U.S. Senator Katie Britt recently joined her colleagues in advancing the Fiscal Year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which included targeted funding for agricultural programs important to Alabama.
“This critical funding would grow opportunities for families in Alabama’s rural communities so that zip code does not define access to the American Dream,” said Sen. Britt. “Food security is economic security and national security, and I am glad to see important programs prioritized in this bill to safeguard commodities and resources vital to our nation. I will continue to fight to ensure that Alabama’s hardworking farmers, ranchers, and cattlemen can feed and clothe our state, country, and world long into the future.”
The bill advanced by the Senate Appropriations Committee consisted of numerous Alabama priorities supported by Senator Britt, including robust funding to combat Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), continue the National Feral Swine Damage Management program, and look to develop new strategies to address this threat.
In February, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources confirmed a third case of CWD in Lauderdale County. The disease is a fatal neurological illness affecting cervids that have no known treatment or vaccines currently available. CWD could potentially devastate Alabama’s $1.8 billion hunting industry if allowed to spread.
The bill also includes funding for feral swine management. Britt’s office says this is additionally vital to Alabama due to the estimated $50 million in agricultural damage caused in the state each year.
The bill provides substantial funding for rural utilities and rural development programs under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which support infrastructure improvements and economic development in rural communities.
The FY2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act now moves to the full Senate for its consideration.
Britt is a native of Enterprise. She graduated from the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama School of Law and was elected to the Senate in 2022.
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