House lawmaker introduces FY2027 agriculture, rural development and FDA appropriations bill with $26.27 billion subcommittee allocation

A House lawmaker introduced H.R. 8646 on the floor as the fiscal year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies appropriations bill and asked colleagues to support it.

The lawmaker said the subcommittee's discretionary allocation for FY2027 is $26.27 billion—$380 million, or about 1.4%, below FY2026 enacted levels—framing the package as a modest spending reduction in the context of large federal deficits. "This legislation reflects a clear, necessary commitment to fiscal responsibility while ensuring that America's farmers, ranchers and rural communities remain a top priority," the lawmaker said.

The bill directs $1.16 billion to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to protect producers from high‑path avian influenza, New World screwworm and other foreign plant and animal diseases. It also continues investments in farm program delivery, disaster assistance and crop insurance and, the lawmaker said, prioritizes "farmer‑facing functions." The bill transfers $50 million from the Farm Service Agency to USDA's Office of the Chief Information Officer to advance the "One Farmer, One File" initiative, which the lawmaker said will modernize program delivery.

On research and higher education support, the lawmaker said the bill maintains funding for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) and protects capacity funding for land‑grant universities to keep U.S. producers competitive. For rural development, the bill funds water and wastewater infrastructure, housing programs and increases loan authority for Business and Industry and Rural Electric programs to respond to higher demand.

The lawmaker said the bill provides $3.36 billion in direct appropriations for the Food and Drug Administration and increases user fees, noting the FDA would operate with a total budget of roughly $7.1 billion to oversee the safety of food, drugs and medical devices.

On nutrition assistance, the bill allocates $8 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), about 3% lower than last year's enacted level. The lawmaker cited USDA data indicating declining WIC participation and projected carryover funds, saying the $8 billion will "fully fund the program." "No woman or their children will lose or be denied coverage," the lawmaker said.

The lawmaker characterized the package as building on prior administration reforms and credited Chairman Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro and Subcommittee Ranking Member Bishop for bipartisan work in committee. The lawmaker said the bill received bipartisan support out of committee and closed by asking the House for its support as the measure moves through the process.

The bill text, committee report details, and any amendments or votes were not specified on the floor in this statement; additional procedural steps remain as the measure advances.