On the recordDecember 18, 2015
I rise today to speak on the fiscal year 2016 Omnibus appropriations bill. I want to highlight the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development division of the bill, which is critically important to meeting the housing needs of low- income, disabled, and older Americans, to shelter the homeless, and to boost our economy and create jobs through much needed infrastructure investments in our roads, bridges, railroads, transit systems, and airports. Let me begin by thanking Chairman Cochran and Vice Chairwoman Mikulski for their leadership in advancing these appropriations bills. I also want to acknowledge Senator Jack Reed, the ranking member of the subcommittee, who worked closely with me in our negotiations with the House. I would be remiss if I did not also acknowledge the tireless efforts staff have put into this bill throughout the entire process. My staff: Heideh Shahmoradi, Ken Altman, Jason Woolwine, Rajat Mathur, Lydia Collins, and Gus Maples have made enormous contributions. I also want to thank Dabney Hegg, Rachel Milberg, Christina Monroe, and Jordan Stone on Senator Reed's staff. This bill represents priorities from Members on both sides of the aisle in both Chambers. Through considerable negotiation and compromise, we have crafted a bipartisan bill that targets limited resources to meet our most essential transportation and housing needs while ensuring effective oversight of these important programs.…





