Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB156

Introduced
1/21/25  

Caption

Increased TSP Access Act of 2025This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to modify the certification process for Technical Service Providers (TSPs) at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) by establishing an approval process for nonfederal certifying entities and a streamlined certification process for TSPs that hold certain specialty certifications.As background, TSPs are third-party service providers, such as private businesses, Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations, that work on behalf of customers to offer planning, design, and implementation services that meet NRCS criteria.The bill specifies that USDA must ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, third-party providers with expertise in the technical aspects of conservation practice design, implementation, and evaluation are eligible to become approved TSPs.USDA must provide a streamlined certification process for TSPs who hold appropriate specialty certifications (e.g., certified crop advisors).In determining the eligibility of a nonfederal certifying entity, USDA must consider the ability, experience, expertise, and history of the entity. USDA must decide whether to approve an application submitted by a nonfederal certifying entity to certify TSPs within a specified time period.  USDA must also review a TSP's certification by a nonfederal certifying entity within a specified time period. If the certification is satisfactory, USDA must include the TSP on a USDA-maintained registry of certified TSPs.The bill also specifies that TSPs must be paid at rates equivalent to technical assistance provided by USDA.Further, USDA must provide accessible public information on TSPs, including information on funding, certification results, and utilization rates.

Impact

The bill is poised to significantly impact the landscape of technical service provision in agriculture. By formalizing a structured certification process and empowering non-Federal entities to certify third-party providers, the law is designed to increase the pool of qualified individuals who can assist farmers in implementing conservation practices. This change is significant as it not only enhances service provision but also sets standards that could lead to improved environmental outcomes through more effective on-the-ground implementation of conservation strategies.

Summary

SB156, known as the Increased TSP Access Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of technical assistance in agriculture, particularly related to conservation practices. The legislation introduces provisions for a streamlined certification process for third-party providers of technical assistance, allowing for both Federal and non-Federal certification entities to certify these providers. This aims to increase participation and quality in conservation programs by making technical assistance more accessible to farmers and landowners.

Contention

Debate surrounding SB156 has highlighted concerns regarding the role of non-Federal entities in the certification process. Opponents argue that relying on non-Federal entities could dilute the standards and effectiveness of technical assistance, leading to variability in service quality. Proponents, however, believe that expanding certification options will foster innovation and draw in a diverse range of expertise, ultimately serving the needs of agricultural producers better. The ongoing discussions reflect a broader tension between maintaining quality control and enhancing access to necessary support for farmers.

Congress_id

119-S-156

Policy_area

Agriculture and Food

Introduced_date

2025-01-21

Companion Bills

US HB575

Identical bill Increased TSP Access Act of 2025

Previously Filed As

US HB247

Chisholm National Historic Trail and Western National Historic Trail Designation Act This bill designates (1) the Chisholm National Historic Trail, and (2) the Western National Historic Trail. The Department of the Interior shall administer any portion of these trails that is located on nonfederal land only (1) with the voluntary consent of the owner of the nonfederal land, and (2) if the portion qualifies for certification as a component of the applicable trail. The approval by an owner of applicable nonfederal land of a certification agreement shall satisfy the voluntary consent requirement. A certification agreement may be terminated at any time. The establishment of these trails does not authorize any person to enter private property without the consent of the private property's owner. Interior may accept a donation of land or an interest in land for these trails, with specified exceptions. Land or an interest in land may not be acquired for these trails by eminent domain or condemnation.

US HB371

Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2023 This bill restricts federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. or any of its affiliates or clinics for one year. Specifically, it prohibits funding those entities unless they certify that the affiliates and clinics will not perform, and will not provide funds to entities that perform, abortions during that year. If the certification requirement is not met, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture must recoup any federal assistance received by those entities. However, the bill's funding restriction does not apply to abortions performed in cases of rape or incest or when necessary to resolve a physical condition that endangers a woman's life. The bill also provides additional funding for community health centers for the one-year period. These funds are subject to the same abortion-related restrictions and exceptions.

US HB128

Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2023 This bill restricts federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. or any of its affiliates or clinics for one year. Specifically, it prohibits funding those entities unless they certify that the affiliates and clinics will not perform, and will not provide funds to entities that perform, abortions during that year. If the certification requirement is not met, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture must recoup any federal assistance received by those entities. However, the bill's funding restriction does not apply to abortions performed in cases of rape or incest or when necessary to resolve a physical condition that endangers a woman's life. The bill also provides additional funding for community health centers for the one-year period. These funds are subject to the same abortion-related restrictions and exceptions.

US SB76

Standing with Moms Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to disseminate information about pregnancy-related resources. Specifically, HHS must maintain a public website (life.gov) that lists such resources that are available through federal, state, and local governments and private entities. Additionally, HHS must maintain on its website a portal that provides a user, based on the user's responses to a series of questions, tailored information about pregnancy resources available in the user's zip code and risks related to abortion. HHS must develop a plan to conduct follow-up outreach to users of the portal (if the user consents to the outreach). States must recommend resources that meet criteria set by HHS for including through the portal. HHS may award grants to states to establish or support a system that aggregates resources to include on the portal. Further, the Health Resources and Services Administration must share information about life.gov and the portal through the Maternal Mental Health Hotline. HHS must also ensure that the life.gov website and hotline are available to families who speak languages other than English. The bill excludes from life.gov, the portal, and the hotline resources provided by entities that (1) perform, induce, refer for, or counsel in favor of abortions; or (2) financially support such entities. The bill also requires HHS to report on traffic to life.gov and the portal, gaps in services available to pregnant and postpartum individuals, and related matters.

US HB330

Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from awarding family planning grants to entities that perform abortions or provide funding to other entities that perform abortions. To receive a grant, an entity must certify it will refrain from those activities during the grant period. The bill provides exceptions for abortions (1) in cases of rape or incest; or (2) when the life of the woman is in danger due to a physical disorder, injury, or illness. It also exempts hospitals unless they provide funds to non-hospital entities that provide abortions. HHS must report annually on this prohibition.

US HB491

Return Home to Housing Act This bill increases the maximum rate of per diem payments provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to entities (i.e., grant recipients or authorized entities) that furnish services and transitional housing to homeless veterans. The bill also specifies that the VA may adjust the per diem rate in response to an emergency.

US SB24

Fighting Homelessness Through Services and Housing Act This bill requires the Health Resources and Services Administration to award grants to local and tribal government entities for the planning and implementation of programs to address homelessness. The program includes five-year implementation grants to assist such entities in carrying out activities and paying capital building costs associated with the provision of housing and services to homeless individuals and families. Eligible entities must demonstrate the capacity to address areas such as mental health, substance use disorder and recovery services, chronic health conditions, and educational and job training.

US HB410

Health Care Prices Revealed and Information to Consumers Explained Transparency Act or the Health Care PRICE Transparency Act This bill provides statutory authority for requirements for hospitals and health insurance plans to disclose certain information about the costs for items and services. Specifically, hospitals must publish in their list of standard charges certain rates negotiated with insurers, discounts for cash payments, and billing codes. Further, hospitals generally must publish the standard charges for the services provided by the hospital that may be scheduled in advance. Additionally, insurance plans must publish the in-network and out-of-network charges for covered items and services and the negotiated prices for covered prescription drugs. Plans must provide a tool for consumers to search for this cost information. Consumers also may request additional information about the costs of specific items or services under their plans.

US SB85

No TikTok on United States Devices Act This bill imposes sanctions on the parent company of the TikTok social media service, ByteDance Limited, as long as it is involved with TikTok. Specifically, the President must impose property-blocking sanctions on ByteDance or any successor entity or subsidiary if it is involved in matters relating to (1) TikTok or any successor service; or (2) information, video, or data associated with such a service. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) must report to Congress on any national security threats posed by TikTok, including the ability of China's government to access or use the data of U.S. users of TikTok. Within 180 days of this bill's enactment, ODNI must brief Congress on the implementation of the bill.

US HB7105

WOSB Certification and Opportunity Expansion Act

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