WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins today sent a letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security Chairman David Price (D-N.C.) and Ranking Member Hal Rogers (R-Ky.), urging them to resolve funding issues regarding construction of the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, Kan.

“It is critical to our nation’s security that construction of the NBAF is not delayed. Our current battle against an H1N1 pandemic should confirm that we cannot deny funding for this facility,” Jenkins said. “We cannot play politics with this issue. The NBAF is a necessary part of the disease research that will protect our food supply and public health in the 21st Century. The decision to place the facility in Manhattan, made by the Bush Administration, was also affirmed by the Obama Administration and DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano.”

Jenkins’ letter, which was cosigned by Representatives Todd Tiahrt, Jerry Moran and Dennis Moore, urges the House and Senate conference committee on the DHS funding bill to support the NBAF and include funding for the facility in the final legislation. On June 24, 2009, the House passed the FY 2010 DHS Appropriations bill that withheld President Obama’s $36 million request for NBAF funding. The funding is included in the Senate Appropriations Committee-passed legislation that is awaiting a final vote by the full Senate.

Jenkins continued, “I remain hopeful that the House and Senate will resolve this issue and that we can move forward with the NBAF. I will continue working with the other members of the Kansas congressional delegation to ensure this issue is resolved.”