This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to make national security a higher priority inside the Department of Agriculture. It requires more USDA staff to hold security clearances and to have access to classified systems. The bill creates a new Senior Advisor for National Security in the Office of the Secretary, to be appointed within 180 days, who will advise the Secretary, coordinate national security work across the Department, serve as a liaison to the National Security Council and other agencies, and communicate with outside stakeholders. The bill allows USDA to accept and send detailees with defense, national and homeland security, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies, with or without reimbursement. It also adds a requirement for the Secretary to send a report to Congress and the National Security Council no later than 180 days after enactment and at least every two years after that. Those reports must assess gaps or limitations in national security related to food and agriculture (including items such as foreign state-owned enterprise influence, agricultural data control, foreign acquisition of land and assets, input shortages, supply chain disruptions, cybersecurity and AI, and other vulnerabilities), describe actions taken, offer policy recommendations, and list resources the Department needs.
If you work in food or agriculture, the Department of Agriculture will place more emphasis on national security. The USDA will add a Senior Advisor position, increase staff with security clearances, and coordinate more closely with defense, intelligence, and homeland security agencies through detailees. The Department will also provide regular public reports to Congress and the National Security Council about vulnerabilities and proposed actions.
The bill text does not specify funding amounts or cost estimates. No publicly available information.
The bill states that Congress believes federal activity on food and agriculture security has grown but that more work is needed, especially for emerging technologies. It directs the Department to improve information sharing, identify vulnerabilities, and coordinate with other national security agencies. Supporters aim to prioritize national security at USDA, improve interagency staffing and communication, and produce regular reports with assessments and recommendations.
No publicly available information.