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S 5200

Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act

119th Congress Introduced by Richard Blumenthal and 3 co-sponsors

Designates spotted lanternfly control R&D as a high-priority federal research and extension initiative to accelerate development and deployment of SLF management methods.

Introduced in Senate
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Bill Summary · S 5200

Overview

S. 5200, introduced in the 119th Congress and referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, would amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to elevate spotted lanternfly control research and development (R&D) as a high-priority research and extension initiative. The bill is sponsored by and includes co-sponsors Dave McCormick and Ron Wyden.

Purpose and intent

  • Establish spotted lanternfly (SLF) control R&D as a high-priority research and extension initiative within the broader framework of the 1990 Act.
  • Promote research, development, and extension activities aimed at preventing, controlling, and mitigating the agricultural and economic impacts of SLF infestations.
  • Seek to coordinate federal research efforts with extension services, industry stakeholders, and local and state authorities to accelerate practical solutions.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends the underlying Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to designate SLF control R&D as a high-priority initiative within the federal research and extension mandate.
  • Directs federal agencies, in coordination with the agricultural research and extension system, to focus resources, planning, and implementation on SLF-related research and dissemination of information.
  • Potentially authorizes or directs targeted funding or program emphasis to SLF research, including pest management, monitoring, surveillance, biology and ecology studies, resistance management, and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
  • Encourages collaboration among federal agencies, land-grant universities, extension services, state departments of agriculture, private sector stakeholders, and other partners to advance SLF control technologies and best practices.

Note: The bill text provided does not specify exact funding levels, programmatic allocations, or distinct reporting requirements beyond designation of SLF R&D as a high-priority initiative. If enacted, implementing details (budgets, reporting, milestones) would typically be developed in appropriations and agency implementing guidance.

Who/what would be affected

  • United States agricultural research and extension system, including federal agencies, land-grant universities, and extension services.
  • State departments of agriculture and local jurisdictions dealing with SLF management.
  • Agricultural producers and industries affected by SLF (e.g., crops susceptible to SLF damage, honey and pollination sectors due to ecosystem impacts) through accelerated access to improved control methods and information.
  • Stakeholders involved in pest surveillance, monitoring, and rapid response efforts.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on July 30, 2026.
  • No specific date for action beyond committee referral is provided in the available information.
  • If advanced, the bill would progress through committee consideration, potential floor debate, and voting in the Senate, with possible parallel action in the House (if companion measures exist) and conference considerations.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Elevating SLF research as a high-priority initiative could streamline interagency coordination and potentially influence funding trajectories toward SLF-related projects.
  • Could accelerate development and dissemination of effective management, surveillance, and containment strategies for SLF, reducing agricultural and ecological damages.
  • Effectiveness will depend on subsequent appropriations, implementation plans, and the degree of interagency collaboration and stakeholder involvement.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to existing SLF-related initiatives or provide a brief glossary of terms (e.g., high-priority research and extension initiative) to aid understanding.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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