Sponsors (7)
The bill trades a targeted federal investment to prevent and eradicate screwworm outbreaks—protecting farmers and supporting long‑term pest‑control infrastructure—against a $300 million taxpayer cost and risks of implementation shortcomings and local environmental concerns.
Farmers and livestock producers face reduced risk of major economic losses because sterile‑fly rearing and aerial dispersal can prevent or help eradicate New World screwworm outbreaks.
A $300 million federal authorization provides sustained resources to build, operate, and maintain pest‑control infrastructure needed for long‑term eradication efforts.
States and localities at risk receive annually updated analyses and greater transparency about federal response plans, improving preparedness and coordination.
Taxpayers are on the hook for an authorized $300 million cost, which could reduce funding for other priorities or require budget offsets.
If rearing facilities or dispersal methods prove ineffective, the program could divert USDA resources without lowering infestation risk for producers.
Construction of facilities and insect dispersal activities may raise local environmental and public‑concern risks (e.g., about insect releases), requiring monitoring and mitigation.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires USDA to build modular sterile screwworm rearing facilities, conduct dispersal to at‑risk areas, and report annually; authorizes $300M.
Official title: Require the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a New World screwworm fly rearing facility, and for other purposes.
Introduced May 14, 2025 by John Cornyn · Last progress May 14, 2025
Requires the Agriculture Secretary to build and operate one or more modular facilities to rear sterile New World screwworm flies and release them into at-risk areas to reduce agricultural infestations. Directs the Secretary to start construction within 180 days, identify eligible locations based on detections and migratory risk, and report publicly on threats and program effectiveness annually. Authorizes $300 million, available until expended, to carry out the program and adds a new statutory section to the Animal Health Protection Act to provide the authority and reporting requirements for construction, operation, dispersal, and oversight of the rearing facilities.