Bill · S. 4779· Senate(119-S-4779)
A bill to support nutrition, farmers, the seafood industry, agricultural research, wood energy and innovation, and indigenous self-determination, and for other purposes.
- Introduced
- 6/15/2026
- Last activity
- 6/15/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- Sponsored by
- Lisa Murkowski
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill aims to improve food access, support farmers and the seafood industry, and advance agricultural research. It provides grants and loans for food distribution in frontier communities and small commercial food processing. The legislation establishes new labeling for wild USA seafood and mandates specific naming for genetically engineered and cultivated fish. It also expands agricultural research funding and supports wood energy and innovation. Additionally, the bill promotes Tribal self-determination through new contracting authorities and modifies the Buy Indian Act.
Yes· 3 of 23
Would Native Americans be better off under this?+9
Strongly supports Tribal self-determination, Alaska Native water systems, and Tribal food access.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+8
Extensive support for food distribution, processing, and infrastructure in frontier and rural areas.
Would farmers be better off under this?+7
Provides increased funding for disadvantaged farmers and supports local food procurement.
The opposite· 3 of 4
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-3
Increases government spending through various new grant and loan programs.
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-2
Authorizes new spending and forgivable loans, increasing federal expenditures.
Does this make trade with other countries easier?-2
Restricts procurement of foreign flowers/greens by specific federal agencies.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Increased Food Access: Provides grants and loans to establish food banks or food pantries in eligible frontier and rural communities in noncontiguous States (Section 102).
- Expanded SNAP Benefits: Allows SNAP benefits to be used for delivery fees when food is delivered to rural hub communities or outlying villages in noncontiguous States (Section 103).
- Support for Small Businesses: Offers forgivable loans up to $250,000 for eligible entities to start or expand small commercial food processing operations (Section 201).
- Fishery Support: Allows commercial fishers to use direct or guaranteed loans to acquire permits and operate or maintain fishing vessels (Section 302).
- Seafood Infrastructure: Creates grants and cooperative agreements to support new or rehabilitated seafood processing infrastructure in selected coastal communities (Section 303).
- Consumer Transparency: Establishes the "Wild USA Seafood" label to identify fish caught in US waters and requires labels for "Genetically Engineered" or "Cultivated" fish (Sections 305, 306, and 307).
- Environmental Research: Provides grants for research into using cold-water seaweed to reduce methane from livestock (Section 402).
- Tribal Empowerment: Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to enter into self-determination contracts with Tribal organizations to administer Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service activities (Section 701).
- Rural Infrastructure: Includes the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in water system programs for Alaska Native and rural villages (Section 703).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Financial Penalties: Allows the Secretary to fine retailers or suppliers up to $10,000 for each violation of the "Wild USA Seafood" labeling requirements (Section 298C).
- Procurement Restrictions: Prohibits covered agencies (such as the Department of Defense and State) from using funds to buy cut flowers or greens not grown in a qualifying US area (Section 601).
- Industry Prohibitions: Prohibits Federal agencies from authorizing commercial finfish aquaculture operations in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States (Section 303(e)).
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 Native Americans+9Good For Rural Residents+8Good For Farmers+7Good For Business Owners+6Good For Low Income Households+6Good For Children+3Good For Students+2Good For Urban Residents+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+7Increases Renewable Energy Investment+4Reduces Carbon Emissions+4Improves Environmental Protections+3Improves Public Land Management+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+7Improves Consumer Protection+4Increases Job Creation+4Improves Economic Growth+3Reduces Government Spending-3Reduces National Debt-2Improves Fiscal Responsibility-1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+5Improves Racial Equity+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5Increases Public School Funding+2
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+3Improves Healthcare Access+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade-2
- 6/15/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- 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.