A bill to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to ensure adequate staffing and resources for the Institute of Tropical Forestry and the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry.

# Summary of S 3851 **What the Bill Does** This bill would amend existing federal law to guarantee that two specialized forestry research institutes—the Institute of Tropical Forestry and the Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry—receive adequate staffing levels and funding. These institutes conduct research on forest management and conservation in tropical and Pacific Island regions. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects these two research institutes and their employees, as well as communities in Hawaii and other tropical/Pacific regions that depend on forest resources. It could also impact the U.S.

Department of Agriculture, which oversees these institutions. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. For a bill to become law, it must pass through committee review, be approved by both the Senate and House, and be signed by the President.