H.R. 9749: Protecting America’s Food Supply Act of 2026

The Protecting America’s Food Supply Act of 2026 (H.R. 9749) is a proposed law that aims to improve the safety of food imported into the United States. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a thorough assessment of these imported food products. This assessment will evaluate the public health risks associated with these products, examine their history of safety violations and recalls, analyze the volume of these imports, and assess how well U.S. and foreign regulators work together during inspections. Within one year of the law's enactment, HHS must publish the findings on a publicly accessible website. This publication will include a summary of the assessment, annual targets for the number of foreign food facility inspections the FDA plans to conduct, the actual number of inspections carried out, trends in inspections by product type and country of origin, and an evaluation of whether the FDA's risk-based inspections align with the Food Safety Modernization Act. HHS is also required to keep this information updated on an ongoing basis. The bill was introduced by Congressman Michael Lawler on July 16, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Supporters of the Protecting America’s Food Supply Act of 2026 commend the bill for its proactive approach to enhancing food safety. They highlight that by mandating comprehensive assessments and increasing transparency through public reporting, the legislation aims to bolster consumer confidence in the safety of imported food products. Congressman Michael Lawler, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the importance of ensuring that oversight keeps pace with the growing volume of food imports, thereby protecting public health. Proponents believe that the bill's requirements for regular updates and clear communication of inspection results will lead to improved coordination between U.S. and foreign regulators, ultimately strengthening the nation's food supply chain.

Critics of the Protecting America’s Food Supply Act of 2026 express concerns about the potential for increased regulatory burdens and the effectiveness of the proposed measures. They argue that while the bill emphasizes assessments and reporting, it may lack concrete actions to address identified risks. Some stakeholders worry that the focus on documentation and transparency could divert resources from direct inspection and enforcement activities. Additionally, there are apprehensions about the feasibility of maintaining up-to-date public reports and whether this approach will lead to tangible improvements in food safety. Skeptics also question whether the bill adequately addresses the complexities of international food trade and the challenges of coordinating with foreign regulatory bodies.

The analysis of H.R. 9749: Protecting America’s Food Supply Act of 2026, sponsored by Michael Lawler, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the bill's subject matter and the sponsor's top donor industries. The top donor industries do not appear to have a vested interest in food supply legislation, which minimizes the potential for conflicts of interest. Furthermore, while there is significant lobbying activity in related policy areas, the disclosed contributions do not indicate a direct financial incentive for the sponsor to favor specific interests over public welfare. For instance, the American Academy of Home Care Medicine contributed $70,000, but this does not directly correlate with food supply issues, suggesting that the risk of influence is low.

Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.

Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026

Top industries funding Michael Lawler, ranked by total contributions.

Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)