Tom Latham: “I thank the chairman for the kind words. I rise today in strong support of this omnibus appropriations bill. I am…”

“I thank the chairman for the kind words. I rise today in strong support of this omnibus appropriations bill. I am particularly proud of the Transportation-Housing and Urban Development division which makes critical investments in our Nation's infrastructure, our air traffic control system, and housing for our neediest citizens. The bill requires some tough choices, but it advances our common priorities of responsible government and fiscal restraint. We worked hard to ensure that this final bill includes funding and policy provisions that are a priority for this body. We provide funds for the FAA to support the full operations of the air traffic control system and the FAA's investment in NextGen. We meet the MAP-21 extension authorized funding levels for highways and transit. We provide housing funds to assist families served by HUD's housing programs, plus 10,000 new veterans housing vouchers. We provide $3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant program which is a priority for Members of both sides of the aisle. Mr. Speaker, I have been honored to serve as chairman of the T-HUD committee for the last 4 years and on the committee for the full 18 years. It has been an amazing experience to see each and every year how the work of this committee works for the people of America. I would like to thank my ranking member, Mr. Ed Pastor, with whom it has been a real honor to serve.…”