WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined his colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to approve the annual Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration appropriations bill as well as the Energy and Water Development appropriations bill. Both bills passed out of the Committee with strong, bipartisan support and are now ready for consideration by the full Senate. 

“Delaware plays a critical role in feeding America’s families, and finding ways to support our hardworking farmers and poultry growers is one of my top priorities,” Senator Coons said. “I’m pleased that this appropriations bill includes funding for critical programs that will protect Delaware’s poultry growers from disease and catastrophic loss and help farmers continue their conservation efforts in the Chesapeake Bay. This bill also provides increased support for rural housing to make sure low-income families can secure fair, affordable housing. Further, the strong funding for the Army Corps of Engineers means we will be able to make continued investments in harbor maintenance and shore protection. I also strongly support the investments made by the Department of Energy important for basic science, energy innovation, and advanced manufacturing. All of these investments mean jobs, economic opportunity, and a cleaner environment for Delaware and the nation. I’m thrilled the committee has worked in a bipartisan way to support these and many related programs.” 

A list of Senator Coons’ priorities that were included in spending bills are below:

U.S. Department of Agriculture 

Support for the poultry industry:
Senator Coons fought for $63 million for avian health programs, which support partnerships with state departments of agriculture, universities, and the poultry industry to monitor poultry flocks and prevent and control the spread of diseases, including avian influenza (AI).  

Support for conservation programs:
Senator Coons fought for strong funding for several U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs, including the Conservation Stewardship Program, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.  These programs offer crucial tools that help farmers in Delaware and around the U.S. protect water quality, conserve soil, enhance wildlife habitat, and protect land.  This supports conservation of our nation’s natural resources, sustains our hunting and fishing traditions, and keeps America’s working lands in the hands of farm families for generations to come. 

Support for agricultural research:
Senator Coons fought for $405 million for the Agricultural and Food Research Initiative, which provides critical funding for research on food, agriculture, natural resources, clean energy production, rural development, and nutrition.  

Support for rural housing:
Senator Coons fought for increased funding for rural housing support, including $1.1 billion for the Rural Housing Insurance Fund/Section 502 direct loans, a USDA program that helps low-income applicants obtain affordable housing in rural areas by providing payment assistance to increase applicants’ repayment ability.  Senator Coons also supported $30 million for the Mutual and Self-Help Housing Grants Program, another USDA program that provides grants to non-profit organizations, like Habitat for Humanity, which work with low-income families in rural areas to buy, build, and renovate their own affordable homes. 

Support for international food aid:
Senator Coons fought for $15 million for the Local and Regional Procurement program within the McGovern-Dole Food for Education program. This program allows USDA to partner with local cooperatives and aid organizations to provide emergency food assistance and development activities using locally procured commodities. He is committed to continuing to improve the efficiency of food aid delivery abroad to make sure our resources reach as many people as possible.

Army Corps of Engineers

Support for navigation:
Senator Coons fought for $5.5 million for Wilmington Harbor, which will ensure ships can continue to access the Port of Wilmington and allow maritime commerce in Delaware to proceed smoothly. He also supported funding for maintenance of the C&D Canal.

Support for coastal protection:
Senator Coons fought for strong beach and coastal protection funding, including a coastal protection project in Lewes.

U.S. Department of Energy

Support for science, energy research, and advanced manufacturing:
Senator Coons fought for funding for continuing investments in basic science, energy research, and innovative manufacturing programs. Funding within the Department of Energy includes $375 million for ARPA-E as well as $6.65 billion for the Office of Science, including $110 million for the Energy Frontier Research Centers. The University of Delaware has been awarded funding through these important programs for a number of years. Further, Delaware will continue to receive funding through the Weatherization Assistance Program and State Energy Program which focus on energy efficiency improvements for low income households and energy activities respectively.

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