August 12, 2025
Mr. Arrington (for himself, Mr. Perry, Mr. Alford, Mr. Wied, and Mr. Rulli) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture
To prohibit the use of race-based or sex-based criteria in the administration of certain Department of Agriculture programs, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the No Discrimination in Farm Programs Act
.
Sec. 2. Prohibiting the use of race-based or sex-based criteria in the administration of certain Department of Agriculture programs
(a) In general
The Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to covered programs—
(1)
may not apply race-based or sex-based criteria in the decision-making processes of the Secretary involved in administering such programs; and
(2)
shall ensure such programs are administered in a manner that upholds the principles of meritocracy, fairness, and equal opportunity for all participants.
(b) Covered program defined
In this section, the term covered program means the following programs:
(1)
Pandemic assistance programs designed to support agricultural producers impacted by the COVID–19 pandemic, including the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program under part 9 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
(2)
The Federal Crop Insurance program under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.).
(3)
The Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program under section 1240B(g) of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3839aa–2(g)).
(4)
Indemnity payment programs specified in part 760 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).
(5)
Farm loan programs (including guaranteed farm loans and inventory property management) under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.).
(6)
The conservation reserve program established under subchapter B of chapter 1 of subtitle D of title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3801 et seq.).
(7)
Agricultural management assistance provided under section 524 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1524).
(8)
The agricultural conservation easement program under subtitle H of the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 3865 et seq.), including wetlands reserve easements available through such program.
(9)
Rural development programs under the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1921 et seq.).
(10)
Loans guarantee programs under section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1926(a)), section 310B(a) of such Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(a)), and section 9007 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (7 U.S.C. 8107).