Agriculture security.

A bill (H.R. 1717) introduced by Rep. Michael McCaul (R TX) that would establish a national agricultural and biodefense facility has been approved by the House Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cyber-security, and Science and Technology. The bill will now move to a vote before the full committee.

The facility established under the proposed bill would research, test, and evaluate human and zoonotic diseases to protect against the threat of agroterrorism and naturally occurring incidents. The facility would also serve as a clearinghouse of information on livestock and poultry diseases.

H.R. 1717 has also been referred to the House Agriculture Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee.