The House Appropriations Committee by voice vote has approved the fiscal year 2018 appropriations bill for the USDA and other agencies. The measure which totals $ 20 billion in discretionary funding is $ 876 million lower than FY 2017. National Farmers Union’s Government Relations Director Zack Clark says that’s not surprising but his group’s concern is making sure the Ag Department’s loan program is properly funded.

He says the funding levels for the USDA loan programs are especially significant given the downturn in the farm economy, and the widespread drought. Clark says that funding is an important safety net for producers.

Clark says the USDA loan programs are not costly and can be easily offset.

The FY 2018 House Ag appropriation legislation while lower than this year’s measure is $ 4.64 billion higher than the President’s budget request.