NPPC Weekly Recap: Progress on Animal Health Funding, Prop. 12 Response, and Leadership Additions

This week’s update from the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) highlights critical legislative progress, policy responses, and organizational developments impacting pork producers across the U.S.

Animal Health Legislation Gains Bipartisan Support
NPPC praised newly introduced House and Senate bills aimed at funding key USDA programs combating foreign animal diseases (FADs). These include support for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, the Veterinary Stockpile, and the Animal Vaccine Bank—key tools in managing risks like ASF, CSF, and Foot-and-Mouth Disease.

House Agriculture Funding Bill Includes Swine Priorities
The House Appropriations Committee advanced a $25.5 billion USDA funding bill for FY2026 with several pork-focused wins:

• $500K increase for swine health programs
• $1M boost for the Swine Health Improvement Plan
• $500K for feral swine eradication
• Directs USDA to study Prop. 12’s economic impacts

The bill also blocks expansion of the Packers and Stockyards Act (PSA) without proof of harm to competition—aligning with NPPC’s position on fair livestock marketing rules.

Stephen Vaden Confirmed as USDA Deputy Secretary
Former USDA General Counsel Stephen Vaden was confirmed by the Senate as Deputy Secretary. NPPC supported his nomination, citing his previous work defending pork industry interests, including strategies related to Proposition 12.

Secretary Rollins Testifies on Prop. 12, MAHA Report, and Disease Research
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins reaffirmed her commitment to addressing Prop. 12, stating it’s “not constitutional” when impacting other states. She also acknowledged criticism of the recent MAHA Commission report and committed to better agricultural representation in future reports.

Concerns about the transfer of duties from Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) to NBAF were also raised. Rollins assured lawmakers of continued FAD research and diagnostic capabilities.