To amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to repeal certain provisions relating to the acceptance and use of contributions for public-private partnerships, and for other purposes.

Summary of HR 773 - Food Security Act Amendment

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HR 773

Title: To amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to repeal certain provisions relating to the acceptance and use of contributions for public-private partnerships, and for other purposes.

Introduced On: January 28, 2025

Current Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology

Primary Sponsor: Harriet M. Hageman

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HR 773 is to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 by repealing specific provisions that allow for the acceptance and use of non-Federal contributions in support of conservation programs administered by the Secretary of Agriculture. This bill seeks to eliminate the framework for public-private partnerships within these conservation initiatives.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following amendments to Section 1241(f) of the Food Security Act of 1985:

1. Sub-account Establishment: The existing language that allows the Secretary to establish a sub-account for each conservation program to accept non-Federal funds is removed.

2. Deposit Provisions: The requirement that contributions for covered programs be deposited into the account is replaced with a stipulation that contributions for conservation programs administered under subtitle D must be deposited into the sub-account.

3. Removal of Additional Paragraphs: The bill strikes paragraphs (3) through (10) from the existing statute, which may include various operational guidelines and stipulations regarding the management of these contributions.

Impact

The repeal of these provisions could have several implications:

• Funding for Conservation Programs: By eliminating the ability to accept non-Federal contributions, the bill may limit the financial resources available for conservation programs, potentially affecting their effectiveness and reach.

• Public-Private Partnerships: The bill could hinder collaboration between public entities and private organizations, which often play a crucial role in funding and implementing conservation efforts.

• Stakeholder Effects: Farmers, landowners, and conservation groups that benefit from these programs may experience changes in program availability and funding, impacting their operations and conservation efforts.

Legislative Timeline

• January 28, 2025: HR 773 was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
• February 28, 2025: The bill was referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology for further consideration.

Conclusion

HR 773 seeks to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 by repealing provisions related to the acceptance of non-Federal contributions for conservation programs. This legislative change could significantly impact the funding and operational dynamics of conservation initiatives, affecting various stakeholders involved in agricultural and environmental conservation efforts.