Sponsors (16)
The bill targets training and assistance to prevent and detect New World screwworm—reducing livestock losses and strengthening high‑risk communities—but requires additional federal spending, may shift funds away from smaller programs, and hinges on effective multi‑level coordination.
Livestock producers and agricultural workers will receive direct technical assistance and education (prevention, monitoring, treatment, biosecurity, workshops, outreach, materials) that lowers animal losses and veterinary costs.
Cooperative extension personnel (e.g., university and county extension staff) will get training on New World screwworm identification and response, improving local outbreak detection and response capacity.
High‑risk States and Tribal communities are prioritized for resources, concentrating prevention and rapid‑response capacity where introduction or rapid spread is most likely.
Program success depends on coordination across federal, state, and local entities; poor coordination could limit effectiveness and reduce benefits for producers.
Prioritizing high‑risk areas may divert funding away from smaller or non‑priority extension programs, weakening their ability to serve local needs.
Taxpayers may face increased federal costs because the section authorizes 'such sums as may be necessary' without a fixed appropriation limit.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes USDA grants to cooperative extension services for preparedness, response, training, inspections, and producer education on New World screwworm.
Creates a competitive grant program administered by the USDA for cooperative extension services to prepare for and respond to New World screwworm outbreaks. Grants can fund training, livestock inspections and inspector training, producer education, and direct technical assistance; priority goes to States and Tribal communities at elevated risk and the Secretary must coordinate with APHIS, State animal health officials, veterinarians, Tribal agricultural programs, and land-grant institutions. Appropriations are authorized as "such sums as may be necessary."
Official title: To establish a grant program for preparing and responding to New World screwworm outbreaks, and for other purposes.
Introduced June 18, 2026 by Gabriel Vasquez · Last progress June 18, 2026