House Republicans' Transportation and Housing Bill Fails to Address Rising Costs, Threatens Homelessness

House Democrats highlighted how the Republican-led bill would worsen the cost-of-living crisis, threatening to damage the nation's economy by making it more difficult for Americans to secure and remain in affordable housing and access homeownership. The bill would push nearly 415,000 low-income households off of assistance or face eviction, increasing congestion on roads, and shrinking the workforce. It would also strip away housing protections for people with disabilities, veterans, and families with children, while adding costs and red tape for housing developers to expand affordable housing for American families.

Key Takeaways:

• The bill fails to lower the cost of living for Americans, threatening to damage the nation's economy by making it more difficult to afford housing and access homeownership.
• The bill would push nearly 415,000 low-income households off of assistance or face eviction, exacerbating the housing crisis.
• House Republicans rejected Democratic efforts to address the housing crisis, prevent evictions, and protect investments in transportation systems.
• The bill would cut critical investments in commuter rail, bus infrastructure, and Amtrak operations, resulting in thousands of job losses, service cuts, and delays.
• The bill would strip away fair access to housing and community development investments, gutting Fair Housing Activities programs by 67% and eliminating all investments for eviction prevention.
• The bill would eliminate funding for housing counseling assistance, legal assistance for eviction prevention, and Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction, exacerbating homelessness and lead exposure risks.
• House Republicans' bill would have lasting, harmful consequences on the health and safety of communities, making it more difficult for hardworking people to get by.

Statistics:

• 415,000 low-income households threatened with eviction or loss of assistance
• 67% cut to Fair Housing Activities programs
• 98% cut to Transit Capital Investment Grants
• $5+ billion reduction in HUD rental assistance programs
• Over 60 million Americans with disabilities, including a disproportionate number of Black Americans, veterans, seniors, and Tribal communities

Sources:

• Democrats-Appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/republicans-move-forward-transportation-housing-and-urban-development-bill
• Democrats-Appropriations.house.gov/press-release/ranking-member-rosa-de-lauro-criticizes-republicans-new-transportation-bill
• Democrats-Appropriations.house.gov/press-release/dr-de-lauro-and-democrats-opposition-republicans-2026-bill