Bill would let farmers get disaster repair aid upfront, not just after
Passed one chamberH.R. 1011Latest action
Sponsor: Julia Letlow · Representative · LA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 1011 lets farmers, ranchers, and forest owners get up to 75% of disaster repair costs paid upfront instead of only reimbursed later.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill changes USDA's Emergency Conservation Program so producers can request money upfront—up to 75% of estimated costs before rebuilding or replacing damaged property, and up to 50% before repairs—rather than paying first and waiting for reimbursement. It also broadens the definition of "wildfire" eligible for aid to include fires that spread due to natural causes even if not naturally started, including federal prescribed burns that got out of control. A similar change lets private forest landowners get up to 75% of restoration costs upfront under the Emergency Forest Restoration Program, though unused funds must be returned within 180 days.
Who does it affect?
Farmers, ranchers, and private non-industrial forest landowners who experience damage from disasters like floods, storms, or wildfires.
Why does it matter?
This is meant to help producers who lack enough cash on hand to cover repairs immediately after a disaster, though it also expands what wildfire damage qualifies for aid.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 5, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Apr 15, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate.
Recorded votes
Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.
House · · Roll call 109
As recorded
- Question
- On Motion to and Pass
- Result:
- Passed
- 395
- Nay
- 10
- 0
- 26
Republicans 193 yes, 10 no, 14 not voting · Democrats 201 yes, 12 not voting · Independent 1 yes
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record