Liz Friedlander (202) 225-1564
Liz.Friedlander@mail.house.gov

James Ryder (202) 225-0020
James.Ryder@mail.house.gov

Today, the House Committee on Agriculture adopted the budget views and estimates letter which outlines the Committee’s budget recommendations for the federal agencies and programs under its jurisdiction for fiscal year 2010.  The letter will be submitted to House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt of South Carolina, as required by section 301(d) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as well as clause 4(f) of House Rule X.

“Our proposed views and estimates letter outlines the Committee’s legislative agenda and budget considerations for the coming fiscal year. The restructuring of farm and nutrition policies in of the 2008 Farm Bill was done in a fiscally responsible manner. Efficient implementation requires a period of stability,” said Committee Chairman Collin C. Peterson of Minnesota. “The current economic crisis is having broad impact on our nation and the benefits provided by that broadly supported legislation are essential to the well-being of millions of Americans. We urge the Budget Committee to take these points into consideration while crafting a responsible budget resolution for the coming fiscal year.”

"I encourage the Budget Committee to honor the commitments made to our producers in the 2008 Farm Bill,” said Committee Ranking Member Frank Lucas of Oklahoma. “At a time when our country is facing an economic crisis and commodity prices are plunging, it is important that we do the best we can to provide our farmers and ranchers with the safety net they need to continue to produce the safest, most abundant food supply in the world."

The Budget Views and Estimates letter passed today reflects Agriculture Committee priorities to the House Budget Committee in preparation of the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Resolution. Priorities of the committee include USDA implementation of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, modernization of the Farm Service Agency computer system, enactment of derivatives market legislation, and oversight hearings on waste, fraud, and abuse on programs under its jurisdiction.

A copy of the budget and estimates letter is available on the committee website at http://democrats-agriculture.house.gov/inside/publications.html.  

http://democrats-agriculture.house.gov

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