Van Hollen Statement On Passage Of The Agriculture, Rural Development, And Fda Appropriations Conference Report

Press Release

Van Hollen Statement On Passage Of The Agriculture, Rural Development, And Fda Appropriations Conference Report

Today Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) issued the following statement on final passage of the FY 2010 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Conference Report:

"In passing this conference report, we are making key investments in protecting our public health, bolstering food nutrition programs, and conserving our natural resources.

"The conference report provides $2.36 billion for the Food and Drug Administration, which represents a 15 percent increase over last year, to help ensure it has the necessary resources to protect the American public by keeping our food safe. It also includes investments to help low income and elderly Americans struggling with rising food costs in this current economic downturn, and funding to help encourage a healthy pregnancy for women and promote a healthy start for their children.

"I am particularly pleased that almost $4 million is provided for Chesapeake Bay restoration activities that will provide farmers, landowners, and communities within the Bay watershed technical assistance in implementing important conservation programs which will help improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay."

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