Alford Votes to Pass Interior & Environment Funding Bill Out of Committee

Today, Congressman Alford celebrated the House Appropriations Committee passing the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bill for fiscal year 2027.

"I was proud to support our Interior and Environment funding bill as it advanced out of committee and take another step forward to delivering almost $4.5 million in responsible investments for the Fourth District," said Congressman Alford. "This measure delivers on the American people's mandate by unleashing domestic energy production, bolstering national security through responsible mining and critical minerals development, and cutting wasteful spending. By rejecting radical climate agendas, DEI mandates, and regulatory overreach while protecting public lands access for hunting, fishing, and recreation, we are putting American workers, families, and taxpayers first."

Through his role on the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Alford secured $4,471,352 in targeted federal investments for projects in the Fourth District to help turn the "Show Me State" into the "Grow Me State," including:

• $2,500,000 for Water System Improvements in Knob Noster, MO to strengthen water distribution in the downtown area and other highly populated neighborhoods by extending water lines, modernizing the well house, as well as replacing fire hydrants and water meters.
• $1,971,352 for Water Distribution Improvements in Pleasant Hill, MO to ensure system reliability, regulatory compliance, and long-term public health protection by replacing nine miles of water main.

Additional Alford priorities secured in the FY2027 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies funding bill include:

• Provisions to protect Missouri farmers' safe usage of pesticides by requiring EPA Endangered Species Act pesticide reviews to consider usage data, existing conservation practices, and real-world studies, as well as ensuring these reviews are coordinated with USDA.
• Language to reduce the EPA's pesticide application review backlog by speeding up application processing using new technologies, tools, and updated review methods for greater efficiency and effectiveness.
• A provision preventing the Department of the Interior from prohibiting access to federal lands for hunting, fishing, or recreational shooting, while ensuring temporary closures as well as state authority to manage fish and resident wildlife under state law and regulations remain permitted.
• Language blocking the EPA from regulating the lead content of ammunition, ammunition components, or fishing tackle under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Read more highlights of the legislation here.

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