Today, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies convened to review its Fiscal Year 2026 bill. The subcommittee approved the measure during the meeting.
Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris emphasized the bill's focus on fiscal responsibility while prioritizing America's farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. "This legislation reflects a clear, conservative commitment to fiscal responsibility while ensuring that America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities remain a top priority and that all Americans have access to a safe food and drug supply," Harris stated. He also noted the bill's intention to move away from previous administration policies by reducing wasteful spending and streamlining efficiencies identified by DOGE.
The legislation includes significant investments in agricultural research to keep producers at the forefront of technology and practices. Funding for USDA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative is maintained alongside support for land-grant universities to ensure competitiveness with China.
Harris underscored the need for fiscal restraint in light of growing deficits: "As I have said before, we are not appropriating Monopoly money – it’s hard-earned taxpayer dollars, and sometimes tough decisions have to be made."
Chairman Tom Cole also spoke at the markup session. He highlighted agriculture's importance as more than just a commodity in rural areas like his district in southwest Oklahoma. "Through production, innovation, and pure grit, American farmers feed the world," Cole remarked.
The FY26 appropriations act supports President Trump’s farmer-first agenda with continued investments in research, rural broadband, animal health programs, and safeguarding American farms from foreign purchases of agricultural land. It aims to direct resources efficiently while protecting food supply safety.
"As we safeguard our food supply," Cole added, "we also direct vital resources to protect the safety of medical drugs and devices."
Further details about the bill are available through provided summaries and texts.
