Summary of HR 4121: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026
Bill Number: HR 4121
Introduced: June 25, 2025
Status: Reported by the House Committee on Appropriations (H. Rept. 119-172)
Primary Sponsor: Andy Harris (MD)
Purpose and Intent
The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026 aims to allocate funding for various programs under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. The bill emphasizes maintaining essential services while addressing national economic challenges, including debt and deficit concerns.
Key Provisions
The bill is structured into several titles, each focusing on different areas of funding:
Title I: Agricultural Programs
- Provides funding for the Office of the Secretary and various agricultural initiatives.
- Total appropriation for the Office of the Secretary is $43,856,000.
Title II: Farm Production and Conservation Programs
- Supports programs aimed at enhancing farm productivity and conservation efforts.
Title III: Rural Development Programs
- Focuses on funding initiatives that promote rural development and infrastructure.
Title IV: Domestic Food Programs
- Allocates resources for domestic food assistance programs to ensure food security.
Title V: Foreign Assistance and Related Programs
- Provides funding for international agricultural assistance and related initiatives.
Title VI: Related Agencies and FDA
- Supports the FDA and other related agencies to ensure food and drug safety.
Title VII: General Provisions
- Outlines general provisions and directives related to the implementation of the appropriations.
Impact
The bill is designed to affect:
- Farmers and Ranchers: By maintaining funding for agricultural programs, the bill supports the livelihoods of those in the agricultural sector.
- Rural Communities: Funding for rural development programs aims to improve infrastructure and services in less populated areas.
- Food Safety: Continued support for the FDA ensures that food and drug safety standards are upheld, benefiting consumers nationwide.
Procedural Aspects
- The bill was placed on the Union Calendar on June 25, 2025, and is currently under consideration by the House.
- The Committee on Appropriations has emphasized that no new programs will be funded, and there will be no additional funding for pay increases unless specifically noted.
- The Secretary of Agriculture is directed to provide reports on various aspects of funding and operations, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Related Legislation
HR 4121 has several companion bills, including:
- HR 3944
- S 2256
- HR 5371
These related bills may address similar issues or provide additional context to the appropriations for agriculture and rural development.
This summary provides an overview of HR 4121, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on various stakeholders. The bill reflects ongoing efforts to support agriculture and rural development while addressing fiscal responsibilities.