"The House Appropriations Committee voted Tuesday to approve bills to fund the Agriculture and Energy departments and the Army Corps of Engineers.

In an all-day markup, the panel considered numerous amendments to both the agriculture and the energy and water bills, eventually passing both on voice votes.

The agriculture bill, at $147.7 billion, had bipartisan support, although the Democrats tried — with mixed results — to change several provisions regarding Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules, food stamps and other policies.

The $37.4 billion energy and water spending bill had fewer amendment votes, although the partisan rancor reached a higher pitch amid debates over California’s drought and the drinking water crisis in Flint, Mich."

Timothy Cama reports for The Hill April 19, 2016. [2]