Bill to Fund Key Agricultural Programs in Maine Clears Appropriations Committee

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured significant funding and provisions for projects in Maine in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

The measure, which was advanced by a bipartisan vote of 28-0, provides $25.993 billion in discretionary funding. 

“This important legislation will assist Maine’s farmers, invest in critical agricultural and medical research, and support rural communities from Aroostook to York County,” said Senator Collins.  “As the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to champion this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.” 

Bill Highlights:

Local Projects: Nearly $50 million for 27 Congressionally Directed Spending projects in Maine.

PFAS: $20 million increase to establish a Center of Excellence for PFAS solutions throughout Agricultural and Food Systems in conjunction with the University of Maine.

Potato Research: Maintains full funding for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s potato research programs.

E-Labeling of Pharmaceutical Inserts: Retains Senator Collins’ provision to block the FDA’s proposed e-labeling rule for prescribing information that would have allowed pharmaceutical companies to only distribute prescribing information electronically instead of using traditional paper inserts.

Nutrition Programs and School Meals: Includes bill language championed by Senator Collins to ensure that reasonable sodium limits and flavored, low-fat milk remain options in school lunch and breakfast programs, and fully funds the nutrition assistance programs that support low-income women, children, and seniors.

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