On September 14th, the House of Representatives passed its FY2018 Omnibus appropriations package entitled ‘The Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act’. It is too soon to know if the Senate will also pass an Omnibus, which will have to be then conferenced with the House or if a second Continuing Resolution (CR) will be passed for FY 2018.

While the House funding level for HUD programs remains unchanged from the House THUD bill approved in July, there were a few notable housing amendments that were included in it:

  • Section 202 Housing for the Elderly amendment to increase funding for the program by $2.5 million. The increase is offset by a $2.5 million reduction to HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research.
  • Public Housing Capital amendment to increase the public housing capital fund by $2 million. The funds would be offset by a $2 million reduction to HUD’s Information Technology (IT) Fund.
  • Public Housing Operating/CDBG amendment would shift $10 million in funding from the public housing operating fund to CDBG.
  • CDBG amendment to increase funding for CDBG by $100 million. The increase is offset by a $100 million reduction to HUD’s IT Fund.
  • HOPWA amendment to increase funding for HOPWA by $19 million. The increase is offset by a $19 million reduction to HUD’s IT Fund.
  • Section 4 Capacity Building amendment to increase funding for the program by $5 million. The increase is offset by a $5 million reduction to funds initially set aside for FHA administrative contract expenses.
  • Sanctuary Cities amendment that prohibits HUD funds from being used for a State, or local government entity or official if that entity prohibits, or in any way restricts any government entity or official from sending to, or receiving from, the Immigration and Naturalization Service information regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of any individual.
  • Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) Amendment to shift FHIP funding designated for private nonprofit organizations toward state and local governments.