Date: 7/5/2010

Title: NAIS Funding Zeroed Out in Appropriations Bill

WASHINGTON - In a statement last week, Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT), chairwoman of the House Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, marked up the subcommittee’s fiscal year 2011 bill.

The Chairman’s Mark includes $23 billion in total discretionary spending – $204 million below the FY2010 enacted level and $27 million below the President’s request.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is funded at $20.2618 billion, which is $81.7 million less than the administration’s request. The Food and Drug Administration is funded at $2.571 billion, $55 million above the budget request, while the Commodities Future Trading Commission is funded at $261 million, meeting the budget request.

The reduction in USDA reflected a zeroing out of funding for the voluntary National Animal Identification System (NAIS). “We have spent over $147 million on this program since 2004. And six years later, we still have not seen a clear plan from USDA on successful implementation, even after they shifted to a more fragmented system in 2010,” said DeLauro. “While the administration asked for $14.2 million for this program, we do not feel it is a good use of resources to fund NAIS until the agency develops a clear plan for a mandatory system with measurable goals, long-term funding levels, and a plan for successful implementation.”

For the full statement, visit appropriations.house.gov.