US Rep Tom Rooney, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, has said that the bipartisan omnibus appropriations bill, which will fund the federal government for the entire fiscal year and was passed the House by a 359-67 vote, contains significant benefits for taxpayers in Florida’s 17th district – including US$20m in additional funding to combat citrus disease.
“As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’m very happy that we’re ending the era of government by short-term continuing resolution, mixed in with the occasional threat of a shutdown,” Rooney said. “This package isn’t perfect, but it keeps spending in check, ensures that our national defense is adequately funded, removes the threat of a government shutdown, and funds a number of critical programmes that serve my district and the state of Florida.'
Rooney noted that one such critical programme in the bill was, at his request, US$20m in new funding to combat citrus greening.
Citrus greening, or huanglongbing, is a disease that continues to devastate the Florida citrus industry, along with its US$9bn in annual economic impact and 76,000 direct and indirect jobs.
“Citrus greening is threatening to wipe out our citrus industry – and if Florida isn’t producing oranges, Americans aren’t drinking orange juice,” Rooney explained. “By committing an additional US$20m in federal funding to fight citrus greening, we can better work with state governments, universities and industry leaders to control, mitigate, and find a cure for citrus disease.
'This provision is vital to preserving Florida’s citrus industry, strengthening our state’s economy, and preserving a safe, affordable and abundant American food supply.'
