On June 18, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies approved its FY2014 Funding legislation. The bill totals $20.93 billion for FY2014, which is $420 million above the FY2013 enacted level. The bill funds critical USDA programs.

Rural Development Highlights of the bill:

·         Rental Assistance – provides $1.015 billion, which is $135 million above the FY2013 enacted level.

·         Single Family Housing Direct Loans – provides a loan level of $900 million, which is $24 million above the FY2013 enacted level.

·         Water and Waste Disposal Program – funds the loan and grant program at $1.7 billion, which is $240 million above the FY2013 enacted level. The funding will assist 975 rural communities to rebuild clean water and waste disposal systems.