U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., successfully amended U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart’s, R-Fla., Transportation House and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill Tuesday to ensure illegal immigrants would not receive taxpayer funds for housing assistance.
Yoho’s amendment passed 244-181 with four Democrats breaking ranks to vote for it and three Republicans voting against it. Party lines held firm in Florida with all Republicans, including Diaz-Balart, voting for the amendment and Democrats united against it.
“We should not be giving tax money to individuals who are breaking the law by living in our country illegally," Yoho said after the amendment passed. “The taxpayers in my district and across America work very hard to support their families, themselves, and dutifully cut the federal government a check every year. The money sent to Washington, D.C., should be reinvested into the American people.
“This is a common-sense amendment; it shows the American people that members of Congress are serious about how we spend their tax dollars and that we will not be reckless with their hard-earned money,” Yoho added. “I want to thank all my colleagues who voted in favor of my amendment and the rule of law.”
The final vote on the THUD Appropriations bill was far closer, passing 216-210 as 31 Republicans joined the Democrats to vote against it. U.S. Rep. Bill Posey, R-Fla., joined some fiscal hawks like U.S. Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich., in breaking with the Republican caucus to vote against the THUD Appropriations bill. With the exception of Posey, party lines held firm in the Florida delegation.
Diaz-Balart, the chairman of the THUD Appropriations Subcommittee, explained the bill and what it contained after the vote, praising U.S. Rep. David Price, D-N.C., the ranking Democrat on the subcommittee, for his work and saying he was looking forward to working with U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, his Senate counterpart, in reaching a final version.
"I am very pleased with the passage of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill for FY 16. This bill prioritizes our nation's infrastructure and housing needs, while adhering to the imposed sequestration cuts,” Diaz-Balart said after the bill was passed. “We prioritized programs and spending to achieve a number of very important goals, including: continuing the funding levels of MAP-21 contingent upon reauthorization, keeping the commercial air space running smoothly, and preserving the housing option for all current HUD-assisted families.
"Rail safety is a priority for Americans across the country, and we have ensured that all safety and operational measures in the bill were fully funded, including $2 million for safety training and $1.1 million for 16 new rail grade inspectors,” Diaz-Balart continued. “We even accepted amendments to provide additional rail safety resources. Many roads, bridges, and tunnels across America are in dire need of restoration, and the legislation provides $40.3 billion towards their repair and renovation. The $15.9 billion provided to the Federal Aviation Administration ensures full funding for air traffic control and its safety personnel that keep our airports efficient.
"I recognize the importance of providing stability and keeping people in their homes, and the legislation ensures that all families who are currently receiving Section 8 and Public Housing Assistance will continue to receive it. This bill protects our most vulnerable by increasing funding for housing for the elderly to $416 million and $152 million for the disabled," Diaz-Balart added. "The common-sense provisions in the bill, which prohibit new flights to Cuba and deny licenses to marine vessels that use property confiscated from Americans, further core American values and safeguard the property rights of Americans. We must not permit the exploitation of properties stolen by the Castro regime, which is expressly prohibited in U.S. law.
"Difficult decisions had to be made, but I am confident that this legislation best supports our housing and infrastructure priorities and the Americans who depend on them,” the South Florida congressman said in conclusion.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
