House Debates Agriculture, FDA Spending Bill

This week, the House began debate on the FY2015 Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies spending bill (H.R. 4800). The House Appropriations Committee approved the bill May 29 (see The Source, 5/30/14).

The measure would provide $20.88 billion in discretionary funding in FY2015 for domestic and international food assistance programs at the Department of Agriculture, as well as programs at the FDA.

During consideration of the bill, the House approved the following amendments by voice vote:

• An amendment by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) to increase funding for Child Nutrition Programs for grants to states in support of the school breakfast program by $8.15 million; and
• An amendment by Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) to increase funding for Child Nutrition Programs by $3 million.

The House is expected to continue its consideration of the bill later this summer.