Combating Pasture Mealybug Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (24 Sep 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
What this bill does
H.R. 10542, the Combating Pasture Mealybug Act, would require the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive study on the United States' preparedness and response capabilities concerning the pasture mealybug. This study would assess the current threat posed by the insect, including its migratory patterns, economic impacts on livestock and crops like sugarcane, and the effectiveness of containment and control techniques. It would also evaluate existing surveillance systems, emergency response plans, and research needs.
The findings of this study, along with recommendations for legislative and administrative actions, would be submitted to Congress and made publicly available within six months of the bill's enactment. The Secretary would be required to consult with agricultural producers, industry associations, wildlife agencies, scientific experts, and state and local officials during the study. This bill specifically addresses the pasture mealybug, an invasive insect that has been detected in southeastern states and can stunt plant development, impacting grazing lands and economically significant crops.
As of its introduction on September 24, 2026, H.R. 10542 has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. If passed by the House and then the Senate, and signed into law, the Secretary of Agriculture would then be directed to undertake the mandated study and submit the report to Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
24 Sep 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10542 do?
- H.R. 10542, the Combating Pasture Mealybug Act, would require the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a comprehensive study on the United States' preparedness and response capabilities concerning the pasture mealybug. This study would assess the current threat posed by the insect, including its migratory patterns, economic impacts on livestock and crops like sugarcane, and the effectiveness of containment and control techniques. It would also evaluate existing surveillance systems, emergency response plans, and research needs. The findings of this study, along with recommendations for legislative and administrative actions, would be submitted to Congress and made publicly available within six months of the bill's enactment. The Secretary would be required to consult with agricultural producers, industry associations, wildlife agencies, scientific experts, and state and local officials during the study. This bill specifically addresses the pasture mealybug, an invasive insect that has been detected in southeastern states and can stunt plant development, impacting grazing lands and economically significant crops. As of its introduction on September 24, 2026, H.R. 10542 has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. If passed by the House and then the Senate, and signed into law, the Secretary of Agriculture would then be directed to undertake the mandated study and submit the report to Congress.
- Has H.R. 10542 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 10542. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10542?
- H.R. 10542 was sponsored by Rep. De La Cruz, Monica [R-TX-15] (R-TX), with 19 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10542?
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. (24 Sep 2026).
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