US House Ag Appropriations Bill Restores Funding

BY DEANA STROISCH

The U.S. House fiscal year 2018 appropriations bill restores proposed cuts to USDA, including funding for Peoria’s ag lab.

The bill proposes $20 billion in discretionary funding – $4.6 billion more than President Donald Trump’s budget request.

“This bill supports America’s farmers and ranchers, who are vital to our nation’s economy and our health and well-being,” said Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala.

A subcommittee advanced the fiscal year 2018 agriculture appropriations bill to the full committee. If approved, the bill would, among other things:

- Restore funding for rural development programs, such as the water and wastewater loan and grant programs, several housing programs, and resources and programs operated by the Rural Business Cooperative Services.

- Allocate $2.8 billion for ag research. “We do not support the proposed closure of 17 research facilities included in the budget request, but direct USDA to prioritize research activities and reallocate vital research dollars from research efforts that have matured or where the objectives of the research have been met,” Aderholt said.

The 17 proposed facilities eyed for closure include the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Center in Peoria. Members of Illinois’ congressional delegation and Illinois Legislative Roundtable recently sent letters to appropriations committee leaders in support of keeping the facility open.

- Provide $1.6 billion for farm programs – $44 million more than the president’s request. The funding, among other things, “ensures that local county Farm Service Agency offices will be fully staffed and farm loan programs meet current estimates of demand,” Aderholt said.

- Authorizes $1.8 billion for the Trade and Agricultural Affairs mission area to promote U.S. ag exports, remove barriers to trade and fund two programs eliminated under Trump’s budget request – Food for Peace and McGovern-Dole International Food for Education.