To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for US Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service for fiscal year 2024.
Impact
The passage of HB 2247 could have significant implications for agricultural data collection efforts. By restricting the budget for NASS, it may inhibit the agency’s ability to conduct comprehensive surveys and research necessary for farmers, policymakers, and the agricultural industry at large. Proponents of the bill argue that such funding limitations are necessary for fiscal responsibility; however, opponents may express concerns regarding the potential for adversely affecting the quality and availability of vital agricultural statistics that inform market decisions and agricultural policies.
Summary
House Bill 2247 aims to place a limitation on the funding allocated to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) for the fiscal year 2024. Specifically, the bill stipulates that the total funding available for NASS shall not exceed $174,517,000, regardless of any other provisions of law. This move has been presented as a means to tighten budgetary constraints within the federal government by capping the financial resources allocated to this particular service, which plays a vital role in collecting and disseminating agricultural data nationwide.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding this bill include debates over the priority of agricultural funding versus other federal expenditures. Critics might raise alarms about the long-term effects of underfunding agricultural statistics, particularly in an era of increasing data-driven decision-making in agriculture. The reduction of funds could lead to a 'data gap', where important trends and issues within the agricultural sector become harder to track, thereby complicating efforts to address challenges faced by farmers and the industry as a whole.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Salaries and Expenses for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for US Department of Agriculture, Agriculutral Research Service, Buildings and Facilities for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Extension Activities for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Integrated Activities for fiscal year 2024.
To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for US Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Research and Education Activities for fiscal year 2024.