Senate Approves John Cornyn's Screwworm Readiness Bill

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) announced that his Stop the Screwworms With Active Readiness and Mitigation (SWARM) ACT has passed the Senate as part of the latest government funding legislation.

The measure aims to strengthen the nation's agricultural defense by requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to outline and report its readiness and response strategies to prevent potential outbreaks of the destructive New World screwworm.

"Agriculture and cattle communities in Texas deserve the best protection possible from the destructive New World screwworm," said Cornyn. "This bill will ensure the proper resources are available to stop the swarm."

Under the SWARM Act, the Secretary of Agriculture must submit a detailed report to Congress within 30 days. The report will assess the federal government's preparedness for potential domestic screwworm outbreaks, including plans for production facilities, partnerships with states and industry leaders, and the use of sterile fly production technology to suppress the pest's spread.

The legislation also calls for an evaluation of the advantages and challenges associated with domestic versus international sterile fly production, a key component of the U.S. strategy to prevent screwworm infestations.

The New World screwworm, a parasitic fly that attacks warm-blooded animals, poses a severe threat to the livestock industry. Though eradicated from the U.S. decades ago, the pest remains a concern due to the potential for reintroduction through international trade and animal movement.

Cornyn's legislation reinforces the federal government's commitment to protecting American agriculture and maintaining robust preparedness to safeguard ranchers, farmers, and the nation's food supply.