REP. CALVERT SUPPORTS FY2007 AGRICULTURE APPROPRIATIONS ACT

Congressman Ken Calvert will vote in support of H.R. 5384, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007, which is expected to pass the House later this evening.

"H.R. 5384 supports our nation's farmers and ranchers as well as needed funding for research into public health issues and food safety. The legislation also provides increased financial support for critical food and nutrition programs, such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)", said Calvert.

In light of current budgetary constraints and the need to reduce the national debt, H.R. 5384 actually reduces spending by almost $100 million while still providing sufficient funding for national priorities. Among other provisions, H.R. 5384, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007 provides the following:

• $853 million for the Food Safety and Inspection Service – $24 million above last year and $96 million above the president's request
• $1.5 billion for the Food and Drug Administration – $54 million above last year
• $13.3 billion for Child Nutrition Programs – $685 million above last year
• $5.244 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – $40 million above last year and $44 million above the president's request
• $700 million for the Rural Community Advancement Program (RCAP) – $5 million above last year and $99 million above the president's request
  
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