The increase of about $2.8 billion to $26.6 billion “is critical as we work to tackle hunger, lift up rural communities, rebuild public health and safety infrastructure, confront the climate crisis, and foster greater equity,” Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro, D-CT said.
In his opening statement at Wednesday’s markup, Ag Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., said the bill includes $3.4 billion for agricultural research and nearly $350 million for climate change mitigation. “The investments in this bill will help lay the foundation for sustainable agricultural improvements to mitigate the consequences of climate change while maintaining high levels of production,” he said.
USDA's Agricultural Research Service would receive about $1.6 billion, about $212 million less than requested but $145 million more than the current year’s budget. The National Institute of Food and Agriculture would get about $1 billion — less than the budget request by $317 million but above the FY 21 level of $992 million.
Broadband spending in the bill totals more than $907 million, an increase of $165 million above FY 2021. The bill also includes $6 billion in discretionary funding for the Women, Infants and Children program, including $834 million to increase the amounts of fruits and vegetables in the WIC Food Package.
An amendment to prohibit Chinese government-controlled entities from purchasing farmland sparked a spirited debate, with Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., citing concerns about Asian Americans who have been subject to increased harassment and violent attacks since the pandemic began.
After a recess, however, amendment sponsor Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., said he had discussed the matter with Meng and that all parties, including DeLauro, Bishop, and ag appropriations ranking member Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb., were committed to continuing work on the amendment’s wording.