Veterinary services grant program

Section 1415B of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 (7 U.S.C. 3151b) is amended— (1) in subsection (a)— (A) in paragraph (1)(A)(i), by striking, as defined in and all that follows through 1991(a)); (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2) Rural area The term rural area has the meaning given the term in section 343(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1991(a)).; (2) in subsection (b)(2)— (A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and (B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following: (B) expand, retain, or attract additional veterinary practices in rural areas;; (3) in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following: (5) Application process Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Agricultural Act of 2026, the Secretary shall establish a streamlined application process.; and (4) in subsection (d)— (A) in the subsection heading, by striking to relieve veterinarian shortage situations and support veterinary services; and (B) in paragraph (1)— (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking situations and support and inserting situations, to expand, retain, or attract additional veterinary practices in rural areas, and to support; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: (G) To cover expenses associated with starting a new veterinary practice or attracting new veterinarians to existing practices, including— (i) relocation expenses; (ii) the purchase of necessary startup equipment; and (iii) housing or living stipends for veterinary students, veterinary interns, externs, fellows, and residents, and veterinary technician students..