Sponsors (6)
The bill trades a targeted $300 million federal investment to build sterile‑fly production/dispersal capacity and improve preparedness—potentially reducing costly livestock outbreaks—for taxpayer cost, possible local environmental concerns, and the risk that ineffective implementation could divert USDA resources without fully preventing infestations.
Farmers and livestock producers in at‑risk regions will face a lower risk of New World screwworm outbreaks and related economic losses because the bill funds sterile‑fly rearing and dispersal programs that can prevent or eradicate infestations.
State and local governments in eligible areas will receive annual analyses and greater transparency about federal response plans, improving preparedness, coordination, and local decision‑making for potential infestations.
Farmers and rural communities will benefit from a sustained federal funding authorization (up to $300 million) to build and operate pest‑control infrastructure, supporting longer‑term eradication capacity rather than one‑off responses.
Taxpayers will bear the cost of the $300 million authorization, which could reduce funding for other priorities or require budget offsets.
If rearing facilities or dispersal efforts prove ineffective, farmers and agricultural communities could still suffer infestations while USDA resources and attention are diverted to this program instead of other responses.
Residents of eligible rural areas may have environmental and community concerns about facility construction and the release/dispersal of insects, creating local risks that will require monitoring and mitigation.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Directs USDA to build modular facilities to rear and disperse sterile New World screwworm flies, requires reports, and authorizes $300M to carry it out.
Introduced May 14, 2025 by John Cornyn · Last progress May 14, 2025
Directs the Secretary of Agriculture to begin building one or more modular facilities to rear sterile New World screwworm flies and arrange for their release into at‑risk areas, with construction to start within 180 days of enactment. Requires an initial public report within one year and annual reports thereafter on the agricultural threat and program effectiveness, and authorizes $300 million (available until expended) to carry out the work.