The House spending plan for USDA’s budget next year has moved forward. In a late evening subcommittee hearing, lawmakers moved along a plan that makes several steep cuts to the White House proposal.
The GOP plan would cut around 9 percent from the White House proposal for USDA and FDA spending, which comes out to around $2.7 billion in cuts. The plan calls for $26 billion in spending and targets areas like SNAP, equity, and climate.
Subcommittee leader Representative Andy Harris says it is time lawmakers get serious about taxpayer dollars.
“This subcommittee will not prioritize climate change, equity, or green initiatives over mission-critical services to our farmers. As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we have an obligation to scrutinize mandatory funding when it goes beyond what Congress has authorized and intended. The USDA has consistently sought to expand eligibility, loosen work requirements, and increase benefits.”
While the bill takes aim at areas like SNAP and climate, it does boost spending for ag research, protein sectors, and infrastructure like broadband. Foreign ag ownership, which has been a large topic of discussion, is also addressed. Lawmakers want to make sure NASS has the necessary money to reinstate the July cattle inventory report.
