Nebraska Panhandle News

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) has introduced the Strengthen Wood Products Supply Chain Act, a bill aimed at addressing delays and costs in the wood supply chain under the Lacey Act. According to Ricketts, federal agency mismanagement during the Biden administration has contributed to these issues.

“Too often, bureaucratic mismanagement has created delays in the processing of imports, increasing costs,” said Senator Ricketts. “My Strengthen Wood Products Supply Chain Act would streamline this process and prevent American businesses from paying the price. I’m committed to cutting unnecessary red tape that drives up the cost of doing business.”

The Lacey Act was originally established to prohibit certain plant and product imports and was expanded in 2008 to include wood products. All such goods are inspected at U.S. ports for compliance with the act. While most shipments clear without issue, problems can arise when a port officer flags a shipment for potential violations.

In recent years, particularly during the Biden administration, importers have faced increased difficulty resolving flagged shipments due to what is described as a lack of cooperation among three federal agencies: Fish and Wildlife Service, Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. This overlapping authority has led to unclear procedures and communication breakdowns.

As a result, small businesses have reported lengthy waits—sometimes months or years—to learn about alleged violations or resolve disputes over their shipments. The delays have caused increased storage costs, lost products, and higher prices for wood products.

The proposed legislation seeks to inform businesses about Lacey Act violations more quickly so they can address issues efficiently.