Today, Rep. Henry Cuellar voted in favor of the passage of H.R. 3074, the FY 2008 Transportation - Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill, which includes a Cuellar provision for land acquisition and construction of a community park in Jim Hogg County. 

If this provision is included in the final version of the bill, Jim Hogg County will be eligible to receive $150,000 to build a park that will include a senior citizen’s facility, baseball fields, an adult/child day care, plus other recreational facilities.

“Working in Congress to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens of Jim Hogg County remains one of my top priorities,” said Congressman Cuellar. “I will continue to work hard to ensure that the residents of Jim Hogg County receive the attention they deserve from the federal government.”

The FY 2008 Transportation - Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill aids American families with affordable housing, helps modernize the transportation infrastructure, and creates jobs. The bill invests a total of $104.4 billion in the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development departments, an increase of almost $6 billion over last year’s budget.

“The passage of this bill means improved roadways and communities throughout our nation - including the 28th Congressional District - which are crucial components for the maintenance of a strong economy,” said Congressman Cuellar.

The budget for the Transportation Department represents an increase of $2.4 billion over last year and $1.1 billion more than the President’s request. This bill specifically aims to improve and maintain the nation’s aging highway infrastructure, while at the same time creating almost 59,500 jobs across all sectors of the economy. The Federal Transit Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, Amtrak, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also receive funding under this bill.

In addition, the Housing and Urban Development Department will benefit under this bill, receiving $2 billion more than the 2007 budget and $3.1 million more than the President’s request. The bill provides funding for the Section 8 Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program, supporting the renewal of 1.9 million vouchers and the addition of 4,000 new clients. The legislation also provides aid for the HOME Investments Partnership program, which provides downpayment assistance to those who want to purchase a home.

“The availability of decent, affordable housing is important to all our citizens and I am committed to doing everything I can to provide greater access to suitable housing for all who seek it,” said Congressman Cuellar.

Housing for senior citizens and people with disabilities, and the revitalization of distressed housing projects will also receive funding under this bill.

The bill is still pending Senate action, full Congressional approval, and the President’s signature. President Bush has threatened to veto this appropriations measure.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Senior Whip.
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