Centrists and conservatives revolt, pushing agriculture appropriations bill to September.

The House Faces Challenges in Passing Agriculture and FDA Appropriations Bill

The House of Representatives encountered obstacles in passing ⁤the ⁤agriculture and Food and Drug ‍Administration ‌appropriations bill before the August recess. Both conservative and centrist Republican⁢ members expressed their dissatisfaction with certain provisions, setting the⁣ stage for a funding battle to meet the September 30 ‌deadline.

Initially, the bill was expected to ⁣be voted on Friday, but those ‍hopes were dashed. The Rules Committee began reviewing the bill on ​Wednesday but had to adjourn due to opposition from⁣ both⁣ the‍ right-wing and​ centrist ⁤factions​ of the party.

Concerns of the House ⁢Freedom Caucus

One of the main⁢ concerns raised by ​the House Freedom Caucus is ‌that ​the bill does not do enough to reduce spending, despite⁤ being below the fiscal 2022 levels.​ Representative Ben Cline,⁢ a member of the Freedom Caucus, ​expressed his worry that⁢ the bill does ‌not eliminate ⁢wasteful spending and​ suggested areas where savings could be ‍found.

Another issue raised by the Freedom⁢ Caucus is the $7.5 billion in‍ rescission ‌and how the savings from it will be used. They prefer that the rescissions be actual savings for taxpayers⁣ rather than being re-spent ​on other priorities.

A rescission refers ⁢to the reclaiming of authorized funds that have​ not been‍ utilized.

Furthermore, the Freedom Caucus members want to​ see work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition ‌Assistance Program (SNAP) included​ in the agriculture appropriations bill. They believe that implementing a 20-hour-a-week work ‍requirement would lead to cost ⁤savings.

Representative Chip Roy, another ‍member of the Freedom Caucus, emphasized the need for cuts in additional measures ⁣to reach the desired spending level of $1.471 trillion.

However, members representing rural and farm-heavy districts oppose cutting additional spending‍ in the agriculture bill. They argue that such cuts ‌would ⁣have devastating ‌consequences, ⁢particularly for‍ the export industry.

Abortion Restrictions and Centrist Concerns

Aside from ​concerns about spending​ cuts, other members, particularly centrists, have grave concerns​ about the abortion restrictions outlined in the agriculture⁣ appropriations bill. The provision⁢ in question⁢ would reverse the Food and ‌Drug Administration’s guidance ⁢on the abortion pill mifepristone, prohibiting its mail delivery and purchase at⁣ retail pharmacies.

Centrist Republicans,‌ such as Representative Brian Fitzpatrick and Representative ⁤Mike⁢ Lawler, object ​to this provision, stating that it does not ⁣belong in⁣ the agriculture bill. They are willing to support amendments to remove it.

However, Speaker ​Kevin ⁢McCarthy does not ⁤appear inclined to remove the provision, arguing against the use of taxpayer money ‍for such purposes.

Implications for ​September and ⁤Government Funding

These challenges set the stage for an ⁣appropriations⁤ battle in September, as the government faces⁣ a potential shutdown on October ⁣1 if not funded. ⁤With only one appropriations⁢ bill passed, the House‌ will‌ need ⁣to make significant progress upon its return.

One senior GOP lawmaker suggested‌ that passing a few more appropriations bills, such as⁢ the Department of Defense ‌funding bill, in the first few weeks‍ of September could allow for conference with⁤ the ⁢Senate and⁤ the creation⁤ of ⁤a minibus. This minibus, consisting ⁢of multiple appropriations bills, could be​ passed alongside a⁣ short-term continuing ‌resolution to keep the government funded while ⁢further negotiations take place.

However, members of the Freedom Caucus have⁣ stated their opposition to a minibus‌ or continuing resolution, potentially requiring support from Democrats to reach ⁤a ⁣resolution.

Overall, the House faces a challenging task in meeting the ⁣September deadline and ensuring the ⁤government ⁢remains funded.

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