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Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act of 2025
3/27/2025, 3:23 AM
Summary of Bill S 904
One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a permanent disaster assistance program within the Department of Agriculture. This program would provide financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who have suffered losses due to natural disasters. The bill also includes measures to streamline the application process for disaster assistance, making it easier for farmers to access the help they need in a timely manner.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to improve the coordination between the Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies involved in disaster response and recovery efforts. This would help ensure that farmers and ranchers receive the support they need in a more efficient and effective manner. Overall, Bill 119 s 904 aims to strengthen the disaster assistance programs of the Department of Agriculture and provide better support to farmers and ranchers in times of need. By improving the accessibility and efficiency of these programs, the bill seeks to help agricultural producers recover from natural disasters and continue to contribute to the nation's food supply.
Congressional Summary of S 904
Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act of 2025
This bill expands access to Department of Agriculture disaster assistance programs and requires increased interagency cooperation in drought-related activities.
The bill specifies that state and federal grazing permit holders are eligible for the Emergency Conservation Program and the Emergency Forest Restoration Program. Further, emergency measures eligible for payments include new permanent measures, such as permanent water wells and pipelines. The bill also waives the 30-day comment period required for applications under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for emergency measures carried out during a drought emergency.
Modifications to the Livestock Forage Disaster Program allow for one monthly payment when a county has four consecutive weeks of a D2 rating (severe drought) and two payments for eight consecutive weeks of D2. Currently, one payment is available for eight consecutive weeks of D2.
The bill expands coverage for honey bee producers under the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) for losses, including transportation costs related to water shortages. Further, the bill requires the ELAP payment rate for honey bee producers to incorporate additional factors, such as per-hive and per-colony rates of loss.
The USDA must establish an interagency working group to improve the consistency and accuracy of U.S. Drought Monitor data.
Finally, the Farm Service Agency and the Forest Service must enter into a memorandum of understanding to better align their drought response activities.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 904
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 904
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
1Democrat Cosponsors
1Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 904
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 904
Comments
Everett Reid
1 year ago
I support this bill.
