WASHINGTON – Today, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security released its version of the FY2013 Homeland Security Appropriations bill.  The subcommittee 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.  Congress has 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. All told, these funds will bring the total House commitment to construction on NBAF to $165 million.

Congresswoman Jenkins released the following statement after the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee released their version of the legislation:

“The protection of our Nation’s citizens and food supply is a critical mission of the Congress and the Federal Government. I am pleased that the House Appropriations Committee has once again recognized the dire need for NBAF in our efforts to fulfill this responsibility to the American people.  The Department of Homeland Security, under both the Bush and Obama administrations, and the House Appropriations Committee, under both Democrat and Republican leadership, have made it quite clear, time and again, that our Country needs the NBAF and the best place for the NBAF is Manhattan, Kansas.  While I was disappointed that President Obama’s budget included no funding for construction of this facility of tremendous significance to our national security, I appreciate the diligent work of my colleagues on the Homeland Security Subcommittee to ensure funds for the NBAF are included in their appropriations bill. I look forward to working closely with them, the full Appropriations Committee, and the whole House to ensure these funds are included in the final legislation.”

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