Harris Testifies at Rules on H.R. 8646
Washington, D.C. – Today, House Appropriations Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris (R-MD) testified before the House Committee on Rules in support of H.R. 8646, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027.
Read prepared remarks from Subcommittee Chairman Harris, below:
"Thank you, Chairwoman Foxx, Ranking Member McGovern, and members of the Committee for the opportunity to appear before you today to discuss the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. I want to thank Appropriations Committee Chairman Cole for his leadership in moving the appropriations process forward.
"I also want to recognize the Ranking Member of the Full Committee, Ms. DeLauro, and the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee, Mr. Bishop, for their help in getting us to this point. Mr. Bishop and I have had some good conversations throughout this process, and I am pleased that the bill received bipartisan support out of Committee. We want to keep working with the minority as we move forward.
"For Fiscal Year 2027, the Agriculture bill’s discretionary allocation is $26.27 billion, a $380 million, or 1.4%, decrease from the FY26 enacted level. Every day, every American is impacted by this bill as we all depend on a safe food and drug supply overseen by both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. This bill targets funding to critical programs by supporting rural communities, providing U.S. producers with the tools they need to feed, fuel, and clothe the world, and ensuring all Americans who need assistance through nutrition programs like WIC, SNAP, and school meals will be served.
"This legislation reflects a clear, necessary commitment to fiscal responsibility while ensuring that America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities remain a top priority. I look forward to working with all of you as the bill moves forward.
"Again, I want to thank you for considering amendments to this bill from members on both sides of the aisle. I appreciate your time and the opportunity to testify today. I yield back."
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