Representative Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) is working to combat the spread of mealybugs by directing the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study the invasive pest and develop strategies to contain it.
The Combatting Pasture Mealybug Act calls on the USDA to study the impact of the pasture mealybug and provide lawmakers with the results. With the issue particularly important to Texas, 12 other Texas lawmakers are original co-sponsors of the bill.
Rep. De La Cruz stressed that the pasture mealybug poses a major threat to Texas agriculture and that action is needed to stop its spread.
"The pasture mealybug poses a major threat to Texas agriculture,” she said. “After hearing from Texas farmers, it's clear we must act now.”
In June, a New World screwworm outbreak also threatened Texas farmers and ranchers, prompting Rep. De La Cruz to call on the USDA to take additional steps to combat the pest. Similar to screwworm, mealybugs can damage agricultural operations and threaten livestock by attacking the forage grasses they depend on.
Rep. De La Cruz stressed that the federal government must act now.
“That's why I am proud to lead the fight in stopping this new pest and working alongside Secretary Rollins to deploy effective solutions,” Rep. De La Cruz said. “Protecting Texas agriculture is my top priority, and I will fight to secure a strong future for Texas."
The Texas Farm Bureau is among several agricultural organizations in support of the bill. President Russell Boening said Rep. De La Cruz’s bill would help “improve preparedness and response capabilities” and identify practical ways to contain and eradicate the pest.
“Pasture mealybug poses a serious threat to productive grazing lands and the livestock industry, and we must be prepared to respond,” Boening said.
