Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 146 (Monday, September 8, 2025)

[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 146 (Monday, September 8, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H3870-H3872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

UNITED STATES GRAIN STANDARDS REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2025

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the
rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4550) to reauthorize the United States
Grain Standards Act, and for other purposes.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:

H.R. 4550

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``United States Grain
Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025''.

SEC. 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY.

Section 2(b) of the United States Grain Standards Act (7
U.S.C. 74(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (3)(F), by striking the period at the end
and inserting ``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) that the Secretary shall prioritize the adoption of
improved grain grading technology to provide for efficient,
accurate, and consistent grading of grain.''.

SEC. 3. OFFICIAL INSPECTION AUTHORITY AND FUNDING.

Section 7 of the United States Grain Standards Act (7
U.S.C. 79) is amended--
(1) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following:
``(5) The Secretary may provide that domestic non-export
grain loaded or unloaded into or out of a rail car, barge,
truck, or other container, at an export port location, shall
be inspected in the manner provided in this subsection or
subsection (f), as the Secretary determines will best meet
the objectives of this Act.'';
(2) in subsection (g)(2), by striking ``fund created'' and
inserting ``trust fund created''; and
(3) in subsection (j)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(C), by striking ``fund which'' and
inserting ``trust fund which'';
(B) in paragraph (3)--
(i) by striking ``fund created'' and inserting ``trust fund
created''; and
(ii) by striking ``credited to the fund'' and inserting
``credited to the trust fund account''; and
(C) in paragraph (5), by striking ``2025'' and inserting
``2030''.

SEC. 4. WEIGHING AUTHORITY.

Section 7A of the United States Grain Standards Act (7
U.S.C. 79a) is amended--
(1) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``State agency'' and
inserting ``State agency or official agency''; and
(2) in subsection (l)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(C), by striking ``fund created'' and
inserting ``trust fund created'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``fund created'' and
inserting ``trust fund created''; and
(C) in paragraph (4), by striking ``2025'' and inserting
``2030''.

SEC. 5. TESTING OF EQUIPMENT.

Section 7B(a) of the United States Grain Standards Act (7
U.S.C. 79b(a)) is amended by striking ``fund created'' and
inserting ``trust fund created''.

SEC. 6. LIMITATION ON ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPERVISORY COSTS.

Section 7D of the United States Grain Standards Act (7
U.S.C. 79d) is amended--
(1) by striking ``activities)'' and inserting ``activities,
equipment, and development of technology)''; and
(2) by striking ``2025'' and inserting ``2030''.

SEC. 7. GENERAL AUTHORITIES.

Section 16 of the United States Grain Standards Act (7
U.S.C. 87e) is amended--
(1) in subsection (e), by striking ``Department of
Agriculture'' and inserting ``Department of Agriculture and
official agencies''; and
(2) in subsection (j), by striking ``fund created'' and
inserting ``trust fund created''.

SEC. 8. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS.

Section 17A(e) of the United States Grain Standards Act (7
U.S.C. 87f-1(e)) is amended by striking ``fund described''
and inserting ``trust fund described''.

SEC. 9. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.

Section 17B(e) of the United States Grain Standards Act (7
U.S.C. 87f-2(e)) is amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``The Secretary may, to the extent determined appropriate by
the Secretary'' and inserting ``On December 1 of each year,
the Secretary shall'';
(2) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(3) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
``(2) an analysis of any and all existing deficiencies in
the technology evaluation process and recommendations to
advance the efficiency, accuracy, and consistency of grain
grading and minimize costs imposed on the Federal Government
and the grain export industry; and''.

SEC. 10. FUNDING.

Section 19 of the United States Grain Standards Act (7
U.S.C. 87h) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``2021 through 2025''
and inserting ``2026 through 2030''; and
(2) in subsection (b)(1)(A), by striking ``other services''
and inserting ``other services (excluding grading services
performed under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946)''.

SEC. 11. ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

Section 21 of the United States Grain Standards Act (7
U.S.C. 87j) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
``Notwithstanding the previous sentence, if the Secretary
does not make a new appointment upon the completion of a term
of an existing member (including such existing member's
second successive term), then such existing member shall
continue to serve until such appointment is made.''; and
(2) in subsection (e), by striking ``2025'' and inserting
``2030''.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) and the gentlewoman from Kansas (Ms.
Davids) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

General Leave

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent
that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and
extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Pennsylvania?
There was no objection.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time
as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of the United States
Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025, a piece of legislation
that is more than 100 years old and plays a vital role in preserving
safety, quality, and a standard of excellence for the American grain
industry.
If we want America to maintain its status as the safest, most
abundant grain supply in the world, reauthorization of this act before
several of its key provisions expire at the end of September is
absolutely essential.
Originally passed in 1916, the United States Grain Standards Act gave
the Federal Government the authority to set official marketing
standards for grains and oilseeds. It also provided a framework for
inspection and weighing procedures.
Because of the United States Grain Standards Act, the American grain
industry has developed an enduring reputation for consistency and
quality in the global market.
This vital tool plays a critical role in reinforcing the strength of
our agriculture supply chain. It ensures that farmers, whether they
grow corn, sorghum, soybeans, or any other grain, receive a fair price
that reflects the quality of their crop. It allows buyers of U.S. grain
to feel confident in the safety and quality of the products they need.
The United States Grain Standards Act also supports U.S. trade, a
crucial part of the American farm economy. In 2024, the U.S. exported
more than $26 billion of American grains. In just my home State of
Pennsylvania alone, almost $100 million of corn and barley are exported
every year.
These exports make a difference to the bottom line for family farmers
in Pennsylvania and across our country.
American agriculture has certainly changed since 1916, and the United
States Grain Standards Act continues to evolve with the times. The 2025
reauthorization of the act includes key improvements that will help
grain standards continue to modernize while emphasizing cost-
effectiveness from both government and industry.
This legislation promotes technological innovation by advancing grain
grading tools to improve accuracy, efficiency, and consistency while
giving USDA the flexibility to invest in critical technological
upgrades. Annual reports on technological challenges and

[[Page H3871]]

solutions ensure Congress remains informed and transparency is
maintained.
This bill will improve long-term financial management by allowing
user fees to be deposited into interest-bearing trust funds. It also
grants the Secretary authority to permit domestic grain inspection at
export ports, facilitating faster, more flexible service where needed.
Finally, it ensures that advisory committee members may continue
serving until replacements are appointed, preserving expertise and
continuity.
While much of the act is permanently authorized, such as mandatory
inspection and weighing of exported grain, there are important
provisions set to expire at the end of this month. A lapse in
authorization would disrupt the current grain inspection and weighing
process, cost the farm economy more than $70 million a day, and create
serious consequences for American family farms, our supply chain, and
our international trading partners. These disruptions are entirely
avoidable.
We are doing our farmers and export partners a disservice if we don't
do our jobs and get this critical piece of legislation across the
finish line. Mr. Speaker, I hope you will join me in voting ``yes'' for
the United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, first, I thank Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member Craig,
and General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee
Chairman Scott for their leadership on this bipartisan bill.
The United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of 2025
strengthens the United States Department of Agriculture's ability to
improve grain grading technologies through flexibilities to pursue
modernization. Using new technologies to improve grain grading is an
opportunity to make the process more accurate, efficient, and
consistent.
Additionally, the bill reauthorizes key USDA authorities for the
grain inspection and grading system and clarifies existing law.
Reauthorizing the United States Grain Standards Act is critical for
farmers and for the rest of the agricultural supply chain.
The inspections provided by the Federal Grain Inspection Service
define and classify grains, as well as assign grades to specify weight
and quality requirements.
These inspections provide a gold standard assurance backed by the
U.S. Federal Government to both grain buyers and grain sellers.
I proudly represent Kansas, often called the Wheat State, where
agriculture plays a critical role in our State's economy.
Kansas farmers feed not just the Nation but the entire world. In 2023
alone, Kansas farmers exported $5.2 billion in agricultural products
around the world. Grain farmers in Kansas and across the country
participate in a very competitive global market. Foreign grain buyers
should be confident in the process we have in place to ensure that our
exports are adequately inspected.
The bipartisan United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of
2025 is critical for the global grain trade. Mr. Speaker, I urge my
colleagues to support this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, first, I thank the
gentlewoman from the Wheat State for her leadership on the Agriculture
Committee and on this topic in particular.
Mr. Speaker, I now yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr.
Austin Scott), chairman of the General Farm Commodities, Risk
Management, and Credit Subcommittee and vice chair of the full
Agriculture Committee.

{time} 1640

Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the
opportunity to speak in support of H.R. 4550. This legislation
reauthorizes the United States Grain Standards Act, a cornerstone of
American agriculture and trade for nearly a century.
Mr. Speaker, I don't want to go any further without first thanking
Chairman Thompson for his work, Ranking Member Craig for her work, and
the gentlewoman from Kansas (Ms. Davids) for her work on this piece of
legislation.
As chairman of the General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and
Credit Subcommittee, I, too, have seen firsthand the importance of this
law. Earlier this year, we held a hearing with industry stakeholders to
discuss the act's significance and explore ways to foster innovation.
The provisions in this bill ensure transparency, market confidence,
and fair price discovery, all of which are essential to a functioning
agricultural market.
H.R. 4550 not only reauthorizes this critical legislation, but also
advances grain grading technology to modernize inspection and weighing
services. These updates will help the industry adopt new technologies,
improve the accuracy and the efficiency of grain standards, and keep
American agriculture competitive in a global market.
Allowing this law's authority to lapse would have severe
consequences, costing our farm economy over $70 million a day and
disrupting supply chains and international trade partnerships.
Exports of grain and grain products in my home State of Georgia
contribute over $900 million annually in economic output. The United
States exports over $26 billion of grain on an annual basis. These
numbers underscore the need for uninterrupted, reliable, and cost-
effective inspection services.
H.R. 4550 protects these essential services and helps maintain the
United States' reputation as the global standard in grain production.
I was proud to work with Ranking Member Davids on the General Farm
Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit Subcommittee to hold a hearing
that laid the groundwork for this reauthorization.
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation, and I
urge my colleagues to support its final passage.
Ms. DAVIDS of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my
time.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Thompson, Ranking Member Craig, and
Chairman Scott for their work on this bipartisan bill.
As a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I have made it a
priority to support family farmers and strengthen our supply chains
because I know how vital they are to rural economies, to our global
competitiveness, and to grocery costs.
To that end, the United States Grain Standards Reauthorization Act of
2025 is so important to ensuring the continuity and strength of our
grain grading and inspection system. This is critical to farmers in
Kansas and folks in the grain industry across the country.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this
bipartisan bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance
of my time.
Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Kansas (Ms. Davids) for her
passionate work on behalf of America's number one industry,
agriculture, and on this specific piece of legislation.
I thank my good friend from Georgia (Mr. Austin Scott) for his
leadership as subcommittee chair with the area of jurisdiction from
which this bill comes.
Mr. Speaker, it is not too often we have the opportunity to take a
piece of legislation that is over 100 years old in its origin and
modernize it into the 21st century. That is what we have done with the
technological advancements and the transparency.
I am very proud of the work that our Agriculture Committee has done.
I certainly would encourage a ``yes'' vote on this piece of
legislation.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. CRAIG. Mr. Speaker, every summer, grains planted by hardworking
Minessotans cover around 40 percent of my district.
U.S. grain standards are a key component of foreign trade and the
promotion of American agricultural exports. The inspections and
certifications done by the Federal Grain Inspection Service, states and
private agencies provide foreign importers with certainty regarding the
quality of the grain bought from U.S. farmers.
With parts of the existing U.S. Grain Standards Act set to expire on
September 30, 2025,

[[Page H3872]]

I am proud to be the lead Democratic cosponsor to reauthorize and
improve this law.
This bill before reauthorizes annual appropriations for standard
development and maintenance, USDA's authority to collect fees for
supervision of inspections and weighing, an administrative/supervisory
cost cap and the Grain Inspection Advisory Committee. All important
components of the existing law.
It also makes key improvements, not least of all directing the USDA
to prioritize the modernization of grain grading technologies. The U.S.
grain inspection system is known around the world for quality and
reliability. By focusing USDA's attention on modernization, we can
continue to hold our place as the world's gold standard in grain
inspection.
Reauthorizing the U.S. Grain Standards Act is important for our
farmers and their customers, and I urge all my colleagues to support
this legislation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) that the House suspend the
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4550.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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