Appropriations committee rejects amendment that would bar spending until USDA releases frozen funds

Representative Pingree, the gentlewoman from Maine, offered an amendment to the House Appropriations bill that would bar funds in the current fiscal-year appropriations act from being expended until the Department of Agriculture unfreezes previously appropriated USDA funds and provides an accounting of their status. The amendment was debated and went to roll call, where it failed, 28–31.

The amendment aimed to restore access to grant and contract funds appropriated in prior bills but frozen after the administration transition, including programs that supply grants to farmers and local food programs. Pingree said many farmers and organizations had reported grants and contracts that were frozen, unfrozen, or refrozen and urged the committee to reinstate normal appropriations execution so recipients would receive reimbursements.

Committee members split along policy and process lines. Dr. Harris, the member from Maryland, opposed the amendment, saying it would “handcuff the administration” while an executive review of USDA programs is ongoing and that the administration’s review is intended to root out waste, fraud and abuse. Other members, including representatives who described hearing from farmers whose payments were delayed or canceled, spoke in support, calling the freeze harmful to farmers and food programs.

The clerk called a roll call vote after the voice vote, and the amendment did not pass. The chair ordered the clerk to call the roll; the clerk later reported the ayes at 28 and the noes at 31 and announced the amendment was not adopted.