Senate Considering 3 Bills: FY 2015 Agriculture Spending; Commerce, Justice, Science; Transportation and Housing and Urban Development

Legislative Activity

FY 2015 Agriculture, Rural Development, and FDA Appropriations

On Tuesday, June 17, the Senate is expected to consider the FY 2015 agriculture spending bill, which also allocates funds for the Food and Drug Administration. The bill will be considered along with two other spending bills: the Commerce, Justice, Science bill and the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development bill.

In the House, consideration of its agriculture spending measure has been postponed. With a number of controversial amendments being offered, and the election of the next Majority Leader taking place on Thursday, June 19, it is possible that the House will take up the measure as early as the week of June 23. Last week, the House began debate on the spending measure and voted on 8 of the 19 amendments.

This Week’s Hearings

• Tuesday, June 17: The Congressional-Executive Commission on China will hold a hearing on “Processed Foods from China.” The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee will also hold a hearing on “Jobs and Bio-Based Manufacturing.”
• Thursday, June 19: The House Agriculture Conservation, Energy and Forestry Subcommittee will host a hearing on “A review of the Interpretive Rule Regarding the Applicability of Clean Water Act Agricultural Exemptions.”