⚡️ NIMITZ HEALTH NEWS FLASH ⚡️ 

“Full Committee Markup of FY26 Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA, and Related Agencies Bill”

House Appropriations Committee

June 11th-12th, 2025 (recording linked here)

MEMBER OPENING STATEMENTS

• Full Committee Chair Cole (R-OK) highlighted that the FY26 bill prioritizes protecting the nation’s food supply and the safety of medical drugs and devices. He underscored that, while the bill cuts overall spending, it continues to invest in public health priorities essential to supporting rural communities. Cole emphasized that each provision in the bill serves to "feed, fuel, heal, and connect" the American people, explicitly citing investments that support the FDA’s critical work safeguarding the health of U.S. consumers.

• Full Committee Ranking Member DeLauro (D-CT) condemned cuts to nutrition assistance programs, particularly reductions in the WIC fruit and vegetable benefits and the termination of local food purchasing programs like Local Food for Schools and Local Food Purchase Assistance. DeLauro also criticized the broader nutrition policy changes, calling it contradictory to claim support for healthy eating while cutting funds that help low-income families afford healthier food. She argued that such cuts will worsen food insecurity and public health outcomes, particularly for children and vulnerable families.

• Subcommittee Chair Harris (R-MD) defended the bill’s $3.2 billion in direct FDA appropriations (totaling $6.8 billion with user fees), which he said would ensure the agency continues to keep food, drugs, and medical devices safe and effective. He also focused on nutrition policy, emphasizing a flat $7.6 billion allocation for WIC while reclaiming $100 million in unspent balances and reducing fruit and vegetable voucher benefits by 10% to reset them closer to pre-pandemic levels. Harris defended the SNAP reforms, granting USDA new authority to let states restrict unhealthy food purchases.

• Subcommittee Ranking Member Bishop (D-GA) voiced deep concern about cuts to programs directly impacting the health of rural Americans. He emphasized the harm to local food purchasing programs that connect schools and food banks to farmers, which he said helps deliver healthy food to children, seniors, and veterans. Bishop criticized the $100 million cut to WIC at a time when food costs continue to rise. He also highlighted the $320 million cut to FDA operations, warning it would impair the agency’s ability to protect public health. Additionally, Bishop raised concerns about privacy risks in new SNAP provisions.

KEY HEALTH PROVISIONS

• FDA Funding: The bill provides $3.2 billion in direct appropriations and $6.8 billion in total budget authority for FDA to oversee food, drug, and medical device safety. Republicans stated this maintains FDA’s core functions. However, Democrats warned that a $320 million operational cut would strain FDA’s ability to conduct inspections, regulate effectively, and respond to public health needs.

• WIC Nutrition Program: WIC remains funded at $7.6 billion, but the bill rescinds $100 million in unused prior-year balances and reduces fruit and vegetable benefits by 10%. Republicans described this as a modest reset toward pre-COVID levels given high carryover balances. Democrats argued these cuts will worsen food insecurity and nutrition-related health issues for vulnerable mothers and children.

• SNAP Reforms: The bill authorizes USDA to approve state waivers restricting SNAP purchases of unhealthy foods to address rising obesity, diabetes, and hypertension among low-income recipients. It also requires a feasibility study for a “Buy American” SNAP rule, which could promote domestic agriculture and healthier food choices.

  The bill also includes report language requiring states to share personally identifiable information of SNAP recipients with USDA. Democrats argued this raises serious data privacy concerns for low-income program participants

• Rural Health Infrastructure: The bill includes $90 million for ReConnect broadband expansion, supporting rural telemedicine, distance learning, and healthcare access. However, Democrats criticized cuts to related telemedicine, rural housing, and water infrastructure programs, warning these reductions could disrupt essential healthcare services in already underserved areas.