Susan Collins (R-ME)
Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act
A Republican bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4626)
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act" aims to establish a payment program for timber harvesting and hauling businesses that experience significant revenue loss due to major disasters. The program, overseen by the Secretary of Agriculture, provides payments to eligible entities that have lost at least 10% of their gross revenue. The bill authorizes $50 million in appropriations each year from 2025 through 2029 to fund this program.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +5
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill directly benefits timber harvesting and hauling business owners.
- Scored +5
Would farmers be better off under this?
The bill specifically targets timber harvesting and hauling businesses, which often include farmers.
- Scored +5
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill directly supports timber harvesting and hauling businesses through financial assistance.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill waives notice and comment provisions, potentially reducing transparency.
- Scored -1
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?
The bill authorizes $50 million in appropriations each year, which increases government spending.
- Scored -1
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?
The bill authorizes $50 million in appropriations each year, which could reduce fiscal responsibility.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
This bill could help timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses stay afloat after major disasters. Section 2 outlines a payment program that could provide financial relief during tough times.
-
The bill stipulates that payments must be used for operating expenses (Section 2(d)), which may help to keep these businesses running and ensure continued employment for people in the timber industry.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The bill allows the Secretary to issue regulations without standard public notice and comment (Section 2(f)(2)(A)). This means the public has less say in how the program is run, even though our tax dollars will be funding it.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill directly benefits timber harvesting and hauling business owners. Would farmers be better off under this? — The bill specifically targets timber harvesting and hauling businesses, which often include farmers. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill aids the timber industry, which is concentrated in rural areas.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill directly supports timber harvesting and hauling businesses through financial assistance. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill provides financial assistance to timber businesses, potentially helping them maintain operations and employment. Is this likely to grow the economy? — By supporting timber businesses, the bill may contribute to stabilizing the local economy. Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The bill authorizes $50 million in appropriations each year, which could reduce fiscal responsibility. Does this reduce what the federal government spends? — The bill authorizes $50 million in appropriations each year, which increases government spending.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — The bill provides disaster relief specifically for timber businesses affected by major disasters. Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill supports timber harvesting and hauling, which are important for rural economies.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill increases federal power by creating a federal payment program. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill waives notice and comment provisions, potentially reducing transparency.
- 7/23/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4626)
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Angus KingIndependent · Maine
Jeanne ShaheenDemocrat · New Hampshire
Peter WelchDemocrat · Vermont