New World Screwworm Preparedness Act of 2025

Bill Number: H.R. 3806
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Agriculture and Food
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-12-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
Last Updated: 2026-06-04T08:08:50Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The New World Screwworm Preparedness Act of 2025 aims to address the threat of the New World screwworm (NWS), a parasitic fly whose larvae damage living tissue in animals like livestock and wildlife. It directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to evaluate and strengthen national readiness against potential NWS outbreaks, building on past eradication efforts from the 1960s.

Key Provisions

Findings Section: Outlines the dangers of NWS infestations, which can cause severe harm or death to animals and threaten agriculture, wildlife, and public health. It notes successful U.S. eradication using the sterile insect technique (releasing sterile male flies to prevent reproduction) and highlights rising risks from outbreaks in nearby countries like Mexico.
Study Requirements: Within 90 days of enactment, the USDA Secretary, through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), must conduct a comprehensive study on U.S. preparedness. The study covers:
Current threat assessment, including migration patterns, entry pathways, economic impacts on livestock (e.g., cattle, swine), and effects on wildlife.
Capacity for sterile insect technique, such as production facilities, expansion options, and deployment logistics.
Surveillance and detection systems, evaluating border inspections, lab capabilities, and reporting from public and private sectors.
Emergency response plans, including coordination among federal, state, and local agencies, resource availability, and protocols for restricting animal movement and public communication.
Research needs, like new diagnostic tools, improved control methods, and genetic studies on NWS weaknesses.
International cooperation, assessing partnerships with affected countries to create biological barriers.
Stakeholder Consultation: The USDA must consult livestock producers, wildlife agencies, veterinarians, scientific experts, and state/local officials during the study.
Reporting Mandate: Within 6 months of enactment, the USDA must submit a public report to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, detailing study findings and recommending legislative or administrative actions to improve NWS combat capabilities.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces no direct amendments to current laws. It primarily mandates a one-time study and report, serving as a proactive directive to assess and potentially enhance existing USDA programs without altering statutes or regulations.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Increases workload for USDA and APHIS in conducting the study, consulting stakeholders, and reporting, which could lead to future resource allocations for surveillance, research, and international efforts.
Citizens and Economy: Protects livestock industries from potential billions in losses by improving outbreak prevention, benefiting farmers and rural communities. It may indirectly safeguard public health by reducing rare human risks from NWS.
International Relations: Strengthens U.S. ties with neighboring countries (e.g., Mexico) through recommended cooperation on pest control, potentially fostering joint programs to prevent cross-border spread.
Wildlife and Environment: Enhances protections for animal populations, reducing ecological disruptions from outbreaks.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Livestock Producers and Industry Associations: Directly impacted by potential economic threats; they provide input and stand to benefit from better prevention.
USDA and APHIS: Responsible for executing the study and implementing recommendations.
Wildlife Management Agencies and Veterinary Professionals: Involved in consultations and affected by ecological and health responses.
State and Local Officials: Key in emergency coordination and surveillance.
Scientific Experts and International Partners: Contribute to research and cross-border efforts.
General Public and Taxpayers: Indirectly benefit from protected agriculture and avoided outbreak costs.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: The bill relies on existing USDA authority under laws like the Animal Health Protection Act, with no new enforcement powers or funding specified (recommendations may seek future appropriations). It promotes transparency through public reporting.
Constitutional: Aligns with federal powers over interstate commerce and agriculture (Article I, Section 8), without raising privacy, due process, or federalism concerns.
Political: Bipartisan support from Texas representatives highlights regional agricultural priorities; it could influence future farm bills or emergency funding debates, emphasizing proactive pest management amid climate and trade risks. No major controversies anticipated, as it focuses on non-partisan science-based preparedness.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15]

Cosponsors (18)

Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36], Rep. Roy, Chip [R-TX-21], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23], Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2], Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10], Rep. Williams, Roger [R-TX-25], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Arrington, Jodey C. [R-TX-19], Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26], Rep. Van Duyne, Beth [R-TX-24], Rep. Cloud, Michael [R-TX-27], Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-17], Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12], Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1]

Recent Actions

2025-12-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
2025-12-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
2025-06-06: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
2025-06-06: Introduced in House
2025-06-06: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

New World Screwworm Preparedness Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-06 — PDF (6 pages)