WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Senator Mark Pryor today announced that he will chair the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies. As Chairman, Pryor will be responsible for funding federal programs that benefit Arkansas farmers, producers, and rural communities.
“Whether it’s rice, cotton, or poultry, there’s no question that agriculture is critical to our state’s economy,” Pryor said. “As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture Appropriations, I’ll fight to ensure that Arkansas receives its fair share of federal dollars so we can keep our agricultural sector strong.”
According to the University of Arkansas, agriculture is Arkansas’s largest industry, contributing an estimated $17 billion to the state’s economy each year. The agricultural sector also supports over 275,000 jobs, $10.7 billion in labor income, and more than $3 billion in exports annually.
In addition to funding the USDA, Pryor’s subcommittee will also be responsible for funding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has a significant footprint in Arkansas with the National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR) in Jefferson County, which conducts research to ensure everyday products are safe.
“The NCTR plays an essential role in ensuring the products we use every day, like cosmetics, medical devices, or sunscreen are safe,” Pryor said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to ensure that this center and others have the resources they need to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible.”