H.R.2227 - WOlf and Livestock Fairness Act of 2025; WOLF Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2227, the "WOlf and Livestock Fairness Act of 2025" or the "WOLF Act of 2025," aims to amend the Agricultural Act of 2014 to provide emergency relief to livestock producers whose herds are adversely affected by Mexican gray wolves. The bill ensures 100% indemnity payments for livestock losses due to wolf attacks. It also mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a formula for emergency relief, considering factors like herd size, depredation rates, management costs, and birth rates.
Expected Effects
The bill would increase financial support to livestock producers facing losses from Mexican gray wolf depredation. This includes full market value compensation for livestock losses and additional emergency relief based on a newly developed formula. The Secretary of Agriculture will be required to consult with various agencies and submit annual reports on the relief efforts.
Potential Benefits
- Provides full compensation for livestock losses due to Mexican gray wolves.
- Offers emergency relief to mitigate the financial impact on affected producers.
- Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to consider multiple factors when determining relief amounts, ensuring a tailored approach.
- Promotes transparency through annual reporting to Congress on the distribution of emergency relief.
- Aims to support the economic viability of livestock operations in areas affected by Mexican gray wolves.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase government spending on livestock indemnity and emergency relief programs.
- Could potentially incentivize producers to operate in areas with known wolf populations without implementing adequate preventative measures.
- The formula for emergency relief may be complex and difficult to implement fairly.
- Potential conflicts with environmental groups advocating for wolf conservation.
- The focus on livestock producers may overshadow broader ecosystem management considerations.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution, as it seeks to support agricultural producers facing specific challenges. Congress has the power to regulate commerce and provide for the general welfare through legislation like the Agricultural Act of 2014, which this bill amends (Article 1, Section 8). The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).