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S. 2897: Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act

A Senate bill (S.) in the 119th U.S. Congress.

Overview

Congress119th U.S. Congress (2025–2026)
TypeSenate bill (S.)
Originating chamberSenate
Introduced2025-09-18
SponsorSen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
Policy areaAgriculture and Food
Cosponsors1
Latest action2025-09-18 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Last updated2026-06-22

Summary

Official summary (Introduced in Senate, 2025-09-18):

Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act

This bill establishes a Tropical Plant Health Initiative as a Department of Agriculture (USDA) high-priority research and extension area and reauthorizes other USDA research and extension initiatives. Under the bill, tropical plants include coffee plants, macadamia trees, cacao trees, plantains and bananas, mangos, floriculture and nursery crops, and vanilla plants.

Specifically, the bill allows research and extension grants for 

  • developing and disseminating science-based tools and treatments to combat plant pests and noxious weeds that impact tropical plants;
  • establishing an integrated pest management program in areas where tropical plants are affected by plant pests or noxious weeds; and
  • conducting related data collection, research, and investigations regarding the production, health, immune systems, biology, ecology, and genomics of the tropical plants. 

Further, the bill reauthorizes USDA grants to support competitive specialized research and extension activities, including high-priority areas, through FY2030.

Cosponsors (1)

NameParty / state
Brian Schatz D HI (original cosponsor) 2025-09-18

Full text & official record

The official bill text, section-by-section summary, amendments, committee reports, and the complete legislative timeline for S. 2897 are published by Congress on congress.gov.

View S. 2897 on congress.gov →

Frequently asked questions

What is S. 2897?

S. 2897 is a Senate bill (S.) introduced in the 119th U.S. Congress, originating in the Senate. Official title: Tropical Plant Health Initiative Act.

Where can I read the full bill text?

The full text, cosponsors, amendments, and legislative status for S. 2897 are available on congress.gov.

Bill data: congress.gov API (official congressional records).