This bill would change a provision in the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (section 2407, 7 U.S.C. 6706). It adds "Pacific Islands Forestry" to the section heading, adjusts subsection labels, and creates a new subsection that requires set staffing levels and resources for two USDA forestry institutes. The Institute of Tropical Forestry in Puerto Rico must have at least 50 staff. The Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry must have at least 30 staff. Both institutes must have "adequate resources to credibly and substantially advance" the science, research, demonstration, and knowledge exchange activities described in the bill.
If this bill becomes law, the Secretary (of Agriculture) would be required to make sure those two forestry institutes meet the minimum staff numbers and have adequate resources for their research and outreach work. The bill targets the Institute of Tropical Forestry (Puerto Rico) and the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry (Pacific Islands). Specific changes to programs, hiring timelines, or direct effects on services are not detailed in the bill text.
No publicly available information. The bill text does not include cost estimates, appropriation language, or details about how additional staff or resources would be funded.
The bill text and metadata state the purpose: to ensure adequate staffing and resources for the two regional forestry institutes. It was introduced by Representatives Jill Tokuda, Pablo Hernández, Ed Case, and James Moylan on February 11, 2026, and referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture. No further public statements from proponents are included in the provided material.
No publicly available information.