July 11, 2000

WASHINGTON, DC  --  The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation to fund the nation’s agricultural programs for fiscal year 2001, including provisions which will benefit Texas agriculture, according to Congressman Charlie Stenholm.

The measure provides $75 billion for the nation’s agriculture, rural development and food and nutrition programs.

The boll weevil eradication effort in Texas will benefit from $19.8 million in funding for the Department of Agriculture’s Animal, Plant, Health and Inspection Service (APHIS).

The Agricultural Research and Extension Center in San Angelo has been designated to receive $300,000 to do animal fiber research.  In addition, the Oral Rabies Vaccination Program in Texas will continue to receive predator control funding.

“The economic situation in agriculture continues to be extremely weak and, while I supported this legislation, I am disappointed in the failure of the leaders in Congress to consider comprehensive legislation to address the crisis in agriculture,” said Stenholm.