Appropriations Committee Releases Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA Funding Bill

The House Appropriations Committee released the draft fiscal year 2022 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill, which will be considered in subcommittee on June 25. For fiscal year 2022, the bill provides discretionary funding of $26.55 billion–a critical increase of $2.851 billion, more than 10 percent–above 2021. The legislation aims to invest in nutrition programs, increase broadband access, rebuild public health and consumer safety infrastructure, confront the climate crisis, and ensure equitable participation in USDA programs. For rural infrastructure, the bill provides a total of more than $4.43 billion for development programs; the legislation invests over $907 million, an increase of $165 million above the fiscal year 2021 enacted level, in the expansion of broadband service to provide economic development opportunities and improved education and healthcare services. This includes $800 million for the ReConnect program. These significant investments in broadband reflect a commitment to enabling Americans in rural communities to access digital tools necessary to improve health, educational, and economic outcomes. Since 2019, more than 200,000 rural residents have gained access to broadband through these programs.


Appropriations Committee Releases Fiscal Year 2022 Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA Funding Bill