Bill · H.R. 9394· House(119-HR-9394)
Civil Preparedness for Agroterrorism Exercise Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 6/23/2026
- Last activity
- 9/16/2026 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Dale Strong
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- Passed House
- In Senate committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Civil Preparedness for Agroterrorism Exercise Act of 2026. It requires the Department of Homeland Security to carry out a specific exercise focused on preventing, responding to, recovering from, and mitigating agroterrorism. The exercise must include a scenario involving agroterrorists attempting to unlawfully bring a biological agent into the United States or deploying one inside the country to harm the agriculture and food critical infrastructure sector or other related economic sectors. The bill also requires participants to determine the most effective response to manage and mitigate widespread disruptions. Additionally, the Secretary of Homeland Security must submit an after-action report containing findings and recommended legislative actions to specific congressional committees within 180 days after the exercise is completed.
Yes· 3 of 12
Would farmers be better off under this?+7
Directly aims to protect the agriculture sector from biological threats and improves response capabilities.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5
Agriculture is primary in rural areas; improving its security benefits these communities.
Does this make the country readier for the next outbreak?+5
Develops response protocols for biological agents, which overlaps with pandemic preparedness.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Section 2(a) and Section 2(b)(1): This provision requires the Department of Homeland Security to conduct an exercise on preventing and responding to agroterrorism. This could benefit individuals by improving domestic preparedness and collective response to potential threats against the food supply and agriculture.
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Section 2(b)(2): This part mandates coordination with various groups, including Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial agencies, private sector owners of food and agricultural facilities, and emergency preparedness practitioners. This is positive because it brings different levels of government and industry experts together to figure out the most effective ways to manage disruptions.
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Section 2(c): The Secretary of Homeland Security must submit an after-action report with findings, future plans, and recommended legislative actions to congressional committees within 180 days after completing the exercise. This holds officials accountable by ensuring Congress receives clear information on lessons learned and necessary improvements.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Section 2(c): The bill specifies that the after-action report submitted to congressional committees must be consistent with the protection of classified information. While necessary for security, withholding certain details from the public due to classification limits complete transparency for everyday citizens who want to know the exact vulnerabilities discovered during the exercise.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+7Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Business Owners+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+4Improves Rural Development+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Pandemic Preparedness+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Counter Terrorism Funding+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+2Improves Economic Growth+1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+2Increases Federal Power+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+3
- 9/16/2026
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5900)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 9394.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5900-5901)
- Mr. Van Epps moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 9/10/2026
- Reported by the Committee on Homeland Security. H. Rept. 119-813.
- Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 712.
- 6/29/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/24/2026
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 30 - 0.
- 6/23/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security.
- Introduced in House
Timothy KennedyDemocrat · New York