The U.S. Capitol at night with Congress in session
WASHINGTON, DC – The House Appropriations Committee has passed its draft of the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
The vote was 35 to 27.
The bill sets discretionary funding at $25.5 billion, a decrease of 4.2 percent—or roughly $1.16 billion—compared to current-year levels. Committee leaders say the reduction is part of a broader push to refocus federal programs on core responsibilities while cutting what they view as unnecessary spending.
Several Biden-era initiatives, including the Rural Partners Network, USDA Climate Hubs, the American Climate Corps, and the Office of Urban Agriculture, are not funded in the bill.
At the same time, the legislation continues to support key rural and ag-focused efforts. That includes investments in agricultural research, rural broadband expansion, food safety, and inspection services.
The bill also includes a policy rider prohibiting the use of funds for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion-related activities. Republican members emphasized fiscal responsibility and deficit reduction, while Democrats raised concerns about cuts to programs they say support underserved communities.
The measure now heads to the full House for consideration.
