Rep. Crank Votes for Series of Appropriations Bills; Furthers Defense Agenda, Champions MAHA Initiative, and Invests in American Transportation with Big Win for #CO05

January 22, 2026
Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) voted in favor of H.R. 7148, the Defense Appropriations Act, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, and the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026. 

The Defense Appropriations Act sustains America’s military superiority, shapes a more efficient and effective Department of War, protects from threats at America’s border, and takes care of our troops and their families. It also includes a 3.8% pay raise for service members and a 1% pay raise for all civilian employees.

The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act supports President Trump’s initiative to safeguard taxpayer dollars and eliminate progressive policies. It aims to prioritize primary care funding for rural health and increase funding for nutrition research and mental health treatment and prevention. 

The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act prioritizes transportation safety and maintains essential

housing assistance for our nation’s most vulnerable. Included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026 is a project in which Rep. Crank secured for El Paso County: 

  • $1 million to support safety improvements at Constitution Avenue and Peterson Road. The proposed project aims to address these challenges through targeted infrastructure improvements including the installation of improved crosswalks, pedestrian signals and refuge areas. Additional improvements of intersection realignment, and signal timing modification will enhance both pedestrian and vehicular safety. These upgrades align with local and national traffic safety goals and support El Paso County’s Local Road Safety Plan. 

"I am pleased that Congress continues to pass comprehensive appropriations packages that benefit all Americans," said Rep. Crank. "Included in this package of bills are not only wins for our service members in our district, but directly affects all the people of El Paso County. Our office has secured improvements at Constitution Avenue and Peterson Road which will have enhanced crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and more to ensure the safety and well-being of all of Colorado's Fifth Congressional District and its visitors."

“Congressman Jeff Crank has shown strong leadership on behalf of El Paso County,” said Carrie Geitner, chair of the El Paso County Board of Commissioners. “Because he’s from this community, he understands our needs and knows how to move local priorities through the legislative process. His support for the Constitution and Peterson Road safety project reflects a deep commitment to the residents who travel through this area every day, and his efforts helped advance funding that will enhance safety and deliver real benefits for our community.”

 

Background: 

The Defense Appropriations Act:

  • Provides $13.4 billion for missile defense and space programs that support the Golden Dome for America;
  • $50 million for Impact Aid and $20 million for Impact Aid for children with disabilities to assist local school districts that have lost property tax revenue due to the presence of tax-exempt federal property, such as military installations;
  • Provides for six new C-130J aircraft for the Air National Guard;
  • Provides an additional $528 million to fund the procurement of two new GPS satellites produced in Colorado;
  • Directs the Secretary of the Air Force to create a strategy for modernizing our space launch infrastructure to maintain assured access to space;
  • And more. 

The Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:

  • Prioritizing primary care funding for rural health, health centers, and the health workforce to end the chronic disease epidemic;
  • Increasing funding for nutrition research at the National Institutes of Health;
  • Reducing program and administrative funding following the direction of President Trump to rein in the bloated federal bureaucracy;
  • And more.

The Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act:

  • Increasing funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA);
  • Guarantees that the U.S. has the most modern, safe, and efficient transportation system in the world;
  • Reinforcing English language proficiency requirements for truck drivers;
  • Reinforcing citizenship requirements for housing assistance;
  • And more.

###

Issues: Congress