Appropriations

Considered one of the most influential committees in Congress, the House Appropriations Committee is responsible for setting and approving the federal government’s annual spending levels for nearly all federal programs. As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am dedicated to bringing federal resources back to Illinois and the Fifth Congressional District. The community is encouraged to weigh in with programmatic (funding levels for programs) and language (policy directives for agencies) recommendations. To submit a recommendation, CLICK HERE.

Currently, I serve on the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD). I aid my colleagues in the development of the budget for critical government agencies, including the Department of Transportation and the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In total, funding for these agencies comprises more than $90 billion. This funding goes towards improving transportation,  infrastructure, and various housing programs designed to mitigate homelessness and provide affordable housing opportunities. I previously served as the Ranking Member of THUD.

I also previously served as the Chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, where I led my colleagues in crafting federal spending bills for many critical federal agencies, offices, and departments, including the Department of the Treasury, the Office of Management and Budget, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Communications Commission, and the Federal Election Commission, among many others.  Last Congress, I was proud to pass a fiscal year 2023 FSGG funding bill to invest $27.6 billion towards assisting small businesses, protecting our democracy, and supporting working and middle-class families, among other things.

Previously, as Vice-Chair of the THUD Subcommittee, I’ve been proud to secure billions in federal funding for Chicago transportation and urban housing priorities. This includes funding through Core Capacity grants utilized by the Chicago Transit Authority, funds for commuter railroads to complete the installment of Positive Train Control safety technology, and crucial housing and community development projects through the SHOP, HOME, and Community Development Block Grant programs.  I’ve also been proud to lead efforts to end discriminatory HUD practices targeting LGBTQ+ individuals put in place during the Trump Administration, and consistently advocate for the enforcement of the Fair Housing Act. 

Securing robust federal funding through the appropriations process is critical for ensuring the communities in the 5th District, Chicago, and Illinois are supported by the federal government. As your representative, I will continue to be a strong advocate for critical investments that continue to position Chicago as a 21st-century city.

In February of 2021, House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) announced that the House of Representatives will accept Member requests for Community Project Funding in appropriations bills for the 117th Congress. Community Project Funds are provisions in the appropriation bills that direct funds toward specific community or municipal projects in each congressional district.

For the Fiscal Year 2022 and 2023 appropriations packages, I worked to secure more than $26.5 million for local projects. These projects supported LGBTQ equality, health care, public safety, education, and more all around the 5th District and Chicago. 

To learn more about Community Project Funding, click here.