I 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 4698 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 18, 2023 Mr. Bera (for himself and Mr. Peters ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture A BILL To provide for a study on food animal microbiomes, and for other purposes.

1. Study on food animal microbiomes (a) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall enter into an agreement with the National Academies to conduct a study on a Federal research agenda to advance the understanding of food animal microbiomes. The study shall— (1) evaluate the gaps in the current and past research at Federal agencies on food animal microbiomes that include cattle, small ruminants, poultry, and aquaculture species; (2) assess the needs of government, research, and private industry to have a fuller understanding of the functional components of the microbiome; and (3) estimate the impact on animal health, food safety, and agricultural production of a fuller understanding of the animal microbiome. (b) Report The agreement entered into under subsection (a) shall require the National Academies to submit to Congress, not later than 18 months after the date on which the agreement is entered into, a report containing the findings of the study and the recommendations to advance the Federal research agenda on food animal microbiomes. (c) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $1,000,000 to remain available until expended.