Us Congress House Bill HB2268

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/29/23
• Refer: 5/15/23

Caption

To provide for a limitation on availability of funds for US Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Conservation Operations for fiscal year 2024.

Impact

The implications of HB2268 are significant as it establishes a cap on federal funding allocated to conservation initiatives. This limitation could affect various programs that support environmental conservation efforts across the country, challenging the ability of the USDA to address pressing agricultural and ecological issues. With the budget constrained, stakeholders in the agricultural sector may face increased challenges to access resources critical for sustainable practices and conservation efforts.

Summary

House Bill 2268, introduced by Rep. Biggs and co-sponsored by several other representatives, aims to impose a funding limitation for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service. Specifically, the bill outlines that the total amount appropriated or otherwise available for conservation operations for the fiscal year 2024 shall not exceed $819,492,000. This legislative measure is part of a broader agenda to evaluate and restrict federal spending in various sectors, particularly those under USDA oversight.

Contention

Notably, the bill may encounter opposition from various agricultural and environmental advocacy groups which could argue that limiting funding undermines essential conservation efforts required to combat climate change and promote sustainable agriculture. Proponents of the funding limitation may argue that such restrictions are necessary to ensure more responsible fiscal management and to prioritize spending towards more critical needs in the agriculture sector or other pressing national priorities.