Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 388
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-14: Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T23:26:44Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, titled the "Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act," aims to improve the federal Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program by requiring an independent review of its effectiveness, costs, and impacts on cattle producers. The program, run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in partnership with the Texas Animal Health Commission, focuses on controlling cattle fever ticks to prevent tick-borne diseases in livestock.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The act is officially named the "Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act."
- Program Review:
- Within one year of enactment, the Secretary of Agriculture must contract with a "covered institution"—either a land-grant college or university (public institutions focused on agriculture, science, and engineering, as defined under federal law) or a non-land-grant college of agriculture (eligible private or state institutions with strong agriculture programs)—to conduct the review.
- The review must evaluate:
- The program's success in preventing and reducing the spread of tick-borne illnesses in cattle.
- Benefits to cattle producers (farmers and ranchers who raise cattle) and the burdens they face in complying with program rules.
- Treatment methods (protocols) used to control ticks under the program.
- Allocation of federal and state funds for the most recent fiscal year, including breakdowns for related research projects.
- Report to Congress:
- Within one year of signing the contract, the Secretary must submit a report to the House Committee on Agriculture and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- The report includes the review findings and recommendations for program improvements, such as ways to lessen the compliance burden on cattle producers.
- Definitions: The bill clarifies terms like "covered institution," "land-grant college or university," "non-land-grant college of agriculture," and "Program" (referring specifically to the joint APHIS-Texas effort).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces no direct amendments to current laws but mandates a new, one-time review process and congressional reporting requirement for the Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program. It builds on existing authorities under agricultural statutes (e.g., those governing APHIS and research institutions) by directing an external evaluation, which could inform future regulatory or funding adjustments without altering the program's core operations immediately.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and APHIS will face administrative requirements to secure a contract, oversee the review, and prepare a report, potentially leading to increased short-term workload and costs. State agencies like the Texas Animal Health Commission may provide input but are not directly tasked with new duties.
- Citizens (Cattle Producers): Could result in practical benefits, such as streamlined rules or reduced compliance costs (e.g., fewer inspections or treatments for ticks), helping ranchers in tick-prone areas like southern Texas manage diseases more efficiently and lower operational expenses.
- International Relations: Minimal impact, as the program is domestic and focused on U.S. livestock health; however, better tick control could indirectly support U.S. cattle exports by reducing disease risks that affect trade standards.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Cattle Producers: Primary beneficiaries or those facing compliance burdens, especially in Texas and other southern states where cattle fever ticks are a concern.
- USDA and APHIS: Responsible for implementing the review and reporting to Congress.
- Texas Animal Health Commission: Key partner in the program, potentially involved in providing data for the review.
- Educational Institutions: Land-grant universities (e.g., Texas A&M) or similar colleges, which may conduct the review and receive funding for it.
- Congressional Committees: House and Senate Agriculture Committees, which will receive the report and could influence future program funding or changes.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill operates within established USDA authorities and does not raise constitutional issues, as it involves routine administrative reviews without infringing on individual rights. It promotes evidence-based policymaking by requiring independent analysis.
- Constitutional: No significant concerns; the directive aligns with Congress's spending and oversight powers over federal agriculture programs.
- Political: Sponsored by Texas representatives, it highlights regional agricultural priorities in tick eradication, potentially garnering bipartisan support in farm states. The focus on reducing producer burdens could appeal to rural constituencies, but implementation depends on USDA's execution and congressional follow-up on recommendations.
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 (2)
Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-14: Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
- 2025-02-14: Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
- 2025-01-14: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2025-01-14: Introduced in House
- 2025-01-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program Enhancement Act — issued 2025-01-14 — PDF (4 pages)