Bills · S 904
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 904Agriculture and Food
Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act of 2025
INTRO MAR 6· LAST ACTION MAR 6
READING
15MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it could significantly change how quickly and effectively ranchers and farmers recover from natural disasters, especially droughts, which are becoming more common. By expanding who is eligible for help to include those operating on public lands, it addresses a gap in current disaster assistance and provides support to a broader segment of the agricultural community. Allowing funds for permanent infrastructure like water wells means that communities can build long-term resilience rather than just temporary repairs, which is crucial for adapting to climate challenges.
If this bill becomes law, more producers would receive financial assistance for more comprehensive, lasting solutions, and the approval process for urgent projects could be faster. If it doesn't pass, many producers on public lands might continue to struggle with disaster recovery, and the current, potentially slower environmental review process would remain in place, delaying critical aid when it's most needed. This bill aims to make disaster relief more responsive and effective for a key part of the nation's food supply chain.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Expands eligibility for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) to include agricultural producers who operate on federal, state, or local leased lands.
More producers can access vital federal disaster recovery funds, regardless of whether they own the land or lease it from a government entity.
PROVISION 02
Includes new permanent measures, such as water wells and pipelines, as eligible for payments under both the ECP and EFRP.
Allows federal disaster assistance to fund long-term, sustainable infrastructure improvements that enhance resilience against future disasters, rather than just temporary fixes.
PROVISION 03
Waives the 30-day public comment period required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for ECP and EFRP applications on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land during a declared drought emergency.
Speeds up the approval process for urgent disaster recovery projects by reducing administrative hurdles and waiting times during critical periods.
PROVISION 04
Allows the Department of the Interior (BLM) to accept environmental, archaeological, and Endangered Species Act reviews conducted by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for ECP and EFRP applications.
Reduces duplicative review processes between federal agencies, leading to a more efficient and faster application and approval timeline for disaster assistance.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· South Dakota
YRS IN OFFICE
29
BILLS LED
57
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 6
Introduced in Senate
MAR 6
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (text: CR S1607-1609)
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 904
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 6, 2025
Last actionMar 6, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 6, 2025
Senate BillS 904Agriculture and Food
Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act of 2025
INTRODUCED MAR 6, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 6, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
15 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
