Funds for Texas A&M Agricultural Research Facilities Passes House

Washington, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Kevin Brady announces that the U.S. House of Representatives this week approved $1.5 million for six important research agricultural projects ongoing within The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS).

"Texas A&M University System is a world leader in research. The funding for these agricultural initiatives are of critical importance to the United States as well as Texas A&M," said Brady.

Working with the Texas Congressional delegation and Rep. Joe Skeen (R-NM), chairman of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee and a Texas A&M former student, Brady secured funds for the Animal Fiber Research Program, the Center for North American Studies, the Livestock and Dairy Policy Program, the Farm Level Impacts of Agriculture Policy Program, the New Consumer Products from Rangeland and the International Goat Research. The funds were included in the FY 1999 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R. 4101), which passed the House by a vote of 373 to 48.

The House and Senate must now work together to craft a final agreement. The Senate bill contains $844,000 for the same projects.

"I strongly encourage the Senate to agree with the House of Representative=s decision to fund these projects at Texas A&M University," said Brady.