Rep. Ed Case Votes Against FY 2026 Transportation-HUD and Energy and Water Appropriations Bills

Strategic Insights -

U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) recently expressed concerns about the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Transportation-Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Appropriations and FY 2026 Energy and Water Appropriations measures. Despite some wins for Hawaii priorities, Case voted against both bills due to massive cuts to federal programs that help everyday Americans with rising housing, transportation, and energy costs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FY 2026 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill proposes to spend $89.9 billion, a decrease of $4.5 billion from the FY 2025 enacted level. The bill eliminates the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, which is the only federal program dedicated to developing new affordable rental and homeownership options.
  • The bill also defunds the PRO Housing Program, which empowers local governments to address housing shortages. As a result, nearly 415,000 households that rely on HUD assistance will be at risk of eviction and housing instability.
  • Despite wins for Hawaii priorities, including $5.5 million for Case's Community Funding Projects, the bill poses significant risks to vulnerable communities by exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis and undercutting critical housing support systems.
  • The Energy and Water Appropriations bill funds the Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) civil works programs, and various energy programs, with a total of $57.3 billion. This is a decrease of nearly $776 million from the FY 2025 enacted level.
  • The bill includes $9.5 million for a USACE program that aids in the planning, designing, and construction of small projects for commercial navigation purposes, such as channels, breakwaters, and jetties.
  • Congressman Case secured seven Member-designated Community Project Funding (CPF) projects across the two bills that focus on local needs in Hawaii, including funds for Aloha Tower, the Waikiki Vista Project, and Kalihi Waena Elementary School.

Statistics:

  • The proposed FY 2026 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill decreases spending by $4.5 billion from the FY 2025 enacted level.
  • The Energy and Water Appropriations bill decreases spending by nearly $776 million from the FY 2025 enacted level.
  • The Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill eliminates $83 million in funding for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.
  • The bill defunds $24 million in funding for the PRO Housing Program.
  • The Energy and Water Appropriations bill includes $40 million for flood control and coastal emergencies efforts.
  • Congressman Case secured $7.45 million in funding for Community Project Funding (CPF) projects across the two bills.

Sources:

  • [Source 1] U.S. Congressman Ed Case's press release regarding the FY 2026 Transportation-HUD and Energy and Water Appropriations bills.
  • [Source 2] U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations. (n.d.). Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026.
  • [Source 3] U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations. (n.d.). Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026.
  • [Source 4] Congressman Ed Case's website, specifically the list of Community Project Funding (CPF) disclosures.