SWAT Act of 2026

This legislative proposal seeks to amend the Plant Protection Act by establishing a dedicated fund within the Department of Agriculture to combat the spotted wing drosophila . This invasive species, originating from East Asia, is identified as a major threat causing significant damage and revenue losses to valuable fruit crops such as raspberries, blueberries, and cherries across the United States. The fund would be administered by the Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, who would determine eligible recipients for cooperative agreements or grants to conduct research and mitigation activities. To support these efforts, the bill authorizes an appropriation of $6,500,000 for the fiscal year of enactment and for each of the subsequent four fiscal years. This funding aims to reduce the economic impact of the pest on agricultural producers.