House passes Ag Committee bills on Mandatory Price Reporting & Veterinary Services

House passes Ag Committee bills on Mandatory Price Reporting & Veterinary Services

By Agri-Pulse Staff

© Copyright Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc.

Washington, Sept. 15 – The U.S. House of Representatives approved The Mandatory Price Reporting Act of 2010 (S. 3656) and The Veterinary Services Investment Act (H.R. 3519) Wednesday.

The Mandatory Price Reporting Act of 2010 will reauthorize mandatory price reporting programs run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for five years. The Act requires livestock sales information to be reported and published in a timely fashion, allowing buyers and sellers to make more informed decisions. “The transparent, timely and accurate market information provided by mandatory price reporting programs is a vital and necessary tool for agriculture producers,” House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) said.

The House Agriculture Committee passed mandatory price reporting legislation (H.R. 5852) July 28. To ensure timely implementation, the House approved the identical Senate-passed bill. The Act now goes to the President's desk for his signature.

The Veterinary Services Investment Act would establish a competitive grant program at USDA to support efforts to increase access to veterinary care in underserved areas. “Rural areas are facing a critical and growing shortage of large animal veterinarians. These veterinarians are the first lines of defense against animal disease and a crucial player in ensuring the safety of our food. This bill will encourage veterinarians to serve these areas where their skills are needed,” Peterson said. The Veterinary Services Investment Act now moves to the Senate for consideration.

To return to the News Index page, click: www.agri-pulse.com

#30