WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), chair of the Legislative Branch Appropriations Subcommittee, yesterday voted in favor of the agriculture appropriations bill for FY2016, which provides funding for a number of West Virginia priorities, including rural broadband expansion and free and reduced-price school lunches.
The FY2016 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill invests in food and drug safety and provides essential nutrition assistance for children, families and seniors, including funds for free or reduced-price school lunches. It also supports rural broadband expansion, agricultural research conducted by land grant universities and Rural Utilities Services programs including source water protection, the circuit rider program and the electric program.
“This bill funds many programs that directly impact all West Virginians. It ensures our food supply is safe and available, our ability to use electricity and water remains reliable and affordable, and our access to broadband is improved and expanded – a key component of my Capito Connect Plan,” said Senator Capito. “This is the eleventh appropriations bill the committee has passed this year, far outpacing the appropriations process in years past, and I am proud to be a part of getting the Senate back to work for West Virginia.”
The FY2016 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill was approved by the Appropriations Committee on a bipartisan 28-2 vote. Click here to learn more about the bill.