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Bill

HR 9377

Protecting America’s Herds Act

119th Congress Introduced by Henry Cuellar and 14 co-sponsors

Establishes a federal grant program to fund prevention, detection, and rapid response to New World screwworm outbreaks in the U.S. and nearby regions.

Introduced in House
1
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9377

Bill at a glance

  • Bill: HR 9377
  • Session: 119
  • Jurisdiction: United States
  • Title: To establish a grant program for preparing and responding to New World screwworm outbreaks, and for other purposes
  • Introduced: June 18, 2026
  • Referred to: House Committee on Agriculture
  • Primary aim: Establish and fund a grant program to strengthen preparedness, prevention, and response to New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) outbreaks in the United States and potentially neighboring regions.

What the bill would do

  • Create a dedicated grant program to support activities related to New World screwworm outbreaks.
  • Provide federal funding and administrative authority to states, tribes, municipalities, and eligible organizations to:
    • Prevent screwworm introductions and establishments.
    • Detect and confirm outbreaks rapidly.
    • Respond effectively to eradicate or control outbreaks.
    • Support surveillance, diagnostic capacity, and rapid response measures.
  • Fund activities including surveillance systems, veterinary/public health coordination, training, public education, and outbreak response planning.
  • Support partnerships among federal, state, and local agencies, as well as private sector and non-governmental organizations involved in animal health, agriculture, and wildlife health.

Key provisions and mechanisms (as indicated by typical grant programs of this type)

  • Grant eligibility: States, political subdivisions, federally recognized tribes, universities, extension services, veterinary schools, non-profit organizations, and private entities involved in animal and agricultural health.
  • Funding scope: Federal funds allocated to cover activities related to prevention, detection, response, and recovery from New World screwworm outbreaks.
  • Use of funds:
    • Enhancing surveillance networks (e.g., trap deployment, reporting systems).
    • Diagnostic laboratory capacity and confirmatory testing.
    • Workforce training for veterinarians, livestock producers, and public health workers.
    • Outbreak response planning and rapid deployment of eradication tools and personnel.
    • Public communications and education to minimize spread and economic impact.
  • Cooperation and coordination: Emphasis on collaboration among USDA agencies, state animal health officials, public health authorities, and international partners if relevant to prevention and containment.
  • Reporting and accountability: Likely requirements for progress reporting, performance metrics, and audits to ensure funds are used to achieve outbreak prevention and response objectives.

Who/what would be affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: State and local governments, tribal authorities, universities and extension programs, veterinary and public health organizations, and industry groups involved in livestock, wildlife, and agricultural production.
  • Sectors affected: Livestock producers (cattle, sheep, goats, etc.), equine industries, wildlife management programs, veterinary diagnostic labs, extension services, and public health entities.
  • Potential indirect effects: Strengthened biosecurity and animal health infrastructure, improved rapid response capabilities to non-native pests, reduced risk of economic losses from screwworm outbreaks, and enhanced consumer confidence in animal-derived products.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: Introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Agriculture on June 18, 2026.
  • Next steps: Committee consideration, potential markup, and floor debate. If advanced, appropriations or authorization language would define funding levels and grant administration details.
  • Oversight considerations: Typically includes reporting requirements to Congress on grant allocations, outbreak preparedness activities, and measurable outcomes.

Potential impact highlights

  • Proactive funding for surveillance, rapid diagnosis, and eradication efforts could reduce the risk and impact of New World screwworm outbreaks in the U.S.
  • Strengthened collaboration between federal, state, tribal, and private stakeholders could lead to faster detection and containment.
  • Financial support for capacity-building may improve long-term resilience of animal health systems and reduce economic losses in the agricultural sector.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and typical features of grant-based outbreak preparedness programs. For precise text, funding amounts, and specific compliance requirements, the official bill language and amended provisions should be consulted once available.

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

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