S.1494 - Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program Enhancement Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program Enhancement Act of 2025 (S.1494) aims to amend the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996. The amendment focuses on making additional coverage available under the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for crops and grasses used for grazing. This bill seeks to remove the existing exception for grazing lands, thereby expanding the program's benefits to farmers and ranchers who rely on grazing.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is to provide greater financial security to farmers and ranchers who depend on grazing lands for their livelihoods. By including grazing lands under the NAP, producers will have access to disaster assistance in the event of crop losses due to natural disasters. This could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices and increased stability in the agricultural sector.
Potential Benefits
- Provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who experience losses in grazing lands due to natural disasters.
- Encourages sustainable agricultural practices by reducing the financial risk associated with grazing.
- Stabilizes the agricultural sector by providing a safety net for producers.
- Simplifies the application process by removing the exception for grazing lands.
- Potentially increases the number of participants in the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase the overall cost of the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.
- Could potentially lead to increased administrative burden for the Department of Agriculture.
- May not fully address the needs of all farmers and ranchers, as the program only covers noninsured crops.
- Potential for unintended consequences or loopholes that could be exploited.
- The effectiveness of the program depends on the specific regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Agriculture.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause of the US Constitution, as it aims to support farmers and ranchers who contribute to the nation's food supply. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
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).