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The House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure began markup on a six-year Highway Bill that essentially maintains current funding levels. The American Society of Civil Engineers has given America’s infrastructure a D+ grade and have stated that we need an additional $3.6 trillion in infrastructure investment by 2020.

U.S. Representative Ed Royce (R-Calif.) questioned Mr. Orlando Cabrera, former Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing at the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD), on the delayed renewal of Moving to Work (MTW) programs during a House Financial Services Committee hearing entitled "The Future of Housing in America: 50 Years of HUD and its impact on Federal Housing Policy."

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, said today she believes that the residents of the District of Columbia and the region will be relieved that the Protect Riders of Metrorail Public Transportation (PROMPT) Act of 2015 is assured of passage.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), ranking member of the House Infrastructure Committee’s Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, announced that her major legislative priorities for the District of Columbia and the nation, including her amendment to implement direct federal safety oversight of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) Metrorail, were included in the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 (STRR), which passed the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $42,201 to the American Samoa Power Authority to replace a diesel generator with an all-electric generator on the Island of Ofu in American Samoa. This project will reduce 75,000 gallons of diesel fuel annually.

The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee passed H.R. 3763, the “Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015,” clearing the last major hurdle prior to moving the bill to the House Floor. Included in the bill is language from Rep. Woodall’s H.R. 3739, the “VETOPPS Act.” Previously introduced as a standalone bill, the bipartisan measure is now set to advance as part of the long-anticipated surface transportation legislation.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 (H.R. 3763), a six-year bill to authorize highway and transit programs across the United States. Several amendments to benefit Ventura County and authored by Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) were approved by the Committee.

The Financial Services Committee continued its in-depth examination of federal housing policy with a hearing today focused on the role of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). One of the chief weapons in the “War on Poverty” launched by President Lyndon Johnson, HUD became a cabinet-level agency 50 years ago last month.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced nearly $2.3 billion in loans to build and improve rural electric infrastructure in 31 states. USDA is awarding loans to 77 utilities and cooperatives in 31 states. The funding includes more than $108 million for smart grid technology

Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX) delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing to examine the Future of Housing in America and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) during its 50th anniversary year

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) issued the following statement after President Barack Obama announced a Major Disaster Declaration for the record-breaking wildland fires that affected communities across Washington state.

The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) joined local officials and representatives of The Ingerman Group to celebrate the grand opening of Willows at Waretown, a 76-unit affordable rental community for seniors 55 and older in Ocean Township, Ocean County, which is one of the nine counties most impacted by Superstorm Sandy as determined by the federal government.

Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT), Alma S. Adams (D-NC), Lou Barletta (R-PA), James P. McGovern (D-MA) along with 71 other Members of Congress sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell to urge for the swift release of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding. Releasing the funding will allow families in need to access critical resources to heat their homes during cold winter months.

Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) and the city of Laredo welcomed Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25) for a tour of the World Trade Bridge as well as the Laredo airport and other parts of the city.

Stadium Place, an apartment community in Seattle, was named Multifamily Community of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) as part of the association’s Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Awards. The winning community, which also won Best High-Rise Apartment Community (10-plus stories), was selected by judges from the winners of the developer awards.

More than 300 Southern Californians, armed with signs and chants, rallied on Wednesday to protest Southern California Edison’s (SCE) proposal to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) that would cripple rooftop solar power and eliminate consumer choice

With two of the largest fires in California history recently devastating the northern part of the state, unseasonably high fall temperatures and fire season extended well into the fall, it is more important than ever to make sure homeowners and renters have the insurance coverage they need in case disaster strikes. California consumers in high-risk fire areas across the state are reminded that fire coverage is available everywhere in the state.

Thousands of Californians could get greater access to housing they can afford under a new initiative by the State Treasurer’s Office. Two state commissions chaired by California State Treasurer John Chiang on Wednesday gave final approval to regulations that make it easier to tap up to $6.5 billion in previously underutilized, federal government resources.

Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) was joined by Representatives Peter Welch (D-VT), Alma S. Adams (D-NC), and Lou Barletta (R-PA), along with 71 other Members of Congress in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia Burwell to urge for the swift release of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding. Releasing the funding will allow families in need to access critical resources to heat their homes during cold winter months. Click here to read the letter