Coalition Letters
FASS Science Policy Committee works through various coalitions to provide information on the value of agricultural research and the need for ongoing support. The following are examples of activities to accomplish this objective:
FASS joined 70 other organizations in strongly urging leaders of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees to include provisions from the “Advancing Research on Agricultural Climate Impacts” (ARACI) Act (S.2241, H.R. 5160), in the final Farm Bill. (June 13, 2024)
FASS was one of 25 organizations joining a letter to Congressional leader urging support the President’s FY25 budget request of $66 million for modernization of the NWHC and providing future appropriations to complete the project in a cost-effective manner. (April 2, 2024)
FASS was among 64 organizations joining a coalition letter urging an investment of $50 million for the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AGARDA) in the FY25 Budget. (March 25, 2024)
FASS joined other members of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Coalition in requesting an appropriation of no less than $500 million for the AFRI program in the FY25 Budget. (March 25, 2024)
FASS was among 58 organizations joining a coalition letter to appropriation leaders request $1.95 billion in total funding for ARS in the FY25 Budget (March 25, 2024)
NCFAR, submitted the attached written testimony to the Appropriations Committees relative to the FY25 budget. The requests are consistent with but somewhat more detailed than recent coalition letters. (Mar 22, 2024)
FASS joined 44 other organizations in a coalition letter to the Administration urging the President to put forward a budget that reflects the significant challenges facing the food and agricultural system and providing at least a five percent (5%) increase to the USDA Research, Education, and Economics (REE) mission area. (Dec. 13. 2023)
A Senate Dear Colleague letter signed by 14 Democratic Senators with a similar requests as our coalition letter for USDA REE funding was sent to OMB and USDA. Senator Durbin(IL) led the letter. (Dec. 12, 2023)
The FASS Science Policy Committee wrote the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate subcommittees on Agriculture of the respective Appropriations Committees encouraging prompt passage of the FY24 spending packages and inclusion of increased funding for research in the final bill. (Dec. 6, 2023)
FASS joined 64 other science based organizations in urging Congress to support transformative research at USDA by including the bipartisan, bicameral Advancing Cutting Edge (ACE) Agriculture Act (S.834, H.R.2385) in the next Farm Bill. (Nov 16, 2023)
ADSA joined a broad coalition of agriculture and science organization in a letter to leaders of House and Senate Agriculture Committees supporting the Advancing Research on Agricultural Climate Impacts (ARACI) Act (S. 2241 and H.R. 5160), and urging its inclusion in the Farm Bill. (Sept 26, 2023)
FASS joined with 129 other agricultural organizations in a coalition letter to leaders of the House and Senate Ag Committees requesting an investment of $750 million in mandatory funding for the Foundation for Food and Agriculture (FFAR) in the 2023 Farm Bill. (Sept 11, 2023)
FASS has joined over 70 other science based organizations in expressing support for the America Grows Act of 2023 (S.1628), a bipartisan bill introduced by Senators Durbin and Moran that would significantly increase our nation’s investment in agricultural research and development. (June 13, 2023)
FASS has joined over 25 other science based organizations in requesting support from Congressional appropriations leaders for $10 million in appropriations for the Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative (AG2PI). (May 17, 2023)
FASS joined over 50 other organizations in urging swift passage of S. 759/H.R. 1480, Beagle Brigade Act of 2023, a bill authorizing the National Detector Dog Training Center. This is critical for preventing the entry of Foreign Animal Diseases to the U.S.. (May 15, 2023)
FASS joined other members of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) Coalition in a letter to Congressional Appropriations leaders requesting inclusion of no less that $500 million for AFRI in the FY24 Budget. (Mar. 24, 2023)
FASS joined ADSA , AVMA and 20 other organization in requesting funding in the FY24 budget to complete the modernization of the US Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) located in Madison, Wisconsin. (Mar. 22, 2023)
FASS joined 43 other organizations in a letter to leaders of the House and Senate Subcommittees on Agriculture of the respective Appropriations Committees urging enhanced support for ARS in the FY 2024 Budget. (March 17, 2023)
FASS joined over 60 other organizations in a letter to Congressional Appropriations leaders requesting inclusion $50 million for the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA) in the FY24 budget. (Mar. 6, 2023)
FASS joined 60 other organizations in a coalition letter to the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees urging support of $8 billion in mandatory funding in the research title of the Farm Bill to spur scientific breakthroughs, keep pace with our global competitors, modernize facilities, and ensure nutrition security and a sustainable food system. (Mar. 6, 2023)
FASS SPC comments for the USDA NIFA Listening Session (November 30, 2022)
FASS joined 87 other organizations in a letter to leaders of the House and Senate Subcommittees on Agriculture of the respective Appropriations Committees urging rapid completion of the FY 2023 spending package. (October 17, 2022)
With introduction in the House of the Beagle Brigade Act, as H.R. 8432, FASS was one of over 50 animal health, producer and science-based groups joining a coalition letter to House and Senate leadership, as well as House and Senate Ag and Homeland committees urging passage of the bill. (July 20, 2022)
FASS joined 60 other organizations encouraging members of the Subcommittee on Agriculture of the Senate Committee on Appropriations to prioritize increased investments to advance agricultural research in the FY23 budget. (July 13, 2022)
FASS and ADSA Seek your input on policy priorities for the Farm Bill, Budget and more, (June 21, 2022)
The National Coalition for Food and Agricultural Research, a coalition that FASS is part of, submitted testimony to the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for the USDA REE Mission Area. supporting increased funding for research. (May 6, 2022)
FASS joined 50 other members of the Friends of the Agricultural Research Service (FARS) Coalition in a letter to leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees expressing thanks for their support of the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in FY 2022 and urging continued support in the FY 2023 Budget. (April 25, 2022)
FASS joined 28 other organization in a letter to the chair and ranking member of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies urging inclusion of full funding in the FY23 Budget to complete modernization of the US Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) located in Madison, Wisconsin.(March 29, 2022)
FASS joined over 50 other organization in a letter to the chair and ranking member of the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture requesting full funding for the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA), authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill. (March 11, 2022)
FASS joined with 50 other organizations in a letter to House and Senate ag appropriators in support of enhanced funding in the FY2022 Ag Appropriations Bill for each of the REE program area within USDA. (February 23, 2022)
FASS joins Joint Open Letter of Concern over the Allowance of Hemp in Animal Feed supports education and research to ensure safe use of hemp as a feed ingredient (February 9, 2022)
FASS joined 34 other science, technology, engineering, medicine, and mathematics organizations and institutions in urging Congressional leaders to include the Bioeconomy Research and Development Act of 2021 as part of a larger competitiveness package moving forward. (September 14, 2021)
FASS joined 34 other science, technology, engineering, medicine, and mathematics organizations and institutions in urging Congressional leaders to include the Bioeconomy Research and Development Act of 2021 as part of a larger competitiveness package moving forward. (September 14, 2021)
Secretary Vilsack responds to coalition letter urging greater support for agricultural research. (Aug 16, 2021)
FASS joined 36 other scientific and medical organizations in a letter to the chair and ranking member of the House Committee on Appropriations urging that Congress follow an evidence-based process to ensure answers in the COVID pandemic are grounded in sound science, are as complete as possible, and based in fact. (July 14, 2021)
FASS joined over 50 other organizations in a letter to President Biden's Chief of Staff strongly urging that USDA serve as an equal voice with other U.S. public health agencies in determining U.S. positions on One Health aspects of antimicrobial resistance or use. (June 30, 2021)
FASS joined over 150 other organizations in a letter to Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader McCarthy, Majority Leader Schumer, and Minority Leader McConnell asking that they prioritize significant investments, at least $40 billion, for agricultural climate research, agricultural innovation, and agricultural research infrastructure. (June 8, 2021)
FASS joined over 150 other organizations in a letter to President Biden strongly supporting a robust investment of at least $40 billion, for agricultural climate research, agricultural innovation, and agricultural research infrastructure in any comprehensive infrastructure package moving forward. (June 8, 2021)
FASS joined over 450 organizations and businesses in signing-on to a letter calling on Congressional leadership to invest more than $200 billion over ten years to bolster farm bill conservation, research, renewable energy, forestry, and regional food system and supply chain resilience programs as part of the pending climate change and infrastructure package - the American Jobs Plan Act. (May 25, 2021)
FASS joined over 350 national, regional and local stakeholder groups in a letter to House and Senate Agriculture Committee leaders requesting at least $11.5 billion for research infrastructure at U.S. colleges of agriculture over a period of five years. The letter argues that such an “investment is necessary to advance the critical work being done at institutions across the country to support American jobs, recruit a diversity of talent for the agricultural science pipeline, address our climate challenges, and ensure ongoing U.S. leadership in food and agricultural innovation.” (May 3, 2021)
FASS joined with other members of the Animal Agriculture Coalition (AAC) in a letter to leaders of the Senate and House Appropriations committees and the Homeland Security Subcommittees urging full funding of the CBP Agricultural Quarantine and Inspection (AQI) program within the 2022 Homeland Security spending bill (April 29, 2021)
FASS joined with other members of the Animal Agriculture Coalition (AAC) in a letter to leaders of the Senate and House Appropriations committees urging support across the USDA Research and Animal Health Enterprises (April 29, 2021)
FASS joined 124 organizations in a letter to Senate leader in support of the America Grows Act of 2021, legislation that would significantly increase our nation’s investment in agricultural research and development. (April 26, 2021)
FASS joined 50 groups in a letter to House and Senate Appropriations Committee leaders requesting their support for $10 million in appropriations for the Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative. Established in the 2018 Farm Bill, AG2PI focuses on collaborative science engagement and building a community of researchers across both crops and animals that will lay the foundation for expanding our knowledge of genomes and phenomes (traits) of crops and livestock that are vital to the U.S. agriculture industry. (April 20, 2021)
FASS joined over 100 groups in a letter to House and Senate Appropriations Committee leaders requesting their support for $10 million in appropriations for Section 1433 Continuing Animal Health and Disease, Food Security, and Stewardship Research, Education and Extension Programs in the fiscal year 2022 Agriculture Appropriations bill. This program was reauthorized in the 2018 Farm Bill and would enable competitive research grants to address critical priorities in food security, one health and stewardship. (April 20, 2021)
FASS joined a coalition letter to House and Senate Appropriation Committee leaders urging funding to complete modernization of the US Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) in Madison, Wisconsin. It is the nation’s only federal BSL-3 facility exclusively dedicated to scientific investigation and research on wildlife diseases that threaten human, animal, and environmental health. (March 30, 2021)
FASS joined 92 other agricultural organizations in a letter to House and Senate Appropriation leaders urging an increase the 302(a) allocations for Appropriations Committees that would allow a significant increase in discretionary funding for crucial U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. (March 19, 2021)
FASS joined other members of the Friends of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Coalition in a letter to leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations committees thanking them for their support in FY 2021 and urging increased support for ARS in the FY22 Budget. (March 10, 2021)
FASS joined 47 other universities and science based organization in requesting full funding for the Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority (AgARDA), that was authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill. (March 1, 2021)
FASS joined 138 other scientific societies, universities, producer groups and other science based organizations in congratulating Thomas J. Vilsack on his confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture and urging him to continue supporting increased public investments in agricultural research and development (R&D) programs. (March 1, 2021)
FASS provided comments to USDA APHIS on the "Regulation of the Movement of Animals Modified or Developed by Genetic Engineering". The comments called for the harmonization of the US regulatory approach to genome editing in food-producing species so that both plant and animal breeders have access to genome editing innovations. (Feb. 26, 2021)
NCFAR, a coalition organization that FASS is part of, wrote members of the USDA Landing Team for the Biden transition urging key investments in agricultural, food, and nutrition research, education, economics, and Extension at the USDA. (Dec. 11., 2020)
FASS joined over 170 other organizations and institutions across all disciplines and areas of science and research letter to Congressional leadership urging swift action to finalize the annual funding levels for science agencies and programs, and provide emergency research relief funding to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Dec. 8, 2020)
FASS joined other users of USDA Economic data and research in a coalition letter to members of the 117th Congress and the USDA Transition team outlining needs and priorities for USDA ERS as it moves forward under the new administration. (Nov. 30, 2020)
The FASS Science Policy Committee responded to USDA’s Solicitation of Input from Stakeholders on Agricultural Innovations. The input is focused on the Genome Design cluster, and more specifically on the regulatory barrier posed by FDA’s plan to regulate intentional genome alterations in food animals as drugs. (July 30, 2020)
FASS joined other members of the Animal Agriculture Coalition in a letter to Senate leadership urging inclusion of support for livestock and poultry producers who have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in the next stimulus package. In addition is supported funding of $300 million for Section 10409A of the Animal Health Protection Act, which includes the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), the National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program (NADPRP) and the National Animal Vaccine and Veterinary Countermeasures Bank. (July 21, 2020)
FASS joined over 320 other research organizations, scientific societies, research and higher education associations, coalitions, universities, businesses, business organizations and trade groups in endorsement of the Research Investment to Spark the Economy Act (RISE Act) (June 26, 2020)
FASS joined a diverse group of 52 science based groups in a letter to the chair and ranking member of the House and Senate Appropriations Committee urging them to provide the highest possible FY 21 allocation for the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittees. It noted that this will allow the Subcommittees to support the research investments necessary to meet our nation’s challenges and opportunities. (April 6, 2020)
FASS provided this response to USDA NIFA's request to ways to improve service to stakeholders. (April 3, 2020)
NC-FAR, a coalition that FASS is part of provided testimony to the House Appropriations Committee relative to funding in the FY21 budget. (March 31, 2020)
FASS joined 42 other members of the AFRI Coalition in supporting increased funding for AFRI in the FY2021 budget (March 20, 2020)
FASS joined other AAC members in a coalition letter to House and Senate Appropriations leaders with recommendations for the fiscal year (FY) 2021 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies spending bill. (March 13, 2020)
FASS joined 22 other animal and wildlife groups in support of funding for upgrades to the National Wildlife Health Center in the FY2021 Budget (March 13, 2020)
FASS joined wih 33 other Science based groips in a coalition letter asking for increased funding for USDA ARS in the FY 2021 bufget. (March 5, 2020)
FASS was among the over 100 organizations joining in a coalition letter of support to House Leadership for the America Grows Act (HR 4714) (November 14, 2019)
FASS was among the over 80 organizations joining in a coalition letter of support to Senate Leadership for the America Grows Act (S.2458) (September 11, 2019)
FASS was among the over 80 organizations joining in a coalition letter of support to Senator Durbin for the America Grows Act (S.2458) (September 10, 2019)
FASS was among the 175 organizations writing in support of reseach funding and rejecting the expenditure of funds to relocate the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and Economic Research Service (ERS) outside the hub of science and statistical agencies located in the National Capital Region (NCR). in the fiscal year 2020 Agriculture Appropriations bill. (June 26, 2019)
FASS was one of the 70 members of the Friends of Agricultural Statistics and Analysis (FASA) joining a coalition letter to the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee strongly supporting federal investment in the FY20 budget for the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). (April 5, 2019)
FASS was among the 101 organizations requesting support of $10 million in appropriations for Section 1433 Continuing Animal Health and Disease, Food Security, and Stewardship Research, Education and Extension Programs in the fiscal year 2020 Agriculture Appropriations bill. (April 4, 2019)
FASS was among the 35 organizations requesting support of $40 million for the Agricultural Genome to Phenome Initiative that was established in the 2018 Farm Bill. The initiative recognizes the critical need for increased federal investment to advance genomics in agriculturally important plant and animal species.(April 4, 2019)
FASS joined other members of the Animal Ag Coalition in a letter to the chairs and ranking members of the Senate and House Appropriations and Ag Appropriations subcommittees supporting research, animal health and food safety programs in the FY20 budget. (Mar. 28, 2019)
FASS joined 60 other science advocates from the Supporters of Ag Research (SoAR) in a letter to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees requesting $445 million in the FY 2020 budget for the USDA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). (March 20, 2019)
FASS joined 42 other national organizations from the Friends of ARS in a letter to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate and House Appropriations Committee and the Agriculture subcommittees urging increased funding for USDA ARS in the FY20 budget. (March 12, 2019)
FASS joined 126 other national and state organizations in a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions and the House Committee on Education and Labor urging them to preserve the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. (March 8, 2019)
FASS sent individual letters to administrators and program leaders at ARS urging the use of funds included in the FY19 budget for dairy facilites at the USDFRC (Feb. 21, 2019)
FASS Provided written testimony to Dr. Scott Hutchins and ther REE Listening Session (Feb. 14, 2019)
FASS joined 28 other science based groups in a letter to Senate Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Schumer, Chairman Roberts, and Ranking member Stabenow supporting the nomination of Dr. Scott Hutchins as USDA Under-Secretary for REE (Feb. 7, 2019)
FASS was among the 58 organizations joining in sending a thank-you letter to leadership of the full House and Senate Ag Appropriations Committees thanking them for the language accompanying the FY19 spending bills slowing the USDA proposed ERS and NIFA moves. (Feb 1, 2019)
FASS was among the 58 organizations joining in sending a thank-you letter to leadership of the House and Senate Ag Appropriations subcommittees thanking them for the language accompanying the FY19 spending bills slowing the USDA proposed ERS and NIFA moves. (Feb 1, 2019)
FASS recently joined 59 other scientific societies and science based organizations in a coalition letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House and Senate appropriations committees supporting NIFA and ERS and asking for a thorough study of the impact of moving them before any action be taken. (Nov. 13, 2018)
Testimony presented on behalf of FASS to the NIFA Listing Session in Minneapolis, MN (Oct. 25. 2018)
FASS joined 28 other scientific societies and science based organizations in a coalition letter to Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Schumer, Chairman Roberts, and Ranking member Stabenow in support for the nomination of Dr. Scott Hutchins to become the next Undersecretary of Research, Education, and Economics (REE) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). (Oct. 16. 2018)
FASS joined 45 other science based organization in a coalition letter to leaders of the House and Senate Ag Appropriations committees urging them to communicate to USDA that any action related to any part of the planned reorganization of USDA ERS or NIFA should be delayed until a new Appropriations bill is passed. (Oct. 10, 2018)
FASS, as a member of NCFAR, joined in expressing serious concerns to the Secretary of Agriculture with the proposal to move the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) outside of the national capital region (NCR), and urging a delay the proposed relocation until the questions and concerns raised by NIFA’s stakeholders can be fully addressed. (Sept, 6, 2018)
FASS joined a coalition letter with 42 other organizations opposing the USDA’s proposed move of the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) outside of the national Capitol area as well as the realignment of the agency out of the USDA’s Research, Education and Economics Mission Area. (Sept 5, 2018)
FASS joined 106 other organization in a letter to Congressional leadersto expressing serious concerns with the Administration’s proposal to move the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) outside of the national capital region (NCR), and urged Congress to delay the proposed relocation until the questions and concerns raised by NIFA’s stakeholders can be fully addressed.(Sept, 6, 2018)
FASS joined 124 other organization in a letter to Congressional leaders of the Farm Bill Conference Committee urging inclusion of enhanced funding of $200 million for the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) in the final conference report. (Aug. 28, 2018)
FASS wrote to leader of the House and Senate Agriculture and Ag Appropriations subcommittees opposing USDA’s announced plans to move two major research arms of UDSA, the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) out of Washington DC. (August 24, 2018)
FASS joined 119 other organizations in an Animal Agriculture Stakeholders letter to Senate confrees urging Establishment of a permanent, fully funded National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program in the Farm Bill (Aug 15, 2018)
FASS joined 156 other organizations in a Coalition letter to Chair and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Ag Committees urging efforts to complete an on-time farm bill in the Farm Bill. (Aug 13, 2018)
FASS jjoined over 20 other scientific societies and science based organizations in a coalition letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Agriculture committees supporting tie “International Agricultural Education Fellowship Program.” (Aug. 6. 2018)
The FASS SPC urges Senate to include animals in an Ag Genome Initiative in the 2018 Farm Bill. (May 31, 2018)
FASS joined 115 other organizations in an Animal Agriculture Coalition (AAC) letter to the staffs of all 100 Senators as they continue work on the Senate Farm Bill. The letter outlined components that needed to be included in the Farm Bill to adequately address risks to animal health, livestock export markets, and our nation’s livestock and poultry producers. (May 14, 2018)
FASS joined 114 other organizations from the food, agriculture, scientific, academic and veterinary communities in an Animal Ag Coalition letter, to all House offices in advance of the Ag Committee markup of the Farm Bill outlining recommendations for the bill. (April 18, 2018)
FASS joined other organizations from the food, agriculture, scientific, academic and veterinary communities in support of NC-FAR testimony relative to the FY19 Appropriations for the REE Mission Area (April 13, 2018)
FASS joined other members of the Friends of Agricultural Statistics and Analysis coalition, in a letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies strongly supporting federal investment in the FY19 budget to advance agricultural statistics and research in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). (April 11, 2018)
FASS joined other members of the Friends of Agricultural Statistics and Analysis coalition, in a letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture Rural Development, FDA, & Related Agencies strongly supporting federal investment in the FY19 budget to advance agricultural statistics and research in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). (April 11, 2018)
FASS joined over 20 other scientific and animal industry groups in a coalition letter to the chair and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in support of timely re-authorization of an enhanced Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA) that includes expansion of authority for conditional approval for the new animal drugs addressing serious and life-threatening unmet medical needs for major uses in major species. (March 29, 2018)
FASS joined 49 other organizations from the food, agriculture, scientific, academic and veterinary communities in coalition letters to the chair and reanking members of the House Ag Appropriations subcommittee supporting :increased funding for AFRI (March 23, 2018)
FASS joined 49 other organizations from the food, agriculture, scientific, academic and veterinary communities in coalition letters to the chair and reanking members of the Senate Ag Appropriations subcommittee supporting :increased funding for AFRI (March 23, 2018)
FASS joined over 50 other organizations who are part of the Friends of ARS in coalition letters to:the Chairs and Ranking members of the House and Senate Ag Appropriations subcommittee Urging them to provide $1.35 billion in discretionary funding for ARS in fiscal year (FY) 2019 and reject the administration’s proposed funding cuts that would result in the elimination of 20 ARS facilities across the country. (March 16, 2018)
FASS joined nearly 100 other organizations from the food, agriculture, scientific, academic, veterinary, and consumer communities in a coalition letters to:the Chair's and Ranking Members of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies urging support for $10 million in appropriations for Section 1433 Continuing Animal Health and Disease, Food Security, and Stewardship Research, Education and Extension Programs in the fiscal year 2019 Agriculture Appropriations bill. (March 16, 2018)
FASS joined 71 other organizations from the food, agriculture, scientific, academic, veterinary, and consumer communities in coalition letters to:
Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi (with cc to Reps. McCarthy, Scalise, and Hoyer)
Senators McConnell and Schumer (with cc to Sens. Cornyn and Durbin)
House Appropriations and Ag Appropriations Chairs and Ranking Members
Senate Appropriations and Ag Appropriations Chairs and Ranking Members
Urging them to substantially increase the discretionary budget cap for domestic programs and provide an allocation for the FY 2018 Agriculture Appropriations bill of 5 percent of the total domestic discretionary budget cap increase. A copy of the Senate Approps letter is here. (December 14, 2017)
FASS joined 119 other organizations in a coalition letter to leaders in the House and Senate urging preservation of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for students (PSLF). (Nov 27, 2017)
FASS joined more than 100 organizations and companies in a coalition letter to the House supporting the Foudation for Food and Agricultural Research (FFAR). (Oct. 12, 2017)
FASS joined 72 other University and Agricultural organizations in a coalition letter to the chair and ranking member of the House Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee of the Committee on Appropriations. The letter strongly supports federal investment in food and agricultural research, extension and education in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Research, Education, and Economics (REE) budget for fiscal year 2018 (FY18). (June 21, 2017)
FASS joined 72 other University and Agricultural organizations in a coalition letter to the chair and ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations. The letter strongly supports federal investment in food and agricultural research, extension and education in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Research, Education, and Economics (REE) budget for fiscal year 2018 (FY18). (June 21, 2017)
FASS joined nearly 150 other science based organizations from a wide range of disciplines in a multi-organization letter to leaders of the House and Senate urging them to reject the proposed cuts to funding for science included in the President’s FY 2018 budget. (May 24 2017)
FASS joined other animal ag groups in a letter to House and Senate leaders proposing the creation of a new Animal Pest and Disease Disaster Prevention and Response Program in the 2018 Farm Bill. (April 18, 2017)
FASS joined 67 other state and national organization in requesting 2018 Farm Bill funding for Sec. 1433, Continuing Animal Health and Disease Programs. (May 4, 2017)
FASS joined 285 other U.S. business, science and engineering, medical and health, and higher education organizations, in a letter coordinated by AAAS, urging members of Congress to swiftly complete the FY 2017 appropriations process with robust investments in scientific research.(April 6, 2017)
FASS joined with 31 other science and animal producer organizations in strong support for an additional $35 million for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for research, monitoring and surveillance under the Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (CARB) strategy. (April 5, 2017)
FASS joined with 41 other members of the “Friends of ARS” in calling for FY 2018 funding of no less than $1.286 billion for salaries and expenses and $99.6 million for buildings and facilities for ARS (April 4, 2017)
FASS joined with 50 other members of the Animal Agriculture Coalition (AAC) in calling for support of the fiscal year (FY) 2018 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration budget. Included in the letter is a call for $420 million, a $70 million increase over fiscal 2016, for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) and $10 million, a $6 million increase, for Section 1433, Continuing Animal Health and Disease, Food Security, and Stewardship Research, Education and Extension Programs. $420 million, a $70 million increase over fiscal 2016, for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). (April 4, 2017)
FASS joined with over 500 other agriculture and foods related organizations in urging no additional cuts to policies within the jurisdiction of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry or the House Committee on Agriculture. (February 21, 2017)
FASS joined with 24 other science based and producer organizations in support of USDA-REE-ERS and NASS FY17 Funding in a letter to leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (November 10, 2016)
FASS joined with about 90 other science based and producer organizations in support of funding for Section 1433 competative grants in a letter to leaders of the House and Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (March 10, 2016)
FASS joined with 30 other science based organizations in support of funding for the Department of Agriculture for research, monitoring and surveillance under the Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria (CARB) strategy in a letter to leaders of the House Committee on Appropriations. (March 3, 2016)
FASS joined with 30 other science based organizations in support of funding for the Department of Agriculture for research, monitoring and surveillance under the Combating Antibiotic- Resistant Bacteria (CARB) strategy in a letter to leaders of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. (March 3, 2016)
FASS joined with other members of the Friends of Agricultural Statistics and Analysis, in a letter to leaders of the House Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies strongly support federal investment to advance agricultural statistics and research in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA). (March 11, 2016)
FASS joined with other members of the Friends of Agricultural Statistics and Analysis, in a letter to leaders of the Senate Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies strongly support federal investment to advance agricultural statistics and research in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA). (March 11, 2016)
FASS joined other members of the Friends of the Agricultural Research Service Coalition (FARS) in a letter to leaders of the House Committee on Appropriation and the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies in support of increased funding for the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) for the fiscal year 2017 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration budget. (February 26, 2016)
FASS joined other members of Friends of the Agricultural Research Service Coalition (FARS) in a letter to leaders of the Senate Appropriation Committees and the Subcommittee on Agriculture Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies in support increased funding for the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) for the fiscal year 2017 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration budget. (February 26, 2016)
FASS joined other members of the Animal Agriculture Coalition in a letter to leaders of the House Appropriation Committee and the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittees in support of priorities for the fiscal year 2017 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration budget. (February 22, 2016)
FASS joined other members of the Animal Agriculture Coalition in a letter to leaders of the Senate Appropriation Committees and the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittees in support of priorities for the fiscal year 2017 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration budget. (February 22, 2016)
FASS joined other members of the AFRI Coalition in sending a letter to leaders of the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee in support of funding for the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) program. (February 23, 2016)
FASS joined other members of the Friends of Agricultural Statistics and Analysis, in a coalition letter to leadership of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research supporting continued and unfettered collection of personal financial information for use in analysis by responsible statistical agencies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (December 9, 2015)
FASS joined 25 other members of the Friends of Agricultural Statistics and Analysis, in a coalition letter to members of the US House strongly supporting funding for the USDA ERS and NASS (November 9, 2015)
FASS joined 25 other members of the Friends of Agricultural Statistics and Analysis, in a coalition letter to members of the US Senate strongly supporting funding for the USDA ERS and NASS (November 9, 2015)
FASS joined ASAS, PSA, FASS Inc and NAAAS in expressing strong support to USDA NIFA for the Dual Purpose with Dual Benefit: Research in Biomedicine and Agriculture Using Agriculturally Important Domestic Species (R01) program. (October 12, 2015)
FASS joined 19 other Animal Ag Coalition members in support of the use of USDA approved emergency depopulation methods in response to extraordinary disease outbreaks. (September 18, 2015)
FASS and Elsevier joined 68 other signatories on a coalition letter that support publishers’ concerns that pending FASTR legislation could undermine substantial progress already made by federal agencies in response to the OSTP memorandum by limiting the ability of federal agencies to adjust their plans in response to the impact of their policies on scholarly communication. (September 18, 2015)
FASS joined to the Associated Press relative to their Stylebook direction encouraging the use of the term “animal welfare activist” in place of “animal rights activist.” (July 29, 2015)
FASS joined 24 other Stakeholders in a letter to all Ag. staff in the House and Senate Re: USDA Statistical Agency Funding in FY16 House Appropriations Bill (June 29, 2015)
FASS Joins 252 Groups and Business Leaders Across the Country in Call to Action for American “Innovation Imperative” (June 23, 2015)
FASS joined 22 other "Friends of Agriculture Statistics and Analysis" in a letter to the House Agricultural Appropriations Subcommittee supporting the statistical agencies and data resources within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).(June 18, 2015)
FASS joined 88 other state and national organizations in signing a coalition letter of support for appropriations for Section 1433 Continuing Animal Health and Disease, Food Security, and Stewardship Research, Education and Extension Programs in the fiscal year 2016 Agriculture Appropriations bill. (March 18, 2015)
FASS has sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack relative to concerns over animal care at the US MARC. This release highlights major points in the letter (February 23, 2015)
FASS joined over 150 other organization in signing a coalition statement of support for the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act, S. 440. (Feb 16, 2015)
FASS joined other members of the Animal Agriculture Coalition (AAC) in expressing support to the Senate Appropriation Committee for the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory (SEPRL) and its continued synergy in poultry research and development. (Sept 30,2014)
FASS joined other members of the.Animal Agriculture Coalition (AAC) in expressing support to the House Appropriation Committee for the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory (SEPRL) and its continued synergy in poultry research and development. (Sept 30,2014)
FASS joined with 66 other University and science based organizations in expressing their sincere appreciation and thanks to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for their expeditious leadership actions to create the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research (FFAR) and appoint the 15-member, founding Board of Directors (Sept 5,2014)
FASS was among 70 U.S. science and engineering communities expressing concerns about current and proposed restrictions on the ability of federal and contractor scientists and engineers to participate in scientific and technical conferences. (July 29,2014)
FASS joined 31 other agriculture and science based organizations in a letter to leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives thanking them for their work in passing the FY 2015 Ag Appropriations bill. (June 11, 2014)
Testimony of the Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS) for the Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing: Driving Innovation through Federal Investments (April 29, 2014)
FASS joined with 87 other science and agricultural organizations in urging support for Section 1433 Continuing Animal Health and Disease, Food Security, and Stewardship Research, Education and Extension Programs in the fiscal year 2015 Agriculture Appropriations bill. This will support a new competitive research grants mechanism to address critical priorities in food security, one health and stewardship. (March 28, 2014)
FASS joined nearly 100 other producer and science based organizations in urging support for the inclusion of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) in the Fiscal Year 2015 Agriculture Appropriations Bill. (3/1/2014)
FASS joined 62 other organizations in saying to members of Congress "THANK YOU! For Including the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) Authorization and $200 Million in Mandatory Funding in the Agricultural Act of 2014" (Feb 14, 2014)
FASS joined 39 other agriculture and science organizations in a letter to staff contacts for each Farm Bill conferee urging inclusion of a Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) in the final Farm Bill Conference Report. (Nov.4, 2013)
FASS joined 270 other agriculture and science organizations in a letter sent to House and Senate Ag Committee Members and Leadership urging them to move forward on a unified farm bill that continues the “marriage” between the nutrition and farm communities and preserves a five-year authorization for all programs. (10/28/13)
FASS joined 46 other animal and commodity organizations in signing a letter to the House and Senate Chairman and Ranking Members of Agriculture Committees asking for their support to include the Farm Animal Agriculture Integrated Research Initiative (FAAIR) in the final version of the 2013 Farm Bill. (August 2, 2013)
FASS was among 532 organizations sending a letter to Speaker Boehner, urging him to bring a five year Farm Bill back to the floor of the U.S. House for prompt action. (7/2/13)
FASS joined with 110 other industry and science based organization in support of amending the Controlled Substances Act to allow veterinarians to transport and dispense controlled substances in the field. This is critical to assure that veterinarians have the tools needed in addressing an animal emergency. (4/15/13)
FASS joined 30 other industry and science organizations in the Animal Agriculture Coalition in a letter to congress relative to FY14 Agriculture Appropriations recommendations. They include strong support for research funding.
FASS joined 36 other scientific and industry groups in a "Friends of ARS" letter to Members of the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, supporting funding for future ARS research efforts.
FASS joined with approximately 150 other organizations in offering support for the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program Enhancement Act of 2013.
FASS joined 35 other scientific and industry organizations in urging Congress to pass a five-year farm bill. It includes a strong emphasis on funding for Agricultural Research.
FASS and many ag groups say Thank you to Dodge for their Super Bowl ad
FASS joined with other science based organizations and industry group in supporting the reauthorization of the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA). ADUFA is a statute that authorizes the FDA to collect fees from animal health companies to enable the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) to meet performance standards.
FASS was one of 28 scientific and agricultural organizations signing a Coalition Letter supporting GE Salmon that was directed to FDA. The letter highlights the role of agricultural innovation & technology and science-based regulation in achieving the administration’s domestic and international food security objectives. Specifically, the letter focuses on a salmon application that has been pending for quite some time, acknowledging the value of animal biotechnology within the food security context and asking the FDA not to extend its current 60-day public comment period for salmon. You can view the letter here.
ASDA© joined the Federation of Animal Science Societies and over 20 other agriculture and science related organizations in sending this letter to President Obama and leaders of the House of Representatives and Senate urging an agreement to avoid the “fiscal cliff” and across the board spending cuts.
FASS, FASS and other scientific societies urge USDA to provide the flexibility and resources needed to allow government employees to attend scientific and technical conferences.
FASS and other agriculture and science organizations thank President Obama for elevating the issues of food security and nutrition at the May 2012 G8 meetings in Chicago.
FASS joins with 71 other organizations urging the House Agriculture Committee to join the Senate and include a "Foundation For Agriculture Research" in the Farm Bill.
The Animal Agriculture Coalition's budget book outlining fiscal year 2013 recommendations for APHIS, ARS, NIFA, FSIS, as well as the FDA that was delivered to the House and Senate Appropriations Committee staff.
Coalition letter, including 900 organizations and individuals, sent to the leadership and members of the Senate and House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittees supporting FY13 funding for REE. (March 2012)
AFRI Coalition Letter to Congress supporting the President’s FY 2013 budget proposal
AFRI Coalition Letter to the Agricultural Appropriations Conference Committee (November 4, 2011)
Coalition letter to the Joint Select in support of research funding for food and agriculture. (October 19, 2011)
AFRI Coalition letter to Congress on FY12 Funding for Ag Research
NCFAR Letter supporting ARS and NIFA Funding in FY12 Budget (May 13, 2011)
AFRI Coaltion letter to House and Senate supporting AFRI Funding in FY11 Budget (March 8, 2011)
NCFAR Letter supporting funding for REE in FY11 Continuing Resolution (March 8, 2011)
Coalition support for Vet Medicine Loan Repayment Program (March 2011)
Commodity Group to House and Senate supporting FY11 funding for USDA (December 6, 2010)
AFRI Thank You to Senate sub-committee chairs for support of reseach funding (September 23, 2010)
Coalition letter to Senate supporting increased funding for research (July 14, 2010)
Coalition letter to House supporting increased funding for research (May 3, 2010)