WASHINGTON – Today, the House Appropriations Committee approved the language for the FY2013 Homeland Security Appropriations bill by unanimous voice vote.  The committee approved language includes $75 million for the construction of the Nation Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kansas, and directs the Department of Homeland Security to complete a funding plan for the completion of the NBAF.  The Appropriations Committee also called for the previously appropriated $40 million in FY2011 for the construction of the Central Utility Plant at the NBAF and the $50 million in FY2012 for the construction of the facility as a whole to be released by the Department of Homeland Security. All told, the newly appropriated funds will bring the total House commitment to construction on NBAF to $165 million.

The following language in the full committee report further stipulates a timeline for the beginning of construction:

“The Committee believes that the additional funding for fiscal year 2013, combined with the $50,000,000 appropriated in fiscal year 2012, will enable S&T to initiate meaningful segments of the NBAF project. The Committee directs S&T to submit a detailed update of its fiscal year 2013 NBAF construction plan and schedule, to include an updated plan for the expenditure of funds, no later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act…”

Congresswoman Jenkins released the following statement after the Appropriations Committee approved their version of the legislation:

“I’ve said all along that building the NBAF in Manhattan is a national security priority, and I am glad the full Appropriations Committee has agreed and advanced legislation that begins to fund the construction in earnest. I look forward to continuing to work closely with House Leadership and the full House to ensure these funds are included in the final legislation.”

###