United StatesEstablishes federal grants to prepare and respond to screwworm outbreaks
Helps fund local agricultural agencies and ranchers to detect, prevent, and respond to a livestock parasite threat that can harm herds and livelihoods.
What it does
Creates a new competitive grant program at USDA to fund cooperative extension services to prepare for and respond to New World screwworm outbreaks.
Specifies allowable uses of grant funds: training personnel, supporting livestock inspections, producer education, and direct technical assistance to producers.
Requires prioritizing grants for States or Tribal communities judged at elevated risk of screwworm introduction or spread.
Directs coordination with APHIS, State animal health officials, veterinarians, Tribal agricultural programs, and land‑grant institutions.
Authorizes appropriations in an open-ended way: 'such sums as may be necessary' to implement the program.
Argument forLeverages local extension networks that already work with farmers, enabling faster detection, education, and on-the-ground response to limit screwworm spread.
Argument againstThe bill does not specify funding levels, so the program's scale and effectiveness depend entirely on future appropriations.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 18Introduced in HouseLatest
- Jun 18Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.Introduced
AgriculturePublic SafetyNational Security