To Members of the NASULGC System:

Late yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee gave its approval to the F.Y. 2007 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. The overall parameters of the bill remain largely unchanged from the marks set by the Ag Appropriations Subcommittee last week:

According to a news release issued by the Appropriations Committee: In total, the bill provides $18.4 billion in total discretionary resources. This level represents a decrease of $96 million below the F.Y. 2006 enacted level and $564 million over the President’s budget request.

Amendments Adopted in Full Committee
(1) Kingston: extends peanut storage program till 2008; (2) Obey: extends MILC program for one month; (3) Northup: allows the re-importation of prescription drugs; (4) Hinchey: prohibits FDA from granting financial conflict of interest waivers for members of advisory committees; and (5) DeLauro: gives FDA authority to mandate post-market studies of prescription drugs.

Other than the addition of two more special grants, there were no amendments affecting CSREES programs or funding lines.

House floor action is still anticipated on May 16 or 17.

Fred H. Hutchison
Fleishman-Hillard Government Relations