Ag Appropriations Bill Passes Subcommittee

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture this week approved legislation to fund federal agencies under its jurisdiction for the 2011 fiscal year. The bill totals $23.1 billion, which is equal to President Obama's request and $200 million above last year's House-passed bill.

Republicans on the subcommittee expressed concerns about the levels of spending in the agriculture bill and dismay that this legislation - along with other appropriations bills - are being considered without limitations or guidance normally outlined in a budget resolution.

"We are considering this agriculture bill in a vacuum, without a budget or even an overall spending limit, and we have no knowledge of how the funding in this legislation fits into the overall budget picture," commented Jerry Lewis (Calif.), ranking member.

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