Statement : Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies
July 23, 2020
Statement
"The package is the product of months of thoughtful deliberation and input from Members on both sides of the aisle. I am proud of the work we have completed under the incredibly difficult circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. This appropriations package addresses urgent national priorities."
July 22, 2020
Statement
"The Appropriations Committee is charged with one of the most important responsibilities entrusted to Congress by the Constitution: the power of the purse. I am proud that we have used that power to make investments that will make the world better, safer, and healthier and give every person a better chance at a better life."
July 9, 2020
Statement
"The coronavirus pandemic has made it abundantly clear that we must do more to address America’s food security crisis and to strengthen struggling communities that are reeling from the pandemic and ensuing recession. While the Trump administration’s budget would gut critical investments in vulnerable populations and rural communities at a time of great need and uncertainty, this fiscal year 2021 bill would reduce disparities made worse by the pandemic with strong funding and protections to help put nutritious food on people’s tables and to connect more Americans to work, school, health care and family with increased broadband access."
July 9, 2020
Statement
WASHINGTON — Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), Chair of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, delivered the following remarks at the Appropriations Committee's markup of the fiscal year 2021 Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA bill:
July 6, 2020
Statement
"At a time when hunger is growing, the food supply is under threat, and more and more Americans are falling into poverty, this bill responds effectively to: Meet the needs of SNAP and WIC to ensure the most vulnerable have access to nutritious meals; reduce hunger by increasing funding for the Summer EBT program; and increase investments in the child nutrition program by $1.5 billion."
July 6, 2020
Statement
"I have maintained a steadfast commitment to our rural communities. To that extent, the bill includes $1.055 billion for rural broadband expansion, including $990 million for the ReConnect program, an increase of $435 million or 78%. In total, the bill provides more than $3.2 billion in budget authority for Rural Development programs to fund critical infrastructure, such as water and wastewater systems, and rural housing needs."
March 11, 2020
Statement
"I will have further questions on the administration’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak. I should also note that we continue to actively monitor your efforts related to youth use of vaping products. The deadline for companies to submit premarket application is just two months away. Preserving the ability of adults to use vaping devices as an offramp from smoking while preventing bad actors and youth-appealing flavors from remaining on the market is a delicate balancing act."
March 10, 2020
Statement
"Despite the likelihood that these challenges will continue for some time, the administration has put forth an inadequate budget, as it has every year during its time in office. This year, USDA’s budget request is $16.4 billion, which is a reduction of $3.5 billion, or 18 percent, in discretionary funding from the final fiscal year 2020 bill. I continue to believe many of the proposals in the budget are bad for our farmers, rural communities, and vulnerable populations and quite honestly dead on arrival."
March 3, 2020
Statement
"We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the appropriations process and learning more about the programs and issues that affect your district and your constituents. Your input is invaluable as we draft funding legislation for upcoming fiscal year for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the Farm Credit Administration."
February 27, 2020
Statement
"Your office is at the forefront of these efforts as they relate to the FDA. The Subcommittee shares your interests in ensuring the programs of the FDA are operating at the highest levels of efficiency, responding to your recommendations, and protecting the public health and safety of the American people."