Alford, Mark RSS Articles

Committee on Small Business and Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Demand Answers on Concealment of PPP Abuse under the Biden Administration

Tue, 19 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO), Chairman of House Small Business Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations, Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, Congressman James Comer (R-KY), Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN), Chairman of House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Oversight on Delivering on Government Efficiency, wrote a letter to Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler, requesting answers regarding alleged concealment of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) abuse under the Biden Administration. The Chairmen are seeking information on oversight failures, transparency concerns, and efforts to address fraud and abuse tied to pandemic-era relief programs intended to support America’s small businesses.

Quote Attributable to Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO), Small Business Subcommittee Chairman on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations:

“Accountability isn’t optional in government. Small businesses played by the rules and fought to survive during one of the toughest chapters in our nation’s history. At the same time, the Biden Administration abused pandemic-era programs to funnel taxpayer money to their political allies and then tried to cover it up. The American people deserve the full truth, plain and simple. We owe it to every Main Street business owner to follow the facts, expose any wrongdoing, and make sure this never happens again,” said Congressman Alford.

Quote Attributable to Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business:

“Small business owners across this country fought to keep their doors open during the pandemic. Under the Biden Administration, Small Business Administration employees took that lifeline and handed it to Planned Parenthood," said Chairman Williams. "Not only that, they allegedly used code words to hide it from the American people. That kind of corruption has no place in a federal agency, and Main Street deserves better. Administrator Loeffler is restoring accountability and transparency; the days of pandemic-era fraud going unexamined are over."

Quote Attributable to Congressman James Comer (R-KY), Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform:

“The Biden Administration is defined by its rampant waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars. The Biden Administration took taxpayer dollars intended to help small businesses during the pandemic, funneled tax dollars to its political allies, and then sought to conceal what it did from the American people,” said Chairman Comer. “Americans demand answers and accountability for this abuse of their hard-earned money, and we are determined to deliver both for them.”

Quote Attributable to Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN), Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee Chairman on Delivering on Government Efficiency:

“Four years of Joe Biden’s presidency were nothing short of an unmitigated disaster,” said Congressman Burchett. “The Biden Administration failed hard-working small business owners while directing taxpayer dollars to radical left-wing organizations like Planned Parenthood. I am proud to join my colleagues in demanding accountability for the widespread misuse of taxpayer funds under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).”

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Read the full letter here.

Read the letter below:

“The Committee on Small Business and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform (Committees) seek to investigate recent allegations that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) during the Biden-Harris Administration obscured internal communications related to Planned Parenthood Federation of America (Planned Parenthood) and its participation in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Specifically, the Committees are concerned that, in 2021, top SBA officials within the Biden-Harris Administration, including but not limited to General Counsel Peggy Hamilton, Chief of Staff Antwaun Griffin, and then-Deputy Chief of Staff turned Chief of Staff Arthur Plews, may have unlawfully concealed communications and information concerning SBA loans to Planned Parenthood by utilizing the cover-up term “Benghazi (PPP/PPH) Decisions.” Therefore, the Committees request your assistance in holding these officials accountable and obtaining answers for the American people.

“Thanks to your leadership, the SBA has identified over $22 billion in pandemic-era fraud and has continued working to addressing the abuse that occurred under your predecessor’s watch. On January 22, 2026, you issued letters to Planned Parenthood affiliates to determine whether those entities were eligible to receive PPP loans. It is essential that federal programs are administered in a manner that is clear, consistent with statutory requirements, and fully accountable to American taxpayers. The Committees share President Trump’s commitment to accountability and transparency and continue to uncover and address the Biden-Harris era’s failures.

“In light of the allegations regarding concealed communications, the Committees request the production of the following documents and communications related to the PPP loans disbursed to Planned Parenthood affiliates as soon as possible, but no later than June 1, 2026:

All records and communications including Peggy Hamilton and SBA staff referring or relating to Planned Parenthood, including the terms “Benghazi” or “PPP/PPH” from January 20, 2021 to January 20, 2025;
All records and communications referring or relating to Planned Parenthood or any of its affiliates in connection with the PPP loan disbursement and forgiveness, including, but not limited to, eligibility and approval, from January 20, 2021 to January 20, 2025;
All records and communications between SBA officials and any external parties, including, but not limited to, representatives of Planned Parenthood or Executive Branch officials, regarding PPP loans to Planned Parenthood affiliates from January 20, 2021 to January 20, 2025;
All records and communications referring or relating to forgiveness determinations, determination letters, repayment discussions, or any other actions taken related to PPP loans issued to Planned Parenthood affiliates from January 20, 2021 to January 20, 2025; and
All SBA guidance, policies, and memoranda referring or relating to PPP loans including, but not limited to, PPP Affiliation Rules and PPP Loan Forgiveness. The Committee on Small Business has broad authority to oversee the activities of the SBA and investigate “problems of all types of small business” pursuant to Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives.

“The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” pursuant to Rule X of the Rules of the House of Representatives. Please contact the Committee on Small Business Majority Staff at (202) 225 5821 and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Majority Staff at (202) 225-5074 with any questions about this request. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.”

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Alford Votes to Fund Veterans’ Benefits, Improve Servicemember Quality of Life

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) voted to pass H.R. 8469, the Military Constructions, Veterans Affairs, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, Fiscal Year 2027. H.R. 8469 fully funds veterans’ healthcare and benefits, while investing in robust military construction to improve servicemembers’ quality of life and ensure our armed forces are prepared for future threats.

Watch Congressman Alford’s remarks on the House floor in support of H.R. 8469 here.

Fourth District priorities secured in the FY27 MilCon-VA bill include provisions to:

Increase transparency for fees paid to attorneys and consultants to help with VA claims and appeals to ensure our veterans and taxpayers are not being ripped off.
Increase funding for the Toxic Exposures Fund to $54.6 billion, while ensuring previous appropriations to the fund remain available until expended.
Enhance the VAs utilization of technology, modernize its IT, and encourage adoption of AI to expedite Veterans’ claims and processing, improve data security, and expand access to care.
Instruct the Army to evaluate all buildings built before 1950 for safety, mission readiness, and needs related to improving these facilities. This would include the outdated Central Issuing Facility at Fort Leonard Wood.

Congressman Alford’s amendment to emphasize the importance of creating a pilot program under the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program to such educational assistance to no less than 1,000 students who are a dependent of a veteran and prepare them to be successful in college or some other post-high school educational program was included in the bill.

Background on the FY27 MilCon-VA Appropriations bill:

Veterans Support & Services

Fully funds veterans’ health care programs.
Fully funds veterans’ benefits.
Maintains funding for:
- Veterans research programs
- Mental health services
- Other core support programs relied upon by veterans
Invests over $2 billion in:
- Capital improvements for VA medical facilities
- Four national cemeteries

Veterans Policy & Administration Priorities

Protects Second Amendment rights of veterans by:
- Preventing the VA from submitting veteran information to the FBI without judicial consent
Fully funds the Community Care account, expanding access to:
- Specialty care
- Non-VA providers based on individual needs
Supports efforts to:
- Improve veteran mental health outcomes
- Strengthen suicide prevention initiatives

National Security & Military Construction

Provides robust funding for military construction, including:
- Infrastructure supporting advanced weapons systems
- Strategic investments in the Indo-Pacific region
Maintains prohibitions on:
- Closure of Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
- Use of military construction funds to house detainees on U.S. soil

China & Supply Chain Protections

Prohibits the VA from:
- Purchasing goods or services directly from Communist China
- Indirect procurement linked to Chinese sources

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Bipartisan Congressional Real Estate Caucus Endorses Latest House Version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, the bipartisan Co-Chairs of the Congressional Real Estate Caucus, Reps. Mark Alford (MO-04), Lou Correa (CA-46), Tracey Mann (KS-01), and Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), issued the following statement endorsing the latest version of the 21^st Century ROAD to Housing Act from House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill and Ranking Member Maxine Waters.

"As bipartisan Co-Chairs of the Congressional Real Estate Caucus, we have been clear from the start: any housing package must address our nation’s housing affordability crisis,” said Alford, Correa, Mann, and Pettersen. “We are grateful to House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill and Ranking Member Maxine Waters for delivering bipartisan legislation to do exactly that. Last month, we led a letter signed by 76 Members of Congress outlining our serious concerns with Section 901—the ban on build-to-rent—in the Senate’s 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Chairman Hill and Ranking Member Waters’ bill adequately reforms this provision, while delivering on our shared commitment to restoring access to the American Dream of homeownership. We are proud to endorse the latest House version of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.”

Last month, the Real Estate Caucus Co-Chairs led a letter signed by 76 Members of Congress urging House leadership to strip or revise disastrous provisions to ban Build-to-Rent homebuilding from the Senate’s ROAD to Housing Act before any final, negotiated package comes to the floor for a vote because they would undermine efforts to address our nation’s housing supply and affordability crises.

Background on the Real Estate Caucus:

With 135 members, the Congressional Real Estate Caucus provides an informal, bipartisan opportunity to educate Members of Congress on real estate issues, to advocate for bipartisan solutions, and to facilitate engagement between Congress, industry, and other stakeholders.

Real estate represents 16% of U.S. GDP, supports 2.8 million jobs, and generates $50 billion in tax revenue. Given its importance, the Caucus advocates for policies that will allow this industry to prosper.

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Appropriations Committee Advances Commerce, Justice, and Science Funding Bill

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee passed Commerce, Justice, Science, and related agencies (CJS) funding bill for fiscal year 2027.

“Another week, another government funding bill is passing out of the Appropriations Committee ahead of schedule and under budget,” said Congressman Alford. “This strong, responsible Commerce, Justice, and Science bill provides critical resources to keep our communities safe, support law enforcement on the front lines, as well as invest in American innovation and scientific leadership. By prioritizing public safety, combating the opioid epidemic, and bolstering our nation’s research and technology edge, this bill delivers for Missouri families and advances President Trump’s America First agenda. I look forward to seeing this legislation pass on the House floor.”

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Alford secured $5,390,000 in reasonable federal investments for the Fourth District to help turn the “Show Me State” into the “Grow Me State,” including:

$4,200,000 for safe and reliable reactor operations at Mizzou’s Missouri University Research Reactor (MURR) in Columbia.
$640,000 for critical communication equipment upgrades, including new communications helmets and radios, for the Webster County Sheriff’s office in Marshfield.
$550,000 to provide Next Generation 911, upgraded emergency operator system communications equipment, for the Bates County Sheriff’s office in Butler.

Other Fourth District priorities secured by Congressman Alford in the FY27 CJS funding bill include:

Increased funding to enhance weather forecasting, tracking, and notification, including increasing the National Weather Service’s total budget, additional funding for its National Mesonet Program, as well as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s NextGEN gap filling radar technology, to ensure Missourians are protected during severe weather.
Language to support the FBI’s efforts to relocate agents and other personnel from Washington, DC to the Kansas City field office.
Establishing a pilot program under the Bureau of Prisons to develop a wastewater surveillance system to monitor infectious diseases and drug use, including fentanyl as well as other synthetic opioids and controlled substances.
Preserved funding for the Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS), which is a vital information sharing system used across law enforcement and emergency operators in Missouri, as well as the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System Program.
Dedicated funding for the Department of Justice to modernize cybersecurity to combat attacks targeting law enforcement and legal infrastructure.
Language to ensure the National Institute of Standards and Technology promotes the safe use of AI by small businesses as well as strengthens trust and adoption of federal AI systems.

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Alford Proudly Supports Year-Round E-15: Delivering Lower Gas Prices, Stronger Rural Economies, and American Energy Dominance

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) released the following statement after he voted in favor of legislation for year-round E-15 sales through H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act:

“As a proud Member of the House GOP Rural Domestic Energy Council, I’m fighting to put Missouri farmers, rural communities, and American drivers first,” said Congressman Mark Alford. “I’ve heard from many hardworking Missouri families about how the pain at the pump is making everyday activities unaffordable. Allowing the nationwide, year round sale of E15 blends would address the supply crunch that is driving up gas prices while creating new markets for Missouri farmers—a real win-win. That’s why I was proud to support the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to do just that.”

Year-round E-15 will deliver real results for Missouri and America:

Saves drivers an average of 15–40 cents per gallon
Creates a permanent market for American corn growers
Supports more than 120,000 new jobs and adds $66 billion to the U.S. economy
Reduces dependence on foreign oil by using homegrown energy
Keeps energy dollars in rural communities instead of sending them overseas
Provides fuel retailers the stability they need to invest in E-15 pumps

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Reps. Alford, Graves, Cleaver, Bell Introduce Resolution Honoring America’s Teachers

Tue, 05 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week, U.S. Representatives Mark Alford (R-MO), Sam Graves (R-MO), Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Mark Alford (R-MO) and Wesley Bell (D-MO) introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives to recognize the lasting impact of America’s teachers. This bipartisan resolution highlights the critical role that teachers play in preparing the next generation, and encourages every American to show appreciation for the teachers and education staff in their life.

“Thank you to Missouri’s hard-working teachers who go above and beyond every day to shape and inspire our future generations while instilling valuable knowledge in our students. I’m grateful for their dedication to our children in the fourth district and across the Show Me State. Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect time to recognize their critical role in preparing the next generation for success. I’m proud to join my Missouri colleagues in this bipartisan resolution honoring the lasting impact of America’s teachers,” said Congressman Alford.

“Thank you to America’s teachers who are committed to ensuring that our students get the quality education they deserve,” said Congressman Graves. “Their tireless efforts and dedication ensures that our students can learn and succeed. Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to learn from many great teachers, as have my kids and grandkids. Teacher Appreciation Week is a great opportunity to thank our teachers and I’m proud to join with my colleagues from across Missouri to recognize the critical role they play in our great state and across the country. ”

“America’s teachers are the bedrock of our education system, providing the wisdom and care needed to shape our children into the bright, honest, and moral individuals that make our communities strong,” said Congressman Cleaver. “Every American remembers a handful of teachers that left a lasting impact on their life, and today’s resolution is a small gesture demonstrating our appreciation for everything they have done, and will continue to do, to improve the lives of students nationwide.”

“I can’t say enough about how important teachers are to the fabric of our country. Every day, teachers inspire generations of students, instilling a desire for knowledge and a determination to make a change in the world around them. I was lucky enough to learn from some wonderful teachers growing up, and was able to pour back those lessons into my own students. I’m proud to join my Missouri colleagues in recognizing the importance of teachers in America, who deserve to be celebrated not only on Teacher Appreciation Week, but all the time,” said Congressman Bell.

Official text of the resolution from Reps. Alford, Graves, Cleaver, and Bell is available here.

Alford Votes to Send Relief to Missouri Farmers and Ranchers with 2026 Farm Bill

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Mark Alford issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act. H.R. 7567 provides vital support to farmers and ranchers in Missouri as they confront a troubling agriculture economy, while refocusing our American nutrition programs on health and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse.

Learn more about the Farm Bill here.

“The 2026 Farm Bill is a critical investment in America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities—the backbone of our nation’s food security and economic strength,” said Congressman Alford. “As a proud representative of Missouri’s agricultural heartland, I was pleased to support this legislation because it builds on the One Big, Beautiful Bill to deliver real tools for our producers: stronger risk management, expanded access to credit, enhanced conservation programs on working lands, and targeted support for beginning farmers who will carry forward our family farm legacy. By prioritizing American agriculture, promoting precision farming innovation, and ensuring fair markets, this Farm Bill will help keep our farms profitable, our rural economies thriving, and our tables full of safe, abundant, home-grown food.”

Congressman Alford secured critical provisions in the 2026 Farm Bill, including:

The A-PLUS Act to expand consumer choice for meat products, especially local options, by increasing processing capacity through reduced regulatory roadblocks to spur additional competition by allowing livestock auction market owners to invest in small and regional packing facilities.
The SHOPP Act to increase healthy food options for low-income households by incentivizing frozen fruit and vegetable consumption among SNAP recipients and allowing frozen fruits, vegetables, and legumes to be purchased through the GusNIP program.
Provisions to provide resources to new, young, beginning, and veteran farmers in their transition to farming and ranching.
Language to reauthorize and improve the BioPreferred Program by requiring the Secretary to issue procurement guidance to agencies, implementing more thorough reporting procedures for agency procurement, and increasing procurement accountability and verification. This includes provisions from Congressman Alford’s Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act.
Provisions to codify and strengthen the Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program to preventing closures, strengthening essential health services, and improving the financial and operational sustainability of rural healthcare facilities.
Language to enhance disaster assistance programs and expand eligibility, including for droughts like to one currently devastating many communities in Missouri.

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Alford, Ricketts Lead Reintroduction of the FAIR Labels Act

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) reintroduced the Fair and Accurate Ingredient Representation on Labels (FAIR Labels) Act of 2026. This bipartisan and bicameral bill marks a significant step towards greater transparency in food labeling. This legislation will ensure consumers have accurate information about plant-based and cell-cultivated (lab-grown) protein products when making purchasing decisions.

The legislation is co-led by Reps. Mike Flood (NE-01), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Tony Wied (WI-08), August Pfluger (TX-11), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), and Jason Smith (MO-08).

Read the text of the legislation here.

Read a section-by-section here.

"American families deserve to know exactly what they’re eating,” said Congressman Alford. “Real meat from hardworking ranchers should be clearly labeled, not hidden behind misleading plant-based or lab-grown alternatives. Our farmers and ranchers work from dawn to dusk raising nutritious meat. They deserve a fair playing field. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the FAIR Labels Act of 2026. Missouri led the nation on honest labeling. Now we’re taking that fight to Washington."

“Nebraska is the Beef State and raising livestock has long been part of Nebraska’s identity,” said Congressman Flood. “Families deserve to know exactly what they are putting on their tables, not to be confused by deceptive labeling and marketing tricks. Meanwhile, our farmers and ranchers continue to be undercut by the fake meat industry’s labeling. Thank you to Congressman Alford for his leadership in introducing this commonsense bill, which will finally bring about honest labeling of fake meat products and better inform consumers when making choices at the grocery store.”

"The FAIR Labels Act ensures that Americans know what they are purchasing and feeding to themselves and their families. This is about transparency and consistency," said Congressman Buddy Carter (R-GA). "Plant-based and lab-grown meat needs to be clearly labeled so consumers can make informed decisions at the grocery store.”

The Senate companion of the FAIR Labels Act is led by Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and John Fetterman (D-PA).

“Deceptive labeling of plant-based protein products hurts American farmers and ranchers. It also degrades consumer trust,” said Senator Ricketts. “By enhancing oversight and enforcing stricter labeling regulations, we can protect Nebraska beef. The FAIR Labels Act is common-sense: Americans should know exactly what they’re putting in their grocery cart.”

"The hardworking farmers in Pennsylvania and across our country that feed all of us with real ingredients have to unfairly compete with misleading labels of alternative meats," said Senator Fetterman. "Folks can be in the pro-bio slop caucus, but I’m in the pro-ribeye one. I'm proud to support the FAIR Labels Act to protect our farmers and all consumers who buy their great products."

Highlights of the Legislation:

Enhanced Clarity: The Act defines "Cell Cultivated" and "Plant Based Alternative" protein products to help consumers easily identify products that visually resemble or are represented as meat or poultry but are derived from other sources.
Authority & Inspection: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will oversee the labeling of these products, working alongside the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to maintain product inspection standards.
Labeling Requirements: Product labels will be required to use terms like "cell cultivated," "plant based," or similar descriptors, along with a clear disclaimer if the product does not contain meat or poultry.
Definition of Cell-Cultivated (Lab Grown) Products: The Act provides a clear definition of cell-cultivated protein products, ensuring that labels accurately reflect lab-grown food sources.
Regulatory Framework Confirmation: This legislation confirms the shared jurisdiction of the FDA and USDA in overseeing cell cultivated protein products, while requiring an updated cooperative agreement for labeling.

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Alford Highlights America First Wins in FY27 National Security Appropriations Bill

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee passed the National Security, State Department, and Related Programs (NSRP) funding bill for fiscal year 2027.

“This FY2027 National Security, State Department, and Related Programs bill advances President Trump’s America First agenda,” said Congressman Alford. “We’re cutting spending $2.69 billion below last year’s level while delivering robust support for key allies like Israel, Jordan, Egypt, and Taiwan and holding adversaries like Communist China and Iran accountable. This legislation prioritizes fiscal responsibility, protects American taxpayer dollars, promotes self-sufficiency in foreign assistance, and ensures our foreign policy strengthens U.S. national security.”

Congressman Alford secured several priorities in the NSRP funding bill, including:

A provision to strengthen accountability for the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) grantees to prevent controversial domestic programming from entities that receive taxpayer funding.
- Earlier this year, Congressman Alford questioned the head of NED regarding a past grantee, the Global Disinformation Index, that enabled censorship of American citizens. Watch that exchange here.
Cutting all federal funding for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to ensure American taxpayers are not bankrolling left-wing content that undermines our national interest, while creating new global broadcasting programs under the direct oversight of the State Department.
Language to ensure more foreign assistance provided by American taxpayers is Made in America by strengthening domestic procurement requirements.
Provisions to advance President Trump’s America First Health Policy to ensure partner nations are increasing their cost-sharing.
Provisions to ensure timely processing of visas and passports associated with the upcoming World Cup, which Kansas City will host this summer.
Appropriate funding of National Security Investment Programs under the State Department to ensure that all foreign assistance is supporting national security—not woke projects overseas.
Provisions urging the State Department to ensure that American defense manufacturing remains dominant and prevent foreign entities from undermining our defense industrial base.

A summary of the bill is available here.
Bill text is available here.

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Alford Secures Support for Missouri Farmers and Ranchers as Appropriations Committee Advances FY2027 Ag Appropriations Bill

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) issued the following statement after the House Appropriations Committee passed the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies funding bill for fiscal year 2027.

"The FY2027 Agriculture appropriations bill is a fiscally responsible measure that cuts waste, backs our farmers and ranchers, strengthens rural America, and prioritizes food security while advancing President Trump’s America First agenda,” said Congressman Alford.

“As a member of the Committee, I’m proud to have secured more than $4 million in direct federal investments for Missouri’s Fourth District through this process. Missouri’s hardworking producers and families win big with smarter funding for research, animal and plant health, and nutrition programs that deliver real results. This bill keeps our farms strong, our food supply secure, and taxpayer dollars working harder for the heartland."

As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Alford secured $4,254,782 in reasonable federal investments for the Fourth District to help turn the “Show Me State” into the “Grow Me State,” including:

$1,597,750 to modernize the Cass County Sherriff’s Digital Forensics Unit, including the construction a secure addition to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, to address growing demand for digital evidence processing by providing updated laboratory space, climate-controlled evidence storage, upgraded infrastructure, and specialized forensic equipment to support law enforcement investigations.
$450,000 for water quality and fire protection improvements in the City of Lexington to enhance water quality, reliability, and public safety for residents and businesses in Lexington while strengthening the overall resilience of the community’s water system.
$1,000,000 to construct a new public safety building in El Dorado Springs for both the Fire and Police Departments, enhancing the services first responders can provide to the community.
$1,000,000 for wastewater infrastructure improvements in the City of Higginsville, including installation of a new wastewater pump station and force main, to centralize treatment and provide essential sanitary sewer services.
$207,032 to upgrade the 911 emergency system in Morgan County by modernizing the call handling system as well as hardware and software with support, enabling NextGen Core Services connection to the ESI net, implementing Text-to-911, and Net Clock.

Additional Alford priorities secured in the FY2027 Agriculture appropriations bill include:

Expands efforts to addresses foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land by improving the USDA’s tracking system for foreign-owned land and ensuring the Secretary of Agriculture remains a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review agricultural transactions that implicate national security.
Continued support for agricultural research and education at the University of Missouri, including $3 million for Livestock Genetic Engineering and Health Research and dedicated funding for the Center for Agroforestry.
$10 million in dedicated funding for the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP), which provides satellite and aerial imagery used for weather forecasting and agriculture.
The PURR Act, which establishes the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) as the sole regulatory authority over pet food for dogs and cats. The pet food industry is a major job creator in Missouri.
A provision to allow frozen fruits and vegetables in the GusNIP program, in line with Congressman Alford’s SHOPP Act.
A $500,000 increase in funding for the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) to support Missouri pork producers.
Continued support for efforts to combat High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) to support Missouri poultry producers.
New support for research on diseases in cattle spread by Asian Longhorned Ticks to support Missouri cattle ranchers.
Enhanced support for Operation Stork Speed by bolstering the domestic infant formula supply by encouraging more efficient and streamlined formula manufacturing inspections.

Read the bill text here.

Read a summary of the legislation here.

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Agriculture Listening Session on The Farm Bill

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Event Date Monday, August 14, 2023 – 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Address
2503 W 16th St
Sedalia, MO 65301
United States

I'm excited to share with y’all that I’m hosting an Agriculture Listening Session on the Farm Bill on August 14 at the Missouri State Fair. We’re thrilled to have Governor Mike Parson and Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson join us.

Agriculture is the backbone of our Missouri economy, and I know that the perspectives of our hard-working farmers and ranchers are crucial to shaping effective farm bill policies.

I hope to see you all there!

Please find all details in the graphic and mark your calendars!