2027 Spending Bill for Transportation, Housing, and Related Programs

What to know

• The bill sets aside about $57.8 million to consolidate the Department of Transportation's headquarters office space.
• FAA doctors can earn base pay up to about $235,100 per year. An earlier pay cap is removed to help recruit staff.
• Amtrak workers cannot get more than $35,000 in federally funded overtime pay. The Amtrak president can waive that limit for safety or operations needs.
• The bill cancels about $531 million in unspent HUD funds. That money had been set aside for rental aid, elderly housing, disability housing, fair housing, and housing counseling.
• Local governments that refuse to share inmates' release dates with federal immigration agencies lose access to funds from this bill.
• No money in this bill can be used to privatize air traffic control. No funds can build a new Air Traffic Control Training Academy outside the current facility.

Heads up

20 buried provisions

Provisions we flagged do not match the bill's stated purpose, or repeat language from bills that did not pass on their own.

Section by section

1. Overall spending authorization for Transportation and Housing departments

   This section opens the appropriations bill for fiscal year 2027. It states that specific dollar amounts will be drawn from the U.S. Treasury. Those funds will pay for the Department of Transportation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies. The fiscal year covered runs through September 30, 2027.

   Who this affects

   Federal agencies under the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development. Anyone who receives services or funding from those agencies is indirectly affected.

   Tradeoff

   Spending these funds supports federal transportation and housing programs, but draws money from the general Treasury.

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   the following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027

2. Limits on Secretary of Transportation fee charges to agencies

   This section stops the Office of the Secretary of Transportation from charging fees or billing costs to the department's operating agencies (such as the Federal Highway Administration or FAA) using funds from this law. There is one exception: arrangements that were already in place when this law was enacted can continue. Any new charges must first go through a formal congressional notification process called reprogramming.

   Who this affects

   The Office of the Secretary of Transportation and the department's operating agencies are directly affected. Congress gains a notification step before new internal billing arrangements are approved.

   Tradeoff

   This gives Congress more oversight of how money moves inside the department, but it may slow down routine financial agreements between the Secretary's office and operating agencies.

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   None of the funds made available by this Act to the Department of Transportation may be obligated for the Office of the Secretary of Transportation to approve assessments or reimbursable agreements pertaining to funds appropriated to the operating administrations in this Act, except for activities underway on the date of enactment of this Act, unless such assessments or agreements have completed the normal reprogramming process for congressional notification.

3. Public posting of Council on Credit and Finance meetings

   This section requires the Secretary of Transportation to post a schedule of all Council on Credit and Finance meetings on the Department's website. Each meeting's agenda must be listed publicly. The Council must also keep a written record of every decision and action it takes at those meetings.

   Who this affects

   The public and anyone seeking federal transportation loans or credit assistance. It also affects Department of Transportation staff who run the Council.

   Tradeoff

   More transparency lets the public track how federal credit decisions are made, but creating and maintaining public records adds administrative work for the agency.

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   The Secretary shall post on the website of the Department of Transportation a schedule of all meetings of the Council on Credit and Finance, including the agenda for each meeting, and require the Council on Credit and Finance to record the decisions and actions of each meeting.

4. Transit benefit payments for federal employees

   This section lets the Department of Transportation's internal fund (the Working Capital Fund) pay for transit benefits upfront on behalf of other federal agencies. Those agencies must then pay the fund back for the actual cost. The fund is allowed to keep a small reserve of money so transit benefits are never interrupted. That reserve cannot be more than one month's worth of benefits. It can only be used to keep transit benefits flowing to government workers.

   Who this affects

   Federal government employees who receive transit pass benefits as part of their pay. Federal agencies that run transit benefit programs for their workers.

   Tradeoff

   Employees get uninterrupted transit benefits, but agencies must repay the full actual cost from their own budgets.

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   the Department shall maintain a reasonable operating reserve in the Working Capital Fund, to be expended in advance to provide uninterrupted transit benefits to Government employees: Provided further, That such reserve shall not exceed 1 month of benefits payable

5. Unused transit benefit funds recycled for support services

   This section allows the Department of Transportation to keep money from unused transit and van pool benefits. That money goes into the Department's Working Capital Fund. Up to 10 percent of what is collected in fiscal year 2027 can be held there and spent on contract services. Those services must support a related section of this bill. The total amount spent in 2027 cannot exceed $1 million.

   Who this affects

   Federal employees who receive transit or van pool benefits but do not use them. It also affects contractors who provide services to the Department of Transportation.

   Tradeoff

   Recycling unused benefit money lets the Department pay for support services at no new cost to taxpayers, but it reduces funds that might otherwise return to the general treasury.

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   Receipts collected in the Department's Working Capital Fund, as authorized by section 327 of title 49, United States Code, for unused transit and van pool benefits, in an amount not to exceed 10 percent of fiscal year 2027 collections, shall be available until expended in the Department's Working Capital Fund to provide contractual services

6. Approval required for certain employee bonuses at Transportation Department

   This section blocks any money in this funding bill from being used to pay retention bonuses or senior executive bonuses at the Department of Transportation. There is one exception. The Assistant Secretary for Administration must give written approval first. Without that written sign-off, no bonus payments of this type can be made.

   Who this affects

   Department of Transportation employees who are eligible for retention bonuses or senior executive bonuses. It also affects the officials who manage and approve those payments.

   Tradeoff

   Adding an approval step creates more oversight over bonus spending, but it also adds a layer of process that could slow down or limit the ability to keep or reward key staff.

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   None of the funds in this title may be obligated or expended for retention or senior executive bonuses for an employee of the Department of Transportation without the prior written approval of the Assistant Secretary for Administration.

7. Department of Transportation internal technology fund authority

   This section gives the Department of Transportation extra authority to manage its internal working capital fund. Specifically, it allows the fund to receive technology equipment, software, and systems transferred from within the department or from outside entities. The fund can also collect fees and hold reserves. Those fees must be set high enough to cover the full cost of the transferred technology assets.

   Who this affects

   The Department of Transportation and any government or outside entities that transfer technology assets to it. Internal agency offices that use shared technology services may pay into this fund.

   Tradeoff

   This gives the department more flexibility to share and recover technology costs internally, but it also allows the department to set and collect fees without a separate congressional appropriation each time.

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   the Department's Administrative Working Capital Fund is hereby authorized to transfer information technology equipment, software, and systems from departmental sources or other entities and collect and maintain a reserve at rates which will return full cost of transferred assets.

8. Required notice before transportation credit assistance approval

   This section limits how the Department of Transportation can use its funds. Before approving a loan, loan guarantee, or line of credit under the federal highway credit program (called TIFIA), the Secretary of Transportation must wait at least 3 days. During that time, the Secretary must send a written notice to six specific congressional committees. The notice must include the project sponsor's name, a description of the project, the type of credit assistance, and the dollar amount. Congress cannot block the approval, but it gets advance notice before any deal is finalized.

   Who this affects

   The Department of Transportation and applicants seeking federal credit assistance for transportation projects. Congressional committees also receive formal notice before approvals.

   Tradeoff

   Congress gains visibility into credit deals before they are approved, but the 3-day window is short and gives committees little time to act.

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   None of the funds provided in this Act to the Department of Transportation may be used to provide credit assistance unless not less than 3 days before any application approval to provide credit assistance under sections 603 and 604 of title 23, United States Code, the Secretary provides notification in writing to the following committees

9. Transferring funds for grant program administration

   This section lets the Department of Transportation move money from three specific programs to a central account. That central account covers the costs of awarding, managing, and overseeing grants across all Department of Transportation programs. The three programs that can send money are: a local and regional project assistance program, a university transportation research program, and a drone infrastructure inspection grant program. Any money moved this way is extra, on top of funds already set aside for those same purposes. The moved funds stay available until they are spent.

   Who this affects

   The Department of Transportation and its agencies are affected. Grant applicants and recipients under the three listed programs could also be affected if administrative costs shift.

   Tradeoff

   Centralizing administrative funds can make grant oversight more efficient, but it also moves money away from the original program budgets.

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   Amounts transferred under the authority in this section are available in addition to amounts otherwise available for such purpose.

10. Tribal transportation funding transfers

    This section lets the Secretary of Transportation move money between two parts of the agency. When a federally recognized Tribe signs a funding agreement, the Secretary can shift that money from the specific operating office (such as the Federal Highway Administration) to the Office of Tribal Government Affairs. If a Tribe later returns the money or the federal government takes it back, the funds can be moved back to the original operating office.

    Who this affects

    Federally recognized Tribes that have signed funding agreements with the Department of Transportation. It also affects the internal offices within the Department that manage those funds.

    Tradeoff

    Moving funds to one central tribal office may make coordination simpler, but it adds a step if money needs to be returned to the original program office.

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    The Secretary of Transportation may transfer amounts awarded to a federally recognized Tribe under a funding agreement entered into under part 29 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, from the Department of Transportation's operating administrations to the Office of Tribal Government Affairs

11. Amtrak competitive grant set-aside requirement reduced

    This section lowers a spending rule for Amtrak rail grants. Under current law, 40 percent of certain grant funds must go to specific competitive grants. This section drops that share to 30 percent. If the Department of Transportation cannot find enough strong applications to meet even that lower share, leftover money can be redirected to other allowed Amtrak grants. The change applies to funds from fiscal years 2022 through 2026.

    Who this affects

    Amtrak and state or local rail projects that apply for federal competitive grants under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

    Tradeoff

    Lowering the set-aside gives the government more flexibility to spend funds, but it also reduces the portion of money that must go through an open, merit-based competition.

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    section 24112(c)(2)(B) of Public Law 117–58 shall be applied by substituting 30 percent for 40 percent

12. Department of Transportation headquarters consolidation funding

    This section sets aside about $57.8 million for the Department of Transportation. The money is for consolidating the department's headquarters office space and paying for related services. The funds do not expire and can be spent until they are used up. This is on top of any other money already approved for the Secretary of Transportation.

    Who this affects

    The Department of Transportation and its employees who work at headquarters facilities. Taxpayers fund the expense.

    Tradeoff

    Consolidating office space can reduce long-term costs, but it requires a large one-time spending outlay now.

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    there is hereby appropriated $57,814,000, to remain available until expended, for expenses related to Department of Transportation's headquarters building space consolidation and related services.

13. Cap on FAA research center staffing

    This section limits how many technical staff the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can pay for through its contract with the Center for Advanced Aviation Systems Development (CAASD). CAASD is a federally funded research and development center. The FAA uses it to study and develop aviation systems. The limit is set at 600 technical staff-years for fiscal year 2027. One 'staff-year' means one person working full time for one year. No money from this bill can pay for work beyond that cap.

    Who this affects

    The FAA and the CAASD research center are directly affected. It may also affect technical workers employed under that contract.

    Tradeoff

    The cap controls spending on the research contract, but it could slow down aviation research if the FAA needs more technical work done than 600 staff-years allows.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to compensate in excess of 600 technical staff-years under the federally funded research and development center contract between the Federal Aviation Administration and the Center for Advanced Aviation Systems Development during fiscal year 2027.

14. Limits on FAA cost-free space requirements at airports

    This section blocks the use of any funds in this bill for creating rules that would force airport operators to give the Federal Aviation Administration free building space, utilities, or related services. This covers space used for air traffic control, air navigation, and weather reporting. There is an exception: the FAA can still negotiate below-market rates with airports. The FAA can also still require airports to provide land at no cost for air traffic control facilities, as part of existing grant agreements.

    Who this affects

    Airport operators (called sponsors) and the FAA are both affected. Airports would be protected from being forced to give free building space to the FAA, while the FAA retains some ability to negotiate low-cost arrangements.

    Tradeoff

    Airports keep more control over how they charge the FAA for space and services, but the federal government may face higher costs for housing air traffic and weather operations at those airports.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act shall be used to pursue or adopt guidelines or regulations requiring airport sponsors to provide to the Federal Aviation Administration without cost building construction, maintenance, utilities and expenses, including related accommodation services, or space in airport sponsor-owned buildings for services relating to air traffic control, air navigation, or weather reporting

15. FAA reimbursement for small community air service

    This section lets the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) use aviation fees it collects to pay back a fund that supports air service to small communities. That fund, required by federal law, helps keep flights running to places that might not otherwise have them. Any money left in the fee account at the end of a fiscal year can roll over and be used for the same purpose the next year.

    Who this affects

    Small and rural communities that rely on subsidized air service. It also affects airlines that serve those routes and travelers who use them.

    Tradeoff

    Using collected fees to cover small-community air service costs keeps those flights funded, but it also directs fee revenue away from other possible FAA uses.

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    The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may reimburse amounts made available to satisfy section 41742(a)(1) of title 49, United States Code, from fees credited under section 45303 of title 49, United States Code

16. Aviation fees credited to current appropriations

    This section says that fees collected under a specific aviation law (49 U.S.C. 40113(e)) must go directly into the current year's budget account. Those fees are then combined with existing funds in that account. They can be spent for the same purposes as the rest of that account's money.

    Who this affects

    Federal aviation programs funded by this account, and any entities that pay fees under that aviation law.

    Tradeoff

    Merging collected fees into the current appropriation keeps accounting simpler, but it also means Congress has less separate oversight of how those specific fee dollars are spent.

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    Amounts collected under section 40113(e) of title 49, United States Code, shall be credited to the appropriation current at the time of collection, to be merged with and available for the same purposes as such appropriation.

17. FAA overtime premium pay restriction

    This section blocks money from this bill from being used to pay a specific type of overtime bonus to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) workers. The bonus, called 'premium pay,' is normally available to certain federal workers for irregular or overtime hours. Under this rule, an FAA employee can only receive that pay if they actually worked during the hours it covers. They cannot receive it for time they did not work.

    Who this affects

    FAA employees who are eligible for premium pay under federal law. This applies only to funds provided by this bill.

    Tradeoff

    This rule prevents potential payments for hours not actually worked, but it also removes any flexibility to award this type of pay in situations where an employee may have been on call or available without formally clocking in.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act shall be available for paying premium pay under section 5546(a) of title 5, United States Code, to any Federal Aviation Administration employee unless such employee actually performed work during the time corresponding to such premium pay.

18. Ban on FAA employees buying gift cards with government credit cards

    This section blocks Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees from using government-issued credit cards to buy store gift cards or gift certificates. No money from this bill can pay for those purchases. The rule applies for the life of this appropriations act.

    Who this affects

    FAA employees who have government-issued credit cards. It limits how they can spend agency funds.

    Tradeoff

    The restriction reduces the risk of misuse of government funds, but it also limits flexibility for employees who might have a legitimate work-related need.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be obligated or expended for an employee of the Federal Aviation Administration to purchase a store gift card or gift certificate through use of a Government-issued credit card.

19. Private aircraft flight tracking opt-out

    This section blocks federal money from being used to limit a private aircraft owner's or operator's ability to hide their plane from public flight-tracking displays. Any owner or operator can ask the FAA to block their aircraft's registration number, transponder code, flight ID, call sign, or similar details from public ground-based tracking systems. The block applies to real-time or near real-time tracking of noncommercial flights. Government agencies can still access the data.

    Who this affects

    Private aircraft owners and operators who want their flight data hidden from public tracking tools. Members of the public who use flight-tracking websites or apps would see fewer private planes.

    Tradeoff

    Private aircraft owners gain more privacy over their movements, but the public loses the ability to track those noncommercial flights in real time.

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    none of the funds made available under this Act or any prior Act may be used to implement or to continue to implement any limitation on the ability of any owner or operator of a private aircraft to obtain, upon a request to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, a blocking of that owner's or operator's aircraft registration number

20. Limit on political appointees at the FAA

    This section says no money from this spending bill can pay for more than nine political or presidential appointees at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Political appointees are people chosen for their jobs by the President or for political reasons, rather than through the normal civil service hiring process. This puts a hard cap on how many such positions the FAA can fund in this budget year.

    Who this affects

    The FAA and anyone who might be nominated or appointed to a political or presidential position there. It also affects the President's ability to place appointees at the agency.

    Tradeoff

    The cap limits political influence over the FAA's workforce, but it also restricts the executive branch's flexibility to staff the agency with people of its choosing.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act shall be available for salaries and expenses of more than nine political and Presidential appointees in the Federal Aviation Administration

21. FAA aeronautical navigation fee freeze

    This section stops the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) from raising fees for aeronautical navigation products. The freeze stays in place until the FAA sends a report to Congress. That report must explain why each fee is needed. It must also show that the fees follow a presidential order on open data (Executive Order 13642). Once the FAA delivers that report, the fee increase can proceed.

    Who this affects

    Pilots, airlines, aviation businesses, and others who pay for FAA aeronautical navigation products such as charts and flight data.

    Tradeoff

    Keeping fees frozen protects users from higher costs now, but it may delay FAA revenue that could fund navigation services.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to increase fees pursuant to section 44721 of title 49, United States Code, until the Federal Aviation Administration provides to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations a report that justifies all fees related to aeronautical navigation products and explains how such fees are consistent with Executive Order No. 13642.

22. FAA regional operations center protection

    This section blocks the FAA from closing any of its regional operations centers. It also blocks reducing services or staff at those centers. The only exception is if the FAA gives written notice to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees first. That notice must come at least 90 full business days before any change.

    Who this affects

    The FAA and its employees at regional operations centers. Communities and air travelers who rely on those centers for air traffic oversight could also be affected.

    Tradeoff

    Congress keeps oversight over FAA facility decisions, but this limits the FAA's ability to quickly reorganize or cut costs at its regional centers.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to close a regional operations center of the Federal Aviation Administration or reduce its services or personnel unless the Administrator notifies the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not less than 90 full business days in advance.

23. Teterboro Airport weight and access rules frozen

    This section blocks any money in this bill from being used to change two types of rules at Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. The first type is weight restrictions, which limit how heavy an aircraft can be to land there. The second type is prior permission rules, which require pilots to get approval before flying in. Neither rule can be loosened or tightened using funds from this act.

    Who this affects

    Pilots, airlines, and aircraft operators who use Teterboro Airport. Nearby residents and communities around the airport are also affected by whatever aircraft traffic rules stay in place.

    Tradeoff

    Keeping the current rules stable protects nearby communities from changes in traffic or noise, but it also prevents updates that could improve safety or airport efficiency.

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    None of the funds made available by or limited by this Act may be used to change weight restrictions or prior permission rules at Teterboro airport in Teterboro, New Jersey.

24. FAA contract tower program applications

    This section stops the FAA from blocking or ignoring new applications to join the contract tower program. The contract tower program lets smaller airports use privately run air traffic control towers that are partly paid for by the federal government. The FAA must consider any application it receives. It must also reevaluate airports already in the cost-share part of the program. The only condition is that the airport applied and that the FAA finds the tower meets its own published eligibility rules.

    Who this affects

    Smaller airports seeking to join or stay in the FAA contract tower program. Local communities served by those airports are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    More airports may get federally supported air traffic control, which could improve safety at small airports, but it could also increase federal spending on the program.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to withhold from consideration and approval any new application for participation in the contract tower program

25. Protecting FAA regional and technical offices from closure or reorganization

    This section blocks the use of any funds from this bill to open, close, downgrade, or reorganize certain Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offices. The protected offices include FAA regional offices, the aeronautical center, and the technical center. The FAA Administrator can still make those changes, but only by following the process set out in Section 405 of this same bill.

    Who this affects

    The FAA Administrator and staff at FAA regional offices, the aeronautical center, and the technical center. Workers at those facilities and communities near them could be affected by any closure or reorganization.

    Tradeoff

    This section limits the FAA's flexibility to reorganize its offices quickly, but it also requires a formal review process before any major office changes can happen.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to open, close, redesignate as a lesser office, or reorganize a regional office, the aeronautical center, or the technical center unless the Administrator does so in compliance with section 405 of this Act.

26. FAA internal reorganization exemption

    This section lets the Federal Aviation Administration create, reorganize, or restructure its internal units without following the normal approval rules in Section 405. The exemption has two limits. First, the change cannot alter the FAA organization chart that was submitted with the President's budget request for fiscal year 2027. Second, the change cannot conflict with directions given in this spending bill or its accompanying report. If either limit is crossed, the normal rules apply again.

    Who this affects

    The Federal Aviation Administration and its workforce. Congress also retains oversight through the two listed limits.

    Tradeoff

    The FAA gains flexibility to reorganize internally without extra red tape, but Congress still controls the overall structure by locking in the budget organization chart.

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    activities creating, reorganizing, or restructuring an organizational unit of the Federal Aviation Administration are not subject to the requirements of section 405 unless those activities would change the organization chart provided as an exhibit to section 1 of the President's Budget justification for fiscal year 2027

27. Reimbursements for airports closed during presidential security restrictions

    This section sets aside up to $3.5 million for airports that get closed because of a temporary flight restriction (TFR) around a presidential residence secured by the Secret Service. Small general aviation airports and their ground service businesses can apply for money to cover direct financial losses caused by those closures. The money comes from leftover funds already approved in earlier bills, not new spending. An independent audit must be completed before any payments go out. Losses caused by a business's own wrongdoing or negligence are not covered. To receive funds, a business must first release the federal government from any further legal claims related to the closure.

    Who this affects

    Small general aviation airports that do not handle commercial gateway flights, and businesses like fueling or ground service companies located at those airports. These are typically airports near presidential residences that face repeated TFR closures.

    Tradeoff

    Affected businesses can get reimbursed for government-caused losses, but they must give up the right to sue the federal government for any additional claims.

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    obligation and expenditure of funds are conditional upon full release of the United States Government for all claims for financial losses resulting from such actions

28. Limits on transferring airport air traffic equipment to FAA

    This section restricts how money in this bill can be used. Specifically, it blocks funds from helping transfer certain air traffic systems or equipment from airports to the FAA Administrator. There are two rules. First, if an airport received government grant money to buy the equipment, the transfer is allowed only if the airport bought that equipment on or after October 5, 2018. Second, for all other equipment not covered by the first rule, the airport must have bought it on or after October 1, 2024 before a transfer can be funded. Equipment bought before those dates cannot be transferred using this bill's funds.

    Who this affects

    Airports that own air traffic systems or equipment and may want to transfer them to the FAA. It also affects the FAA, which receives such transfers.

    Tradeoff

    This limits which equipment airports can hand off to the FAA at government expense, protecting taxpayers from funding transfers of older equipment, but it may slow or block transfers that airports and the FAA consider useful.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to facilitate the transfer of air traffic systems or equipment identified in subparagraphs (A) through (C)) of section 44502(e)(3) to the Administrator unless such systems or equipment was purchased by the transferor airport on or after October 5, 2018, and was purchased with assistance from a government airport aid program, airport development aid program, or airport improvement project grant

29. Ban on privatizing air traffic control

    This section blocks the use of any federal funds to plan, design, or carry out a privatization or separation of the air traffic control functions within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It applies not just to money in this spending bill, but to money from any other federal law as well. In short, no federal dollars can be used to move air traffic control out of the FAA or turn it into a private or separate entity.

    Who this affects

    The FAA and any agency or contractor that might work on restructuring air traffic control. Air travelers and the aviation industry could also be affected by how air traffic control is run.

    Tradeoff

    Keeping air traffic control inside the FAA maintains current government oversight, but it also prevents exploring whether a private or separate structure could operate more efficiently or with more funding flexibility.

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    None of the funds in this or any other Act shall be used to plan, design, or implement the privatization or separation of the air traffic organization functions of the Federal Aviation Administration.

30. Air Traffic Control Training Academy construction limit

    This section blocks the use of any federal money to build a new Air Traffic Control Training Academy. The only allowed facility is the existing one at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. This applies to funds from this bill and any other federal law.

    Who this affects

    The Federal Aviation Administration and any parties that might propose a new training academy. Taxpayers who fund federal construction projects are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    This keeps spending focused on the existing facility but prevents the FAA from building a new academy elsewhere, even if a different location might better serve future needs.

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    None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this or any other Act may be used for the construction of a new Air Traffic Control Training Academy except for the Federal Aviation Administration's existing Training Academy located at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center.

31. Higher pay allowed for FAA medical doctors

    This section lets the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pay doctors in its Office of Aerospace Medicine more money. Right now, a federal law caps how much the FAA can pay those positions. This section removes that cap for doctors who hold a medical degree. It allows their base pay to go up to the level paid to the Vice President of the United States, which is currently around $235,100 per year. The FAA Administrator must consult with the Federal Air Surgeon before raising any pay. This change takes effect now and stays in place going forward.

    Who this affects

    Doctors working in the FAA's Office of Aerospace Medicine are directly affected. Taxpayers fund the higher salaries.

    Tradeoff

    Allowing higher pay may help the FAA recruit and keep qualified medical doctors, but it also increases federal payroll costs.

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    the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, in consultation with the Federal Air Surgeon, may increase the annual rate of basic pay for positions in the Office of Aerospace Medicine requiring a medical degree up to the annual compensation paid under section 102 of title 3, United States Code.

32. FAA air traffic control modernization reporting requirement

    This section requires the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to give Congress a spending plan and a briefing within 30 days after the bill becomes law. After that, the FAA must repeat the briefing every 90 days for the rest of fiscal year 2027. The briefings must cover all money spent on modernizing air traffic control systems. Both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees receive these updates.

    Who this affects

    The FAA must do the reporting work. Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees receive the information. The public may benefit from increased oversight of air traffic control spending.

    Tradeoff

    Regular reporting gives Congress more visibility into how modernization money is spent, but it also adds administrative work for the FAA.

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    The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration is directed to provide a spend plan and a briefing within 30 days of enactment of this Act, and each 90 days thereafter during fiscal year 2027, to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on all activities and efforts funded by this Act and section 40003 of Public Law 119–21 for the FAA's air traffic control modernization efforts.

33. Flexible use of previously approved infrastructure funds

    This section changes how a specific pool of money can be spent. That money was set aside under Public Law 119-21, section 40003(a)(2). Under the original law, it could only be used for one narrow purpose. This section allows it to be used for any purpose listed under the broader section 40003(a). That means the funds get more spending options than they had before.

    Who this affects

    Federal agencies and grant recipients who receive or manage funds under Public Law 119-21, section 40003. Projects or programs that might benefit from redirected funding are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Giving these funds more flexibility may allow money to reach more uses, but it also loosens the original restrictions Congress placed on how that money should be spent.

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    The funds made available under section 40003(a)(2) of Public Law 119–21 shall be available for any purpose described under section 40003(a).

34. Ban on commercial space research with foreign entities of concern

    This section bars any money from this law from being used for commercial space research or development involving certain foreign groups. Those groups include 'entities of concern' and 'foreign countries of concern' as defined in federal law. It also covers foreign companies or organizations tied to those countries of concern. In short, no federal transportation or housing funds can flow to space research partnerships with those flagged foreign parties.

    Who this affects

    U.S. government agencies and contractors that receive funds from this law and do commercial space research. Foreign companies or governments labeled as 'entities of concern' or 'countries of concern' under existing federal statutes are excluded from such partnerships.

    Tradeoff

    The rule reduces the risk of sensitive space technology reaching adversarial foreign actors, but it may also limit some international research collaborations that could otherwise benefit U.S. space programs.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act shall be used to conduct or participate in research and development activities related to commercial space with any entity of concern, as defined under section 18912 of Title 42, United States Code

35. Federal highway spending cap and distribution rules for 2027

    This section sets rules for how the federal government limits and hands out highway spending authority in 2027. Congress sets a cap (called an "obligation limitation") on how much money the federal government can commit to highway projects in a year. The Secretary of Transportation must first set aside certain amounts that are exempt from the cap, such as funds for emergency relief and a few older program carve-outs. Then the Secretary divides the remaining spending authority among highway programs and states using a set formula. States get a share based on how much they are authorized to receive compared to all states combined. After August 1, if a state cannot use its share, the Secretary can take back unused amounts and give them to states that can spend more, with priority going to states that already have large unspent balances. Any funds that cannot be spent because of the cap must be redistributed to states within 30 days and can be used for a wide range of road and transportation purposes.

    Who this affects

    All 50 states and the District of Columbia that receive federal highway funds. Federal highway and road construction projects across the country are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    The cap controls total federal highway spending commitments in one year, which limits overall federal debt obligations, but it can also delay or reduce road projects in states that need more funding.

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    the Secretary shall distribute to the States any funds...that are authorized to be appropriated for such fiscal year for Federal-aid highway programs...because of the imposition of any obligation limitation for such fiscal year.

36. Bureau of Transportation Statistics data sales reimbursement

    This section allows the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to keep money it earns from selling data products. Normally, federal agencies must send collected funds to the U.S. Treasury. This section creates an exception. The money instead goes into the Federal-aid highways account. From there, it is used to pay back the Bureau for the costs of running its data programs under federal transportation law.

    Who this affects

    The Bureau of Transportation Statistics and the Federal-aid highways account are directly affected. Agencies and businesses that buy transportation data products may see no direct change.

    Tradeoff

    Letting the Bureau keep its data sales revenue can help cover program costs, but it bypasses the usual rule that requires agencies to send collected money to the Treasury.

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    funds received by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics from the sale of data products, for necessary expenses incurred pursuant to chapter 63 of title 49, United States Code, may be credited to the Federal-aid highways account for the purpose of reimbursing the Bureau for such expenses.

37. Public notice before Buy America waivers for highway projects

    Before the Secretary of Transportation waives a Buy America rule for a federal highway project, this section requires a 15-day public notice period. During those 15 days, the public can comment on the planned waiver. Buy America rules generally require that materials like steel and iron used in federally funded projects be made in the United States. The Secretary must also post all granted waivers on a public website.

    Who this affects

    The public and anyone involved in federal highway projects, including contractors and suppliers. It also applies to the Secretary of Transportation when considering waiver requests.

    Tradeoff

    The public gets more visibility into waiver decisions, but the 15-day comment period could slow down project timelines when a waiver is needed quickly.

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    Not less than 15 days prior to waiving, under his or her statutory authority, any Buy America requirement for Federal-aid highways projects, the Secretary of Transportation shall make an informal public notice and comment opportunity on the intent to issue such waiver and the reasons therefor

38. Required notice before certain highway grants are awarded

    This section blocks the use of funds from this law to make a grant under a specific highway program (section 117 of federal transportation law) unless the Transportation Secretary first gives written notice to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. The notice must come at least 60 days before the grant is awarded. It must include a description of the project, a justification for choosing it, and the dollar amount of the proposed grant. This gives Congress time to review the decision before money goes out the door.

    Who this affects

    The Transportation Secretary is directly affected, as this adds a required step before awarding certain highway grants. Project applicants may also be affected, because grants cannot be finalized until the 60-day notice period passes.

    Tradeoff

    Congress gains oversight over how grant money is spent, but the 60-day waiting period could slow down the start of highway projects.

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    unless the Secretary, at least 60 days before making a grant under that section, provides written notification to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations of the proposed grant, including an evaluation and justification for the project and the amount of the proposed grant award.

39. Redirecting old, unused highway earmarks

    This section lets states and territories redirect old federal highway earmarks to new road or bridge projects. An earmark qualifies if it is more than 10 years old and has used less than 10 percent of its funds. The new project must be within 25 miles of where the original money was directed. There is one exception: if a project is fully closed and final payments are done, the leftover money can go anywhere in the state. The state must tell the U.S. Department of Transportation it plans to do this and file a yearly report listing the new projects. Once the state notifies the department, the money stays available for three more fiscal years. The federal cost-share stays the same as the original earmark. The Secretary of Transportation must send a combined report of all state activity to Congress each year.

    Who this affects

    States and U.S. territories that have old, mostly unused federal highway earmarks. Drivers and communities near the new projects would also be affected.

    Tradeoff

    Old money that might otherwise sit unused can fund new local road projects, but the original community that was promised the funding may not see it spent there.

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    A State or territory...may use for any project eligible under section 133(b) of title 23 or section 165 of title 23 and located within the boundary of the State or territory any earmarked amount...only for those projects or activities that have obligated less than 10 percent of the amount made available for obligation as of October 1 of the current fiscal year, and shall be applied to projects within the same general geographic area within 25 miles for which the funding was designated

40. Ban on automated traffic enforcement cameras

    This section stops federal funds from being used to buy, set up, maintain, or run automated cameras that enforce red lights, speed limits, or stop signs. There are two exceptions. First, cameras in school zones set up under state or local law are still allowed. Second, cameras used to protect road workers in active construction or maintenance zones are still allowed. Outside those two situations, no federal money in this bill can go toward these camera systems.

    Who this affects

    Local and state transportation agencies that use or want to use automated traffic cameras. Drivers who travel through areas where these cameras are currently funded by federal dollars.

    Tradeoff

    The ban could reduce automated enforcement and its associated fines in many areas, but it may also limit a tool that some agencies use to manage traffic safety.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to purchase, install, maintain, or operate automated traffic enforcement speed cameras for purposes of red-light enforcement, speed enforcement, or stop sign enforcement

41. Highway infrastructure funds reset for 2027

    This section cancels any leftover, unspent highway infrastructure money from fiscal year 2023 on September 30, 2026. Right away, the same dollar amount is put back as new funding for the same highway purposes. The new funding stays available through September 30, 2027. The effect is a one-year extension of the money under a fresh budget authority.

    Who this affects

    The Federal Highway Administration and any state or local projects waiting on unspent 2023 highway infrastructure funds.

    Tradeoff

    Projects get more time to use the money, but the reset process adds an administrative step and could briefly delay access to funds.

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    The remaining unobligated balances, as of September 30, 2026, from amounts made available in paragraph (1) of the heading Department of Transportation—Federal Highway Administration—Highway Infrastructure Programs for fiscal year 2023 in division L of Public Law 117–328 are hereby permanently rescinded, and an amount of additional new budget authority equivalent to the amount rescinded pursuant to this section is hereby appropriated for the same such purposes on September 30, 2026, to remain available until September 30, 2027.

42. Electronic logging device exemption for livestock and insect haulers

    This section blocks the Department of Transportation from spending any money to enforce electronic logging device (ELD) rules on truck drivers who haul livestock or insects. ELDs are small devices that track how many hours a driver has been on the road. Federal law normally requires most commercial truck drivers to use them. This section says that rule cannot be applied or enforced against drivers carrying animals like cattle, hogs, or sheep, as well as insects such as bees. The block applies to funds from this bill and any other funding source.

    Who this affects

    Commercial truck drivers who haul livestock or insects. It also affects federal transportation regulators who enforce hours-of-service rules.

    Tradeoff

    Livestock and insect haulers gain flexibility in tracking their driving hours, but critics argue that removing ELD oversight could make it harder to monitor driver fatigue on public roads.

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    None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Transportation by this Act or any other Act may be obligated or expended to implement, administer, or enforce the requirements of section 31137 of title 49, United States Code...with respect to the use of electronic logging devices by operators of commercial motor vehicles...transporting livestock...or insects.

43. Limits on truck driver apprenticeship program requirements

    This section blocks federal money from being used to impose two specific rules on trucking companies. First, no funds can require trucking companies to install cameras that face inward toward drivers. Second, no funds can require trucking companies to register their apprenticeship programs with the Department of Labor in order to join a federal safe driver apprenticeship pilot program. In short, these two conditions cannot be made mandatory for participation in that pilot program.

    Who this affects

    Motor carriers (trucking companies) that want to take part in the safe driver apprenticeship pilot program. It also affects truck drivers who might otherwise have been recorded by inward-facing cameras.

    Tradeoff

    Trucking companies gain more flexibility and fewer requirements to join the program, but regulators and safety advocates lose two tools that could be used to monitor driver behavior and track training quality.

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    None of the funds made available by this or any other Act may be used to require the use of inward facing cameras or require a motor carrier to register an apprenticeship program with the Department of Labor as a condition for participation in the safe driver apprenticeship pilot program.

44. Locking in federal truck driver rest-time rules

    This section blocks any federal funds from being used to change or cancel two specific federal rulings from 2018 and 2020. Those rulings said that federal trucking rest-time rules (hours-of-service rules) override certain state laws on the same topic. The section also tells the Secretary of Transportation to reject, without a formal hearing, any requests to undo those rulings. This applies to requests already waiting and to any new requests filed after this law takes effect.

    Who this affects

    Truck drivers and trucking companies operating across state lines are affected, as are states that have their own rest-time or meal-break laws for drivers.

    Tradeoff

    Keeping the federal rules in place gives trucking companies one uniform standard to follow, but it prevents states from enforcing their own worker-protection laws for truck drivers.

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    None of the funds made available by this or any other Act may be used to modify, rescind, or grant waivers from the preemption determinations published by FMCSA at 83 FR 67470 (Dec. 28, 2018) and 85 FR 73335 (Nov. 17, 2020).

45. Carryover of unused highway safety funding authority

    This section creates an exception to the spending limits placed on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in this bill. Normally, the bill caps how much NHTSA can commit to spend. This section says those caps do not apply to funding authority that was approved in earlier laws, as long as that older authority has not expired and has not already been used. In short, NHTSA can still use leftover approved funding from prior years even if it goes above the new caps set in this bill.

    Who this affects

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and any highway safety programs funded through it. Indirectly affects recipients of NHTSA grants and contracts.

    Tradeoff

    This provision lets NHTSA use older unspent funds without being blocked by new caps, which preserves flexibility but also means total NHTSA spending could exceed the limits Congress sets in this bill.

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    The limitations on obligations for the programs of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration set in this Act shall not apply to obligations for which obligation authority was made available in previous public laws but only to the extent that the obligation authority has not lapsed or been used.

46. Ban on promoting drug or alcohol use in safety ad campaigns

    This section blocks the use of any money from this bill for impaired driving ads that could be seen as encouraging illegal drug or alcohol use. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration runs public awareness campaigns about drunk and drugged driving. This provision says none of that funding can go toward ads that promote or encourage the very behaviors those campaigns are meant to discourage.

    Who this affects

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and anyone who creates or produces its impaired driving ad campaigns.

    Tradeoff

    The restriction aims to keep safety messages consistent, but the word 'encourage' is not defined, which could create uncertainty about what ad content is allowed.

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    None of the funds provided in this Act may be used to encourage illegal drug or alcohol use in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's impaired driving advertising campaigns.

47. Technical assistance for highway safety grants

    This section allows money already set aside for grant administration to also be used for technical assistance. The assistance goes to organizations that receive highway traffic safety grants. These grants fall under a specific federal law covering road safety programs. No new money is added. The section just expands what the existing administrative funds can be spent on.

    Who this affects

    Organizations and agencies that receive federal highway traffic safety grants. Grant administrators who oversee these programs.

    Tradeoff

    Grantees get more support to run safety programs, but the same pool of administrative funds must now cover both overhead costs and technical assistance.

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    may be used to provide technical assistance to grantees implementing highway traffic safety grants.

48. Railroad financial assistance oversight funding transfer

    This section lets the Secretary of Transportation move certain money to a dedicated Federal Railroad Administration account. That account covers the costs of awarding, managing, and overseeing railroad financial assistance programs. The transferred funds come from amounts already set aside in this or earlier spending bills for those same oversight purposes. One limit applies: money that Congress previously marked as an emergency cannot be moved this way.

    Who this affects

    The Federal Railroad Administration and recipients of its financial assistance programs. Taxpayers who fund those programs are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Centralizing oversight money in one account may improve management, but it also shifts funds between accounts, which reduces direct congressional control over how each dollar is spent.

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    may be transferred to the Federal Railroad Administration's Financial Assistance Oversight and Technical Assistance account for the necessary expenses to support the award, administration, project management oversight, and technical assistance of financial assistance administered by the Federal Railroad Administration

49. Amtrak employee overtime cap

    This section limits how much federal money Amtrak can spend on overtime for any single worker. No employee can receive more than $35,000 in overtime paid with federal funds. The President of Amtrak can waive that cap for specific workers if the cap would create a safety or operations risk. Within 60 days of the law taking effect, Amtrak must report to Congress on all overtime payments made in 2026 and the three years before that. The report must show how many workers got waivers each month and how much overtime those workers were paid.

    Who this affects

    Amtrak employees who work overtime and the managers who approve overtime pay. Taxpayers who fund Amtrak through federal appropriations are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    The cap limits federal spending on overtime, but it could make it harder to staff trains and maintain safety if not enough workers are available.

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    None of the funds made available to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation may be used to fund any overtime costs in excess of $35,000 for any individual employee: Provided, That the President of Amtrak may waive the cap set in the preceding proviso for specific employees when the President of Amtrak determines such a cap poses a risk to the safety and operational efficiency of the system

50. Amtrak police staffing floor

    This section says Amtrak cannot use federal grant money to cut the number of uniformed Amtrak Police officers below the level on May 1, 2019. That date serves as a minimum staffing floor. Officers who patrol on trains, at stations, at facilities, and along rail rights-of-way are all covered. If Amtrak receives Northeast Corridor grants or National Network grants, it must keep police staffing at or above that 2019 count.

    Who this affects

    Amtrak and its police department. Rail passengers and station users who rely on uniformed officer presence.

    Tradeoff

    Maintaining a staffing floor may protect passenger safety but limits Amtrak's ability to shift resources or cut costs.

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    None of the funds made available to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation under the headings Northeast Corridor Grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation and National Network Grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation may be used to reduce the total number of Amtrak Police Department uniformed officers patrolling on board passenger trains or at stations, facilities or rights-of-way below the staffing level on May 1, 2019.

51. Washington Union Station grant eligibility

    This section makes the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation eligible for federal rail grants. Those grants come from a fund created by the 2021 infrastructure law. Normally, certain rules limit who can receive these grants. This section waives one of those rules for the Corporation. In exchange, the Corporation and Amtrak must follow a 1981 law about the station. They must also preserve the historic building and make improvements. The section requires them to rely as much as possible on private money and use as little federal money as possible.

    Who this affects

    The Union Station Redevelopment Corporation and Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corporation) are directly affected. Travelers who use Washington Union Station and federal taxpayers are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Opening up federal rail grant money for Union Station repairs could speed up improvements, but it also directs federal funds to one specific building while requiring minimal federal spending.

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    the Union Station Redevelopment Corporation shall be considered an entity eligible to receive a grant under section 24911(a) of title 49, United States Code

52. Ban on federal funds for Texas high-speed rail project

    This section blocks all federal money from going to Texas for a high-speed rail project that matches or closely resembles the Texas Central Railway project. That project was once called the Amtrak Texas High-Speed Rail Corridor. The ban applies to funds from this bill and any other federal law. Texas cannot receive this money as long as the proposed project is the same or nearly the same as the one described.

    Who this affects

    The State of Texas and any developers or partners seeking federal support for this specific high-speed rail corridor. Potential future rail passengers along that route are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    The ban prevents federal spending on this particular Texas rail project, but it also means the project cannot use federal funds to move forward, which could delay or stop construction.

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    None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available under this Act or any other Act may be provided to the State of Texas for a high-speed rail corridor development project that is the same or substantially similar to the Amtrak Texas High-Speed Rail Corridor previously known as the Texas Central Railway project.

53. Rail fund transfer made optional

    This section changes one word in existing federal law about Amtrak and rail funding. The word 'shall' is replaced with 'may' in a rule about transferring money between rail accounts. 'Shall' means something is required by law. 'May' means it is optional. So a transfer that was once required becomes a choice.

    Who this affects

    Federal rail administrators and Amtrak, who manage the rail funding accounts affected by this transfer rule.

    Tradeoff

    Making the transfer optional gives officials more flexibility, but it also means money that was previously guaranteed to move to a specific account might not be transferred at all.

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    by striking shall transfer and inserting may transfer

54. Amtrak budget report deadline and funding penalty

    This section requires Amtrak to send Congress a detailed budget report within 3 days after the President submits the federal budget. The report must show how Amtrak plans to spend requested funds. It must break down spending by category for two accounts: the Northeast Corridor and the National Network. Categories include operating costs, debt payments, construction projects, contingency funds, and oversight. If Amtrak misses the 3-day deadline, its federal grant funding is cut by 5 percent. That cut repeats every 3 days until Amtrak submits the report.

    Who this affects

    Amtrak is directly affected, since it faces funding cuts for late reporting. Passengers and communities that rely on Amtrak service could also be affected if funding is reduced.

    Tradeoff

    Congress gains faster spending information from Amtrak, but Amtrak risks losing federal funding if it cannot meet the tight 3-day reporting deadline.

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    on the fourth day after the President's budget is submitted, and again every third day thereafter, the amounts made available to Amtrak under the headings Northeast Corridor Grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation and National Network Grants to the National Railroad Passenger Corporation shall be reduced by 5 percent until the report described in the preceding two provisos has been transmitted to Congress.

55. Federal Transit Administration spending limits exception

    This section says that caps on Federal Transit Administration spending do not apply to two things. First, they do not apply to money already set aside under the main federal public transit funding law (49 U.S.C. 5338). Second, they do not apply to any other funds that were already made available before this bill. In short, money that was previously approved and set aside can still be spent, even if this bill places new limits on transit spending overall.

    Who this affects

    Federal Transit Administration programs and the transit agencies that receive federal funds. It mainly affects projects that already have approved funding.

    Tradeoff

    Allowing previously approved funds to move forward gives transit projects certainty, but it also means the new spending caps in this bill have less effect on money that was already committed.

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    The limitations on obligations for the programs of the Federal Transit Administration shall not apply to any authority under 49 U.S.C. 5338 , previously made available for obligation, or to any other authority previously made available for obligation.

56. Redirecting unspent transit capital grant funds

    This section sets a rule for federal transit construction grants. If money set aside for specific transit projects is not formally committed by September 30, 2030, it does not go back to the general treasury. Instead, it stays in the program and gets redirected to other eligible transit projects. The same rule applies to any money recovered from existing projects, such as funds returned after a project cost less than expected.

    Who this affects

    Federal transit agencies and local transit authorities seeking Capital Investment Grant funding for projects such as new rail lines or bus rapid transit systems.

    Tradeoff

    Keeping unspent funds in the transit program means money stays available for transit uses, but Congress and the public have less direct control over which new projects receive those leftover dollars.

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    funds appropriated or limited by this Act under the heading Capital Investment Grants of the Federal Transit Administration for projects specified in this Act not obligated by September 30, 2030, and other recoveries, shall be directed to projects eligible to use the funds for the purposes for which they were originally provided.

57. Transfer of unspent transit funds to current accounts

    This section lets the federal government move leftover transit money into current budget accounts. Specifically, any unspent funds from public transit programs (listed under chapter 53 of federal transportation law) that were approved before October 1, 2026, can be shifted to the matching current-year budget line. The money would then be managed under the newest version of that program's budget heading. This is a housekeeping rule that overrides other laws that might otherwise block the transfer.

    Who this affects

    Federal transit agencies and the Department of Transportation, which manage public transit grants. Transit agencies waiting on older grant funds could see those funds moved into new accounts.

    Tradeoff

    Moving old funds into new accounts can simplify administration, but it may also change the rules under which that money is spent.

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    any funds appropriated before October 1, 2026, under any section of chapter 53 of title 49, United States Code, that remain available for expenditure, may be transferred to and administered under the most recent appropriation heading for any such section.

58. Block on highway fund reductions

    This section stops any federal agency from using money provided by this bill or any other law to cut or hold back highway funding. Specifically, it blocks a process in tax law that lets the government reduce how much states get from the Highway Trust Fund when that fund runs low. As long as this section is in effect, that automatic reduction trigger cannot be used.

    Who this affects

    State and local governments that receive highway and transit money from the federal Highway Trust Fund. Federal transportation agencies are also affected because they lose the ability to adjust those payments.

    Tradeoff

    States keep their full highway funding even if the Trust Fund is running low, but that protection could speed up how fast the fund runs out of money.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act or any other Act shall be used to adjust apportionments or withhold funds from apportionments pursuant to section 9503(e)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986

59. Ban on contracts with certain foreign rail companies

    This section blocks the use of any funds from this bill to award or change a contract with certain companies. The companies blocked are those that met specific criteria under federal transit law on or after December 20, 2019. This rule also covers spin-off companies, subsidiaries, partners, and related businesses of those blocked companies, even if those related companies do not themselves meet the original criteria. The criteria in question (49 U.S.C. 5323(u)) refer to companies linked to foreign state-owned rail manufacturers, specifically Chinese rail firms flagged by Congress. There is one exception: if a transit agency already signed a rolling stock contract on or before December 20, 2021, that contract can still receive funding, but only within limits set by a separate federal contracting rule.

    Who this affects

    Transit agencies and contractors seeking federal transportation funds. Companies connected to blocked foreign rail manufacturers are also directly affected.

    Tradeoff

    The section protects against funding foreign state-owned rail firms, but it limits purchasing options for transit agencies that may have fewer or costlier alternatives.

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    None of the funds made available under this Act shall be used in awarding or amending a contract or subcontract to an entity that, at any time on or after December 20, 2019, met the criteria described in section 5323(u) of title 49, United States Code, or to any entity resulting from a reorganization or restructuring of such entity, or to any successor, subsidiary, affiliate, joint venture, or co-owned enterprise of such an entity

60. Maritime Administration property utilities and repairs

    This section lets the Maritime Administration provide utilities, services, and repairs on government property it controls. This applies when that property is leased or used under a contract or occupancy agreement. Money collected to cover those utilities, services, and repairs goes back into the same budget account that paid for them. That money stays available until it is spent. Any other rent payments collected under these agreements go into the general U.S. Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

    Who this affects

    The Maritime Administration and any businesses or organizations that lease or occupy government property under its control.

    Tradeoff

    This gives the Maritime Administration more flexibility to manage its properties and recover costs, but only utility and repair payments cycle back to the agency while other rental income goes to the general Treasury.

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    payments received therefor shall be credited to the appropriation charged with the cost thereof and shall remain available until expended: Provided further, That rental payments under any such lease, contract, or occupancy for items other than such utilities, services, or repairs shall be deposited into the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts.

61. Department of Transportation vehicles and aircraft use

    This section allows the Department of Transportation to spend its existing budget on several things. It can maintain and operate aircraft and motor vehicles. It can buy liability insurance for vehicles used on official business in other countries. It can pay for employee uniforms or uniform allowances. It also allows the Department to buy, maintain, operate, and deploy drones that support its work. Finally, it says that any drones the Department bought before this law passed are considered officially approved by Congress, as if this rule had already been in place at the time of purchase.

    Who this affects

    The Department of Transportation and its staff who use government vehicles, aircraft, and drones for official work.

    Tradeoff

    This gives the Department flexibility to use funds for drones and vehicles, but it also retroactively approves past drone purchases without a separate review of each one.

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    Any unmanned aircraft system purchased, procured, or contracted for by the Department prior to the date of enactment of this Act shall be deemed authorized by Congress as if this provision was in effect when the system was purchased, procured, or contracted for.

62. Limit on pay for outside experts hired by the Department of Transportation

    This section sets a pay cap for outside experts and consultants hired by the Department of Transportation. The government sometimes hires specialists who are not federal employees for short-term work. This section says those individuals cannot be paid more than the daily rate of a federal Executive Level IV official. That is a senior government pay grade, currently around $180,000 per year when converted to a daily rate.

    Who this affects

    Outside consultants and experts hired on short-term contracts by the Department of Transportation. It also affects taxpayers who fund those contracts.

    Tradeoff

    The cap keeps consulting costs limited, but it may make it harder to attract highly paid private-sector specialists who earn more than that rate.

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    at rates for individuals not to exceed the per diem rate equivalent to the rate for an Executive Level IV

63. Protection of driver personal information

    This section limits how federal funding recipients can share personal information from state motor vehicle records. Any group or agency that gets money through this law cannot share driver information (such as names, addresses, or license numbers) unless a federal privacy law already allows it. However, there is an important limit: if a state breaks this rule, the federal government cannot take away grant money from other groups in that state just because of the state's violation.

    Who this affects

    Any organization or agency that receives funding under this law and handles state motor vehicle records. Drivers in all states also have an interest, since their personal data is involved.

    Tradeoff

    The rule adds a privacy protection for drivers, but it removes a key enforcement tool because federal officials cannot cut off grant funds when a state is found to be out of compliance.

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    No recipient of amounts made available by this Act shall disseminate personal information...obtained by a State department of motor vehicles...except as provided in section 2721 of title 18, United States Code.

64. Limit on political appointees at the Department of Transportation

    This section caps the number of political and Presidential appointees at the Department of Transportation at 125. Funds from this bill cannot pay the salaries or expenses of any appointees beyond that number. It also bars any of those 125 appointees from being temporarily assigned to work outside the Department of Transportation.

    Who this affects

    Political and Presidential appointees at the Department of Transportation. It also affects agency leadership that makes staffing decisions.

    Tradeoff

    The cap limits the administration's flexibility to staff the department with political appointees, but it also puts a check on the number of politically appointed positions funded by taxpayers.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act shall be available for salaries and expenses of more than 125 political and Presidential appointees in the Department of Transportation

65. Crediting training expense reimbursements to highway and railroad accounts

    This section lets two federal agencies keep money they receive from outside sources for training costs. When states, counties, cities, other public bodies, or private groups pay the Federal Highway Administration or Federal Railroad Administration for training expenses, those payments go back into each agency's own budget account. There is one exception: payments related to training state rail safety inspectors under federal law do not get credited this way.

    Who this affects

    The Federal Highway Administration and Federal Railroad Administration are directly affected. States, local governments, and private groups that pay for training provided by these agencies are also involved.

    Tradeoff

    Allowing agencies to keep training reimbursements gives them more operating funds, but it also reduces central budget oversight over how those funds are used.

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    Funds received by the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Railroad Administration from States, counties, municipalities, other public authorities, and private sources for expenses incurred for training may be credited respectively to the Federal Highway Administration's Federal-Aid Highways account and to the Federal Railroad Administration's Safety and Operations account, except for State rail safety inspectors participating in training pursuant to section 20105 of title 49, United States Code.

66. Congressional notice before transportation funding decisions

    This section requires the Department of Transportation to notify Congress before acting on certain funding decisions. Specifically, the Secretary must tell the House and Senate Appropriations Committees at least 3 business days before announcing any new competitive grant, loan, loan guarantee, or similar agreement. The Secretary must also give those committees a full list of all such funding actions before sending individual notices. For emergency relief funds released quickly, the Secretary must notify Congress at the same time the release happens. The Secretary cannot cancel or take back a grant or loan without notifying Congress first, unless the recipient asks for it. Funds that are not yet available cannot be part of any notice.

    Who this affects

    The Department of Transportation and its agencies are directly affected. State and local governments, transit agencies, and other recipients of federal transportation grants and loans are indirectly affected.

    Tradeoff

    Congress gains more oversight over how transportation money is awarded and withdrawn, but the required notice period may slow down the announcement of some funding decisions.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act...may be used to make, withdraw, terminate, or rescind (except at the request of the recipient) a loan, loan guarantee, line of credit, letter of intent, federally funded cooperative agreement, full funding grant agreement, or discretionary grant unless the Secretary of Transportation notifies the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not less than 3 full business days before any project competitively selected to receive any discretionary grant award...is announced

67. Recycling small payments back into the department

    This section says that small amounts of money the Department of Transportation receives from certain sources can be kept and reused by the department. Those sources include travel booking centers, government credit card programs, renting out extra office space, and other minor income. The money is added back into the department's budget. It is then divided among the department's offices using fair rules. The funds do not expire at the end of the year and can be spent whenever needed.

    Who this affects

    The Department of Transportation and its internal offices. Taxpayers are indirectly affected because this money stays within the department instead of returning to the general treasury.

    Tradeoff

    Allowing the department to keep and reuse these funds gives it more flexibility, but it also reduces oversight by Congress over how that money is spent.

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    Rebates, refunds, incentive payments, minor fees, and other funds received by the Department of Transportation from travel management centers, charge card programs, the subleasing of building space, and miscellaneous sources are to be credited to appropriations of the Department of Transportation

68. Reprogramming notice rules for transportation funds

    This section sets rules for when the Department of Transportation wants to move money from one purpose to another (called reprogramming). Normally, other congressional committees might receive notice of these moves. Under this section, the notice must go only to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. Only those two committees can approve or deny the move. Other congressional committees can be told about the decision, but not until at least 30 days after the Appropriations Committees have made their choice.

    Who this affects

    The Department of Transportation and members of Congress. Committees outside of Appropriations lose their role in reviewing these funding moves.

    Tradeoff

    Centralizing reprogramming decisions in the Appropriations Committees speeds up the process and keeps oversight in one place, but it reduces input from other committees that may have expertise in the affected programs.

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    transmission of such reprogramming notice shall be provided solely to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, and such reprogramming action shall be approved or denied solely by the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations

69. Limits on shared cost charges within the Transportation Department

    This section limits when transportation agencies can use their own funds to pay the Department of Transportation's central office. An agency can only pay those shared costs if the money is for goods or services that directly help that specific agency. Broad administrative fees or charges that do not clearly benefit the paying agency are not allowed under this rule.

    Who this affects

    Individual transportation agencies (such as the Federal Highway Administration or the Federal Aviation Administration) and the Office of the Secretary of Transportation.

    Tradeoff

    This rule protects agency budgets from vague overhead charges, but it may limit the central office's ability to spread shared costs across agencies.

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    Funds appropriated by this Act to the operating administrations may be obligated for the Office of the Secretary for the costs related to assessments or reimbursable agreements only when such amounts are for the costs of goods and services that are purchased to provide a direct benefit to the applicable operating administration or administrations.

70. Uniform standards for federal employee transit benefits

    This section lets the Secretary of Transportation create a program with uniform standards for federal employee transit passes and transit benefits. The standards would cover how benefits are given out. Both paper and electronic ways of distributing benefits are allowed. The goal is to make the process consistent across federal agencies.

    Who this affects

    Federal employees who receive transit passes or transit benefits as part of their job. Federal agencies that manage and hand out those benefits.

    Tradeoff

    Uniform standards could make benefit delivery more consistent and easier to manage, but agencies may need to adjust their current systems to comply.

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    The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to carry out a program that establishes uniform standards for developing and supporting agency transit pass and transit benefits authorized under section 7905 of title 5, United States Code, including distribution of transit benefits by various paper and electronic media.

71. Conditions on local hiring preferences for transportation contracts

    This section sets rules for when the Department of Transportation can allow local or other hiring preferences on federally funded contracts. A grant recipient (such as a city or state agency) must first certify three things before using such a preference. First, enough unemployed and qualified workers already live in the local area. Second, contractors will not fire existing workers just to meet the hiring preference. Third, any extra costs or delays from the preference will not slow down or cancel other planned transportation projects. If the grant recipient cannot certify all three conditions, the hiring preference cannot be used.

    Who this affects

    State and local transportation agencies that receive federal highway or transit grants. Contractors, construction workers, and unemployed job seekers in areas where such grants are spent.

    Tradeoff

    Local hiring preferences may direct jobs to nearby residents, but the required certifications add steps for grant recipients and limit when those preferences can be applied.

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    the grant recipient will include appropriate provisions in its bid document ensuring that the contractor does not displace any of its existing employees in order to satisfy such hiring preference

72. Industrial control systems procurement best practices

    This section requires the Secretary of Transportation to work with the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Commerce. Together, they must make sure that best practices for buying industrial control systems are current. Industrial control systems manage physical equipment like signals, bridges, and pipelines. Any system bought with money from this title must consider those best practices before purchase.

    Who this affects

    Federal agencies buying transportation-related industrial control systems. Vendors and contractors who sell those systems to the government.

    Tradeoff

    Coordinating across three agencies may improve security standards, but it could also slow down or add steps to the procurement process.

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    The Secretary of Transportation shall coordinate with the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Commerce to ensure that best practices for Industrial Control Systems Procurement are up-to-date and are considered for all systems procured with funds provided under this title.

73. Ban on drones from certain foreign countries

    This section bars any money in this bill from being spent in a way that violates the American Security Drone Act of 2023. That law restricts the federal government from buying or using drones made by companies linked to certain foreign adversaries, such as China. In short, no transportation or housing funds here can go toward purchasing or operating those restricted drones.

    Who this affects

    Federal agencies and contractors who receive funds from this bill. Any vendor selling drones that fall under the 2023 law's restrictions would also be affected.

    Tradeoff

    This keeps federal spending away from potentially risky foreign drone technology, but it may limit purchasing options and could raise costs if fewer drones qualify.

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    None of the funds made available in this Act may be used in contravention of the American Security Drone Act of 2023 (subtitle B of title XVIII of division A of Public Law 118–31).

74. No COVID-19 mask mandates at the Department of Transportation

    This section blocks the Department of Transportation from using any of its 2027 funds to enforce a mask requirement related to COVID-19. The department could not require masks on planes, trains, buses, or in any other transportation setting it oversees. The ban applies only to COVID-19 mask rules, not to other safety requirements.

    Who this affects

    Travelers who use federally regulated transportation, such as air and rail passengers. It also affects transportation workers in those settings.

    Tradeoff

    Removing a potential public health tool during a disease outbreak trades away one layer of infection control in exchange for fewer restrictions on travelers and transportation workers.

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    None of the funds appropriated or made available by this title for the Department of Transportation for fiscal year 2027 may be used to enforce a mask mandate in response to the COVID–19 virus.

75. Block on new U.S. flights over or to confiscated Cuban property

    This section bars any money in this bill from being used to set up new scheduled airline routes from the United States that land on or fly over property taken by the Cuban government. The ban covers property where even a partial ownership was seized. It uses definitions from a 1996 law called the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act. A flight counts as 'new' if it was not already running on a regular schedule before May 2022. Routes that were already operating regularly before that date are not affected.

    Who this affects

    U.S. airlines and federal agencies that support air travel routes to or through Cuba. Travelers who might want to use new Cuba flight routes are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    This provision limits new air service options to Cuba, which may protect claims of people whose property was seized, but it also restricts the growth of travel and commerce between the two countries.

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    None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to facilitate new scheduled air transportation originating from the United States if such flights would land on, or pass through, property confiscated by the Cuban Government

76. Ban on state sponsor of terrorism officials visiting Transportation Department

    This section blocks federal funds from being used to let officials from countries labeled 'state sponsors of terrorism' visit or meet with Department of Transportation employees, including FAA staff. The ban covers any country that received that designation within the past three fiscal years. It applies whether the official wants to observe, tour, visit, or hold talks. The section also defines 'state sponsor of terrorism' by pointing to four existing laws that give the Secretary of State authority to make that determination.

    Who this affects

    Officials from countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism are blocked from visiting the Department of Transportation or FAA. Department of Transportation and FAA employees are also affected, since staff cannot host or meet with such officials in any official setting.

    Tradeoff

    The ban adds a security barrier against potential adversary access to U.S. transportation agencies, but it also limits diplomatic or technical exchanges that might otherwise occur with those countries.

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    None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this or any other Act may be used to license, facilitate, coordinate, or otherwise allow officials of a country designated as a state sponsor of terrorism within the past 3 fiscal years, to, in the official capacity of such official, observe, tour, visit, or confer with the employees of the Department of Transportation, including the Federal Aviation Administration.

77. Ban on transportation funds for entities that run Chinese company ads

    This section blocks the Department of Transportation from giving money to any group that runs advertisements for companies headquartered in China. This includes corporations, partnerships, firms, and their subsidiaries based in China. If an organization accepts and displays such ads, it cannot receive Transportation Department funding under this law.

    Who this affects

    Any organization that receives Transportation Department grants or funding and also carries advertising from China-based companies. This could include transit agencies, media outlets, or other entities that run such ads.

    Tradeoff

    The restriction may reduce foreign corporate influence in federally funded spaces, but it could also cut funding to transit systems or other groups that rely on ad revenue from Chinese-owned businesses.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the Department of Transportation to provide financial assistance to any entity that disseminates advertisements for a corporation, company, firm, partnership, joint stock company, or a subsidiary thereof, headquartered within the People's Republic of China.

78. No AI transcription for congressional meetings

    This section bars the Department of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development from using artificial intelligence tools to record or transcribe meetings, phone calls, or video calls with the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. The ban applies to money provided in this bill and in past spending bills. No AI note-taking or recording software may be used during those specific conversations.

    Who this affects

    Staff and officials at the Department who communicate with the Appropriations Committees. It also affects how those committee meetings are documented.

    Tradeoff

    The restriction protects the privacy and security of budget talks with Congress, but it may mean staff must take notes by hand or use other methods, which takes more time.

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    None of the funds made available in this title in this or prior Acts may be used by the Department to use artificial intelligence to transcribe or record for meetings, phone calls, and video teleconferences with the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.

79. Recaptured housing funds: Treasury return and reuse rules

    When money is recaptured from certain older federal housing projects, this section splits it two ways. Half must be returned to the U.S. Treasury. The other half can be used by state housing finance agencies or local governments for approved housing projects that closed after January 1, 1992. On top of that, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development can set aside up to 15 percent of the kept funds as incentives for project owners who refinance at a lower interest rate.

    Who this affects

    State housing finance agencies, local governments, and owners of federally assisted housing projects that were approved after January 1, 1992.

    Tradeoff

    Returning half the recaptured funds to the Treasury reduces the amount available for local housing programs, but it lowers the federal deficit impact.

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    Fifty percent of the amounts of budget authority, or in lieu thereof 50 percent of the cash amounts associated with such budget authority, that are recaptured from projects described in section 1012(a) of the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Amendments Act of 1988 shall be rescinded or in the case of cash, shall be remitted to the Treasury

80. Limit on Fair Housing Act enforcement funds

    This section stops federal money from being used to investigate or prosecute certain activities under the Fair Housing Act. Specifically, it covers activities that are otherwise legal and done solely to influence a government official, a government agency, or a court. This includes filing or keeping a nonfrivolous lawsuit. In short, if someone takes a lawful action just to pressure a government body or court, the government cannot use funds from this law to go after them under the Fair Housing Act.

    Who this affects

    People or groups who engage in legal advocacy, lobbying, or litigation aimed at influencing government officials or courts on housing matters. It also affects federal agencies that enforce the Fair Housing Act.

    Tradeoff

    This provision protects certain legal and advocacy activities from Fair Housing Act prosecution, but it may also limit the government's ability to pursue cases where such activities are alleged to involve housing discrimination.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to investigate or prosecute under the Fair Housing Act any otherwise lawful activity engaged in by one or more persons, including the filing or maintaining of a nonfrivolous legal action, that is engaged in solely for the purpose of achieving or preventing action by a Government official or entity, or a court of competent jurisdiction.

81. Competitive bidding requirement for housing grants

    This section says that grants and similar funding agreements under Title II of this bill must be awarded through open competition. There is one exception: if a different law specifically says competition is not required. The section also requires HUD to follow an existing 1989 law that sets rules for how grant decisions are made and documented.

    Who this affects

    Organizations and local governments that apply for HUD housing grants. It also affects HUD staff who process and award those grants.

    Tradeoff

    Open competition can make the process fairer, but it may slow down funding and create extra paperwork for both applicants and HUD.

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    any grant, cooperative agreement or other assistance made pursuant to title II of this Act shall be made on a competitive basis and in accordance with section 102 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Reform Act of 1989

82. HUD payment flexibility for financial and legal services

    This section lets the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) pay for contract legal services without being blocked by normal caps on administrative spending. It also lets HUD use and pay for services from several major financial institutions. Those include Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, the Federal Financing Bank, Federal Reserve banks, Federal Home Loan banks, and FDIC-insured banks. These permissions apply to HUD funds that fall under two specific federal laws governing government corporations.

    Who this affects

    HUD and the financial institutions it works with, such as Fannie Mae and Federal Home Loan banks. Taxpayers fund HUD and are indirectly affected by how HUD manages these costs.

    Tradeoff

    Allowing HUD to bypass normal spending caps on administrative costs gives it more flexibility, but it also reduces a financial guardrail that would otherwise limit how much it spends on legal and financial services.

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    Funds of the Department of Housing and Urban Development subject to the Government Corporation Control Act or section 402 of the Housing Act of 1950 shall be available, without regard to the limitations on administrative expenses, for legal services on a contract or fee basis

83. HUD spending limited to budget request amounts

    This section sets a spending cap for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD cannot spend more money on any program, project, or activity than what the agency asked for in its budget submitted to Congress. There are two exceptions. First, the Act itself can allow higher spending somewhere else in its text. Second, a formal process called a 'reprogramming' can shift funds and allow a different amount. Without one of those two exceptions, HUD must stay within its original budget request.

    Who this affects

    The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the programs it funds, including housing assistance programs. Indirectly affects any person or organization that receives HUD funding.

    Tradeoff

    This limits surprise spending increases and keeps HUD closer to its original plan, but it also reduces flexibility to respond to unexpected needs without going through a formal reprogramming process.

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    no part of any appropriation for the Department of Housing and Urban Development shall be available for any program, project or activity in excess of amounts set forth in the budget estimates submitted to Congress.

84. Spending authority for HUD corporations and agencies

    This section gives HUD corporations and agencies permission to spend money and sign contracts for their 2027 programs. They must stay within the funds and borrowing limits already set by law. Their collected funds (such as loan repayments) can only be used for new loans or mortgage purchases if this Act specifically says so. There is an exception for mortgage insurance and guaranty programs. There is also an exception when making a loan or buying a mortgage is needed to protect the U.S. government's financial interest.

    Who this affects

    HUD corporations and agencies, such as those running federal mortgage and housing programs. It also affects borrowers and lenders who rely on those programs.

    Tradeoff

    Giving agencies broad spending flexibility helps programs run smoothly, but limiting new loan commitments to what Congress expressly approves keeps tighter control over federal funds.

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    collections of these corporations and agencies may be used for new loan or mortgage purchase commitments only to the extent expressly provided for in this Act

85. Block on certain Ginnie Mae audits

    This section stops any money in this bill from being used to audit Ginnie Mae (the Government National Mortgage Association) in a specific way. The audit method it blocks would apply the rules of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990. That law sets standards for how the federal government measures and reports the cost of loans and loan guarantees. Under those rules, Ginnie Mae's finances would be measured differently than they currently are. This section prevents auditors from using that approach.

    Who this affects

    Ginnie Mae, which backs mortgage-backed securities for home loans. Federal auditors and oversight agencies that review Ginnie Mae's books are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Blocking this audit method keeps Ginnie Mae's current accounting approach in place, but it also limits one way Congress and the public could assess the government's true financial exposure from Ginnie Mae's loan guarantees.

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    None of the funds made available by this title may be used for an audit of the Government National Mortgage Association that makes applicable requirements under the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990

86. Transfer of housing assistance between apartment projects

    This section lets the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development move federal rental assistance, government-held or insured debt, and affordability requirements from one federally assisted apartment building to another. The transfers are allowed in fiscal years 2027 and 2028. They can happen in stages to fit the financing needs of the new building. Several conditions apply. The receiving building must meet physical standards. The number of low-income units cannot drop unless the Secretary finds a good reason. Tenants cannot be forced to move until their new unit is ready. The Secretary must decide the transfer is in tenants' best interest. The original building must be physically worn out, economically unworkable, or close to becoming unworkable. Any new private loans on the receiving building must rank below any government-insured loan already on it. The affordability rules must carry over to the new building and last at least as long as the old rules. The transfer cannot raise the cost of any government-insured loan unless Congress has provided money for that extra cost.

    Who this affects

    Low-income and very low-income renters living in federally assisted apartment buildings. Also affects building owners, local governments, and HUD.

    Tradeoff

    Moving assistance to a better building could improve housing conditions, but tenants face the risk of displacement if the process is not managed carefully.

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    The tenants of the transferring project who remain eligible for assistance to be provided by the receiving project or projects shall not be required to vacate their units in the transferring project or projects until new units in the receiving project are available for occupancy.

87. College student eligibility limits for Section 8 housing aid

    This section lists who cannot get Section 8 rental assistance if they are a college student. A student is blocked from getting this aid if they are under 24, unmarried, not a veteran, have no dependent children, are not disabled, never received Section 8 before November 30, 2005, and did not leave foster care at age 14 or older. A student is also blocked if their parents are not eligible for Section 8 on their own. Students who meet even one of those exceptions can still qualify.

    Who this affects

    College students under 24 who apply for Section 8 rental assistance. Veterans, students with children, students with disabilities, and former foster youth are not affected by this restriction.

    Tradeoff

    The rule limits housing aid spending on college students, but it may leave some low-income students without rental help if their parents also cannot qualify for aid.

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    No assistance shall be provided under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 to any individual who— (1) is enrolled as a student at an institution of higher education... (2) is under 24 years of age; (3) is not a veteran; (4) is unmarried; (5) does not have a dependent child...

88. Native Alaskan housing funds restricted to past recipients

    This section limits who can receive certain housing money for Native Alaskans. Funds listed under paragraph (1) of the Native American Programs heading must go to the same organizations that received Native Alaskan housing block grants back in fiscal year 2005. Only those same past recipients are also allowed to apply for funds under paragraph (2) of that heading. No new organizations can apply or receive these funds.

    Who this affects

    Native Alaskan housing organizations that did or did not receive block grant funds in 2005. Groups that received funds in 2005 remain eligible. Groups that did not are locked out.

    Tradeoff

    Keeping the same recipients provides stability and continuity, but it prevents any newer Native Alaskan housing organizations from accessing these funds.

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    The funds made available for Native Alaskans under paragraph (1) under the heading Native American Programs in title II of this Act shall be allocated to the same Native Alaskan housing block grant recipients that received funds in fiscal year 2005, and only such recipients shall be eligible to apply for funds made available under paragraph (2) of such heading.

89. Rental assistance protections during HUD property foreclosure

    This section applies to fiscal year 2027. It covers apartment buildings that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) owns or holds a mortgage on. When HUD sells or forecloses on one of these buildings, it must keep any Section 8 rental assistance tied to the units in place. If HUD decides keeping that assistance is not practical, it must consult with tenants and local government first. HUD can only drop the assistance if the costs of fixing and running the building are too high, or if there are serious environmental problems that cannot be fixed cheaply. In that case, HUD must arrange replacement rental help, either at another building or through another form of assistance. Before any foreclosure is final, HUD must also work to keep rental contracts active. It can only move tenants out early if there is an urgent health or safety threat, and only after giving written notice and getting tenants' agreement. After a property is sold, rent levels must follow the rules in a 1997 federal housing law called MAHRAA.

    Who this affects

    Tenants living in HUD-owned or HUD-mortgaged apartment buildings who receive Section 8 or other federal rental assistance. Local governments and property owners near or involved with those buildings are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Tenants get stronger protections against losing housing aid during a foreclosure, but HUD faces more steps and costs before it can sell or transfer troubled properties.

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    the Secretary shall maintain any rental assistance payments under section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 and other programs that are attached to any dwelling units in the property.

90. Small public housing agency asset management exemption

    This section lets small public housing agencies skip certain federal management rules. Specifically, any agency that owns and operates 400 or fewer public housing units can choose not to follow asset management requirements set by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. There is one exception: if an agency is trying to stop or reduce a cut to its operating fund subsidy, it cannot use this exemption and must still follow the asset management rules.

    Who this affects

    Small public housing agencies (those with 400 or fewer units) and the residents who live in those units. Larger agencies are not affected by this exemption.

    Tradeoff

    Smaller agencies get relief from paperwork and compliance costs, but skipping asset management oversight could mean less accountability for how public housing funds are used.

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    Public housing agencies that own and operate 400 or fewer public housing units may elect to be exempt from any asset management requirement imposed by the Secretary in connection with the operating fund rule

91. Public housing capital funds for central office costs

    This section limits what the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development can do with certain rules. The Secretary cannot create rules that block or limit how public housing authorities use capital funds to pay for central office costs. This applies to money provided in this bill and in future spending bills. Capital funds are federal dollars meant for building upkeep and improvements at public housing. Central office costs are the management expenses a housing authority incurs to run its operations.

    Who this affects

    Public housing authorities that receive federal capital funds. Residents of public housing are indirectly affected by how those funds are managed.

    Tradeoff

    Housing authorities get more flexibility to use capital funds for administrative costs, but that means fewer of those dollars may go directly toward physical repairs and improvements to public housing buildings.

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    the Secretary shall not impose any requirement or guideline relating to asset management that restricts or limits in any way the use of capital funds for central office costs

92. HUD budget control training requirement

    This section sets rules for who can control spending at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). An employee can only be named an 'allotment holder' (someone with authority to spend from a budget account) if HUD's top financial officer confirms two things. First, the employee must have a working system to track and control funds. Second, the employee must have completed training on funds control rules. The Chief Financial Officer must also make sure each major HUD budget account has at least one trained allotment holder assigned to it.

    Who this affects

    HUD employees who manage or spend from budget accounts, and the HUD Chief Financial Officer who must certify and oversee them.

    Tradeoff

    This requirement adds a layer of oversight that may reduce spending errors or misuse, but it also requires time and resources to train and certify staff.

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    No official or employee of the Department of Housing and Urban Development shall be designated as an allotment holder unless the Office of the Chief Financial Officer has determined that such allotment holder has implemented an adequate system of funds control and has received training in funds control procedures and directives.

93. Online-only posting of grant funding notices

    This section allows the Secretary of Transportation to post grant notices and award decisions only on government websites or other online platforms. It removes any requirement to publish these notices in print or other non-digital formats. The Secretary decides which online channels to use. This applies only to programs where funding is awarded through open competition.

    Who this affects

    Organizations, local governments, and others who apply for competitive federal transportation grants. Anyone without reliable internet access may have a harder time finding these notices.

    Tradeoff

    Posting notices only online can save printing and mailing costs, but it may make funding information harder to access for people or groups with limited internet access.

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    the Secretary may make a notice of funding opportunity, and a notice of any funding decision, for any program or discretionary fund administered by the Secretary that is to be competitively awarded available only on the Internet at the appropriate Government website or through other electronic media

94. Attorney fees paid from program office budgets

    This section requires that attorney fees from lawsuits related to specific programs be paid directly from the budgets of those program offices and the Office of General Counsel. Currently, legal costs can sometimes come from a shared or general fund. Under this rule, each office must cover its own legal costs. This creates a direct link between a program's legal activity and its own budget.

    Who this affects

    Federal agency program offices and the Office of General Counsel within the Department of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development. Taxpayers are affected because it changes how legal costs are allocated inside the agency.

    Tradeoff

    Holding program offices responsible for their own legal costs may encourage more careful decision-making, but it could also reduce funds available for a program's core activities if litigation costs are high.

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    Payment of attorney fees in program-related litigation shall be paid from the individual program office and Office of General Counsel salaries and expenses appropriations.

95. Flexible fund transfers between HUD offices

    This section lets the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development move money between offices inside the department. The move can be no more than 10 percent of an office's funds or $5 million, whichever is smaller. Before making a transfer, the Secretary must notify the House and Senate Appropriations Committees at least 5 business days ahead of time. No single office can receive enough transfers to grow its budget by more than 10 percent.

    Who this affects

    The Department of Housing and Urban Development and its offices. Congress is affected because it must be notified before any transfer happens.

    Tradeoff

    Giving the Secretary flexibility to shift funds can help respond to changing needs, but it also lets the executive branch adjust spending that Congress originally set for specific offices.

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    The Secretary is authorized to transfer up to 10 percent or $5,000,000, whichever is less, of funds appropriated for any office under the headings Administrative Support Offices or Program Offices to any other such office under such headings

96. Housing quality and safety standards for assisted properties

    This section sets rules for landlords who receive federal housing assistance payments. They must keep their properties decent, safe, and sanitary. They must also follow state and local building and safety laws. The federal housing agency must take action when a multifamily property gets a failing score on a standard physical inspection. The agency must also act when a landlord fails to confirm in writing, within 3 days, that urgent health and safety problems found by an inspector have been fixed.

    Who this affects

    Landlords and property owners who receive federal housing assistance payments. Tenants living in multifamily housing covered by Section 8 or similar federal contracts are also affected.

    Tradeoff

    Stricter enforcement may improve living conditions for tenants, but landlords who cannot quickly fix problems could lose funding, which may reduce the number of available assisted housing units.

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    fails to certify in writing to the Secretary within 3 days that all Exigent Health and Safety deficiencies, or those deficiencies requiring correction within 24 hours, identified by the inspector at the project have been corrected.

97. Salary cap for public housing agency executives

    This section sets a pay limit for leaders and employees at public housing agencies. No federal housing funds can pay a salary, including bonuses, above the Level IV Executive Schedule rate. That rate is set by federal law and is roughly $183,000 per year. The cap applies to agencies that receive tenant-based rental assistance (like Section 8 vouchers) or public housing funds. It covers the full agency fiscal year 2027.

    Who this affects

    Chief executives and other highly paid employees at local public housing agencies that receive federal housing funds.

    Tradeoff

    The cap limits how much federal money goes to executive pay, but it may make it harder for some agencies to recruit or keep experienced leaders.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act, or any other Act, for purposes authorized under section 8 (only with respect to the tenant-based rental assistance program) and section 9 of the United States Housing Act of 1937...may be used by any public housing agency for any amount of salary, including bonuses, for the chief executive officer of which, or any other official or employee of which, that exceeds the annual rate of basic pay payable for a position at level IV of the Executive Schedule

98. Congressional notice before HUD grant changes

    This section requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development to notify the House and Senate Appropriations Committees at least 3 full business days before it makes, cancels, or changes any grant award. The notice must list each grant, describe each project, and identify the state and congressional district. The only exception is when the grant recipient itself requests the change. No grant decision can be announced to the public or the recipient before Congress gets this advance notice.

    Who this affects

    Any group set to receive a HUD grant, including states, cities, housing authorities, tribes, and nonprofits. Congressional appropriations committees must receive advance notice before these groups are told about grant decisions.

    Tradeoff

    Congress gains early visibility into HUD grant decisions, but the 3-day waiting requirement could slow down the delivery of housing funds to recipients.

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    None of the funds made available by this Act and provided to the Department of Housing and Urban Development may be used to make, withdraw, terminate, or rescind (except at the request of the recipient) a grant award unless the Secretary notifies the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations not less than 3 full business days before any project, State, locality, housing authority, tribe, nonprofit organization, or other entity selected to receive a grant award is announced or is notified of such changes by the Department or its offices

99. No federal backing for mortgages seized through eminent domain

    This section blocks three federal housing agencies from backing any mortgage that replaces one taken by a government through eminent domain. The agencies are the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Ginnie Mae, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If a state, city, or local government seizes a mortgage through eminent domain, the new loan that takes its place cannot receive FHA insurance, a Ginnie Mae guarantee, or any other federal backing. This applies to all funds provided in this bill.

    Who this affects

    Homeowners and lenders in places where local governments have used or may use eminent domain to take over mortgages. It also affects the federal agencies that insure or guarantee home loans.

    Tradeoff

    The rule limits federal risk in loans tied to eminent domain actions, but it may also make it harder for affected homeowners to get affordable replacement financing.

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    None of the funds made available in this Act shall be used by the Federal Housing Administration, the Government National Mortgage Association, or the Department of Housing and Urban Development to insure, securitize, or establish a Federal guarantee of any mortgage or mortgage backed security that refinances or otherwise replaces a mortgage that has been subject to eminent domain condemnation or seizure, by a State, municipality, or any other political subdivision of a State.

100. Protect cities' community development grant status

     This section blocks any money in this bill from being used to strip a local government of its 'metropolitan city' label. That label is defined in the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Cities with that label receive Community Development Block Grants directly from the federal government. Without the label, a city would lose its direct grant access and would have to compete through its state instead.

     Who this affects

     Local governments currently classified as metropolitan cities that receive Community Development Block Grants directly from the federal government.

     Tradeoff

     Cities keep their direct grant status and funding access, but the federal government loses the ability to adjust or revoke that status during the year this bill covers.

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     None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to terminate the status of a unit of general local government as a metropolitan city

101. Reuse of leftover research funds at HUD

     This section covers money given to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Policy Development and Research. That office does research, evaluation, and data work. If a contract, grant, or agreement finishes and money is left over, the leftover funds can be freed up. Those freed funds can then be used again for research, evaluation, or data work. The reuse must happen in the same budget year or the next one. Any shift in how the money is used must follow reprogramming rules found in Section 405 of this Act.

     Who this affects

     The HUD Office of Policy Development and Research is directly affected. Contractors, grantees, and partners working on HUD-funded research are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     Reusing leftover funds lets HUD stretch its research budget further, but it also shifts money without going back to Congress for new approval.

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     may be deobligated and shall immediately become available and may be reobligated in that fiscal year or the subsequent fiscal year for the research, evaluation, or statistical purposes for which the amounts are made available to that Office

102. No bonuses for HUD employees under discipline

     This section blocks the use of any federal funds to give bonuses or awards to Department of Housing and Urban Development employees who are under active administrative discipline. That includes suspensions and similar formal actions. The block starts when the discipline takes effect. It ends if a final decision overturns that discipline. No other funds, from any other law, can be used to get around this restriction either.

     Who this affects

     HUD employees who are currently under administrative discipline, such as suspension. It also affects HUD managers who would otherwise approve such awards.

     Tradeoff

     The restriction prevents rewarding employees under discipline, but it also means an employee later found innocent of wrongdoing will have gone without eligible bonuses during the disciplinary period.

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     None of the funds provided in this Act or any other Act may be used for awards, including performance, special act, or spot, for any employee of the Department of Housing and Urban Development subject to administrative discipline (including suspension from work)

103. Homeless assistance grant matching rules

     This section changes how certain homeless assistance grant recipients can meet their matching requirements. Normally, grant recipients must put in their own money to match federal funds. This section allows money earned through program income (such as fees or rents collected by the program) to count toward that match. This applies to Continuum of Care grants awarded between 2015 and 2027. The program income must be spent on eligible Continuum of Care costs and must add to, not replace, the recipient's existing program.

     Who this affects

     Nonprofits, local governments, and other organizations that receive Continuum of Care homeless assistance grants from the federal government.

     Tradeoff

     Letting program income count as a match makes it easier for grant recipients to qualify, but it reduces the amount of outside money that flows into homeless programs.

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     costs paid by program income of grant recipients may count toward meeting the recipient's matching requirements, provided the costs are eligible CoC costs that supplement the recipient's CoC program.

104. One-year grants to help homeless programs switch service types

     This section lets the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development give one-year grants to local homeless service providers. The grants help those providers switch from one type of program to another within the Continuum of Care system. The Continuum of Care system is a local network of organizations that help homeless people find housing and services. To get a grant, the provider must have approval from its local Continuum of Care network. The provider must also meet standards set by the Secretary. The money comes from existing Homeless Assistance Grants funds.

     Who this affects

     Local homeless service providers that receive federal Continuum of Care funding. Homeless individuals and families served by those providers may also be affected during a program transition.

     Tradeoff

     These grants give providers flexible support to shift service models, but they use money from the same pool of existing homeless assistance funds.

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     the Secretary may award 1-year transition grants to recipients of funds for activities under subtitle C of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act...to transition from one continuum of care program component to another.

105. Promise Zone designations kept in place

     This section says that Promise Zone designations made by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in earlier years will stay in effect. The original terms and conditions of those agreements will continue to apply. This includes how long the designations last. No new zones are created here. The section simply keeps existing ones going.

     Who this affects

     Communities that already hold a Promise Zone designation. Local governments and organizations operating under those agreements are affected.

     Tradeoff

     Keeping the designations active lets existing Promise Zone communities continue receiving benefits, but no new communities can be added under this section.

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     The promise zone designations and promise zone designation agreements entered into pursuant to such designations, made by the Secretary in prior fiscal years, shall remain in effect in accordance with the terms and conditions of such agreements (including designation and agreement time periods).

106. Flexible funding for Moving to Work housing agencies

     Some public housing agencies are part of a program called Moving to Work. This section lets those agencies combine and redirect money they already received under two main housing funding streams (Section 8 vouchers and Section 9 public housing funds). They can use that money in ways that go beyond the original purpose it was approved for. There is one limit: money set aside for special purposes, like vouchers for veterans or other targeted groups, cannot be redirected this way.

     Who this affects

     Public housing agencies that have been approved for the Moving to Work program. Tenants and applicants who rely on standard housing vouchers or public housing funds at those agencies may also be affected.

     Tradeoff

     Agencies get more flexibility to meet local housing needs, but money originally approved for specific programs can be spent on other uses, which may reduce resources for those original programs.

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     may, upon such designation, use funds (except for special purpose funding, including special purpose vouchers) previously allocated to any such public housing agency under section 8 or 9 of the United States Housing Act of 1937...notwithstanding the purposes for which such funds were appropriated.

107. Lead paint grants for public housing agencies under oversight

     This section says that no money from this bill can be used to block certain public housing agencies from getting lead paint grants. The agencies in question are those under federal receivership or monitored by a federal overseer. They can still apply for, receive, and use Public Housing Fund grants to find and remove lead-based paint. They can also use those funds to do work required by a settlement, consent decree, or similar legal agreement tied to lead safety or lead disclosure violations.

     Who this affects

     Public housing agencies currently under federal receivership or federal monitor oversight, and the residents who live in their properties.

     Tradeoff

     Allowing agencies under federal oversight to access lead paint grant funds may speed up hazard removal for residents, but it also directs federal dollars to agencies that have already been found to need outside supervision.

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     None of the amounts made available by this Act may be used to prohibit any public housing agency under receivership or the direction of a Federal monitor from applying for, receiving, or using funds made available under the heading Public Housing Fund for competitive grants to evaluate and reduce lead-based paint hazards

108. Fixing formula grant overpayment errors in housing programs

     This section lets the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development fix past overpayments in certain housing formula grants. If a local housing agency or other recipient got more money than it should have, the Secretary can reduce that recipient's next grant by the overpaid amount. The recovered money then goes to recipients that were underpaid in the original cycle. The correction normally happens in the very next grant cycle. But if repaying all at once would seriously hurt a recipient's ability to run its program, the Secretary can spread the correction across two or more grant cycles.

     Who this affects

     Local housing agencies, tribal housing programs, and community development groups that receive federal formula grants. Recipients who were overpaid face future grant reductions, while those who were underpaid may receive additional funds.

     Tradeoff

     Correcting overpayments helps underpaid recipients get their fair share, but it reduces future grant funds for agencies that were overpaid, which could affect their programs.

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     if the Secretary determines or has determined, for any prior formula grant allocation administered by the Secretary through the Offices of Public and Indian Housing, Community Planning and Development, or Housing, that a recipient received an allocation greater than the amount such recipient should have received for a formula allocation cycle pursuant to applicable statutes and regulations, the Secretary may adjust for any such funding error in the next applicable formula allocation cycle

109. Transfers for information technology upgrades

     This section lets the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development move up to $10 million from general salary and expense funds into a separate Information Technology Fund. The money can be used to develop, modernize, or improve technology systems. It stays available until September 30, 2029. There are limits on how the money can be used. It cannot go toward IT projects that are expected to cost more than $500,000 in future years. It also cannot be used to spread shared technology costs across different offices. Before any transfer happens, Congress must be notified at least 10 business days in advance.

     Who this affects

     The Department of Housing and Urban Development and its staff who use internal technology systems. Congressional appropriations committees must also be kept informed.

     Tradeoff

     This gives the department flexibility to fund technology upgrades quickly, but it limits the size and scope of projects and requires advance notice to Congress.

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     The total amount of such transfers shall not exceed $10,000,000: Provided further, That this transfer authority shall not be used to fund information technology projects or activities that have known out-year development, modernization, or enhancement costs in excess of $500,000

110. Public comment required before housing contract changes

     This section requires the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to follow set process rules before changing any annual contributions contract. These contracts govern federal funding to local public housing authorities. The Secretary must give the public at least 60 days to submit comments. The Secretary must also read and formally respond to those comments before making any changes.

     Who this affects

     Local public housing authorities and the residents they serve are affected. The public, including anyone who wants to comment on housing contract changes, is also affected.

     Tradeoff

     This adds a public review step that can slow contract changes, but it also gives housing authorities and the public a formal way to weigh in before changes take effect.

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     the Secretary shall provide public housing authorities not less than 60 days for public comment, and the Secretary shall consider and respond to submitted comments.

111. Block on specific housing assistance contract solicitation

     This section stops the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from spending any money to issue or accept bids on a specific contract. That contract is the Housing Assistance Payments Contract Support Services solicitation posted online on July 27, 2022. The ban covers that exact solicitation and any solicitation that is substantially similar to it. It applies to funds from this bill and from any prior spending bills.

     Who this affects

     HUD and any companies or contractors that might have bid on this housing assistance payments support contract.

     Tradeoff

     Blocking this solicitation prevents HUD from hiring outside support for housing assistance payment contracts, which could limit administrative capacity but also stops spending on a contract some found objectionable.

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     None of the funds made available to the Department of Housing and Urban Development in this or prior Acts may be used to issue a solicitation or accept bids on any solicitation that is substantially equivalent to the draft solicitation entitled Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) Contract Support Services (HAPSS) posted to www.Sam.gov on July 27, 2022.

112. Limits on how family self-sufficiency scores affect funding

     This section restricts how a performance metric called the Family Self-Sufficiency Achievement Metric (FAM) can be used when deciding who gets money. Agencies cannot use FAM scores to decide whether a housing program receives its regular funding. FAM scores can only be used to award bonus money, and only for programs that score in the top performance category (category 1). This rule applies to money from this bill and from past bills.

     Who this affects

     Housing agencies and nonprofits that run Family Self-Sufficiency programs and receive federal coordinator funding. Their regular funding decisions cannot be based on FAM scores.

     Tradeoff

     Programs are protected from losing regular funding due to low FAM scores, but top-scoring programs lose the ability to use those scores to gain extra funding beyond approved bonuses.

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     None of the amounts made available in this or prior Acts may be used to consider family self-sufficiency achievement metrics (FAM) in determining funding awards for programs receiving family self-sufficiency program coordinator funding provided in this or prior Acts except to provide bonus awards as expressly made available in this or prior Acts for self-sufficiency programs assigned a ranking of performance category 1 based on their publicly available FAM scores.

113. Voucher program waivers for mainstream and family unification housing

     This section lets the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development waive or change certain rules for two housing voucher programs. The programs are the Mainstream program (for people with disabilities) and the Family Unification Program (including Foster Youth to Independence). The Secretary can change rules about waiting lists, local preferences, and how long vouchers last. The Secretary can also change rules about when youth leaving foster care must be referred to the program. However, the Secretary cannot waive rules that protect tenants, set rents, enforce fair housing, ban discrimination, set labor standards, or protect the environment.

     Who this affects

     Low-income people with disabilities, families at risk of separation, and young adults leaving foster care who use federal housing vouchers. Local housing agencies that run these voucher programs are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     Flexibility in running the programs may speed up housing assistance, but waiving standard rules could lead to uneven treatment of applicants across different local areas.

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     The Secretary may, upon a finding that a waiver or alternative requirement is necessary for the effective delivery and administration of funds made available for new incremental voucher assistance or renewals for the mainstream program and the family unification program

114. Limits on federal housing zoning directives

     This section blocks the Department of Housing and Urban Development from spending any money to tell grant recipients to change their local zoning laws. The restriction applies specifically to actions taken under a 2025 rule called 'Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Revisions.' That rule was published on March 3, 2025. Local governments and other groups that receive HUD grants could not be ordered to rewrite zoning rules as a condition of that rule.

     Who this affects

     Local governments, housing authorities, and other groups that receive HUD grants. It also affects communities whose zoning rules might otherwise need to change under the 2025 rule.

     Tradeoff

     This section keeps local control over zoning rules, but it also limits a federal tool meant to reduce housing discrimination and expand housing access.

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     None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to direct a grantee to undertake specific changes to existing zoning laws as part of carrying out the interim final rule entitled Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Revisions (90 Fed. Reg. 11020 (March 3, 2025)).

115. Whistleblower protections for funded contracts and grants

     This section extends existing federal whistleblower protections to a broad set of agreements. Those protections come from a law that shields workers from retaliation when they report fraud or wrongdoing. The section applies those protections to any contract, subcontract, grant, subgrant, or personal services contract paid for with money from this bill or earlier spending bills. It also covers leftover or recaptured funds. Importantly, it applies no matter when the agreement was originally signed, so older agreements are covered too.

     Who this affects

     Workers and contractors employed under any federal contract or grant funded by this bill or prior related bills. This includes employees on older agreements that were signed before this rule.

     Tradeoff

     Workers gain stronger legal protection if they report wrongdoing, but contractors and grantees face a broader legal obligation to comply with whistleblower rules across all covered agreements, even past ones.

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     The whistleblower protections in section 4712 of title 41, United States Code, shall apply to any contract, subcontract, grant, subgrant, or personal services contract funded from amounts made available in this or prior Acts (including carryover and recaptures), regardless of when the agreement was executed.

116. Housing assistance for small property owners converting rental programs

     This section lets Housing and Urban Development (HUD) use money already set aside for its Office of Housing to pay for cooperative agreements with certain approved organizations. Those organizations were selected under a 1997 housing reform law. They can provide direct support to small property owners who are converting their rental assistance to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. The support can include reviewing financial documents, underwriting, and other technical help. HUD sets the conditions for this work. No new competitive process is required to award these agreements.

     Who this affects

     Small rental property owners converting to the RAD program, and the approved organizations that help them through that process.

     Tradeoff

     Skipping a new competition speeds up help for small property owners, but it limits which organizations can receive the funding to those already approved under the 1997 law.

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     Amounts made available for the Office of Housing under the heading Program Offices in this and prior Acts shall also be available, without additional competition, for cooperative agreements with participating administrative entities that have been selected under section 513(b) of the Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Affordability Act of 1997

117. Jobs-Plus rent incentive cost accounting

     The Jobs-Plus initiative lets public housing residents keep more of their earnings by slowing or pausing rent increases. This section says the cost of those rent breaks cannot be deducted from the competitive grant money set aside for self-sufficiency programs. Instead, the lost rent revenue is counted and covered through other funding streams. For residents in standard public housing, the lost rent is factored into the agency's operating fund formula. For residents in housing that has been converted to project-based or tenant-based rental assistance programs, the lost rent is instead built into the housing assistance payments made under those specific contracts.

     Who this affects

     Public housing agencies running the Jobs-Plus program and their residents. It also affects residents whose housing was converted from public housing to rental assistance programs.

     Tradeoff

     Protecting grant funds from rent-incentive costs keeps self-sufficiency program dollars intact, but it shifts those costs to operating funds and rental assistance payment accounts instead.

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     the costs of any rent incentives as authorized pursuant to waivers or alternative requirements of the jobs-plus initiative as described under the heading Self-Sufficiency Programs shall not be charged against the competitive grant amounts made available under such heading

118. Rent adjustment cap for subsidized housing properties

     This section lets the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development raise rents by up to 3 percent at certain federally assisted housing properties. The Secretary must announce any such increase through the Federal Register. The increase applies to several older housing assistance programs, including housing for elderly and disabled residents. It does not apply to Housing Choice Vouchers, the moderate rehabilitation program, or the moderate rehabilitation single room occupancy program.

     Who this affects

     Property owners receiving federal rental assistance under the listed programs. Also affects low-income tenants living in those buildings, since their rent share can be tied to overall rent levels.

     Tradeoff

     A rent increase can help property owners cover rising operating costs, but it may also raise costs for tenants or for the federal government depending on how subsidy contracts are structured.

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     The Secretary may elect through a Federal Register notice to provide rent adjustments of not more than 3 percent for properties receiving assistance under section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959

119. Block on enforcing eviction moratorium

     This section stops any money in this bill from being used to enforce the temporary eviction moratorium law (15 U.S.C. 9058). That moratorium was a federal rule that could pause eviction filings during certain emergencies. Because no funds can be used to enforce it, the moratorium cannot be put into effect through this legislation.

     Who this affects

     Renters who might seek protection from eviction under the federal moratorium law, and landlords who want to file for eviction.

     Tradeoff

     Landlords gain a clearer path to file for eviction, while renters lose a potential federal protection against eviction filings.

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     None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available under this Act may be used to enforce the temporary moratorium on eviction filings ( 15 U.S.C. 9058 ).

120. Freeze on HUD energy efficiency standard updates

     This section blocks the Department of Housing and Urban Development from spending any funds to update minimum energy efficiency standards for newly built homes that receive HUD financing. The freeze applies to a specific 2023 federal notice that set those standards, and also to any follow-up or similar notices. HUD cannot raise or change the energy requirements for new federally financed housing during the period covered by this spending bill.

     Who this affects

     Builders and developers who construct new homes using HUD-backed financing. Future homeowners in those new homes may also be affected, since energy standards can influence utility costs and construction costs.

     Tradeoff

     Blocking the update may keep construction costs lower in the short term, but it may also leave new federally financed homes with less efficient energy standards than they would otherwise have.

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     None of the funds made available by this Act may be used by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to update minimum energy efficiency standards for new housing financed by the Department

121. Review of domestic materials rules for affordable housing programs

     This section requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to review how the 'Build America, Buy America' law has been applied to the HOME Investment Partnerships program, which funds affordable housing. The Build America, Buy America law generally requires federally funded projects to use materials made in the U.S. HUD must finish the review within 180 days of this law passing. Within 90 days after that, HUD must release updated guidance explaining how the domestic materials rules apply to HOME program activities. Within 270 days of enactment, HUD must send a report covering both the review findings and the new guidance to four congressional committees.

     Who this affects

     Local governments, nonprofits, and housing developers that receive HOME program funds. They are affected by rules on what building materials they must buy from U.S. sources.

     Tradeoff

     Clearer guidance could help housing developers follow the rules more easily, but stricter or broader rules could raise construction costs for affordable housing projects.

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     Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall complete a review of the implementation of the Build America, Buy America Act...with respect to the activities assisted under title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act.

122. Recovery agreements for struggling public housing agencies

     This section lets the Department of Housing and Urban Development require a public housing agency to sign a recovery agreement if the agency is performing poorly. Poor performance includes receiving a low score on a federal housing quality review, scoring 70 percent or below on a voucher management review, or having ongoing rule violations that hurt the housing voucher program. If an agency refuses to sign the agreement or fails to meet its terms, officials can take stronger action against the agency. That action can include declaring the agency in 'substantial default,' which can trigger further federal oversight or intervention.

     Who this affects

     Public housing agencies that receive low performance scores or have ongoing compliance problems. Residents who rely on public housing or housing choice vouchers may also be affected if their agency is placed under federal oversight.

     Tradeoff

     Stronger federal oversight may improve housing quality and program management, but it also limits the local control of housing agencies that may already face resource challenges.

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     PHAs that fail to execute the agreement or meet such agreement's requirements may be referred to the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing for progressive remedial action, including a determination of a substantial default, as appropriate and after considering the PHA's efforts to comply.

123. End date for certain rental assistance renewals

     This section sets a deadline for two older rental assistance programs. Public housing agencies cannot renew contracts under the Moderate Rehabilitation program or the Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy program after September 30, 2030. The Moderate Rehabilitation program helps pay rent in older housing that was fixed up to meet standards. The Single Room Occupancy program helps house homeless individuals in similar units. After the deadline, no new contract renewals can be issued under either program.

     Who this affects

     Public housing agencies that currently run these programs, and low-income or homeless renters who receive housing assistance through them.

     Tradeoff

     Ending renewals phases out two older programs, which may reduce federal costs but could also leave current tenants without rental assistance after 2030.

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     Public housing agencies may not renew rental assistance contracts under the moderate rehabilitation program under section 8(e)(2) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 or the moderate rehabilitation single room occupancy program under section 441 of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act after September 30, 2030.

124. Change to Rental Assistance Demonstration program rules

     This section removes one specific rule from the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. RAD lets public housing agencies convert their properties into a different type of rental assistance. The rule being removed is called the 'fourth proviso' in earlier law. A proviso is a condition or restriction attached to a program. Removing it means that restriction no longer applies to how RAD operates. The bill does not spell out the full text of the deleted rule, so its exact effect depends on what that fourth proviso said in the original 2012 law and its later updates.

     Who this affects

     Public housing agencies and the residents who live in properties converted through the RAD program.

     Tradeoff

     Removing the restriction may give housing agencies more flexibility, but it also eliminates any protections or limits that restriction provided.

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     is further amended by striking the fourth proviso.

125. Lump-sum interest reduction payments for affordable housing owners

     This section lets the federal housing agency pay affordable housing owners one large lump sum instead of spreading interest reduction payments over time. The program involved is the Section 236 interest reduction program, which helps keep rents lower in certain housing projects. The owner must ask for the lump sum. The owner must also agree to keep the same affordability rules that were already in place. If the owner breaks those rules, some or all of the money must be paid back to the government. The agency can set up this process through notices or other administrative steps rather than formal rulemaking, but fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor, and environmental rules still apply.

     Who this affects

     Owners of affordable housing projects that receive Section 236 interest reduction payments, and the low-income tenants living in those properties whose rents depend on affordability restrictions staying in place.

     Tradeoff

     Owners get faster access to their remaining payments as a single sum, but they remain bound by affordability rules and risk repaying the money if they do not follow those rules.

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     the project owner must agree to remain subject to such binding commitments and affordability restrictions as projected prior to such lump-sum payment: Provided further, That if a project owner fails to meet such binding commitments and affordability restrictions, all or a portion of such lump-sum payment will be subject to repayment to the Secretary

126. Cancellation of unspent HUD funds

     This section permanently cancels unspent money that was previously set aside for several Department of Housing and Urban Development programs. The canceled amounts include roughly $4.3 million from one general fund account, all unspent 2025 Community Development funds, about $15.3 million from another fund account, $126.6 million from rental assistance, $75 million from housing for elderly people, $98 million from housing for people with disabilities, $86 million from policy research, $55 million from fair housing enforcement, $58 million from housing counseling, and $13 million from the Manufactured Housing Fees Trust Fund. Once rescinded, this money can no longer be spent on those programs.

     Who this affects

     People who rely on federal rental assistance, elderly housing, disability housing, fair housing enforcement, housing counseling, or manufactured housing programs may be affected. HUD program offices that have not yet spent these funds will lose access to them.

     Tradeoff

     Canceling unspent funds reduces federal spending, but it also removes money that could have been used for housing assistance and related services.

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     Of the unobligated balances included under the heading "Project-Based Rental Assistance", $126,615,000 is hereby permanently rescinded.

127. Extended deadline to pay old Choice Neighborhoods bills

     This section extends how long the government can pay bills tied to a specific housing grant program. The program is Choice Neighborhoods Initiative, funded in a 2018 spending law. Normally, unused money expires after a set period. This section lets agencies keep paying valid, already-approved bills for up to 8 fiscal years after the original money expired. It also says that if this law passes after September 30, 2026, it acts as if it had been in place on that date.

     Who this affects

     Federal housing agencies and local grantees who received Choice Neighborhoods funding from the 2018 appropriations law and still have unpaid but valid bills tied to that funding.

     Tradeoff

     Grantees get more time to settle old bills, but the federal government keeps funds committed for longer than the original deadline allowed.

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     Amounts previously made available under the heading Department of Housing and Urban Development—Public and Indian Housing—Choice Neighborhoods Initiative in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 ( Public Law 115–141 ) shall remain available for the liquidation of valid obligations incurred prior to the expiration of such amounts until September 30th of the 8th fiscal year after the period of availability for obligation ends

128. No payments to outside parties in regulatory proceedings

     This section bars any money in this bill from being used to pay costs for private groups or individuals who join government regulatory or legal proceedings as outside parties. Federal agencies sometimes pay these outside parties to participate and give input. This section stops that practice for all programs funded by this bill.

     Who this affects

     Private groups, advocates, or individuals who would otherwise receive federal money to take part in regulatory or legal hearings. Federal agencies running such proceedings are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     The government saves money by not paying outside parties, but those parties may have less ability to participate in proceedings if they cannot afford to do so on their own.

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     None of the funds in this Act shall be used for the planning or execution of any program to pay the expenses of, or otherwise compensate, non-Federal parties intervening in regulatory or adjudicatory proceedings funded in this Act.

129. Funds must be used or returned within the fiscal year

     This section sets a default rule for all money provided by this law. The funds must be spent during the current fiscal year. Any unspent money cannot be saved for future years. Money also cannot be moved to other budget accounts. The only exceptions are cases where this law specifically says otherwise.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies that receive funding under this appropriations act. Any agency that wants to carry over or transfer funds must find specific permission in the law to do so.

     Tradeoff

     This rule keeps spending tightly controlled within one year, but it limits agency flexibility to plan across fiscal years or respond to unexpected needs.

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     None of the funds appropriated in this Act shall remain available for obligation beyond the current fiscal year, nor may any be transferred to other appropriations, unless expressly so provided herein.

130. Public disclosure of consulting contracts

     This section says that money from this bill can only pay for consulting contracts if the spending is on the public record and open for anyone to inspect. It covers contracts hired under a specific federal law about expert and consulting services. There are two exceptions: existing laws or existing presidential orders that already allow secrecy can still apply.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies funded by this bill that hire outside consultants. Members of the public who want to see how consulting money is spent.

     Tradeoff

     More transparency about consulting spending is available to the public, but existing legal or executive-order exemptions can still keep some contracts out of public view.

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     The expenditure of any appropriation under this Act for any consulting service through a procurement contract pursuant to section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, shall be limited to those contracts where such expenditures are a matter of public record and available for public inspection

131. Limits on federal employee training content

     This section stops federal money from being spent on employee training that fails certain tests. The training must tie directly to job duties. It cannot be likely to cause high emotional stress in participants. It must tell employees upfront what the content and methods will be, and collect written feedback at the end. It cannot include content tied to religious, quasi-religious, or 'new age' belief systems as defined by a 1988 Equal Employment Opportunity Commission notice. It also cannot be designed to change employees' personal values or lifestyle outside of work. The section clarifies that agencies can still run any training that directly relates to job performance.

     Who this affects

     Federal employees who receive job training, and the agencies that plan and fund that training.

     Tradeoff

     The limits protect employees from unwanted content in training, but they may also restrict certain types of workplace programs that agencies currently use.

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     None of the funds made available in this Act may be obligated or expended for any employee training that— (1) does not meet identified needs for knowledge, skills, and abilities bearing directly upon the performance of official duties

132. Rules on moving money between programs

     This section sets limits on how agencies can move, or 'reprogram,' money from one use to another during the fiscal year. Agencies cannot create new programs, cut or eliminate existing ones, or shift more than $5 million or 10 percent of a program's funds (whichever is smaller) without first asking Congress. Within 60 days of the law taking effect, each agency must send Congress a detailed spending plan showing where all its money is going. If an agency wants to move money beyond those limits, it must give Congress 30 days written notice and get written approval before doing so.

     Who this affects

     All federal agencies funded by this transportation and housing bill are affected. Taxpayers and program beneficiaries are indirectly affected because it limits how agencies can shift funds.

     Tradeoff

     Congress keeps tighter control over how agencies spend money, but agencies have less flexibility to respond quickly to changing needs.

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     augments existing programs, projects, or activities in excess of $5,000,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less

133. Carrying over unspent salary funds to the next year

     This section lets federal agencies keep up to half of their leftover salary and expenses money after fiscal year 2027 ends. That money can be spent through September 30, 2028. However, agencies must ask Congress for approval before spending those carried-over funds. The request must also follow the reprogramming rules set out in section 405 of this same law.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies funded by this bill. Taxpayers whose money sits in these accounts.

     Tradeoff

     Agencies gain flexibility to use leftover funds, but they must get congressional approval before spending them.

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     not to exceed 50 percent of unobligated balances remaining available at the end of fiscal year 2027 from appropriations made available for salaries and expenses for fiscal year 2027 in this Act, shall remain available through September 30, 2028

134. Limits on eminent domain use

     This section bars the use of funds from this bill for any project that uses eminent domain unless the purpose is a true public use. Private economic development does not count as public use. However, the section does list several things that do count as public use: mass transit, railroads, airports, seaports, highways, utilities (energy, communications, water, and wastewater), public structures, regulated common carriers, and projects that remove a public health or safety threat or clean up contaminated land called brownfields.

     Who this affects

     Property owners whose land could be taken through eminent domain. Also affects governments and developers who rely on federal funds for projects that might involve land taking.

     Tradeoff

     The restriction protects property owners from having their land taken for private benefit, but it also limits what governments can do with federal funds even when a project might create local economic growth.

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     public use shall not be construed to include economic development that primarily benefits private entities

135. Restriction on transferring funds to other agencies

     This section blocks any money provided by this law from being moved to another federal department or agency. The only exceptions are transfers that this law or another appropriations law specifically allows. In other words, agencies cannot shift funds to other parts of the government unless Congress has clearly approved it.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies and departments that receive money under this law. They cannot move that money elsewhere without clear legal authority.

     Tradeoff

     This limits agency flexibility to respond to changing needs, but it keeps Congress in control of how public money is moved between parts of the government.

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     None of the funds made available in this Act may be transferred to any department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States Government, except pursuant to a transfer made by, or transfer authority provided in, this Act or any other appropriations Act.

136. Buy American requirement for funded entities

     This section says that any group receiving money under this law must follow the Buy American Act. That law requires the federal government and those using federal funds to buy goods made in the United States. An entity cannot spend the money unless it agrees to follow those rules first.

     Who this affects

     Any organization, company, or agency that receives funding under this appropriations act. This includes contractors and grant recipients.

     Tradeoff

     Requiring American-made goods can support domestic manufacturers but may raise costs or limit choices if U.S.-made options are scarce or more expensive.

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     No funds appropriated pursuant to this Act may be expended by an entity unless the entity agrees that in expending the assistance the entity will comply with sections 2 through 4 of the Act of March 3, 1933 ( 41 U.S.C. 8301–8305 , popularly known as the Buy American Act ).

137. Ban on funds for Buy American Act violators

     This section blocks any money from this bill from going to a person or company that has been convicted of breaking the Buy American Act. That law requires the federal government to buy American-made goods for certain purchases. If a contractor or other entity has a conviction under that law, they cannot receive any funds provided by this bill.

     Who this affects

     Contractors, vendors, and other entities that do business with the federal government. Any of them with a prior Buy American Act conviction would be shut out from this bill's funding.

     Tradeoff

     The rule protects Buy American requirements but could reduce the number of eligible contractors, which may affect competition and costs on federally funded projects.

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     No funds appropriated or otherwise made available under this Act shall be made available to any person or entity that has been convicted of violating the Buy American Act ( 41 U.S.C. 8301–8305 ).

138. Ban on first-class airline tickets

     This section blocks any money from this law being spent on first-class airline seats. Federal rules in title 41 of the Code of Federal Regulations already restrict when government employees can fly first class. This section makes sure none of the transportation and housing funds in this bill are used to get around those rules.

     Who this affects

     Federal employees and officials whose travel is paid for by funds in this bill. It applies to any agency receiving money under this appropriations act.

     Tradeoff

     Taxpayer money is protected from being spent on premium airline seats, but employees who might argue first-class travel is necessary for a specific trip would have no exception under this bill's funds.

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     None of the funds made available in this Act may be used for first-class airline accommodations in contravention of sections 301–10.122 and 301–10.123 of title 41, Code of Federal Regulations.

139. Limit on government employees at international conferences

     This section blocks federal money from sending more than 50 employees from one agency to any single international conference. The conference must be held outside the United States and involve foreign governments, international groups, or non-governmental organizations. An agency can exceed the 50-person limit only if the relevant Secretary tells the House and Senate Appropriations Committees at least 5 days ahead of time. The Secretary must state that sending more people is important to the national interest.

     Who this affects

     Federal agency employees who travel to international conferences. Agency leaders (Secretaries) who must report to Congress when they need to send larger groups.

     Tradeoff

     The rule saves travel and conference spending but could limit the size of U.S. delegations at important international meetings unless agencies give Congress advance notice.

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     None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to send or otherwise pay for the attendance of more than 50 employees of a single agency or department of the United States Government, who are stationed in the United States, at any single international conference unless the relevant Secretary reports to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations at least 5 days in advance that such attendance is important to the national interest

140. Cap on Surface Transportation Board complaint filing fees

     This section limits how much the Surface Transportation Board can charge to file a rate or practice complaint. The fee cannot exceed what federal district courts charge to file a civil lawsuit. That court fee is currently $405. Any funds provided by this act cannot be used to collect a higher fee than that limit.

     Who this affects

     Shippers, rail customers, or other parties who file rate or practice complaints with the Surface Transportation Board. The Board itself is also affected because it cannot collect fees above the cap.

     Tradeoff

     The cap makes it cheaper to file complaints against railroads, but it also limits the Board's ability to recover costs through filing fees.

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     None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available under this Act may be used by the Surface Transportation Board to charge or collect any filing fee for rate or practice complaints filed with the Board in an amount in excess of the amount authorized for district court civil suit filing fees under section 1914 of title 28, United States Code.

141. Block pornography on government computer networks

     This section bans the use of funds from this bill to run any government computer network that does not block pornography. The network must prevent users from viewing, downloading, or sharing pornographic content. There is one exception: law enforcement agencies and related groups can still access such content if it is needed for criminal investigations, prosecutions, or court proceedings.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies funded by this bill that operate computer networks. Law enforcement agencies are exempt when they need access for official criminal work.

     Tradeoff

     The rule adds a content-blocking requirement to all covered networks, which may prevent misuse of government systems, but it also requires agencies to set up and maintain filtering technology at some cost.

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     None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to maintain or establish a computer network unless such network blocks the viewing, downloading, and exchanging of pornography.

142. Inspector General access to agency records

     This section says that no money from this law can be used to block an Inspector General from seeing agency records, documents, or other materials. The agency must provide that access quickly. The only exception is a law that specifically names the Inspector General and specifically limits their access. Inspectors General must still follow rules about keeping certain information private. If an agency refuses or delays access, the Inspector General must report that to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees within 5 days.

     Who this affects

     Federal Inspectors General and the transportation, housing, and related agencies they oversee. Agency employees who manage records are also affected.

     Tradeoff

     Stronger oversight is possible because agencies cannot block Inspectors General from records, but agencies lose some control over information that watchdogs can review.

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     None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to deny an Inspector General funded under this Act timely access to any records, documents, or other materials available to the department or agency over which that Inspector General has responsibilities

143. No bonus pay for poor-performing contractors

     This section blocks the use of funds from this law to pay bonus or incentive fees to government contractors who are doing a poor job. Specifically, it covers contractors whose work is rated below satisfactory, behind schedule, over budget, or failing to meet basic contract requirements. There are three exceptions: the problems were caused by unexpected events, the government changed the project scope, or the issues are minor within the bigger project. There is also an exception when the payment follows a specific rule in the Federal Acquisition Regulations.

     Who this affects

     Federal contractors working on transportation and housing projects funded by this law. Government agencies that oversee and pay those contractors.

     Tradeoff

     Contractors are less likely to receive unearned bonuses, but agencies must do extra work to document exceptions before making any such payments.

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     None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to pay award or incentive fees for contractors whose performance has been judged to be below satisfactory, behind schedule, over budget, or has failed to meet the basic requirements of a contract

144. Rehiring veterans after military service

     This section blocks federal agencies from using funds to pay a new hire in a position that was held by someone who left for military service, if that veteran has not been given their old job back. The veteran must have completed their service honorably. They must apply for their old job within 90 days of leaving the military or leaving a hospital after discharge. The hospital stay can last up to one year after discharge. The Office of Personnel Management must confirm the veteran is still qualified. If all those conditions are met and the agency still has not restored the veteran to their position, the agency cannot use funds to pay whoever is sitting in that role.

     Who this affects

     Federal employees who left government jobs to serve in the military and want to return. Federal agencies that filled those positions while the employee was away.

     Tradeoff

     This rule protects veterans' right to return to their federal jobs, but it limits agencies' ability to keep newer hires in roles when a returning veteran is waiting for that position.

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     No part of any appropriation contained in this Act shall be available to pay the salary for any person filling a position, other than a temporary position, formerly held by an employee who has left to enter the Armed Forces of the United States and has satisfactorily completed his or her period of active military or naval service

145. Foreign airline permit restrictions under U.S.-EU air transport agreement

     This section limits how the Department of Transportation can spend funds from this bill. It blocks the department from approving new permits for foreign airlines that already hold certificates from countries in the U.S.-EU-Iceland-Norway Air Transport Agreement, if doing so would break U.S. law or Article 17 bis of that agreement. Article 17 bis deals with ownership and control rules for airlines. The section also clarifies that nothing here stops the Secretary of Transportation from approving a permit or exemption when it does follow both the agreement and U.S. law.

     Who this affects

     Foreign airlines from EU countries, Iceland, and Norway that want new U.S. operating permits. The U.S. Department of Transportation is also directly affected in how it can use these funds.

     Tradeoff

     The restriction keeps permit approvals within the bounds of the existing air transport treaty and U.S. law, but it also limits flexibility for the Transportation Secretary to approve new foreign airline permits outside those bounds.

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     None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to approve a new foreign air carrier permit under sections 41301 through 41305 of title 49, United States Code, or exemption application under section 40109 of that title of an air carrier already holding an air operators certificate issued by a country that is party to the U.S.-E.U.-Iceland-Norway Air Transport Agreement where such approval would contravene United States law or Article 17 bis of the U.S.-E.U.-Iceland-Norway Air Transport Agreement.

146. Non-citizen eligibility rules for federally assisted housing

     This section says none of the money in this bill can be used in a way that breaks existing federal rules about who qualifies for federally assisted housing. Those rules are already written into two existing laws. One is Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980. The other is part of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. Both laws set limits on which non-citizens can live in or receive help through federal housing programs. This section does not create new rules. It simply blocks bill funds from being spent in a way that conflicts with the rules already on the books.

     Who this affects

     Non-citizens who apply for or currently receive federally assisted housing. It also affects housing agencies that administer those programs.

     Tradeoff

     Keeping funds aligned with existing eligibility law limits spending flexibility, but it also means no new policy change is created by this provision alone.

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     None of the funds made available by this Act may be used in contravention of existing Federal law regarding non-citizen eligibility and ineligibility for occupancy in federally assisted housing or for participation in and assistance under Federal housing programs

147. Ban on using funds for lobbying Congress

     This section blocks the use of funds from this bill, or from a related 2021 infrastructure law, for lobbying Congress. No money can pay for pamphlets, videos, radio spots, or other materials meant to push or defeat bills pending in Congress. The ban also covers paying grant or contract recipients who try to influence pending legislation or appropriations. The only exception is normal, recognized communication between the executive branch and Congress.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies, grant recipients, and contractors who receive money from this bill or the related infrastructure law. They cannot use those funds to lobby Congress.

     Tradeoff

     The rule limits how funded parties can advocate for their interests in Congress, but it preserves standard executive-legislative communication.

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     No part of any appropriation contained in this Act or title VIII of division J of Public Law 117–58 shall be used to pay the salary or expenses of any grant or contract recipient, or agent acting for such recipient, related to any activity designed to influence the enactment of legislation or appropriations proposed or pending before the Congress

148. Ban on promotional merchandise spending

     This section stops federal agencies from using funds in this bill to buy, make, or hand out promotional items. Promotional items are free giveaways meant mainly to advertise or promote a federal agency or program. There are two exceptions. First, an agency can still spend on such items if it decides they are needed to carry out its legal mission or operations. Second, the ban does not cover printed information like brochures, pamphlets, or publications. It also does not cover gifts given to foreign officials for diplomatic reasons.

     Who this affects

     Federal agencies funded by this bill. Vendors who make or supply promotional goods for those agencies may see less business.

     Tradeoff

     The ban could reduce spending on items seen as wasteful, but agencies must judge for themselves what counts as mission-necessary, which leaves room for differing interpretations.

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     None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to purchase, produce, or distribute promotional merchandise, defined as tangible items distributed at no cost to the recipient for the primary purpose of advertising or promoting a Federal agency, organization, or program

149. Quarterly spending reports to Congress

     This section requires all departments funded by this bill to send reports to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees every three months. The reports must list money that has not yet been committed, not yet been obligated, has been recaptured, or is considered excess in each program. The departments must also hand over updated budget information whenever the Committees ask for it.

     Who this affects

     Federal departments covered by this bill, including the Department of Transportation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The House and Senate Appropriations Committees receive the reports.

     Tradeoff

     Congress gains more visibility into unspent funds, but departments must spend staff time preparing and submitting the reports.

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     The Departments funded in this Act shall provide quarterly reports to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations regarding all uncommitted, unobligated, recaptured and excess funds in each program and activity within the jurisdiction of the Department

150. Corrections to named community spending projects

     This section fixes clerical errors in two earlier spending laws. The 2024 spending law had four project names or recipient details that were wrong. One project drops a neighborhood name from its title. A Florida trail project gets a new official name. A New York workforce center changes its listed grant recipient from one foundation to another. The 2026 spending law had one error: an Iowa bridge project changes from 'Replacement' to 'Expansion' to match what the project actually is.

     Who this affects

     Local governments and nonprofits tied to these specific projects. No new funding is added or removed.

     Tradeoff

     Correcting the records makes sure money reaches the right projects and recipients, but the changes happen after the original laws were already passed.

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     the item relating to "Elkhorn River Bridge Replacement" is deemed to be amended by striking "Replacement" and inserting "Expansion".

151. Funding cut for jurisdictions that withhold immigrant release information

     This section blocks any funds from this bill from going to local governments that refuse a federal request. Specifically, if the Department of Homeland Security asks a local jail or detention facility for the scheduled release date and time of a person held there on immigration status grounds, the local government must provide that information. If it refuses, it loses access to money provided by this transportation and housing bill.

     Who this affects

     Local governments (cities, counties) that do not share inmate release schedules with federal immigration authorities. It also affects people held in local custody who are subject to federal immigration enforcement.

     Tradeoff

     Local governments that share release information keep their federal transportation and housing funding, but those that decline to share it lose that funding, even if local law or policy limits cooperation with federal immigration agencies.

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     None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to provide Federal funds to a local jurisdiction that refuses to comply with a request from the Department of Homeland Security to provide advance notice of the scheduled release date and time for a particular illegal alien in local custody.

152. Limits on drunk-driving prevention technology spending

     This section blocks spending on a program from the 2021 infrastructure law that required automakers to study drunk-driving prevention technology. The Secretary of Transportation may still study technology that could prevent drunk-driving deaths. However, that study cannot include four specific types of technology: remote control of vehicles by any government or contractor, in-vehicle systems that monitor or transmit location or biometric data, remote government access to vehicle data, or other technology the section calls invasive or privacy-violating.

     Who this affects

     Car manufacturers, federal transportation agencies, and drivers who might benefit from or be subject to anti-drunk-driving technology in new vehicles.

     Tradeoff

     The restriction protects driver privacy and limits government access to vehicle data, but it also slows or narrows the federal effort to develop technology that could reduce drunk-driving deaths.

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     None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to implement section 24220 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (49 U.S.C. 30111 note), except that the Secretary may study technology capable of preventing drunk driving deaths that do not include the following— (1) "kill switch" technology that enables any state, local, or federal agency, contractor, subcontractor, or grantee to exercise remote operation control over any motor vehicle

153. Zero-dollar appropriation

     This section sets a funding amount of $0. It formally records that no money is provided for a particular item or program. The bill does not include any text explaining what program or purpose this zero amount applies to, based on the excerpt provided.

     Who this affects

     Anyone who would benefit from the program or item this line item covers. Without more context, it is not possible to identify a specific group.

     Tradeoff

     Recording a $0 amount formally blocks spending on the related item, but the lack of context makes it impossible to identify exactly what is being zeroed out.

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     426. $0.