Policy Brief- August 31

Summary:

Government funding – The House of Representatives returns today from August recess and will vote tomorrow on a Continuing Resolution (CR) extending current federal funding levels through Dec. 11. If passed, the legislation would head off a potential government shutdown at the end of the month. During the CR, USDA would be authorized to continue issuing Direct and Guaranteed Farm Ownership loans through FSA and continue nutrition assistance programs such as SNAP, FDPIR, WIC, and CSFP. The legislation would also block the Administration from finalizing a new rule that would allow political appointees to review and approve grants. If passed by the House, the CR would next head to the President to be signed into law.

USDA Reorganization – A federal judge will hear arguments on Sept. 1 on a lawsuit filed by USDA federal employee unions to halt the USDA reorganization. While USDA has continued to argue the reorganization is intended to bring staff closer to farmers, employee unions argue the reorganization is a reduction-in-force in disguise. A decision is expected by Friday. Read IFAI’s in-depth analysis of the likely impacts of USDA reorganization on nutrition assistance programs for Tribes here.

Where’s the beef? – President Trump last week issued an Executive Order temporarily allowing 300,000 metric tons of lean beef trimmings to be imported through the end of the year to reduce prices. Separately, the President also posted on social media that he will be issuing new rules allowing ranchers to process their own animals. The Administration has not released any details on the proposal, but IFAI will continue tracking.

The House of Representatives returned from the August recess on Aug. 31.

Votes: The House will vote on Sept. 1 on H.R.6500, a continuing resolution to extend current funding levels through Sept. 11. The legislation already passed the Senate.

Introduced Legislation: No relevant legislation was introduced in the previous week.

Upcoming Committee Activity: No relevant markups or hearings are scheduled for this week.

The Senate returns on Sept. 14.

Summary: The FDA has issued three Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) for animal drugs to prevent or treat New World screwworm (NWS) myiasis in various species, following the August 18, 2025 public health emergency determination by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

- Zoetis Inc. — Dectomax/Dectomax‑CA1 (doramectin injection) For dairy cattle, horses, swine, sheep, and deer; prevention and treatment. Effective date: May 19, 2026.

- Felix Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. — Nitenpyram Tablets (nitenpyram) For dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens; treatment. Effective date: June 11, 2026.

- Alberta Vet Labs Ltd — Ivermectin Liquid for Horses (ivermectin oral solution) For short‑term prevention in horses. Effective date: July 15, 2026.

Tribal impact: The EUAs protect livestock and wildlife from NWS infestations by providing emergency access to treatments. This action can help reduce economic risks, support public health, and offer environmental safeguards.

Summary: Due to the rising prices of beef, the President has issued an Executive Order to permit an increase of 300,000 metric tons of lean beef trimmings to be imported through the end of the year. The President has determined that the domestic supply of beef is insufficient to meet demand because of natural disasters, diseases, and market disruptions. As a result, beef prices are expected to decrease by at least 25%. If prices do not drop as anticipated, the President may rescind this action.

Tribal impact: Increased imports are likely to lower domestic cattle prices, which could reduce revenue for local producers. While consumer prices may decrease, this will adversely affect the domestic cattle market.

Call for nominations: Good Neighbor Environmental Board

Summary: The EPA is seeking nominations for the Good Neighbor Environmental Board (GNEB). The EPA is seeking nominations from a wide range of sectors along the U.S.-Mexico border, including representatives from business and industry, academia, non-governmental organizations, and local, state, county, and tribal governments.

About the GNEB: The Board is responsible for submitting an annual report to the President on the implementation of environmental and infrastructure projects in states contiguous to the U.S.-Mexico border. The Board includes representatives from U.S. government agencies, the governments of Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas, as well as Tribal and private organizations experienced in environmental and infrastructure issues along the U.S.-Mexico border. Members are appointed by the EPA Administrator for a two-year term. The GNEB meets approximately three times a year, either in person or via video/teleconference, with an average workload for committee members of about 10 to 15 hours per month. Membership on the committee is voluntary.

Nominations: Any interested individual or organization may nominate qualified candidates with expertise in the specified areas for consideration to serve on the GNEB. Individuals may also self-nominate.