S. 2221In committeeEnvironment & energy
USDA loan guarantees would back rural sawmill expansions
Data as of July 11, 2026
The SAWMILL Act would let small rural sawmills apply for federal loan guarantees, capped at $220 million, to open or expand near federal lands needing restoration.50-second read · 5 questions answered below
Decoded
What does this do?
This bill would create a federal loan guarantee program for small sawmills and wood-processing facilities in rural areas. To qualify, a business must be within 250 miles of federal lands — including tribal forests — identified as high priority for ecological restoration. The facility must also meaningfully lower the cost of doing that restoration work.
Who does it affect?
Rural sawmill owners and wood-processing business operators would be the primary applicants. Communities located near federal forests could also be affected if restoration activity in those areas increases.
Why does it matter?
Small rural sawmills often struggle to get financing on their own, so a government-backed loan could make it possible for them to open, reopen, upgrade, or expand. Having more local processing capacity near federal lands is tied to how restoration work on those lands gets carried out and at what cost.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Federal guarantee cap: $220M
- Program limit set by law
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee — You are here
- Senate vote
- House
- President's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
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Official title
SAWMILL Act
- Introduced:
- July 9, 2025
- Latest action:
- July 9, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.