This was a vote on an amendment by Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) that would have eliminated a provision of the bill providing $1 million for an economic revitalization project in downtown Tacoma, Washington (known as the “Downtown Tacoma Streetscapes Improvement Project”).

Flake urged support for his amendment: “This amendment would prohibit a million dollars going to the downtown Tacoma streetscape improvements in Tacoma, Washington, and reduce spending in the bill by a commensurate amount….There are a lot of cities around the country that need streetscapes, a lot of them that are probably deserving. But why in the world did we choose this one?”

Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA) urged opposition to the amendment: “The Downtown Tacoma Streetscapes Improvement Project is a vital economic recovery tool for the City of Tacoma. The Tacoma area has an unemployment rate of 9 percent. In addition, the largest downtown employer has recently announced their plans to move. In response, the community came together and created a revitalization plan to redevelop the downtown corridor. The overall plan is estimated to create 500 new jobs and help transform the local economy….this is an important economic development project in my district, and I strongly oppose the gentleman's amendment and ask that the Members vote against it.”

The House rejected Flake’s amendment by a vote of 157-267. 148 Republicans and 9 Democrats voted “yea.” 247 Democrats and 20 Republicans voted “nay.” As a result, the House rejected an amendment to transportation, housing, and urban affairs legislation that would have eliminated a provision of the bill providing $1 million for an economic revitalization project in downtown Tacoma, Washington.