Rep. McGuire applauds passage of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following the passage of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, Representative John McGuire issued the following statement.

"Farmers are the backbone of Virginia's economy," said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). "Ensuring they have what they need to grow healthy crops and put food on our tables, clothes on our backs, and fuels to generate growth is a priority. The Agriculture, Rural Development, and FDA Appropriations Bill, provides over $26 billion in funding for the USDA and FDA to support farmers, rural communities, and nutrition programs. I was proud to vote for this bill that will reduce wasteful spending on climate hubs, while prioritizing funding for the people and communities keeping our nation healthy. Together we are making America healthy again."

The passage of the bill included two Community Project Funding requests by Representative McGuire:

• Replacement fire engine for Louisa County: $719, 250 to be used for the purchase of a new fire engine to service a 514-square-mile area. The project will replace a 15-year-old frontline fire engine to improve reliability for the public, enhance firefighter safety, and ensure the department can continue providing efficient fire suppression and emergency services throughout the county.
• Office relocation for the Nottoway County Sheriff's Department: $1,152, 620 to be used to renovate and expand a county-owned facility to create a consolidated, purpose-built Sheriff's Office. The project will modernize the Sheriff's Office to address critical operational and facility deficiencies that currently limit the county's ability to provide reliable 24/7 public safety services.

Background:

• This legislation champions U.S. farmers, agriculture, and rural communities by continuing crucial investments in agriculture research, rural development loan programs, and animal and plant health programs, while providing funds to ensure the safety of food, drugs, and medical devices.
• Invests in rural communities by providing $3.81 billion for rural development programs that expand access to reliable broadband, water infrastructure programs, and rural infrastructure and economic development initiatives that support economic growth and improve quality of life.
• Supports President Trump's public health priorities and the Make America Healthy Again initiative by providing $7.1 billion for the FDA to keep our food and drug supply safe and reliable.
• Protects U.S. farmland and agricultural research from our adversaries, such as China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran, by making the Secretary of Agriculture a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment for transactions that involve agricultural land, biotechnology, transportation, storage, and processing, while also increasing transparency requirements for research funding involving foreign governments.
• Enforces "Buy American" requirements to maximize the federal government's purchase and use of services, goods, products, and materials produced in the United States.
• Fully funds the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, and focuses resources on those who need them most, reflecting changes made in the Working Families Tax Cut Act (H.R. 1).