Trent Kelly

Community College Agriculture Advancement Act of 2025

Community College Agriculture Advancement Act of 2025 This bill allows the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make competitive grants to assist eligible entities (i.e., a junior or community college, or a consortium or alliance of two-year public colleges, supporting agriculture advancement) in maintaining and expanding their capacity to conduct workforce training, education, research, and outreach activities related to agriculture and similar disciplines In awarding grants, USDA must give priority to entities coordinating with a local agriculture industry operator to provide experiential training and other opportunities for students. Grant funds may be used to expand and maintain the capacity of the eligible entity, including through the purchase or other acquisition of equipment and other infrastructure, the professional growth and development of faculty, and the development of apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities. An eligible entity may submit to USDA an application for designation and funding as a Center of Excellence for Agriculture Advancement. Funding received as a result of such a designation must be used to demonstrate agriculture best practices and to provide leadership in capacity building at a regional or national level.

SHIPS for America Act of 2025

This bill would likely support the construction, maintenance, or modernization of ships used by the U.S. Coast Guard and commercial maritime industries to strengthen America's naval capabilities and shipping infrastructure. The legislation would affect shipyard workers, the Coast Guard, and companies involved in maritime transportation by potentially directing funding or resources toward vessel-related projects. The bill is currently being reviewed by the congressional subcommittee that oversees Coast Guard and maritime issues.