The main issue in House consideration of the ag appropriations bill was animal ID. A number of members stated their frustration that the U.S. doesn't have an animal ID program in place and criticized USDA. The bill prohibits USDA from spending any money in FY 2007 for its animal ID program until USDA sends the House Appropriations Committee a "complete and detailed plan including, but not limited to, proposed legislative changes, cost estimates and means of program evaluation." The committee said USDA has been sending "mixed signals" as it relates to animal ID.

The House overwhelmingly defeated (389-34) an amendment by Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) that would have eliminated all funding for the animal ID program. -- P. Scott Shearer, Washington, D.C., correspondent