The House late Tuesday passed the fifth of a dozen spending bills for fiscal 2016 to fund transportation and housing projects.
Lawmakers approved the $55.3 billion measure in a razor-thin 216-210 vote, after rejecting amendments from Democrats that would have increased funding for Amtrak and the D.C. Metro, as well as done away with a provision restricting travel to Cuba.
All but three Democrats voted against the bill, while all but 31 Republicans voted in favor. Lawmakers could be seen gazing up at the gallery displaying their votes as the bill appeared close to failing.
Overall, the bill provides $1.5 billion more than the current 2015 level, but $9.7 billion less than President Obama’s request.
The bill would provide funding for the Highway Trust Fund, whose authorization expires again at the end of July, as well as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration.
