Bill to Fund Key Agricultural Programs in Maine Clears Appropriations Committee
Bill passes Committee by a vote of 27-0
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, announced that she secured significant funding and provisions for projects in Maine in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
The measure, which was advanced by a unanimous vote of 27-0, provides $27 billion in discretionary funding.
“This important legislation will assist Maine’s farmers, invest in critical agricultural research and nutrition programs, and support rural communities throughout the state,” said Senator Collins. “As the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to champion this funding as the appropriations process moves forward.”
Bill Highlights:
Local Projects: More than $28 million for Congressionally Directed Spending projects in Maine.
PFAS Research: $10 million, an increase of $3 million above the FY 2024 enacted level, for the 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.
Potatoes in School Breakfast: Maintains provision that allows school food authorities to provide potatoes through the School Breakfast Program and covers school years 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Nutrition: Fully funds nutrition assistance programs that support low-income women, children, and seniors.
Neurology Drug Program: $5 million, an increase of $3 million above the FY 2024 enacted level, for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Neurology Drug Program to support the development of policies and guidance to keep pace with emerging brain science.
E-Cigarettes: Includes new language requiring the FDA to take much-needed action on the illegal importation of e-cigarettes and $2 million for the Tobacco Task Force, a multi-agency task force created by the FDA and the Department of Justice to combat the illegal distribution and sale of e-cigarettes responsible for nicotine addiction among American youth.
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