Budget Panel Reviews Agriculture Research Funding
News Date April 03, 2006
The House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee held a hearing on March 30 to discuss USDA's proposed budget for agricultural research, education, and economics. USDA Under Secretary for Research Education and Economics Merle Pierson outlined the Administration's budget priorities and initiatives.
Committee members questioned USDA officials about funding for animal health research initiatives related to avian influenza. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) believes that proposed funding for bio-fuel and natural energy initiatives is too low and does not fit with President Bush's efforts to decrease U.S. dependency on foreign oil. (Contact: Jeri-Ann Henry or Clay Francis)