Protecting Farmers from Natural Disasters Act of 2025
Protecting Farmers from Natural Disasters Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Protecting Farmers from Natural Disasters Act of 2025 - Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would modify the USDA's Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program to give the department more flexibility in how it helps farmers recover from natural disasters. Currently, the program provides financial and technical help to protect farmland and communities from floods, droughts, fires, and windstorms. The bill would allow the USDA to restore damaged land to conditions *better* than it was before a disaster—not just restore it to its original state—if doing so would improve the watershed's long-term health and resilience. **Who it affects:** Primarily farmers and rural communities in areas affected by natural disasters, particularly those in agricultural regions.
The bill also involves the USDA, which administers the EWP Program, and could indirectly benefit downstream communities that depend on healthy watersheds. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee in the House of Representatives and has not yet been voted on. It was introduced by Rep. Zachary Nunn (R-Iowa).
CRS Official Summary
Protecting Farmers from Natural Disasters Act of 2025This bill amends the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program to allow the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide for certain restoration activities. The EWP Program offers technical and financial assistance, including the purchase of floodplain easements, to safeguard people and property from floods, drought, fires, windstorms, and other natural disasters that impair a watershed.Under the bill, USDA may allow restoration above pre-disaster conditions if that restoration is in the best interest of the long-term health and protection of the watershed.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.