HR 10542

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IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

September 24, 2026

Ms. De La Cruz (for herself, Mr. Babin, Mrs. Cammack, Mr. Cloud, Mr. Gill of Texas, Mr. Gooden, Mr. Ellzey, Mr. Fallon, Mr. Moran, Mr. Luttrell, Ms. Van Duyne, Mr. Valadao, Mr. Weber of Texas, and Mr. Williams of Texas) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture

A BILL

To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to study and report on strategies to combat pasture mealybug and enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of the United States.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the “Combating Pasture Mealybug Act”.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

Congress finds the following:

(1) Pasture mealybugs (Heliococcus summervillei and Heliococcus novovillei) are invasive insects whose young feed on plants, stunting the plant development by depositing honeydew and saliva that cripples plants’ immune systems and photosynthesis capabilities.

(2) The combination of feeding and infections has the potential to decimate otherwise productive grazing land throughout the United States, in addition to impacts to additional economically significant crops such as sugarcane. As of the date of enactment of this Act, the pasture mealybug has been found in States across the southeast region of the country.

(3) The removal of productive land for grazing and hay, and the infestation and spread to crops, poses a tremendous economic and ecological threat to States.

SEC. 3. STUDY AND REPORT ON PASTURE MEALYBUG PREPAREDNESS.

(a) In General.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture (in this section referred to as the “Secretary”) shall conduct a comprehensive study on the current state of United States preparedness and response capabilities to combat the pasture mealybug.

(b) Components of Study.—The study under this section shall include the following:

(1) Current threat assessment.—An analysis of the current threat posed by pasture mealybug to the United States, including—

(A) the migratory patterns and confirmed detections of the pasture mealybug within the United States;

(B) the economic impact of the pasture mealybug across the United States livestock industry, including cattle, horses, bison, sheep, goats, and other susceptible animals, such as domestic wildlife; and

(C) the economic impact of the pasture mealybug on crops produced for commercial purposes, such as turf, grass, sod, and sugarcane.

(2) Containment and control technique capabilities.—A review of the capacity of the United States to contain the spread and control the population of the pasture mealybug, including—

(A) the States in which pasture mealybug has been detected; and

(B) an analysis of technologies and best practices to prevent the spread of pasture mealybug.

(3) Surveillance and detection systems.—An evaluation of current pasture mealybug surveillance and detection systems, including—

(A) the adequacy of diagnostic capabilities and laboratory infrastructure; and

(B) the integration of public and private sector reporting mechanisms for suspected cases of pasture mealybug.

(4) Emergency response plans.—An examination of existing emergency response plans for pasture mealybug infestations, including—

(A) the coordination mechanisms between Federal, State, and local agencies; and

(B) the availability of resources for rapid containment and control efforts.

(5) Research and development needs.—Identification of critical research and development needs to enhance pasture mealybug prevention, control, and containment, including—

(A) new diagnostic tools;

(B) alternative control methods; and

(C) genetic research into pasture mealybug vulnerabilities, including natural biological controls.

(6) International cooperation.—An assessment of the effectiveness of current international cooperation efforts with affected countries and recommendations for strengthening such partnerships to establish and maintain biological barriers.

(c) Stakeholder Consultation.—In conducting the study under this section, the Secretary shall consult with relevant stakeholders, including—

(1) agricultural producers and industry associations, including livestock and impacted crop commodity representatives;

(2) wildlife management agencies;

(3) scientific experts in biology, chemistry, entomology, ecology, and botany; and

(4) State and local agricultural officials.

(d) Report to Congress.—Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate, and make publicly available, a report—

(1) detailing the findings of the study under this section; and

(2) providing recommendations for legislative and administrative actions to improve the ability of the United States to combat pasture mealybug. <all>