Washington, June 6 : The US House of Representatives has narrowly passed a $26.3 billion agriculture spending bill, advancing Republican priorities on farm support, food safety, rural development and national security despite Democratic objections that the measure cuts nutrition and other domestic programmes.

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2027 passed the House by a vote of 213-210 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

The legislation provides $26.27 billion in discretionary funding for the US Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and related agencies, a reduction of about 1.4 per cent from the fiscal 2026 enacted level. The bill is the second of the 12 annual appropriations measures to clear the House this year.

Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris said the measure supports American farmers and rural communities while eliminating unnecessary spending.

"This bill advances American agriculture by backing the farmers and ranchers who feed our nation, support millions of jobs, and power rural economies," Harris said.

He added that the legislation "eliminates unnecessary spending while preserving investments that strengthen agricultural production and food security."

House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole said the bill reflects "a simple principle: a strong America begins with a strong agricultural sector."

"The House floor is not where the soil is tilled, livestock is raised, or crops are harvested - but it is where we stand behind the hardworking people who make those things possible," Cole said.

According to House Republican leaders, the legislation continues investments in agricultural research, rural development loan programmes, animal and plant health programmes and food safety initiatives. It also increases resources for frontline meat and poultry inspectors and supports nutrition programmes for low-income Americans.

The bill includes provisions aimed at strengthening food and agricultural security. These include improved tracking of foreign-owned agricultural land, additional oversight of certain foreign land transactions and greater transparency regarding agricultural research involving foreign governments.

Republicans also highlighted funding for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, including efforts to protect US agriculture from foreign pests and diseases. The measure provides $1.16 billion for the agency and includes funding to combat the New World screwworm, a parasite viewed as a threat to the American cattle industry.

Democrats opposed the legislation largely because of spending reductions, arguing that cuts would affect rural development, conservation and nutrition programmes. During House debate, Democratic lawmakers criticised a reduction in funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), warning that lower funding levels could affect vulnerable families.

Republicans countered that the programme remains fully funded based on projected participation levels and available carry-over funds.

The Trump administration backed the legislation but also expressed concerns that funding levels exceeded its original budget request. The administration said it would work with Congress on issues related to hemp-derived products and broader agricultural priorities.

The legislation also calls for increased inspections of foreign drug manufacturing facilities in China and India as part of broader efforts to strengthen oversight of pharmaceutical and food supply chains. It further directs additional scrutiny of agricultural transactions involving countries including China, Russia, North Korea and Iran.

The Senate is expected to begin work on its version of the agriculture spending bill in the coming weeks. Any differences between the House and Senate versions would need to be reconciled before the legislation can be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.

Agriculture appropriations legislation is among the most significant annual spending measures considered by Congress because it funds farm programmes, food safety oversight, agricultural research and nutrition assistance that affect millions of Americans. The legislation also shapes federal support for rural communities and agricultural producers across the country.

/IANS