Senator Peters Secures Funding for Michigan Priorities in Agriculture Appropriations Bill

Strategic Insights -

Senator Gary Peters has secured key funding priorities for Michigan in the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. The bipartisan legislation passed the Senate Appropriations Committee and now advances to the full Senate. Peters' efforts will benefit Michigan communities, farmers, and families through investments in public safety, agriculture, and nutrition assistance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Funding for Michigan communities: Peters secured $1,105,000 for the City of Alpena to replace an essential aerial ladder fire truck, $850,000 for the City of Bad Axe to support the construction of a new public safety building, and $385,000 for the City of Berkley to replace a primary front-line fire engine.
  • Supporting farmers and Michigan's agricultural sector: Peters supported funding for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to combat specialty crop pests, the Agricultural Research Service Crop Production Program to advance technology in agriculture, and the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Program to promote urban, indoor, and innovative agricultural practices.
  • Boosting agricultural research: Peters secured funding for the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to support research projects that contribute to significant breakthroughs in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences.
  • Strengthening public health and expanding nutrition assistance: Peters secured funding to protect domestic violence survivors and their pets, improve food safety through funding for the FDA's Human Foods Program, and require the FDA to develop monitoring guidelines for Human Cell and Tissue Products (HCT/Ps).
  • Improving food safety: Peters secured funding for the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Human Foods Program and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to protect the safety and resiliency of America's food supply.
  • Improving transparency in FDA oversight: Peters secured language in the bill to prevent the FDA from using funds for activities non-compliant with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).
  • Improving public infrastructure: Peters secured funding for the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Watershed Rehabilitation Program to strengthen dam infrastructure and provide rental assistance for Americans living in rural areas.

Statistics:

  • $3 million in funding for the Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter and Housing Assistance Grant Program to support facilities that harbor survivors of domestic violence and their pets.
  • Funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to provide nutrition assistance to millions of women and children nationwide.
  • Approximately 5 billion lunches and 2.7 billion breakfasts will be supported through the federal school lunch and breakfast programs and the Summer EBT program.
  • $1 million for the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Watershed Rehabilitation Program to strengthen dam infrastructure.
  • $1 million in rental assistance for Americans living in rural areas.

Sources:

  • https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-secures-funding-for-michigan-priorities-in-agriculture-appropriations-bill
  • Original text here: https://www.peters.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senator-peters-secures-funding-for-michigan-priorities-in-agriculture-appropriations-bill