July 29, 2025

Contents

• What We’re Watching
• Notable News
• This Week’s Legislation
• Upcoming Hearings
• Contact the Team

What We’re Watching

The TAG Weekly Update will be paused during August recess, and will resume when lawmakers return in September.

Congress 

The House officially adjourned for recess last week, while the Senate is still in session through this week to wrap up legislative priorities and confirmations. It is unclear whether the Senate will remain in session into August to continue an appropriations package or a package of nominees. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) has floated the idea of confirming a group of nominees through a package, but it will be difficult to get Democrats on board with this. Additionally, Senate leadership would like to consider a minibus of appropriations bills that would include MilCon-VA, Agriculture, and Commerce, but it is still unclear if objections can be cleared to move to the bill and pass the appropriations package.

Legislation

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) published an op-ed in the Washington Post agreeing with Secretary Kennedy on the need for GRAS reform. The Congresswoman has advocated in the past for GRAS reform and has been the lead sponsor of the Toxic Free Food Act in 2024 and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Her op-ed calls on President Trump and Secretary Kennedy to reform GRAS through high-quality, rigorous science and to give the FDA the necessary resources to test food additives and enhance food safety. DeLauro also indicated her intent to reintroduce legislation to close the GRAS loophole in the coming weeks.  

Nominations

On Monday, the Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the nominations for two USDA Under Secretary nominees, Michael Boren for Natural Resources and Environment and Richard Fordyce for Farm Production and Conservation. Senate Majority Leader Thune also filed cloture on the nomination of Tyler Clarkson to be General Counsel of USDA. Several additional USDA Under Secretary nominees have been approved by the Senate Agriculture Committee but still await floor action.

Administration

USDA Releases Reorganization Plan

Last week, Secretary Rollins released a plan that would reorganize USDA, including closure of the General Services Administration the South Building, Braddock Place, and the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, and relocating around 50-70% of the workforce out of the DC-area. The relocations would be to hubs in Salt Lake City, UT; Fort Collins, CO; Indianapolis, IN; Kansas City, MO; and Raleigh, NC, and could pose large staff turnover. The USDA Whitten Building, Yates Building, and the National Agricultural Library will all be re-evaluated for utilization and functionality. The full release can be found here. The release faced questions and concerns from Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. The Senate Agriculture Committee has announced a hearing to review the reorganization plan for Wednesday (see Hearings schedule below).

FDA Releases RFI on Ultra-Processed Foods

For the first time, the U.S. government is formally exploring how to define ultra-processed foods (UPF). In a joint Request for Information (RFI) released this week, HHS, FDA, and USDA are soliciting public comment on how UPFs should be characterized—including ingredient types, processing methods, labeling practices, and even whether “ultra-processed” is the appropriate term. Feedback could shape future federal policy—from front-of-pack labeling and dietary guidance to SNAP eligibility and school meal standards. Comments are due on September 23, 2025.  

EPA Announces Proposed Decision on Dicamba New Uses

The EPA has announced a proposed decision to register dicamba products for use on dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton. While no human health or dietary risks were identified, the agency is proposing several new measures to address ecological risks and protect endangered species. A 30-day public comment period is now open.

White House Announces New Trade Deals

Last week, the Trump Administration announced a joint statement on a reciprocal framework trade agreement with Indonesia. This is the first ‘reciprocal’ framework agreement to be officially announced ahead of the August 1 deadline. A few days later, President Trump and the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that they reached a framework of a trade agreement that includes provisions on energy investments, removal of tariffs on American goods, and 15% tariffs on EU goods, including for automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors. According to the White House Fact Sheet, the agreement also includes streamlining requirements for sanitary certificates for U.S. pork and dairy products. More details are expected to come to light as the two markets continue their negotiations. President Trump has also announced that he has reached deals with Vietnam, the Philippines and Japan but limited details have been shared on what has been jointly agreed upon. More deal announcements are expected ahead of the Friday deadline.

Notable News

• Trump, EU’s von der Leyen strike trade deal for 15 percent tariffs – The Hill 
• USDA Set to Downsize With Reorganization Plan – Ag Web 
• California’s Prop 12 Increased Pork Prices, USDA Data Says – Farm Policy 
• Coca-Cola says it will use U.S. cane sugar in a new Coke, a plan pushed by Trump – NPR       

This Week’s Legislation

• H.R. 4776 – To amend the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to clarify ambiguous provisions and facilitate a more efficient, effective, and timely environmental review process.
• H.R.  4746 – To amend the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a national biochar research network, and for other purposes.
• H.R. 4760 – To amend the Natural Gas Act to clarify the treatment of bunkering as an export, and for other purposes.
• H.R. 4757 – To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to remove nonambulatory pigs from the United States food system, to establish an online portal for confidential complaints, and for other purposes.
• H.R. 4748 – To provide eligibility for certain aliens performing agricultural labor or services to apply for agricultural worker nonimmigrant status, and for other purposes.
• H.R. 4743 – To repeal section 14(g)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Upcoming Hearings

Monday, July 28

• 5:30 PM: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry business meeting to consider pending calendar nominations. 

Tuesday, July 29

• 3:00 PM: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry hearing to examine perspectives on reauthorization of the U.S. Grain Standards Act.

Wednesday, July 30 

• 9:30 AM: Senate Energy and Natural Resources business meeting to consider pending calendar nominations.
• 11:00 AM: Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry hearing to examine a review of the USDA reorganization proposal.

Contact the Team

Feel free to contact Michael Torrey, Tara Smith, Cassandra Kuball, Barbara Patterson, Katie Naessens, Julie McClure, Nona McCoy, Danielle Nelson, Ashley Smith, Olivia Lucanie, Caroline Sowinski, Eden Lambert, Tracy Boyle, or Grace Walker with any questions or comments.

Food and agricultural organizations that need the right results in Washington, D.C. can trust Torrey Advisory Group to put its relationships, reputation, and expertise to work on your issue. Since 2005, the firm has successfully provided legislative and regulatory guidance, issues management, and association management services to a wide variety of clients. Learn more about us at torreydc.com.