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 House Republicans' spending measure 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...

• 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 Debbie Stabenow (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 Paid Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit Extension and Enhancement Act and Sen. Stabenow's Farm Bill priorities.

• Plus, don't miss conversations about rural healthcare services that are closing access gaps, solutions to the overdose crisis, child care policies, and the assault on public education.

• You can find all of these panels and more – including speakers Professor Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Barbara McQuade, and Professors Nick Jacobs and Dan Shea – on OCP's website.

WATCH NOW!

THE CROSSROADS AND BACKROADS OF RURAL AMERICA

• Lucas and Ezekiel, who spoke at the Rural Progress Summit, also joined the Hot Dish 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.

• Listen now to hear about the hopeful future of vibrant, interconnected small towns.

• Agri-Pulse: Daybreak June 6: Stabenow critical of House bill's farm safety net
• Agri-Pulse: Daybreak June 7: House Ag GOP: Dems aren't reaching out on farm bill

Be sure to follow the One Country Project on Twitter and Facebook, and listen to The Hot Dish podcast.