To amend the Agricultural Adjustment Act with respect to the treatment of dates for processing under certain marketing orders.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8152
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-27: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-13T20:53:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 8152: Treatment of Dates for Processing Under Marketing Orders
Purpose
This bill aims to update federal rules on importing dates (the fruit) by including those intended for processing—such as drying or packaging—under existing marketing orders. Marketing orders are USDA programs that set standards for quality, size, and volume of certain farm products to stabilize prices and supply.
Key Provisions
- Amends Section 8e(a) of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (7 U.S.C. 608e-1(a)):
- Adds the phrase "including dates for processing" after references to "dates."
- Removes the phrase ", other than dates for processing" wherever it appears.
- This ensures dates for processing must meet the same U.S. import standards as other dates covered by marketing orders.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Previously, dates imported specifically for processing were exempt from import regulations tied to marketing orders (e.g., minimum quality or inspection requirements).
- The bill eliminates this exemption, subjecting processing dates to the same rules as fresh dates or others under these orders.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The USDA will enforce stricter import inspections and regulations for processing dates, potentially increasing administrative workload.
- Citizens and businesses: U.S. date growers may benefit from reduced competition from lower-quality imports; importers and processors could face higher costs or delays due to new compliance requirements.
- International relations: Minimal direct impact, but could affect trade with major date exporters (e.g., countries like Mexico or those in the Middle East) by limiting their market access for processing-grade dates.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. date producers (primarily in California and Arizona): Likely gain market protection.
- Date importers and processors: Face new regulatory hurdles, potentially raising costs.
- Consumers: Possible indirect effects on date prices or availability for processed products like date bars or pastes.
- USDA and related committees: Handle implementation and oversight.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: A narrow, technical amendment to agricultural trade law; aligns import rules consistently without broader changes to trade authority.
- Constitutional: No apparent issues; falls under Congress's commerce clause powers over interstate and foreign commerce.
- Political: Supports domestic agriculture interests by closing a perceived loophole in import protections; referred to House Committees on Agriculture and Ways and Means for review.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-27: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-03-27: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-03-27: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-27: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To amend the Agricultural Adjustment Act with respect to the treatment of dates for processing under certain marketing orders. — issued 2026-03-27 — PDF (2 pages)