House moves forward on FY 2014 agriculture appropriations
By Derrick Cain | Agri Pulse | June 26, 2013

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2013 - The House is likely to consider its FY 2014 agriculture appropriations bill (H.R. 2410) during the week of July 8 after the chamber approved the rule for its consideration on the floor today.

The House approved, with a 235-187 vote, an open rule for the bill, which allows any amendments that comply with House rules to be considered.

The rule provides for one hour of general debate, equally divided between the Republicans and the Democrats.

The rule allows any member to submit an amendment under the five-minute rule, but allows the chairman to give priority to amendments pre-printed in the Congressional Record. It also allows pro forma amendments and one motion to recommit with or without instructions.

An aide for Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala., chairman of the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, said they are expecting about 10 amendments.

The legislation would provide $19.5 billion in discretionary funding, which is $1.3 billion below the FY 2013 enacted level and about equal to the current level. The funding would be $516 million below the president’s request.

Democrats are expected to challenge proposed lower funding levels for the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

The appropriations debate is expected to carry more intrigue than normal due to the recent collapse of the farm bill in the House.

The administration has issued a veto threat of the bill.

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