WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) helped pass legislation to fund critical programs for Illinois farmers and families at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The appropriations bill, which just passed the House and now heads to the Senate, would also re-open the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) food inspection services. It’s virtually identical to legislation that previously passed the Senate with a 92-6 vote and overwhelming bipartisan support.
“Already collateral damage in President Trump’s trade war, Illinois farmers are now suffering additional consequences of the White House’s childish decision to shut down the government,” Congresswoman Bustos said. “By refusing to fund the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Agriculture, President Trump’s shutdown is risking public health, bringing groundbreaking research to a halt at the Peoria Ag lab and jeopardizing trade assistance our farmers were promised. Funding for these vital agencies shouldn’t be held hostage by the White House in a political fight – and that’s why we moved swiftly to pass this bipartisan legislation for Illinois families and agricultural producers.”
Congresswoman Bustos and House Democrats passed legislation to end the government shutdown with bipartisan legislation that had previously passed the Senate. Yesterday, Congresswoman Bustos helped pass legislation that would ensure Illinoisans receive their tax refunds in full and on time, funding the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service. Today’s legislation, which funds the USDA and FDA, would:
- ENSURE FARMERS GET THE TRADE ASSISTANCE THEY WERE PROMISED. Farmers are already suffering and losing markets because of President Trump’s trade war – this bill would ensure they receive the trade assistance they were promised by the White House.
- RE-OPEN FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA) OFFICES. Each of the 14 counties in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District has an FSA office to help our farmers – this bill would re-open those office and allow the FSA to give farmers the support they need.
- FUND THE PEORIA AG LAB. Despite recent innovative developments – such as expanding the effectiveness of penicillin and discovering all-natural alternatives to DEET – the president’s shutdown halted critical research at the Peoria Ag Lab. This bill would restore the lab’s funding and put folks back to work.
- PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH. The government shutdown put public health at risk for Illinois families – shuttering much of the consumer protection at the FDA. This bill would re-open the FDA so they can continue to protect food safety.
- HELP FAMILIES PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE. This bill restores funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – making sure low-income families do not lose their benefits or go hungry.
