Appropriations Committee Approves the Fiscal Year 2015 Agriculture Bill

May 29, 2014
Press Release

The House Appropriations Committee today approved the fiscal year 2015 Agriculture Appropriations bill on a vote of 31-18. The proposed legislation funds important agricultural and food programs and services, including food and medical product safety, animal and plant health programs, rural development and farm services, marketplace oversight, and nutrition programs.

The bill totals $20.9 billion in discretionary funding, which is equal to the fiscal year 2014 enacted level. Including both discretionary and mandatory funding for various nutrition programs, the overall bill totals $142.5 billion.

“This bill invests in the people of this country – in their safety, their livelihoods, and their communities – and ensures that our agricultural industries are successful, productive, and safe,” House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers said. “ In addition, this bill supports nutrition programs that help to make sure our most vulnerable – including children and the elderly – do not go hungry, and funds important programs to keep our food and drug supply safe.”

“This bill honors our commitment to rural America and demonstrates to our farmers that they are not forgotten in Washington. From funding rural infrastructure development to ‎implementing programs within the new Farm Bill this year's appropriation seeks to address the needs of rural America while holding the line on government spending and regulatory over-reach,” Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt said.

The following amendments to the FY 2015 Agriculture Appropriations bill were adopted by the full committee today:

Rep. Aderholt – The amendment makes technical and non-controversial changes to the bill and report. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.  

Rep. Kingston – The amendment adds $155 million for the Agricultural Research Service Building and Facilities account for the purchase, repair, improvement, or construction of equipment and facilities, offset by a reduction in the Office of the Secretary and the Rural Water and Waste Disposal Account. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote. 

Rep. Moran – The amendment prohibits funding for inspections of horse slaughter facilities in the U.S. The amendment was adopted on a vote of 28-22. 

Rep. Cole – The amendment adds report language to encourage compliance with FDA's 2012 “Scientific Integrity" policy, and directs the FDA Commissioner to ensure agencies comply with the policy. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote. 

Rep. DeLauro – The amendment prohibits funds to purchase processed poultry from China for use in school lunch programs. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote.

Rep. Nunnelee – The amendment adds report language encouraging FDA to accept certain types of clear, visible calorie displays on products served through vending machines. The amendment was adopted on a voice vote. 

For the text of the bill, please visit: /UploadedFiles/BILLS-113HR-FC-AP-FY2015-AP00-Agriculture.pdf

For the bill report, please visit: /uploadedfiles/hrpt-113-hr-fy2015-agriculture.pdf

 

#####

113th Congress