Representative Angie Craig Delivers Remarks at Agriculture Committee Markup of COVID Relief Package

Press Release

This week, at a House Agriculture Committee Markup, U.S. Representative Angie Craig spoke in favor of a budget reconciliation proposal that will be included in the upcoming COVID relief package. In her remarks, Craig urged her colleagues to support the measure, emphasizing the positive impact for rural communities across the country -- including financial support for family farmers and small meat processing facilities, resources to secure the national food supply chain and additional funds to stand up COVID-19 vaccination sites in underserved communities.

"Many throughout this country have risen to the challenges our food system has faced over the last few months," said Representative Craig. "Farmers, producers, farmworkers, processors and families alike have made endless sacrifices to ensure that our food supply remains safe and available to all. It is my honor to support this legislation."

Among other provisions, the package advanced by the House Agriculture Committee includes:

$3.6 billion to the Department of Agriculture to purchase and distribute food and agricultural commodities, provide relief to small and midsized farms and to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resilience.
$500 million in emergency rural health care grants for health and nutritional-related infrastructure and distribution critical to addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
$1 billion of assistance and support for socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers
A 15% increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through September 30, 2021.
$25 million to promote technological improvements for SNAP online purchasing, modernize the electronic benefit transfer system, and support SNAP mobile payment technologies.
$37 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to ensure low-income seniors can continue to access nutritious foods.

Source