House Appropriations Committee Advances Agriculture Funding Bill with Adjustments
The House Appropriations Committee has advanced the fiscal 2027 Agriculture-FDA funding bill, marking a significant step in the legislative process for U.S. agricultural policy. The bill, which cleared the committee with bipartisan support, proposes a total of $22.5 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a reduction of $675 million from the fiscal 2026 enacted level. Key allocations include maintaining funding for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) at $1.158 billion, while the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) sees a reduction of $6.8 million to $201.6 million. The Farm Service Agency's budget is set at $1.1 billion, a decrease of $19 million, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is allocated $800 million, down by $50 million. Conversely, the Food Safety and Inspection Service receives an increase, with funding set at $1.23 billion. The bill also supports APHIS's efforts in foreign animal disease and pest mitigation, including $13.5 million for electr...