HB5614, titled the “If You See It, Squish It Act of 2025,” would direct the Secretary of Agriculture to run a national public awareness campaign about spotted lanternflies. The bill frames spotted lanternflies as an invasive pest that threatens local agriculture and seeks to increase public knowledge of the insect and encourage people to kill any they encounter.
The Secretary would be required to use public service announcements on television, radio, and billboards in areas with high spotted lanternfly incidence. Those messages must explain that the insect is invasive and harmful to agriculture, and they may be supplemented with other awareness tools the Secretary considers appropriate. The bill does not create a new regulatory program, penalties, or direct eradication mandate; it is focused on outreach and education.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would add a federal Agriculture Department outreach requirement centered on invasive species awareness, specifically spotted lanternflies. It would not amend state law directly, but it could affect state agriculture agencies, local governments, farmers, and residents in affected areas by increasing public messaging and encouraging reporting or killing of the pest. The practical effect would be to support existing invasive species control efforts through federal communications rather than through enforcement or funding mandates.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally positive and low-conflict support for the bill. The measure was introduced by a bipartisan group of House members and referred to the House Committee on Agriculture, with no recorded votes or committee transcript indicating opposition. The bill’s narrow, practical focus on an invasive pest and agricultural protection appears to make it a straightforward awareness measure rather than a controversial policy change.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record. The main policy choice is the bill’s emphasis on public messaging and encouraging individuals to kill spotted lanternflies, which could raise questions about effectiveness, environmental messaging, or whether federal resources should be used for an awareness campaign. However, no specific objections, amendments, or opposing viewpoints are reflected in the provided materials.