On November 7, 2023, an amendment to the House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Fiscal Year 2024 (FY2024) spending bill – which would add funding to the Community Development Fund for the HUD PRO Housing Grant program – was adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives during a floor vote. Representative Lisa Rochester-Blunt (D-Del.) offered the amendment, which was approved 238-185 (15 not voting).
The National Apartment Association (NAA) actively supported this amendment – and the program it funds – as it closely aligns with the Yes in My Backyard (YIMBY) legislation we have long endorsed, which would incentivize localities to reduce barriers to housing construction.
Ahead of the amendment’s vote on the floor, NAA lobbied Republican offices to make them aware of the amendment and urge their support. The amendment ultimately passed with significant bipartisan support and was also the only Democratic-approved amendment during floor consideration of the THUD bill thus far. As of publication, this bill continues to await a final vote to pass the House.
The Senate THUD funding bill includes significantly higher funding levels overall, as well as more money for this particular program. Eventually, both chambers must reconcile the differences between the two bills. Current funding for all government agencies will expire on November 17, 2023. Congress will likely pass a continuing resolution that keeps spending at current funding levels to avoid a government shutdown while Congress considers each of these spending bills for FY2024.