out-year costs. These steps could improve program operations, not change who qualifies.
More flexibility at Moving to Work agencies
If enacted, PHAs that become Moving to Work agencies could use money that used to be limited to Section 8 or 9 more freely. This excludes special purpose funding like special purpose vouchers. If you live in an MTW PHA, program resources could be shifted under MTW rules.
More transparency for HUD grants and contracts
HUD would have to publicly post competitive funding notices (NOFOs) for FY2026, including in the Federal Register and online. HUD would also need public notice and comment before changing annual contributions contracts, and if HUD lets a PHA modify tenant payment rules, that permission could not be revoked for seven years.
Promise Zones stay in effect
If enacted, current Promise Zone designations and their agreements would continue under their original terms. This would keep existing commitments for those communities.
Lower filing fees at rail board
The Surface Transportation Board could not charge more for filing a rate or practice complaint than the federal district court civil filing fee. This would lower or cap costs to bring certain rail complaints.
Federal funds tied to DHS release notices
Federal funds under this bill could not go to a local jurisdiction that refuses a DHS request to give advance notice of the release date and time for a specific person in local custody who is an illegal alien.
HUD must pre-notify on grants
HUD would need to notify Congress at least three full business days before announcing any grant awards funded by this bill. The notice must list each award by State and current congressional district. This could slow public announcements but does not change who can apply.
Keep current rules for noncitizen housing
This bill would bar using these funds to change who can live in federally assisted housing in ways that break current federal law. It points to the existing immigration-related housing rules that already control eligibility.
No bonuses for poor contract performance
Agencies could not use this bill’s funds to pay award or incentive fees to contractors with unsatisfactory, late, or over‑budget work, unless issues were caused by unforeseeable events, government scope changes, or were not significant. Any awards must also follow federal acquisition rules.
Limits on fair housing enforcement and speech
Money in this bill could not be used to investigate or prosecute lawful advocacy that seeks to influence government or a court. It would also bar using these funds to punish someone for expressing a sincere belief that marriage is one man and one woman, including by denying grants or tax‑related benefits.
Updates to past community projects
Some Community Project Funding items from FY2022–FY2024 would be amended to change project titles or recipients. This updates who is listed for those specific projects.
Stop FCRA-style audit of Ginnie Mae
The bill would prohibit using these funds for an audit of Ginnie Mae that applies Federal Credit Reform Act rules. This changes oversight and reporting, not mortgage borrower rules.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Womack
AR • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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