Federal loans would back rural sawmill expansions near restoration lands
In committeeH.R. 6277Latest action
Sponsor: Dan Newhouse · Representative · WA
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Official title: SAWMILL Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The federal government would guarantee up to $220 million in loans to help rural sawmills build, reopen, or expand near federal lands needing restoration.
45-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would create a federal loan guarantee program for private sawmills and wood-processing facilities in rural areas. To qualify, a facility must be within 250 miles of federal land identified by the USDA or Department of the Interior as needing ecological restoration.
Who does it affect?
Rural sawmill owners and wood-processing businesses would be the primary people who could apply. Federal land managers overseeing forest and land restoration would also be affected.
Why does it matter?
Having a nearby mill could lower the government's cost of ecological restoration work, since removed timber would have a local buyer or processor. The total loan guarantees under this program would be capped at $220 million.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Up to $220M in loan guarantees
- No direct federal spending specified
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedNov 21, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Jan 13, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.