Appropriations
Considered one of the most influential committees in Congress, the House Appropriations Committee is responsible for approving the federal government’s annual spending levels for nearly all federal programs. As such, I take my role as the only Illinois member on the committee with the utmost seriousness, fighting to ensure that funds are allocated to grow Chicago’s local economy and spur job creation.
Currently, I serve as the Ranking Democrat on the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) and as member on the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD). During my time on the committee, I’ve been proud to secure billions in federal funding for Chicago transportation and urban housing priorities. This includes Core Capacity grants for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), funds for commuter railroads to complete the installment of Positive Train Control (PTC) safety technology, Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants, and much more. Recent appropriations bills have also included numerous measures that Senator Durbin and I have called for to help protect children in affordable housing from lead poisoning. I have also fought for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grants for local communities to increase police officer hiring, and I have prioritized housing in the Chicago-area by using my position on the THUD Subcommittee to advocate for increased federal funding for grant programs such as Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), the HOME program, and the Emergency Solutions grant program.
Securing robust federal funding through the appropriations process is critical for safety and economic growth of the Fifth District, Chicago, and Illinois. And as your representative, I will continue to be a strong advocate for critical investments that continue to position Chicago as a 21st century city.
From Fiscal Year 2013 to Fiscal Year 2018, Rep. Quigley has secured language in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill that requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to identify short and long-term noise mitigation measures at O’Hare, as well as requires the FAA to reevaluate its criteria for sound insulation and provide airports with more flexibility on awarding insulation including second round insulation.
Rep. Quigley is a strong supporter of federal funding for energy efficient housing. He toured affordable housing buildings that have embraced energy efficient upgrades.
Rep. Quigley spoke on the House Floor at the start of the 115th Congress to urge the prioritization of funding for much-needed infrastructure projects that would help bring Chicago, Illinois, and the United States up to par with the rest of the World.