The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a supplemental appropriations bill that included $3.7 billion for agriculture disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers who experienced losses in 2005-2007. "This disaster package will finally provide some relief to farmers and ranchers who have been waiting for Congress to act for more than a year," said Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peter... Read more »
Today, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Specialty Crops, Rural Development, and Foreign Agriculture held a hearing to review the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development programs for the coming fiscal year and proposals for the 2007 Farm Bill. Congressman Mike McIntyre of North Carolina is Chairman of the subcommittee. "Eighty-five percent of the counties in my home state o... Read more »
Today, the House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry held a hearing to review the impact of the federal Food Stamp program on Children’s Health. Congressman Joe Baca of California is chairman of the subcommittee. "I am concerned about the obesity epidemic in America, especially among children. This is a serious health risk for them and ... Read more »
Today, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry held a hearing to review the impact of feed costs on the livestock industry. Congressman Leonard Boswell of Iowa is chairman of the subcommittee. "Because feed costs have risen dramatically over the past year, it's extremely important to gather information and hear from the experts on what we might expect in the future," sai... Read more »
Today, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Credit, Energy and Research held a hearing to examine the financing structure of renewable energy sources. Congressman Tim Holden of Pennsylvania is Chairman of the Subcommittee. "While farm based energy production has grown in recent years, I think we can and should do more to increase our use of renewable energy including biofuels," Chai... Read more »
Today, the House Committee on Agriculture adopted the budget views and estimates letter which outlines the Committee's budget recommendations for the federal agencies and programs under its jurisdiction, outlining the funding issues at the forefront of the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization. The letter will be submitted to Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt of South Carolina pursuant to section... Read more »
Today, the House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture held a hearing to review the U.S. Department of Agriculture's proposals for specialty crops and organic agriculture in the 2007 Farm Bill. Congressman Dennis Cardoza of California is Chairman of the Subcommittee. "Many of the crops covered by this subcommittee have waited far too long to become part of fe... Read more »
House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin C. Peterson (D-MN) and Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) testified before the House Budget Committee this afternoon to outline the funding needs for the upcoming Farm Bill reauthorization. The Agriculture Committee leaders urged the Budget Committee to increase the financial resources available for this year's Farm Bill proposals over the amount provid... Read more »
Today, the House Agriculture Committee reviewed the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Bill recommendations with Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns. Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin C. Peterson of Minnesota convened the Agriculture Committee’s first hearing of the 110th Congress and thanked the Secretary for the time and consideration that went into his Farm Bill proposal. "The Committee i... Read more »
Members of the House Agriculture Committee met today to organize the Committee and adopt the Committee’s rules for the 110th Congress. In today’s business meeting the committee approved the addition of one new subcommittee and ratified the members and leadership of all six subcommittees. The members then voted on and adopted the Committee rules. The House Committee on Agriculture Members and Subco... Read more »
