SAFE CATTLE Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Jackson, Ronny [R-TX-13]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 21, 2026
Bottom line
The SAFE CATTLE Act aims to protect American agriculture and wildlife by formalizing and enhancing federal interagency cooperation to combat New World screwworm on federal lands.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to establish a formal interagency agreement within 180 days to coordinate efforts for preventing, controlling, and eradicating New World screwworm in wildlife and non-livestock animals on federal lands. It mandates joint surveillance, response coordination with state officials, and the development of eradication protocols. The bill also requires annual reports to Congress on progress until the screwworm is quarantined south of the Darien Gap in Panama.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that formalizing coordination between the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior is crucial for a unified and effective response to the threat of New World screwworm. They contend that this bill will safeguard the domestic food supply, protect wildlife, and stabilize the agricultural economy by preventing outbreaks and ensuring rapid, coordinated eradication efforts across federal lands, which are often critical habitats for affected species.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that existing interagency cooperation mechanisms are sufficient and that mandating a new memorandum of understanding could add unnecessary bureaucratic layers without significantly improving outcomes. They might also contend that the bill's focus on federal lands, while important, does not fully address the broader, cross-jurisdictional nature of pest eradication, potentially leaving gaps in a comprehensive national strategy.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing ample time for a thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a)
Interagency Agreement for Screwworm Eradication
This provision mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior must enter into a formal agreement within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This agreement will outline how the two departments will work together to prevent, control, and eliminate New World screwworm in wild animals and non-livestock species found on federal lands. The coordinated activities include joint monitoring for early detection, collaborating with state wildlife and livestock health officers during outbreaks, establishing unified eradication protocols, and developing science-based strategies to maintain business continuity for non-infected animals and areas.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that this formal agreement is essential to streamline efforts and ensure a cohesive federal strategy against New World screwworm, preventing fragmented responses that could allow infestations to spread. They highlight the importance of protecting wildlife as a critical step in safeguarding livestock and the broader agricultural economy.
Critics contend
Opponents might suggest that existing informal cooperation is sufficient and that a mandated MOU could introduce bureaucratic delays or rigidities that hinder agile responses to outbreaks. They may question the necessity of a new formal agreement over strengthening current collaborative practices.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for structured, coordinated federal action against potential concerns about adding new layers of bureaucracy to existing interagency relationships. It aims to ensure comprehensive coverage on federal lands while requiring coordination with state entities, navigating federal-state jurisdictional boundaries.
Section 2(b)
Annual Reporting Requirements
This section requires the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to jointly submit an annual report to specific congressional committees. The first report is due one year after the bill's enactment, and subsequent reports are required annually until the Secretary of Agriculture certifies that the New World screwworm has been successfully quarantined south of the Darien Gap in Panama. Each report must detail the extent of interagency coordination, progress in surveillance and prevention, any incidents of screwworm infestation in the U.S. and federal responses, and recommendations for improving federal response capacity.