H.R. 9394 — Civil Preparedness for Agroterrorism Exercise Act of 2026
Executive Summary
The 'Civil Preparedness for Agroterrorism Exercise Act of 2026' mandates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct a comprehensive preparedness exercise focused on agroterrorism within four years of enactment. The bill addresses vulnerabilities in the U.S. agriculture and food critical infrastructure sectors by simulating scenarios where biological agents are transported or deployed by bad actors. By requiring coordination across all levels of government and the private sector, followed by a detailed after-action report to Congress, the legislation aims to identify capability gaps, optimize resource allocation, and generate actionable legislative recommendations to secure the nation's food supply.
Arguments For
- National Security & Economic Protection: Secures a vital, multi-trillion-dollar sector of the U.S. economy (agriculture) against catastrophic biological threats, providing a strong 'tough on terror' and 'pro-farmer' political win.
- Bipartisan Appeal: Preparedness exercises are generally low-controversy, high-reward initiatives that foster interagency and public-private cooperation without imposing heavy immediate regulatory burdens.
Likely Supporters
Arguments Against
- Bureaucratic Bandwidth: DHS and participating agencies may view the four-year mandate as an unfunded directive that diverts resources and personnel from more immediate, pressing border or cyber security threats.
- Private Sector Friction: While coordination is required, private agricultural operators might fear that the exercise will expose vulnerabilities that lead to future, heavy-handed federal regulations or public panic.
Likely Opponents
📋 Key Provisions
- Requires the DHS Secretary to conduct an agroterrorism preparedness exercise within four years of enactment.
- Mandates the exercise scenario to include the unlawful transport or deployment of biological agents targeting the agriculture and food critical infrastructure sectors.
- Requires coordination with Federal, State, local, Tribal, and territorial agencies, as well as private sector owners, operators, and emergency response practitioners.
- Directs DHS to submit an after-action report to Congress within 180 days of the exercise, detailing findings, lessons learned, and recommended legislative actions.
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Requires DHS to conduct the exercise within four years of enactment.
"shall, not later than four years"
The scenario must involve agroterrorists attempting to transport a biological agent.
"agroterrorists attempting to unlawfully trans-"
Requires an after-action report to Congress within 180 days of completing the exercise.
"Not later than 180 days after"