Good afternoon,
It seems like just yesterday that we were working through the FY 2024 Ag-FDA appropriations bill. Perhaps it feels that way because that was a mere three months ago. The FY 2025 bill is scheduled for subcommittee markup this evening and we hope it undergoes a much smoother process than that of its predecessor – but there are a few dark clouds on the horizon that speak less of smooth sailing and more of partisan conflict.
The <a href='[link removed]'>House Republicans' spending measure</a> would present a 1 percent cut from current funding levels. Luckily, this appropriations bill doesn't include the abortion pill rider that would ban mail delivery of mifepristone, but Representative Andy Harris (R-MD) is reviving his push to restrict the kinds of foods Americans can buy with their SNAP benefits. Lawmakers want to pass appropriations in July before they all leave for August recess, but a bill that fails to fully fund the critical USDA programs that feed Americans and support small farmers may not make it that far.
Here's what else you need to know this week...
ICYMI: RURAL PROGRESS SUMMIT
In case you missed it, last week was OCP's third Rural Progress Summit. Featured conversations OCP founder Heidi Heitkamp held with Senators Angus King (I-ME), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and <a href='[link removed]'>Debbie Stabenow</a> (D-MI) focused on federal-level efforts to create legislative solutions to rural America's challenges, from starting a family to starting to farm.
Learn more about Sens. Fischer and King's <a href='[link removed]'>Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act</a> and Sen. Stabenow's <a href='[link removed]'>Farm Bill priorities</a>.
Plus, don't miss conversations about <a href='[link removed]'>rural healthcare services that are closing access gaps</a>, solutions to <a href='[link removed]'>the overdose crisis</a>, <a href='[link removed]'>child care policies</a>, and <a href='[link removed]-'>the assault on public education</a>.
<a href='[link removed]'>You can find all of these panels and more</a> – including speakers <a href='[link removed]'>Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat</a>, <a href='[link removed]'>Barbara McQuade</a>, and <a href='[link removed]'>Professors Nick Jacobs and Dan Shea</a> – <a href='[link removed]'>on OCP's website.</a>
<a href='[link removed]'>Watch now!</a>
THE CROSSROADS AND BACKROADS OF RURAL AMERICA
Lucas and Ezekiel, who spoke at the Rural Progress Summit, also joined the <a href='[link removed]'>Hot Dish</a> to talk more about Crossroads America, their coast-to-coast project to highlight the similarities and shared experiences among Americans throughout the nation.
Professor Ben Winchester, a rural sociology expert from the University of Minnesota Morris, spoke to Heidi and Joel to debunk widespread misconceptions about rural communities, from economic diversity to demographic changes.
<a href='[link removed]'>Listen now to hear about the hopeful future of vibrant, interconnected small towns.</a>
One Country in the news
Agri-Pulse: <a href='[link removed]'>Daybreak June 6: Stabenow critical of House bill's farm safety net</a>Agri-Pulse: <a href='[link removed]'>Daybreak June 7: House Ag GOP: Dems aren't reaching out on farm bill</a>
Be sure to follow the One Country Project on <a href='[link removed]' target='_blank'>Twitter</a> and <a href='[link removed]' target='_blank'>Facebook</a>, and listen to <a href='[link removed]' target='_blank'>The Hot Dish</a> podcast.
Paid for by One Country Project
This email was sent by One Country Project [[link removed]]
One Country Inc
600 Pennsylvania Ave SE
#15180
Washington, DC 20003
United States
One Country Project is a 501(c)(4). Contributions to One Country Project are not tax-deductible. They support our efforts to promote greater opportunities for rural communities.
Email is an important way for One Country Project to keep supporters like you informed about critical issues and to build a winning grassroots campaign. Too much email? Switch to our less email option [[link removed]] or unsubscribe here [[link removed]] .
You can also update your name, email, or mailing address. [[link removed]] Questions or concerns? Contact us here [[link removed]] .
[link removed] [[link removed]]
