On November 14, the House approved, 270-147, the conference report for the FY2008 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Related Agencies spending bill (H.R. 3074). The House approved the bill on July 24 (see The Source, 7/27/07); the Senate approved the bill on September 12 (see The Source, 9/14/07). President Bush has said he intends to veto the bill.
The measure would allocate $51.223 billion in discretionary funds in FY2008, $3.424 billion more than FY2007 and $3.223 billion more than President Bush’s request.
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): The bill would provide $4 billion for CDBGs in FY2008, $228.1 million above FY2007 and $963.43 million above the budget request.
Section 8 Housing: Section 8 tenant-based vouchers would be funded at $14.695 million in FY2008, $258.306 million more than FY2007 and $257 million more than President Bush’s request.
Lead Hazard Reduction: Lead hazard reduction programs would receive $145 million in FY2008, $5.48 million below FY2007 and $29 million more than the administration’s request.
Department of Transportation
Highway Safety Grants: As requested by President Bush, these grants would receive $599.25 million in FY2008, $11.5 million over FY2007. Included in that amount is $6 million for child safety and booster seat grants. The grants are used to “encourage safety belt use, prevent drinking and driving, improve child safety, motorcyclist safety, and other initiatives.”
