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H.R.4482 / 116th Congress

Protecting America's Food and Agriculture Act of 2019

Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Sep 24, 2019

Protecting America's Food and Agriculture Act of 2019

This bill authorizes U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), every fiscal year, to hire, train, and assign 240 new agricultural specialists until the total number of specialists equals and sustains the requirements identified each year in the Agriculture Resource Allocation Model.

The CBP may also hire, train, and assign support staff to assist the specialists and specified levels of agricultural canine teams.

In calculating the number of specialists needed at each port of entry through the Agriculture Resource Allocation Model, the Office of Field Operations of the CBP must (1) rely on data collected regarding the inspections and other activities conducted at each such port of entry; and (2) consider volume from seasonal surges, other projected changes in commercial and passenger volumes, the most current commercial forecasts, and other relevant information.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Vela, Filemon [D-TX-34] · D–TX

Committees

  • Homeland Security Committee
  • Agriculture Committee
21 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation, and Operations.

  2. Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  3. Referred to the Committee on Homeland Security, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

  4. Introduced in House

  5. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Dec 5, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.4482 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Progressive lens

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Institutions and government scope

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Individual rights and government power

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