This bill creates a new Office of Colonias and Farmworker Initiatives within the U.S. Department of Agriculture to better serve border communities and agricultural workers. The office will work to improve access to USDA programs for colonias communities, farmworkers, and their families, while coordinating services across multiple federal agencies including housing, health, education, and labor departments. The legislation establishes a Colonias Coordinator position to serve as a liaison to nonprofits and ensure the needs of these communities are met during both regular operations and emergencies. It also creates a federal coordinating committee with representatives from nine agencies to provide advice and identify solutions to barriers these communities face in accessing government programs and resources. The bill authorizes $2.5 million annually for fiscal years 2024 through 2029 to fund these efforts.
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