Federal disaster relief bill targets logging and timber hauling businesses

What does this do?

HR 4665 would create a federal relief program for timber harvesting and raw timber hauling businesses that lose at least 10% of their income in a month or quarter due to a federally declared major disaster, including hurricanes, wildfires, and large insect infestations. Qualifying businesses would receive payments equal to 10% of what they earned in the same period the prior year. Payments may only be spent on operating expenses such as fuel, equipment upkeep, or employee wages.

Who does it affect?

Owners and workers at small and mid-sized logging and timber trucking businesses are the direct recipients, particularly in heavily forested states like Maine, Oregon, and Washington. Rural communities that depend on these businesses for jobs and local economic activity would be indirectly affected.

Why does it matter?

Eligible businesses that experience qualifying income losses during a disaster period would have access to a government payment tied to their prior-year earnings. Rural economies in timber-dependent regions could see effects depending on how many local businesses qualify and receive funds.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Up to $50M per year authorized
• Covers 2026 through 2029
• Run by USDA Farm Service Agency