The US House of Representatives narrowly approved a $26.3 billion agriculture spending bill, focusing on farm support, food safety, rural development, and national security. The bill, known as the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2027, passed with a vote of 213-210. It now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
This legislation allocates $26.27 billion in discretionary funding for the US Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and related agencies. This amount represents a slight decrease of about 1.4% from the fiscal 2026 enacted level. The bill is the second of the 12 annual appropriations measures to be approved by the House this year.
Chairman Andy Harris of the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee emphasized that the bill aims to support American farmers and rural communities while cutting unnecessary expenses. He highlighted the importance of backing farmers and ranchers who play a crucial role in feeding the nation, supporting jobs, and driving rural economies. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole echoed this sentiment, stating that a strong agricultural sector is fundamental to a robust America.
House Republican leaders emphasized that the legislation continues to invest in agricultural research, rural development loan programs, animal and plant health initiatives, and food safety efforts. It also boosts resources for meat and poultry inspectors and sustains nutrition programs for low-income individuals. The bill includes provisions to enhance food and agricultural security, such as better monitoring of foreign-owned agricultural land and increased oversight of certain foreign land transactions.
