Sanford Bishop: “I thank the gentlewoman for the time, and I rise in support of H.R. 1865. As the chair of the Agriculture, Rural…”

“I thank the gentlewoman for the time, and I rise in support of H.R. 1865. As the chair of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, I am pleased to briefly highlight the important national priorities addressed in this bill. From the safety of our food and medicines, to agriculture research, to rural development, and nutrition assistance, the programs in this bill touch the lives of every American on a daily basis. The strong investments we make in this bill will improve people's lives at home and abroad. The fiscal year 2020 Agriculture bill provides $23.5 billion in discretionary funding, $183 million above the fiscal year 2019 level. In addition, it provides the latest estimates for mandatory programs required by law. The legislation makes major investments, totaling almost $3.8 billion, in our rural communities, including $1.45 billion for rural water and waste program loans and $545 million in grants for clean and reliable drinking water systems, $640 million for broadband programs, including $555 million for the Re-Connect grants and loans, an issue with strong bipartisan support. The bill funds all of the domestic nutrition programs, including SNAP, WIC, and the Child Nutrition Programs, sufficiently to meet anticipated participation in fiscal year 2020.…”