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H.R. 10542

BillFederalHouseIn Committee
To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report on strategies to combat pasture mealybug and enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of the United States.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · September 24, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Congress
119th (2025–2027)
Introduced
September 24, 2026
Cosponsors (18)
0D 18R
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Summary

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This bill directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive study on the nation's preparedness and response capabilities for combating pasture mealybug, an invasive insect that damages grazing lands and crops like sugarcane. The Secretary of Agriculture must complete the initial study within 90 days and submit a full report to Congress within 6 months, with the report to include threat assessments, current containment capabilities, surveillance systems, emergency response plans, research needs, and international cooperation strategies. The legislation affects livestock producers, crop farmers, state and local agricultural agencies, and wildlife management organizations, as the infestation threatens productive grazing land and economically significant crops, particularly in southeastern states. The study requires the Secretary to consult with agricultural producers, industry groups, scientific experts, and state officials to develop recommendations for both legislative and administrative improvements to combat the pest. No specific funding amount is allocated in the bill itself, though the cost of conducting the study and implementing recommendations would come from existing Department of Agriculture appropriations.

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