WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Homeland Security Appropriations bill this morning, which included federal funding for the National Bio- and Agro- Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kan. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) spoke in opposition to the Bishop amendment which sought to eliminate NBAF funding from the bill, and that amendment was soundly defeated by a vote of 80-345 yesterday evening. Congresswoman Jenkins released the following statement about the passage of the bill:

“Faced with current budget constraints, this week the House showed responsible prioritization of critical funding for homeland security, America’s veterans, and disaster recovery by passing bipartisan appropriations bills that continues our focus to create new jobs and grow the economy – without expanding government. The House also recognized the NBAF as a critical need for our nation by continuing its commitment to funding the construction of the facility in Manhattan.”

Click Here To Watch the Congresswoman’s Remarks

Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins:

“After an exhaustive review, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) chose Manhattan, Kansas, as the site for the new BSL–4 National Bio- and Agro- Defense Facility (NBAF). This will be the only such facility capable of researching large animals in the United States. The construction of this cutting-edge facility must move forward quickly so we can safely conduct critical research to develop vaccines and countermeasures in order to protect the public and our livestock from the threats of devastating diseases.

“Not only will the NBAF accelerate America’s ability to protect ourselves, our food supply, and the agricultural economy from biological threats, it will also be the world’s premier animal health research facility and further solidify our nation’s place as the international leader in animal health. The NBAF is needed to replace the obsolete and increasingly expensive Plum Island Animal Disease Center. This lab was built in the 1950s and has reached the end of its life. The facility does not contain the necessary biosafety level to meet the NBAF research requirements, and it never will. Any attempts to upgrade Plum Island would cost more than building the NBAF. 

“Currently, we do not have the ability to research the effects of disease on large animals such as Foot and Mouth Disease, African Swine Fever and Rift Valley Fever at any facility in the United States, nor can we rely on international partners for our own security needs. 

“The NBAF project has a history of broad-based support. DHS, under both the Bush and Obama administrations, and the House Appropriations Committee under both Democrat and Republican leadership, have made it clear time and time again that our country needs the NBAF, and the best place for the NBAF is in Manhattan, Kansas. The President’s budget included $714 million dollars which would complete construction. And while I would prefer that this bill include that figure, Chairman Carter has responsibly included sufficient funding for this fiscal year of the $404 million. 

“Construction on this facility has already begun, and Congress has already appropriated $127.5 million, and the state of Kansas and the city of Manhattan have already committed more than $200 million towards the project. These dollars show a strong commitment at both the federal state and local levels.

“Our nation’s food supply cannot sustain another delay. We need to protect our food and our families from danger. We need to stay on the cutting edge of this research field. Our security is at risk, and delaying this project any further is not an option. We need NBAF, and I urge my colleagues to vote against this destructive amendment and yield back.”

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