Topeka ? A Senate committee Tuesday recommended approval of a resolution urging Congress and the Obama administration to move quickly in funding a biosecurity lab at Kansas State University.

The Ways and Means Committee action occurred one day after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security vowed to dedicate $40 million in unobligated funds toward construction of the facility.

The National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility will be used to research and counter threats to the food supply. Construction is expected to start by early next year.

The measure before the state Legislature is Senate Concurrent Resolution 1625.

In Congress, the Kansas delegation praised Homeland Security for moving forward on NBAF funding.