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FY2026 Ag Appropriations: What’s Happening on Capitol Hill?

Jul 18, 2025

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There’s lots of action on the FY2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bills, with both the Senate and House putting their own spin on the funding—and the stakes are high for rural America, research, and biosecurity! Here’s a quick rundown:

Senate Makes Its Move

On July 10, the Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously advanced its version of the FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations bill, pledging $27.1 billion in discretionary funding. The vibe: strong bipartisan support aimed at helping rural communities, pushing ag innovation, and safeguarding our food systems.

Top Senate Bill Highlights:

  • $3.6 billion for agricultural research
  • $1.2 billion for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to help prevent disease outbreaks
  • $223 million for Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS) The AMS oversees several grant programs our members may be interested in, such as: Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), Federal-State Marketing Improvement Program (FSMIP), and the Organic Certification Cost Share Program. AMS also provides regulatory oversight for a number of research and promotion programs (e.g. “Got Milk?”). Members can learn more about AMS programs and what opportunities they may qualify for here: Home | Agricultural Marketing Service
  • Full funding for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility to boost our prowess in animal health and biosecurity
  • New Senate proposal—driven by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)—wants to redefine hemp, banning any detectable THC in hemp-derived products. We’re watching this closely since it could impact animal feed, but so far, McConnell’s team says our concerns are heard and addressed. Find our statement on Hemp here.

House vs. Senate: How Do the Bills Stack Up?

  • The Senate’s version gives out about $1.6 billion more than the House, which passed its own bill earlier this summer more in line with administration-requested budget trims.
  • House total: $25.5 billion—over $1 billion less than FY25 enacted levels.

 

Comparing the Bills: Key Differences

  • Agricultural Research Service (ARS):
    • House: $1.79B salaries & expenses / $21M buildings & facilities
    • Senate: $1.83B salaries & expenses / $42.7M buildings & facilities
    • FY25 enacted: $1.79B salaries & expenses / $100M buildings & facilities
  • Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS):
    • House: $1.15B salaries & expenses / $1M buildings & facilities
      • “Equine, Cervid and Small Ruminant Health”: $35M
      • “Horse Protection”: $2.5M
    • Senate: $1.17B salaries & expenses / $1M buildings & facilities
      • “Equine Health”: $2.45M
      • “Horse Protection”: $3.5M
    • FY25 enacted: $1.17B salaries & expenses / $3.18B buildings & facilities

Notable Differences in Language

  • Horse Protection Act:
    • The House wants the USDA to pull back its current rule and collaborate on new protocols.
    • The Senate, on the other hand, reminds the Secretary that Congress expects the USDA to be in charge of enforcing the Act, including training inspectors.

What’s Next?

  • Stand-alone passage? Odds are slim for either bill, but the Senate’s has a better shot now that it’s on the legislative calendar.
  • Controversial riders in the House could stall things.
  • More likely scenario: Congress ends up passing a Continuing Resolution or an omnibus package as talks continue.      

Looking Further Out

There’s buzz about a “skinny” Farm Bill Reauthorization. House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn “G.T.” Thompson (R-PA) says there are still Ag priorities not in the newly signed Big Beautiful Bill.

AHC is circling back to House and Senate Leadership urging consideration of a Farm Bill (regardless of weight) and reminding them of the equine industry’s priorities.

As always, we’ll keep you posted as these bills wind their way through Congress. Reach out if there’s anything specific you want us to keep tabs on!

By the time you receive this newsletter, we will have just released our Mid Year Congressional Scorecard analyzing how Members of Congress impacted the equine industry in the first half of 2025. In the Senate, top marks went to Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), while in the House, Representatives Andy Barr (R-KY-6) and Don Bacon (R-NE-2) tied for first place. You can read the full press release and learn about our methodology here.

Links:

American Horse Council Position Statement on Hemp Byproducts in Horse Feed: Hemp Byproducts in Horse Feed – The American Horse Council

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