SWAT Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
- Committees
- Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 9, 2026
Bottom line
The bill creates a new, federally funded program to research and mitigate the economic damage caused by the spotted wing drosophila to U.S. fruit crops.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a dedicated fund within the Department of Agriculture to support research and mitigation efforts against the spotted wing drosophila (SWD), an invasive pest. It authorizes $6.5 million annually for five fiscal years to be used for cooperative agreements and grants administered by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to combat the pest's negative effects on fruit crops.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the spotted wing drosophila is causing significant economic damage, with an estimated 20 percent revenue loss across key fruit crops like strawberries, blueberries, and cherries. They contend that dedicated federal funding for research and mitigation is essential to protect the agricultural sector, support farmers, and develop effective, long-term solutions to control this invasive species.
Opponents contend
Opponents, if any, might argue that while the problem is real, creating a new dedicated fund adds to federal spending and could be redundant with existing agricultural research programs. They might suggest that current USDA resources should be reallocated or that the industry itself should bear a greater share of the research and mitigation costs, rather than establishing a new, separate funding stream.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its core purpose and provisions quickly.
Section 3, amending Subtitle A of the Plant Protection Act
Establishment of Spotted Wing Drosophila Research and Mitigation Fund
This provision directs the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to create a new fund within the Department of Agriculture. The purpose of this fund is to finance research and activities aimed at reducing the harmful impacts of the spotted wing drosophila, an invasive pest that damages various fruit crops. APHIS will be responsible for identifying eligible recipients and overseeing the projects funded through this mechanism.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a dedicated fund ensures consistent and targeted resources are available to combat a pest that has already demonstrated significant economic harm to a vital sector of U.S. agriculture. They believe that focused research and mitigation efforts are the most effective way to protect crop yields and farmer livelihoods.
Critics contend
Critics, if any, might suggest that while the problem is valid, creating a new, separate fund could lead to administrative inefficiencies or overlap with existing USDA programs. They might prefer that such efforts be integrated into broader pest management initiatives rather than establishing a new, specific fund.
Tradeoffs
The primary tradeoff involves balancing the need for targeted intervention against the potential for creating new administrative structures and funding silos within the federal budget. There's also a tension between immediate mitigation efforts and long-term research, both of which are critical but may compete for resources.
Section 3, new Section 420A(c) of the Plant Protection Act
Authorization of Appropriations
This section authorizes the appropriation of $6,500,000 for the newly established fund. This funding is authorized for the fiscal year in which the Spotted Wing Abatement Trust Act of 2026 is enacted, and for each of the four subsequent fiscal years. This means Congress is allowing for up to $32.5 million in total federal spending over five years, though actual appropriation would require separate legislative action.