H.R. 4708 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Agriculture, Jul 23, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryFighting the spotted lanternfly with research
The bill makes combatting the spotted lanternfly a high-priority area for USDA research and extension work. It allows grants to develop and share research-based tools and treatments to fight this invasive insect, which damages crops like grapes, apples, hops, walnuts, and trees. The bill also reauthorizes several other USDA research and extension programs through 2030, including work on pollinator protection, food safety training, pulse crops, and honey bee health.
How it affects you
If you grow crops or own land affected by spotted lanternflies, this could lead to better tools and strategies to manage them. Farmers and orchardists working with grapes, apples, hops, and walnuts may benefit most directly from the research and extension support. The bill also supports research on pollinator health and food safety, which indirectly affects anyone who eats food that depends on bees and safe agricultural practices.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Jul 23, 2025)
Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act
This bill includes combatting the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) as a Department of Agriculture (USDA) high-priority research and extension area and reauthorizes other USDA research and extension initiatives.
The bill specifically allows grants for developing and disseminating research-based tools and treatments to combat the spotted lanternfly, which is an invasive species native to Asia that feeds on a wide range of crops and plants (e.g., grapes, apples, hops, walnuts, and hardwood trees).
Further, the bill reauthorizes USDA grants to support competitive specialized research and extension activities, including high-priority areas, through FY2030. The bill also specifically reauthorizes through FY2030
• the Pulse Crop Health Initiative;
• the Comprehensive Food Safety Training Network;
• pollinator protection research and extension grants;
• increased USDA capacity and infrastructure to address and conduct research on colony collapse disorder and other pollinator issues; and
• a USDA-conducted nationwide honey bee pest, pathogen, health, and population status surveillance program.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 4708
A BILL
Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act
Sponsor: Rep. Joseph D. Morelle (D-NY-25) · Introduced Jul 23, 2025 · Agriculture and Food · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jul 23, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.”