Washington Roundup – September 2026
By: Lowell Randel
Senate Agriculture Committee Advances Farm Bill
On September 16th, the Senate Agriculture Committee met to reconsider passage of the Agriculture Act of 2026. The committee attempted to pass the bill in early August but failed on a party line vote due to the absence of Sen. McConnell (R-KY). McConnell’s return to the Senate in September enabled the committee to advance the legislation by a vote of 12-11. Democrats remained unified in their opposition to the bill over demands that a 2-year delay be included for state cost share provisions for states with high error rates.
Sen. Ernst (R-IA) actively tried to have her amendment related to Prop 12 be considered prior to final passage, but it was ruled that all titles of the bill had been closed for amendment. The House passed version of the Farm Bill includes language to address state policies that restrict production practices of producers in other states, setting up the issue for debate when the House and Senate meet to resolve differences between the bills.
It appears unlikely that the full Senate will take up the legislation before the midterm elections, shifting potential action to the lame duck. Sen. Boozman has indicated his desire to continue negotiations ahead of the elections to try and find a way forward to complete the Farm Bill before the end of this Congressional session. The prospects for success are uncertain and may depend on the outcome of November’s elections.
USDA Announces New Animal Welfare Initiatives
September 21st, Agriculture Secretary Rollins, U.S. announced actions to usher in a new era of companion animal oversight. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency (APHIS) is taking new steps to strengthen dog and fellow companion animal welfare including:
Advancing Updates to Standards of Care
In 2027, USDA will put forth a regulatory proposal to support strengthening AWA standards for dogs. APHIS is finalizing review following robust public input governing the humane care, medical care, exercise and socialization, record keeping and research use of dogs under the Animal Welfare Act.
Delivering Breeder Refresher Notices
USDA is amplifying its communication and emphasizing the rules through the issuance of over 2,000 regulatory refresher mailings to dog breeding facilities to make crystal clear what the law requires for humane care. Regular communication will strengthen compliance.
Deploying Welfare Watchdogs
USDA recently deployed the Animal Protection Bureau (APB), a dedicated unit of specialists formed to enhance nationwide oversight, strengthen enforcement, and advance the humane treatment of animals covered under federal law.
The newly formed team is in action, playing a pivotal role in supporting the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) by conducting targeted compliance reviews, coordinating investigative efforts, and implementing modernized enforcement strategies. Through its close work with inspectors, veterinary officers, legal partners and program leaders, their work is helping identify unlicensed or unauthorized operations, improve inspections, and proactively address risks to companion animal welfare across the country.
Increase Inspector General Staffing
In the coming year, USDA OIG John Walk plans to increase its special agent investigator working on animal fighting and other matters by 20%. The OIG supplements APHIS investigations with administrative and legal escalation and the work has resulted in successful enforcement against bad actors, including prosecuting dog fighting and substandard breeding operations.
Compliance Goal
In 2026, USDA prioritized removing repeat bad actors from programs —denying or terminating 8 dog breeder licenses, suspending 6, revoking 5, and, with DOJ, pursuing a serious danger case against a dog breeder and supporting criminal investigations involving three facilities with dogs. In 2027, USDA will intensify this work by identifying dog breeders skirting welfare requirements. Within six months, USDA will review all dog breeders who have surrendered a USDA or equivalent state license in the past two years and pursue action against anyone operating in circumvention of the Animal Welfare Act.
USDA Launches Initiative to Bring More States into Meat Inspection
On September 16th, USDA announced the Stand-Up Program which will provide up to $50 million in new funding to help states start or expand their own meat inspection programs in partnership with USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).
Thirty states currently operate State Meat and Poultry Inspection (MPI) programs and 11 participate in the Cooperative Interstate Shipment (CIS) program. Based on feedback from participating states, high start-up costs can deter states from initiating a state meat inspection program. The Stand-Up Program removes that barrier so more small, very small, and mid-size processors can get inspected and more ranchers have a place to process close to home.
State MPI programs must operate “at least equal to” federal food safety standards, and enrolled plants can sell throughout the state. States with existing MPI programs are eligible to join the CIS program and must demonstrate their inspection is “same as” the federal standards. Under CIS, state-inspected plants can sell across state lines under the USDA mark of inspection.
