U.S. Senators John Cornyn, Ted Cruz, and Ben Ray Luján, along with Congressman Tony Gonzales, have introduced the Strengthening Tactics to Obstruct the Population of Screwworms (STOP Screwworms) Act. This legislation aims to address the New World screwworm outbreak by authorizing funds for a new sterile fly production facility under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Senator Cornyn emphasized the importance of this measure, stating: “Combatting the destructive New World screwworm is vital to protecting our cattle, Texas producers, and the American livestock industry as a whole.” He expressed his commitment to working with Secretary Rollins and agriculture leaders to support farmers and ranchers.
Senator Cruz highlighted the significance of Texas agriculture: “Texas agriculture and livestock are a core part of the Texas economy, and they feed America and the world.” He underscored ongoing efforts with Secretary Rollins and Mexican authorities in eradicating this threat.
Senator Luján pointed out the urgency for action in New Mexico: “Given the current screwworm outbreak, Congress must take immediate action to help protect New Mexico’s cattle and livestock from this growing threat.” He noted that this investment could save nearly $1 billion annually for the U.S. livestock industry.
Representative Gonzales stressed the need for eradication: “Ag producers across America are sounding the alarm—the New World Screwworm is making a comeback, and our livestock industry is in real danger.”
Additional cosponsors include Senators Martin Heinrich and Cindy Hyde-Smith. The USDA has recently suspended imports of live cattle through southern borders due to NWS outbreaks in Mexico.
The STOP Screwworms Act seeks to replicate past successes using sterile male flies—a technique previously successful in eliminating NWS populations in both the United States during the 1960s and Mexico during the 1990s.
The bill has received endorsements from several agricultural organizations including the American Farm Bureau Federation and various Texas-based associations.
