Appropriations Committee Markup on FY2025 Bills, October 4, 2023

Jul 12, 2024

Appropriations Committee Markup on FY2025 Bills, October 4, 2023

Overview

The Appropriations Committee convened to mark up and consider three bills for Fiscal Year 2025 covering Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (Labor-HHS-Education); Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (T-HUD); and Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration (Ag-FDA).

Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill for FY2025

Key Highlights

  • Considered by the committee chaired by Mr. Cole. Ranking member Ms. DeLauro offered various amendments.
  • Focus on federal spending, health, education, and public services.
  • Importance of adhering to spending limits while addressing public needs acknowledged.

Discussion Points

  • Various amendments debated, including funding for education, public health programs, and abortion-related provisions.
  • Concerns raised on cutting funding for programs like title one and other education-related grants.
  • Bipartisan support emphasized for certain programs like Trio and workforce development.
  • Several members expressed concerns over cuts in Social Security Administration leading to longer wait times and declining services.

Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Bill for FY2025

Key Highlights

  • Presented by Chairman Womack and Ranking Member Quigley.
  • Priorities included investments in highways, critical transportation projects, and housing support programs.
  • Importance of supporting low-income and vulnerable populations underscored.

Discussion Points

  • Amendments debated included provisions on tolling existing roads, clean water improvements, housing initiatives, and urban agricultural projects.
  • Concerns about funding cuts affecting critical infrastructure, Amtrak, and public transit services were raised.
  • Acknowledgment of the importance of addressing anti-Semitism on college campuses and ensuring safety and equity in federal programs.

Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill for FY2025

Key Highlights

  • Presented by Chairman Harris, focusing on agriculture, rural development, and the safety of food and pharmaceutical products.
  • Emphasis on supporting farmers, addressing food insecurity, and rural economic support.
  • Importance of regulatory reforms highlighted.

Discussion Points

  • Amendments focused on SNAP benefits, including a pilot program to restrict unhealthy food purchases and support for early introduction of allergenic foods like peanuts in WIC benefits.
  • Concerns were voiced regarding cuts to the Food for Peace program and impacts on global food security and foreign adversarial land purchases.
  • Emphasis on evidence-based policy-making and addressing corporate influence in food and agriculture sectors.

Notable Members

  • Ms. Jennifer Wexton of Virginia highlighted for her contributions and courage in facing health challenges while serving on the committee.
  • Acknowledgment of bipartisan efforts on key priorities despite overall disagreement on the bill specifics.

Additional Points

  • Arguments centered around the necessity of a balance between fiscal responsibility and ensuring adequate social services, infrastructure investment, and equity in federal programs.
  • Continuing debates shared over regulatory impacts, nutritional assistance, housing crises, and improving public transportation services.

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