Congresswoman Lauren Underwood Slams Republican Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Bill

Strategic Insights -

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) strongly criticized the Republican-led House Appropriations Committee's markup of the fiscal year 2026 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies funding bill. Delivering her remarks at the markup, Underwood emphasized the need for affordable housing and reliable public transportation, highlighting the negative impact of the proposed bill on families in northern Illinois. She accused Republicans of cutting vital programs, such as those aimed at reducing housing costs and improving public transportation, while instead providing tax breaks to corporations and private equity firms.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed bill cuts nearly $1 billion from effective, data-backed housing programs, exacerbating the housing crisis in northern Illinois.
  • The legislation blocks HUD from building energy-efficient housing and strips away basic protections for tenants, making it easier for families to be evicted in violation of their rights.
  • The transportation cuts in the bill reduce federal funding programs for Metra by 98 percent, resulting in slower trains, longer waits, and reduced service quality.
  • Republicans are also slashing Amtrak, a vital service for rural towns in Illinois, by cutting funding programs used to improve service, capacity, and reliability.
  • The bill prioritizes tax breaks for corporations and private equity firms over the needs of working families in northern Illinois.
  • The proposed bill is seen as a continuation of the Republican agenda of "stealing from the poor to give to the rich."
  • Underwood urges her colleagues to reject the bill, citing its failure to address the cost-of-living crisis that is crushing families in northern Illinois.

Statistics:

  • The proposed bill cuts federal funding programs for Metra by 98 percent.
  • The bill reduces funding for housing programs by nearly $1 billion.
  • Underwood's district depends heavily on Metra, with families relying on the service for daily commutes.
  • Countless families in northern Illinois are facing a cost-of-living crisis, with rising rent prices and limited affordable housing options.

Sources:

  • Office of Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) [Note: No external source link is provided]