Agriculture and National Security Act of 2024
Latest action (23 May 2024): Introduced
What this bill does
S. 4420, the Agriculture and National Security Act of 2024, would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture to give greater priority to national security concerns—alongside its existing homeland security responsibilities—related to food and agriculture. It would require the Secretary of Agriculture to increase the number of department staff holding security clearances, create a new Senior Advisor for National Security position within the Office of the Secretary, and authorize the department to exchange personnel with defense, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies. It also would require the Secretary to submit biennial reports to Congress and the National Security Council assessing vulnerabilities in areas such as foreign ownership, agricultural data control, supply chains, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, along with policy recommendations and resource needs.
The bill primarily affects the USDA's internal organization and its coordination with other federal agencies, including the National Security Council and intelligence and defense agencies. It does not impose direct requirements on private businesses, farmers, or the public, but is intended to strengthen federal oversight of national security risks tied to the food and agriculture sector.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on May 23, 2024, by Senator Alex Padilla, with Senator Todd Young as a cosponsor, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. As of the latest available information, it has not received a committee vote or further action, and it did not pass before the end of the 118th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill was introduced on May 23, 2024, in a previous session of Congress, but it did not receive a vote.
Common questions
- What does S. 4420 do?
- S. 4420, the Agriculture and National Security Act of 2024, would direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture to give greater priority to national security concerns—alongside its existing homeland security responsibilities—related to food and agriculture. It would require the Secretary of Agriculture to increase the number of department staff holding security clearances, create a new Senior Advisor for National Security position within the Office of the Secretary, and authorize the department to exchange personnel with defense, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies. It also would require the Secretary to submit biennial reports to Congress and the National Security Council assessing vulnerabilities in areas such as foreign ownership, agricultural data control, supply chains, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, along with policy recommendations and resource needs. The bill primarily affects the USDA's internal organization and its coordination with other federal agencies, including the National Security Council and intelligence and defense agencies. It does not impose direct requirements on private businesses, farmers, or the public, but is intended to strengthen federal oversight of national security risks tied to the food and agriculture sector. The bill was introduced in the Senate on May 23, 2024, by Senator Alex Padilla, with Senator Todd Young as a cosponsor, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. As of the latest available information, it has not received a committee vote or further action, and it did not pass before the end of the 118th Congress.
- Has S. 4420 become law?
- Not yet. As of 23 May 2024, S. 4420 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 4420?
- S. 4420 was sponsored by Sen. Alejandro “Alex” Padilla [D-CA] (Democrat-CA), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 4420?
- Introduced (23 May 2024).
Related bills in Agriculture and Food
Recognizing September 17, 2026, as National Teach Ag Day.
Food for Thought Act of 2026
American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026
ROMA Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.