House Agriculture Committee Meets Virtually to Consider Budget

WASHINGTON, DC – The House Agriculture Committee held their first hearing of the 117th Congress on Wednesday to consider the Agriculture and Nutrition title of the FY2021 Budget Reconciliation bill.

Notable provisions, according to the Chairman Rep. David Scott (GA-D) include providing $1 billion in assistance to and support for community-based organizations and 1890 Land Grant and other minority-serving institutions; farm loan assistance for Black farmers and other farmers of color; an extension of the 15 percent SNAP benefit increase through the end of September; $37 million to the Commodity Supplemental Food Program; and, $500 million in Community Facility Program funds to help rural hospitals and local communities broaden access to COVID-19 vaccines & food assistance.

In addition, members discussed the proposed $3.6 billion for the Secretary of Agriculture to continue to help the food and ag sector supply chains, @100 million in overtime fee relief to small meat and poultry processors currently grappling with COVID-19-related backlogs, and $800 million for the Food for Peace program, including purchases of U.S.-grown crops used in international humanitarian aid. The hearing was conducted virtually.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)