hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Forces Pentagon and USDA to collaborate on agriculture and food defense research.
Rep. Messmer (R-IN) and Rep. Davis (R-NC)
Introduced in House, referred to committees.
The bill requires the Defense and Agriculture secretaries to jointly research topics like food supply security, PFAS cleanup near military bases, and wildfire mitigation. It sets up a formal agreement to fund projects through competitive grants, requiring matching funds from non-federal partners. Sponsors are both Republicans; the bill is in early stages.
Introduced Feb 12, 2026
This bill has been introduced in its chamber of Congress. It has been assigned a bill number and referred to a committee for review. Most bills never advance past this stage. The committee may hold hearings, gather expert testimony, and amend the bill before deciding whether to send it to the full chamber for a vote.
For example, the bill specifically funds research to reduce PFAS contamination on farmland next to bases, which could directly affect farmers' health and land value. It also aims to improve wildfire prediction and response, benefiting rural communities. Additionally, innovations in precision agriculture and drones could lower costs for farmers and enhance military readiness.
Supporters Say
Supporters say it boosts national security by making agriculture more resilient and fostering innovation through coordination.
Critics Say
Critics worry it could expand government control over agriculture and add bureaucracy without clear results.
Proponents note that the bill uses competitive grants and requires non-federal matching, ensuring efficiency. Opponents point out that the judicial deference clause gives agencies broad power to interpret the law, which could limit court oversight.