Issue: H.R. 5972 Making appropriations for the Departments of Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, and for other purposes.

Result: Passed in House, 261 to 163, 8 not voting. Republicans scored.

Bill Summary:  This is the House’s FY 2013 appropriations bill for the Departments of Transportation (DOT) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Analysis:  H.R. 5972 allocates $51.6 billion in non-trust-fund money for housing and transportation programs.

Virtually the entire Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) and its programs are unconstitutional.   Nowhere does the Constitution give the federal government any authority over housing or urban affairs. Congress established the cabinet-level Housing and Urban Development Department as part of President Johnson’s Great Society program.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) was also established during the Johnson era. The Federal Aviation Administration was folded into the new department. Previously, an undersecretary in the Commerce Department carried out the responsibility of the new DOT.   Some of the DOT functions may be constitutional, but there is no serious attempt here in the combined bill to eliminate unconstitutional programs and spending.

We have assigned (good vote) to the Nays and (bad vote) to the Yeas. (P = voted present; ? = not voting; blank = not listed on roll call.)