Summary of S. 3851: Ensuring Adequate Staffing and Resources for Forestry Institutes
Overview
This bill, introduced in the Senate on February 11, 2026, aims to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to ensure sufficient staffing and resources for the Institute of Tropical Forestry and the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.
Key Provisions
The bill would make the following changes:
Staffing Levels:
- Require the Institute of Tropical Forestry in Puerto Rico to have a staff of at least 50 individuals.
- Require the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry to have a staff of at least 30 individuals.
Resource Allocation:
- Ensure the Institutes have adequate resources to "credibly and substantially advance the science, research, demonstration, and knowledge exchange" related to their activities.
Potential Impact
This legislation is intended to bolster the capability and impact of these two forestry research institutes by:
- Providing them with the necessary personnel and funding to carry out their mandates effectively.
- Enabling them to advance scientific understanding, conduct research, and disseminate knowledge related to tropical and Pacific islands forestry.
- Potentially leading to improved forest management, conservation, and sustainable use of forestry resources in these regions.
Procedural Details
- The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for consideration.
- If passed by Congress and signed into law, the changes would take effect immediately.
