H.R.3656 - To amend the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to waive the matching funds requirement under the specialty crop research initiative, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3656 proposes an amendment to the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998. The amendment focuses on the Specialty Crop Research Initiative. Specifically, it grants the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to waive the matching funds requirement for grants awarded under this initiative.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would give the Secretary of Agriculture more flexibility in awarding grants for specialty crop research. This could lead to increased funding for projects that might otherwise be hindered by the matching funds requirement. It could also incentivize more entities to apply for these grants.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to funding: Waiving the matching funds requirement could allow more entities, especially smaller or less wealthy organizations, to access research grants.
- Greater flexibility: The Secretary of Agriculture can strategically allocate resources based on the merit and potential impact of research proposals.
- Stimulation of research: More available funding could stimulate further research into specialty crops, potentially leading to innovations in agriculture.
- Support for local economies: Specialty crops are often important to local economies, and this bill could provide a boost to these sectors.
- Enhanced food security: Research into specialty crops can improve their yields, resilience, and nutritional value, contributing to food security.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for inequitable distribution: Without the matching funds requirement, there is a risk that funds could be distributed unfairly or based on political considerations rather than merit.
- Reduced incentive for private investment: The matching funds requirement encourages private sector investment in agricultural research, which could be diminished by this waiver.
- Possible misuse of funds: Without the accountability that matching funds provide, there is a slightly increased risk of funds being misused or mismanaged.
- Unintended consequences: Removing the matching funds requirement could have unforeseen impacts on the overall agricultural research landscape.
- Increased burden on taxpayers: If the matching funds are waived, the full financial burden of the research falls on the government, potentially increasing the burden on taxpayers.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble), which allows Congress to promote the well-being of the nation through legislation. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to collect taxes and provide for the general welfare of the United States. This bill falls under that purview as it relates to agricultural research and funding. 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).