Bill > HR4665

This bill establishes a payment program to support timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that experience significant revenue losses during major disasters, including natural events or insect infestations. Under the proposed legislation, eligible businesses (those that harvested or hauled unrefined timber products in the previous calendar year) can receive financial assistance if they experience a revenue loss of 10% or more during a 30-day period or quarter, compared to the same period in the previous year. The payment amount would be equal to 10% of the business's gross revenue, and businesses can only use these funds for operating expenses. The Secretary of Agriculture, through the Farm Service Agency, would administer the program and be responsible for making payments and submitting annual reports to Congressional agriculture committees. The bill authorizes $50 million in appropriations for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2029, and requires the Secretary to establish implementing regulations within 30 days of the Act's enactment. Notably, the regulations can be created without following standard administrative procedures like public notice and comment periods or Paperwork Reduction Act requirements, which streamlines the program's implementation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4665/all-info