Hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Senate Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies
2025-06-11
Summary
A Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing convened to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation, featuring testimony from Acting Assistant Secretary D. Lee Forsgren, Lieutenant General W. H. "Butch" Graham Jr., and Acting Assistant Secretary Scott Cameron[ 00:18:05-00:18:07 ] [ 00:26:17-00:26:18 ] . The hearing included sharp criticism of proposed budget cuts and a focus on project management, funding, and regional concerns.
Themes
Proposed Budget Cuts and Political Allocation
Both Senator Murray and Chairman Kennedy expressed strong disapproval of the administration's proposed budget, which includes significant cuts to the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation[ 00:27:34-00:28:39 ] [ 00:35:27-00:36:23 ] . Senator Murray characterized the budget as "dangerous" and "dead on arrival," citing a nearly 25% cut for the Corps and a 30% cut for the Bureau[ 00:27:47-00:28:24 ] [ 00:28:39 ] . She also accused the administration of politicizing funding decisions, diverting critical investments from "blue states" to "red states" and the president's political allies, contrary to expert recommendations and congressional intent[ 00:30:07-00:30:46 ] [ 00:32:05-00:32:13 ] . Chairman Kennedy echoed this sentiment, stating that not a single galaxy would approve the proposed budget and that it is "not acceptable"[ 00:36:16-00:36:23 ] . Witnesses acknowledged that the budget primarily originates from OMB rather than their agencies[ 00:36:49 ] .
Project Management and Delivery Challenges
Concerns were raised about the Army Corps of Engineers' ability to deliver projects on time and within budget. General Graham acknowledged that current performance, at 81% on-schedule delivery, is "unacceptable" and outlined three key areas for improvement: getting engineering right (35% design maturity before authorization), improving project management and scheduling, and building the right team for construction. Secretary Forsgren also stressed the need to find ways to bring projects in on time and closer to budget[ 00:38:16-00:38:45 ] . An example was given of the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal in New Orleans, which saw its estimated cost jump from $951 million to $4.7 billion over ten years due to court cases and a lack of trust from local communities[ 01:28:54-01:29:07 ] .
Specific Project and Regional Funding Issues
Several senators brought up specific projects and regional concerns, highlighting ongoing challenges and the need for federal support.
- Howard Hanson Dam (WA): Senator Murray criticized the defunding of this critical dam safety and fish passage project, noting its shovel-ready status and the administration's disregard for congressional appropriations[ 00:30:29-00:30:35 ] [ 00:43:58 ] .
- Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund: Questions were raised about the underutilization of the fund and the failure to meet congressional targets, impacting donor ports like Seattle and Tacoma[ 00:28:09-00:28:18 ] .
- Inland Waterways Trust Fund: Chairman Kennedy questioned why the proposed budget does not utilize funds from this trust, which is financed by a diesel fuel tax and cannot be used for other purposes[ 01:23:35-01:23:52 ] .
- Yazoo Backwater Area Management Project (MS): Senator Hyde-Smith praised recent funding and environmental findings, seeking assurance of continued commitment and the Corps' capability to utilize robust future funding effectively.
- Alabama Inland Waterways: Senator Britt highlighted catastrophic failures in Alabama's waterways and urged proactive maintenance and reliable funding to prevent future disruptions to the economy.
- Tribal Partnership Program (SD) and Rural Water Supply Projects (SD): Senator Rounds inquired about resources for tribal and rural water projects, receiving commitments to continued work and consultation, given resource availability[ 01:03:07-01:03:14 ] .
- Sioux Locks (MI) and Brandon Road Interbasin Project (IL/MI): Senator Peters emphasized the critical national significance of these projects for economic stability and invasive species control, seeking and receiving commitments for their continued progress and appropriate staffing.
Tone of the Meeting
The tone of the meeting was largely critical and frustrated from the congressional members, particularly regarding the proposed budget cuts and perceived politicization of funding allocations[ 00:27:34-00:28:39 ] [ 00:35:15-00:36:23 ] . While witnesses maintained a professional and cooperative demeanor, acknowledging challenges and committing to improvements, they often referred to resource constraints and the budget process directed by OMB[ 00:38:16-00:38:45 ] . Underlying the discussions was a bipartisan consensus on the importance of the agencies' work and the need for effective infrastructure investment, despite disagreements on the proposed budget details[ 00:32:39-00:32:39 ] .
Participants
Transcript
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