CRAWDAD Act
3/21/2024, 3:09 PMSummary of Bill S 3836
The CRAWDAD Act, also known as Bill 118 s 3836, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the issue of invasive species, specifically the red swamp crayfish, also known as CRAWDAD.The bill aims to provide funding for research and control efforts to manage the spread of the red swamp crayfish, which is causing harm to native species and ecosystems. The red swamp crayfish is known for its aggressive behavior and ability to outcompete native species for resources.
If passed, the CRAWDAD Act would allocate resources to federal agencies and state governments to develop strategies for controlling the spread of the red swamp crayfish. This could include measures such as trapping, removal, and monitoring of populations in affected areas. Supporters of the bill argue that taking action to control invasive species like the red swamp crayfish is crucial to protecting native ecosystems and biodiversity. They believe that the CRAWDAD Act is a necessary step in addressing this issue and preventing further harm to the environment. Opponents of the bill may argue that the funding allocated for the CRAWDAD Act could be better spent on other environmental initiatives or that the government should not interfere with natural ecosystems. However, the bill has garnered bipartisan support in Congress, indicating that there is widespread recognition of the need to address the issue of invasive species. Overall, the CRAWDAD Act represents an important effort to address the threat posed by invasive species like the red swamp crayfish and protect native ecosystems. If passed, this legislation could have a significant impact on efforts to control the spread of invasive species in the United States.
Congressional Summary of S 3836
Crawfish Recovery Assistance from Weather Disasters And Droughts Act or the CRAWDAD Act
This bill modifies access to the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) and the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP). ELAP and LFP are Farm Service Agency (FSA) administered programs.
The bill expands coverage under ELAP for losses caused by adverse weather or drought. The bill includes under ELAP the loss of a crawfish harvest due to adverse weather or drought. (ELAP provides payments to producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish as compensation for losses due to disease, adverse weather, feed or water shortages, or other conditions that are not covered under other programs.)
The FSA must establish ELAP documentation standards for (1) collecting data, (2) the production of crawfish, and (3) defining loss conditions due to drought.
The bill also specifies that eligibility under LFP for livestock producers applies to producers with weaned or unweaned livestock. (LFP makes payments to eligible livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses on drought-affected pastureland, including cropland planted specifically for grazing. Currently, unweaned livestock are not eligible for the program.)
