Senate Committee Advances FDA Budget Bill

The Senate Committee on Appropriations 7/10 voted (27 to 0) to approve and advance to a floor vote the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

The bill would provide $3.6 billion in discretionary budget authority and $3.4 billion in user fees, which represents a relatively flat spending bill compared to current spending levels. In contrast, the House’s version calls for $3.2 billion, an 11% or $400 million cut, in discretionary budget authority, and $3.6 billion in user fees, an increase of 4% or $137 million compared to the FY 2025 enacted budget.

A Senate appropriations summary says the bill “provides targeted increases for food safety and inspections, cosmetics, diabetes, and the neurology drug program, and a new pilot grant program to help schools transition to safer and healthier

foods.”