H.R.3457 - To amend the Food Security Act of 1985 with respect to the feral swine eradication and control program, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 3457 aims to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 by establishing a feral swine eradication and control program. The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to create a program to address the threats posed by feral swine to agriculture, ecosystems, and public health. It outlines duties, assistance measures, coordination mechanisms, and funding allocations for the program.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to the establishment of a national feral swine eradication and control program. This includes research, financial assistance to agricultural producers, and coordination between federal and state entities. The program will be funded with $150 million over five years, allocated between the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced damage to agriculture and native ecosystems from feral swine.
- Improved human and animal health by controlling the spread of diseases carried by feral swine.
- Financial assistance to agricultural producers for eradication and restoration efforts.
- Enhanced coordination between federal and state agencies, as well as land-grant colleges and universities.
- Development of innovative methods for feral swine control and eradication.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for unintended consequences from eradication methods on non-target species or ecosystems.
- Administrative costs could reduce the amount of funding available for direct eradication efforts.
- The program's effectiveness may vary depending on the specific methods used and the cooperation of landowners.
- Possible resistance from some groups who may oppose certain eradication methods.
- Limited funding may not be sufficient to address the widespread and growing feral swine problem across the United States.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, which grants Congress the power to provide for the general welfare of the United States. Addressing the threat posed by feral swine to agriculture, ecosystems, and public health falls under this purview. The bill also respects the Tenth Amendment by involving state technical committees and land-grant colleges and universities in the program's implementation.
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).