The first-ever authorization bill for the Feed the Future initiative was scheduled for a vote in the House today. Sponsors expect it to pass easily. The bill, HR 5656, would be considered under a format that limits debate to one hour, bars any amendments and requires a two-thirds vote for passage; an approach typically taken on noncontroversial bills. The bill was approved unanimously by the House Foreign Affairs Committee on Nov 20. It is sponsored by Rep Chris Smith of New Jersey, the No 2 Republican on the committee.
The bill covers only 2015 “but supporters say that would be a good start” for the $1-billion-a-year program to increase food production in 19 targeted countries, says Agri-Pulse. The program grew out of a global commitment to increase local food production after food prices spiked in 2008. Congress has provided funding but the White House has not sought statutory authority for it. Feed the Future relies on public-private partnerships to set up demonstration projects, selected by local groups, to boost ag output and reduce malnutrition.