2025 fourth_quarter Filing

Issues relating to broomrape mitigation program. Broomrape is a parasitic plant that is a serious threat in processing tomatoes in San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys of California. Support maintaining Section 12003, Dog Detection Training Center, in H.R. 8467 Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (118th Congress) in forthcoming skinny Farm Bill. Issues relating to 7 USC, Plant Protection, Section 7721, Plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention, (b)(6) Special Funding Considerations. The Secretary of Agriculture is directed to provide funds to a State department of agriculture if the Secretary determines that-(A) the State department of agriculture is in a State that has a high risk of being affected by 1 or more plant pests or diseases, taking into consideration-(i) the number of international ports of entry in the State; (ii) the volume of international passenger and cargo entry into the State; (iii) the geographic location of the State and if the location or types of agricultural commodities produced in the State are conducive to agricultural pest and disease establishment due to the climate, crop diversity, or natural resources (including unique plant species) of the State; and (iv) whether the Secretary has determined that an agricultural pest or disease in the State is a Federal concern; and (B) the early plant pest detection and surveillance activities supported with the funds will likely-(i) prevent the introduction and establishment of plant pests; and (ii) provide a comprehensive approach to compliment Federal detection efforts. Issues relating to potential impacts of U.S. Department of Agriculture reorganization and programs focusing on biological, labor-intensive activities, and resulting challenges to safeguarding U.S. agriculture.

H.R. 5371, making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for FY 2026 (P.L. 119-37). Issues relating to funding levels for USDA APHIS Specialty Crop pest programs and populations of grasshoppers in southern Oregon, northern Nevada and northern California damaging rangelands, orchards and vineyards. Issues relating to Nutria Eradication and Control Act (P.L. 116-186) and inquiry about funding since FY 2022 for the Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where and how federally appropriated dollars have been spent. Support enactment of H.R. 776, Nutria Eradication and Control Reauthorization Act of 2025, and funding at the authorized level for the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program. Issues relating to broomrape, a parasitic plant that is a serious threat in processing tomatoes in San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys of California. California grower assessment for mitigation program begins in 2026 but if funds are insufficient may request assistance through federal appropriations in FY 2027 or USDAs program authorized in 7 U.S. Code 7721 - Plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention. Support USDA-APHIS construction of the new sterile fly (SIT) dispersal facility at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas-projected to be operational in early 2026. Inquired about APHIS plans to invest in improvements at the existing SIT release facility located at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, California.