US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SB3851

Introduced
2/11/26  

Caption

A bill to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to ensure adequate staffing and resources for the Institute of Tropical Forestry and the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.

Impact

If passed, SB3851 aims to bolster the scientific community's ability to conduct research and demonstration activities that focus on tropical and Pacific island forestry. By enhancing staffing and resource allocation, it is expected that the institutes will better serve the needs of their respective regions, promoting sustainability and knowledge exchange in forestry practices. This could lead to more informed decisions and practices regarding forest conservation and management in these areas.

Summary

SB3851 proposes amendments to the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990. The primary goal of this bill is to ensure that both the Institute of Tropical Forestry in Puerto Rico and the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry are adequately staffed and resourced. Specifically, the bill mandates that the Institute of Tropical Forestry will have a minimum staff of 50 individuals while the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry will require at least 30 individuals, alongside sufficient resources for advancing related scientific research and activities.

Contention

While the bill's intent to strengthen these institutes is broadly seen as positive, concerns may arise around funding and resource allocation. Critics could argue that directing funds to staffing may reduce resources available to other critical programs within the USDA framework. The effectiveness of the staffing increase in achieving meaningful advancements in forestry science could also be a point of discussion during deliberations, as stakeholders assess the long-term impacts on local forestry management and environmental sustainability efforts.

Companion Bills

US HB7518

Same As To amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to ensure adequate staffing and resources for the Institute of Tropical Forestry and the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.

Previously Filed As

US HB7518

To amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to ensure adequate staffing and resources for the Institute of Tropical Forestry and the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.

US SB2727

A bill to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to authorize grants for eligible institutions to carry out agriculture workforce training programs, and for other purposes.

US LD417

An Act Regarding the Confidentiality of Certain Records Belonging to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Related to the Bureau of Forestry

US HJR0150

A RESOLUTION urging the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture to complete a comprehensive economic study about the effect of Bradford pear trees on agriculture and forestry in the State.

US LD1198

Resolve, Directing the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to Assess Its Current Meat and Poultry Inspection Programs

US LD1093

An Act to Direct the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands to Prevent the Use of the Term "State Park" by Nonstate Parks

US HB856

Relating To The College Of Tropical Agriculture And Human Resources.

US HB856

Relating To The College Of Tropical Agriculture And Human Resources.

US LD1308

Resolve, Directing the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to Examine Issues Related to Public Access to Privately Owned Lands

US LD510

An Act to Require the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands to Maintain the Weld to Byron Road in Township 6 North of Weld

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