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Ag funding included in Senate debate

The full U.S. Senate is considering the first three appropriation bills to fund the government for Fiscal Year 2024.

Ranking Member of the Senate Ag Committee John Boozman says the Senate Appropriations Committee, which he also serves on, passed all 12 of its bills, “that fund everything from agriculture to the defense,” he says.  “We want to make sure that the funding continues uninterrupted.”

He tells Brownfield the Appropriations Committee unanimously passed the legislation currently under consideration which includes nearly $26 billion in funding for the USDA.

“We don’t want a government shutdown,” he stresses. “What do you do if you’re in a livestock facility or some other facility where you need things like poultry inspectors or whatever, or if you’ve got a check that you’re dependent on USDA pushing out because of some program that you’re in?”

The U.S. House has yet to start debate on funding packages and both chambers will need to get through a conference before the end of the month to avoid a Government shutdown.