Sponsors (52)
The bill creates a federally funded, permanent sterile‑fly production and response capability to protect livestock and rural economies from screwworms, trading a substantial upfront taxpayer cost and potential environmental or geographic-equity risks for improved prevention and faster responses.
Farmers and livestock producers in at-risk states will have reduced risk of screwworm infestations because USDA-funded sterile-fly releases provide a sustained, direct pest-control capability.
Provides $300 million in dedicated funding to build and operate facilities for sterile-fly production and response, enabling a rapid, sustained federal capability rather than ad hoc emergency spending.
USDA will produce annual public reports analyzing screwworm threat levels and program effectiveness, improving transparency and informing state and producer responses.
Taxpayers bear a $300 million appropriation cost, which could reduce funds available for other federal priorities or increase fiscal pressure.
Construction of facilities and dispersal operations could raise environmental or non-target species concerns for nearby communities.
States not designated as 'eligible areas' may receive less immediate protection if risk assessments omit at-risk zones, leaving some producers more vulnerable.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes USDA to build modular facilities to rear and disperse sterile New World screwworm flies, requires reporting, and authorizes $300 million.
Introduced May 14, 2025 by Tony Gonzales · Last progress May 14, 2025
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to start building one or more modular rearing facilities for sterile New World screwworm flies in state areas the Secretary deems at risk, and to use those facilities to rear and disperse sterile flies to protect livestock and crops. It requires USDA to report to Congress and publish annual analyses of the threat and USDA efforts, and it authorizes $300 million to carry out the program, funds available until expended. Construction must begin within 180 days of enactment, with an initial report due within one year and annual reports thereafter analyzing the agricultural threat and the effectiveness of USDA activities related to the facilities and dispersal efforts.