DC Insight - 4/28/2023

If you would like more information regarding any of the stories we share, or if you have any suggestions, please feel free to contact Dusty Schnieders schniedersd@umsystem.edu and/or Emily Lucas lucasem@umsystem.edu.

Follow UM Government Relations on Twitter: @UMGovRelations

USDA Announces New National Institute of Food and Agriculture Director
U.S. Department of Agriculture Press Release – April 24, 2023
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of Manjit K. Misra as the new Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The NIFA Director leads the agency’s work in advancing agricultural research, education, and extension to solve societal challenges. Dr. Misra will start his new role on Monday, May 8, 2023.

Farm Bill Listening Session
House Committee on Agriculture – April 24, 2023
Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Glenn Thompson (PA-15), hosted a Farm Bill listening session in Newberry, Florida. The event brought together farmers, ranchers, producers, agribusiness owners, and more to solicit public feedback—an integral part of the Farm Bill reauthorization process. The listening session was hosted at the University of Florida, Institute on Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Office.

USDA Announces $45 Million Funding Opportunity to Support Underserved and Veteran Farmers, Ranchers, and Foresters
U.S. Department of Agriculture - April 27, 2023 
he U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced approximately $45 million available to organizations that help underserved and veteran farmers, ranchers, and foresters own and operate successful farms. Funding is made through USDA’s Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Program, also known as the 2501 Program. This program is administered by the USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement (OPPE).

House GOP Passes Debt Limit Package: Five Takeaways
The Hill – April 26, 2023
After a week of internal sniping, House Republicans on Wednesday approved legislation in a 217-215 vote that would slash federal spending and extend the government’s borrowing authority into next year.

Biden-Harris Administration Recommends $562 Million Investment to Make Communities Resilient to Climate Impacts as Part of Investing in America Agenda
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – April 22, 2023
Vice President Harris announced that the Department of Commerce has recommended $562 million in funding — including investments in nearly 150 projects across 30 coastal and Great Lakes states and territories — to make communities and the economy more resilient to climate change as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda.

CHIPS for America Outlines Vision for the National Semiconductor Technology Center
National Institute of Standards and Technology - April 25, 2023
Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a paper outlining its vision and strategy for a National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), a key component of the research and development program established by President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act.

House Debt Plan Would Mean Higher Ed Spending Cuts
Inside Higher Ed – April 21, 2023
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona on Wednesday blasted the House Republicans’ proposed plan to lift the debt ceiling. The plan would block the administration from forgiving student loans and calls for cuts in federal spending.