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119-s-1825119th Congress

AG RESEARCH Act

Sponsored By: Senator Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]

Introduced

Summary

Large federal grants to modernize agricultural research facilities. This bill would create a National Institute of Food and Agriculture grants program to fund construction, renovation, and equipment upgrades for agricultural research sites, require review with NIFA peer panels, and allow the federal share to reach 100 percent on a case-by-case basis.

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  • Agricultural colleges and research centers can compete for federal grants to build, modernize, or buy equipment. Congressional findings cite $11.5 billion in deferred maintenance and $38.1 billion in replacement cost at research facilities, underscoring the need for upgrades.
  • Farmers and the broader agriculture sector would benefit from stronger research infrastructure aimed at keeping U.S. agricultural research globally competitive, supporting innovation and productivity.
  • The program sets rules for equitable distribution across geography and institution types, caps awards to any single State at 20 percent, and establishes competitive review procedures. It also provides mandatory funding and authorizes design and study costs.
  • The bill provides mandatory funding of $1.0 billion on October 1 of 2025 and each October 1 through 2029, to be transferred from Treasury funds and available until expended, and it authorizes additional appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

*Would increase federal outlays by $1.0 billion annually from 2025 through 2029 and permit further appropriations for 2026–2030.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

New $1 billion yearly research funds

If enacted, the Treasury would transfer $1 billion to the Agriculture Department on October 1, 2025, and again each October 1 through 2029. The money would remain available until spent and the Agriculture Secretary could use it without another appropriation. The bill would also authorize whatever additional sums are needed for planning and design of research facilities for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. Those extra appropriations would be in addition to the yearly $1 billion transfers.

Grants to upgrade agricultural research buildings

If enacted, the Agriculture Department (through NIFA) would run a competitive grant program to build, upgrade, or equip agricultural research facilities. Grants could cover the federal share of costs and, on a case-by-case basis, the Secretary could pay up to 100% of a project. The program must seek fair geographic and institutional distribution and may not give more than 20% of funds to projects in any one State. Proposals would be reviewed in consultation with NIFA peer review panel representatives.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]

HI • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS]

    KS • R

    Sponsored 5/21/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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