(WASHINGTON D.C.) — On Wednesday, U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) released the committee’s legislative text for the budget reconciliation package. Chairman Boozman says it will rein in runaway spending in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) while promoting fiscal responsibility and investing in rural America and America’s farm families.
“This bill takes a commonsense approach to reforming SNAP—cutting waste, increasing state accountability, and helping recipients transition to self-sufficiency through work and training. It’s about being good stewards of taxpayer dollars while giving folks the tools to succeed,” Chairman Boozman said. “At the same time, our farmers and ranchers are facing real challenges, which have been unaddressed for too long. This legislation delivers the risk management tools and updated farm bill safety net they need to keep producing the safest, most abundant and affordable food, fuel, and fiber in the world. It’s an investment in rural America and the future of agriculture.”
Among the provisions, it includes key animal health priorities that were applauded by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the National Pork Producers Council.
“A successful farm or ranch starts with healthy cattle and as cattle producers face increasing risk of a foreign animal disease outbreak, the need for robust cattle health provisions is even more crucial,” said NCBA Executive Director of Government Affairs Tanner Beymer. “Senate Ag Committee Chairman John Boozman knows how important this issue is and NCBA thanks him for working to protect farmers and ranchers from devastating foreign animal diseases. We urge the Senate to quickly pass these provisions so they can become law.”
Specifically, the bill preserves necessary resources to protect the nation’s food supply through foreign animal disease (FAD) prevention, including the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank, the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program, and the National Veterinary Stockpile.
Click HERE for legislative text.
Click HERE to read a section-by-section.
Click HERE to view a one-pager.
Click HERE for charge and response.
Click HERE for investments in rural America.
