Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.

Increased TSP Access Act of 2025

Chamber: United States House of Representatives (The United States of America)
Session: 119th Congress Current
**Increased TSP Access Act of 2025** This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to modify the certification process for Technical Service Providers (TSPs) at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) by establishing an approval process for nonfederal certifying entities and a streamlined certification process for TSPs that hold certain specialty certifications. As background, TSPs are third-party service providers, such as private businesses, Indian tribes, and nonprofit organizations, that work on behalf of customers to offer planning, design, and implementation services that meet NRCS criteria. The bill specifies that USDA must ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, third-party providers with expertise in the technical aspects of conservation practice design, implementation, and evaluation are eligible to become approved TSPs. USDA must provide a streamlined certification process for TSPs who hold appropriate specialty certifications (e.g., certified crop advisors). In determining the eligibility of a nonfederal certifying entity, USDA must consider the ability, experience, expertise, and history of the entity. USDA must decide whether to approve an application submitted by a nonfederal certifying entity to certify TSPs within a specified time period. USDA must also review a TSP's certification by a nonfederal certifying entity within a specified time period. If the certification is satisfactory, USDA must include the TSP on a USDA-maintained registry of certified TSPs. The bill also specifies that TSPs must be paid at rates equivalent to technical assistance provided by USDA. Further, USDA must provide accessible public information on TSPs, including information on funding, certification results, and utilization rates.

Sponsors

(21)
JB
James Baird
Republican · Primary
ES
Eric Sorensen
Democrat · Primary
GV
Gabe Vasquez
Democrat · Primary
MB
Mike Bost
Republican · Primary
BS
Bryan Steil
Republican · Primary
BP
Brittany Pettersen
Democrat · Primary
JT
Jill Tokuda
Democrat · Primary
BF
Brad Finstad
Republican · Primary
DL
Darin LaHood
Republican · Primary
MF
Mike Flood
Republican · Primary
DJ
Dusty Johnson
Republican · Primary
RY
Rudy Yakym
Republican · Primary
DD
Donald Davis
Democrat · Primary
SL
Susie Lee
Democrat · Primary
SF
Scott Franklin
Republican · Primary
VH
Val Hoyle
Democrat · Primary
RF
Randy Feenstra
Republican · Primary
NB
Nikki Budzinski
Democrat · Primary
DB
Don Bacon
Republican · Primary
AS
Andrea Salinas
Democrat · Primary
KS
Kim Schrier
Democrat · Primary

Legislative Votes

No votes have been held on this legislation yet.