Sponsors (3)
The bill commits substantial federal dollars to modernize and expand agricultural research infrastructure—broadly boosting capacity and access for institutions and rural communities—while imposing significant new mandatory spending, potential matching costs for states, and a risk that construction-focused funding crowds out operational research support.
Universities and research institutions will receive large, multi-year federal investments (up to $500M/year plus up to $1B/year for construction/planning) that materially expand research capacity and facility modernization.
Under-resourced institutions can receive up to 100% federal funding on a case-by-case basis, lowering financial barriers to upgrade research infrastructure.
Researchers and rural communities gain improved facilities and equipment, which can support local jobs and economic activity in agricultural regions.
All taxpayers bear sizable new mandatory federal spending (roughly $500M/year for 2025–2029 plus up to $1B/year for 2026–2030), increasing the federal budget outlays.
State and local institutions may need to provide matching funds for many grants, creating budgetary strain for cash‑constrained governments and schools unless waivers are granted.
Directing substantial new funding toward facility construction risks diverting attention and resources from operational research grants and other NIFA programs that fund research activities.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Introduced May 21, 2025 by Kim Schrier · Last progress May 21, 2025
Creates a competitive grant program at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to build, renovate, equip, or acquire agricultural research facilities and changes peer-review rules for proposals. Funds the program with mandatory Treasury transfers of $500 million on October 1 each year 2025–2029, makes those amounts available until expended, and authorizes up to $1 billion in additional annual appropriations for fiscal years 2026–2030 for planning, design, and related costs. The Secretary may waive federal cost-share limits up to 100% in individual cases and must apply equitable distribution rules and a cap that prevents any one State from receiving more than 20% of available funds.