Agriculture Secretary makes statement on omnibus appropriations bill

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released a statement after the passage of the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill saying he was glad to see the bill move on to President Biden’s desk for signing.

“This funding package will support USDA’s operations and wide reach into every community across the nation and help make USDA more efficient, effective and better equipped to advance racial justice, equity and opportunity for the customers we serve,” says Vilsack. “With increases in agricultural research and investments in rural development, this administration will continue to prioritize economic development and growth in rural America, and put producers at the heart of solutions to climate change, including through our Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative, infrastructure, and fairer, more resilient food systems.”

Vilsack acknowledged key elements included in the omnibus appropriations bill such as the creation of a nationwide summer EBT to ensure children have access to food even when school is out, wildfire suppression and management work, food safety research and improvements in rural housing.

“USDA is ready to hit the ground running in 2023 to keep expanding our economy from the bottom up and middle out and ensure that rural communities, farmers, ranchers and producers are empowered with the tools necessary to thrive,” says Vilsack.

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