Bill · S. 2399· Senate(119-S-2399)
Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act
- Introduced
- 7/23/2025
- Last activity
- 7/23/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4626)
- Sponsored by
- Susan Collins
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act" aims to establish a payment program for timber harvesting and hauling businesses that experience significant revenue loss due to major disasters. The program, overseen by the Secretary of Agriculture, provides payments to eligible entities that have lost at least 10% of their gross revenue. The bill authorizes $50 million in appropriations each year from 2025 through 2029 to fund this program.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
The bill directly benefits timber harvesting and hauling business owners.
Would farmers be better off under this?+5
The bill specifically targets timber harvesting and hauling businesses, which often include farmers.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+5
The bill directly supports timber harvesting and hauling businesses through financial assistance.
The opposite
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?-2
The bill waives notice and comment provisions, potentially reducing transparency.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1
The bill authorizes $50 million in appropriations each year, which increases government spending.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?-1
The bill authorizes $50 million in appropriations each year, which could reduce fiscal responsibility.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
This bill could help timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses stay afloat after major disasters. Section 2 outlines a payment program that could provide financial relief during tough times.
-
The bill stipulates that payments must be used for operating expenses (Section 2(d)), which may help to keep these businesses running and ensure continued employment for people in the timber industry.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The bill allows the Secretary to issue regulations without standard public notice and comment (Section 2(f)(2)(A)). This means the public has less say in how the program is run, even though our tax dollars will be funding it.
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 Business Owners+5Good For Farmers+5Good For Rural Residents+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+5Increases Job Creation+2Improves Economic Growth+1Improves Fiscal Responsibility-1Reduces Government Spending-1
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+3Improves Rural Development+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+1Improves Government Transparency-2
- 7/23/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4626)
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Angus KingIndependent · Maine
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont