Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB4135

Introduced
6/14/23  
Refer
6/14/23  

Caption

AG RESEARCH Act Augmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-edge and Helpful Act

Impact

If enacted, HB4135 would allocate $200 million annually from the Treasury from 2023 to 2027, with additional authorizations for up to $1 billion each fiscal year for the subsequent years dedicated to repairs and improvements of agricultural research institutions. This funding plan is designed to shift how agricultural research facilities are maintained and upgraded, ultimately aiming to enhance research capabilities. This measure could have far-reaching impacts on local economies tied to agricultural research by fostering improved education and innovation in agriculture, thus stimulating job creation and economic development.

Summary

House Bill 4135, also known as the AG RESEARCH Act, seeks to amend existing legislation related to agricultural research facilities. The primary objective of this legislation is to address the significant deferred maintenance issues that many agricultural research facilities face across the United States. Due to years of underfunding, maintenance needs at these facilities have accrued to over $11 billion, revealing the urgent necessity for infrastructure investments to maintain U.S. competitiveness in the agricultural sector. The bill proposes to direct substantial federal funding to rectify these maintenance issues, thereby aiming to modernize essential research facilities that contribute significantly to the agricultural economy.

Contention

There are points of contention surrounding the bill, especially concerning the distribution of funds and prioritization of projects. The legislation emphasizes equitable distribution of grants to ensure diverse institutions benefit from funding and that resources are allocated fairly across various geographical areas. However, this raises concerns over potential bureaucratic processes that could delay urgent maintenance work—some stakeholders worry that the prioritization criteria may not adequately address immediate facility needs. Moreover, there is a discourse around whether this model of funding is sufficient or sustainable for long-term agricultural research success.

Companion Bills

US SB2589

Related AG RESEARCH Act Augmenting Research and Educational Sites to Ensure Agriculture Remains Cutting-Edge and Helpful Act

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