S.1119 - Fortifying Refrigeration Infrastructure and Developing Global Exports Act of 2025; FRIDGE Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The FRIDGE Act of 2025 aims to improve infrastructure in foreign markets for United States agricultural commodities by providing technical assistance. This assistance will focus on enhancing cold chain capacity, port improvements, and other developments to ensure that U.S. agricultural commodities are not damaged or lost due to infrastructure deficiencies in developing countries. The Act authorizes $1,000,000 in appropriations for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to carry out these activities.
Expected Effects
The Act is likely to increase the export of U.S. agricultural products by reducing losses due to inadequate infrastructure in foreign markets. This could lead to greater market access for American farmers and increased revenue from agricultural exports. The technical assistance provided will help developing countries improve their infrastructure, potentially leading to more efficient and reliable supply chains.
Potential Benefits
- Increased export opportunities for U.S. agricultural producers.
- Reduced food loss and waste in developing countries.
- Improved supply chain efficiency for U.S. agricultural exports.
- Strengthened relationships with developing countries through technical assistance.
- Potential for increased revenue for U.S. businesses involved in agriculture and related industries.
Potential Disadvantages
- The authorized funding of $1,000,000 per year may be insufficient to address widespread infrastructure issues.
- The program's success depends on the effective implementation and management of contracts with eligible trade organizations.
- There is a risk that the technical assistance may not be appropriately targeted or utilized by recipient countries.
- Potential for unintended consequences or market distortions in foreign agricultural markets.
- The Act does not address domestic infrastructure needs related to agriculture.
Constitutional Alignment
The FRIDGE Act appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3), which grants Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations. By improving infrastructure in foreign markets, the Act seeks to facilitate and promote trade of U.S. agricultural commodities. The Act also aligns with the general welfare clause (Preamble), as it aims to reduce food loss and improve nutrition globally.
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).