Congress quietly funds timber industry with tariffs you pay at the lumber yard
H.R. 7195 — Timber Harvesters, Haulers, and Landowners Market Disruptions Relief Act · Filed by Rick Allen (R-GA) · 2 cosponsors · Introduced Jan 22, 2026 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill creates a federal subsidy program for timber harvesters, haulers, and landowners when they experience revenue losses from market disruptions—such as mill closures, trade barriers, price drops, or loss of market access. When a state governor or Forest Service chief petitions the Secretary of Agriculture, they can trigger payments: an initial $20,000 per eligible business, plus up to 30% of documented revenue loss, and potentially continuing payments for up to 5 years. The program is funded by tariff revenue collected on Canadian softwood lumber imports.
Why we flagged it
The bill's core function is to provide direct financial assistance to timber harvesting and hauling businesses during market downturns, funded by tariff revenue. Despite the title's framing around 'relief,' it is functionally a sector-specific subsidy with minimal public-interest conditions.
What the text implies
- The bill funds itself from anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber, effectively making consumers and construction companies pay for timber-industry relief through higher lumber prices.
- The 'market disruption' definition is broad and vague—'an event that poses a significant threat' (subsection 5) gives the Secretary wide discretion to declare disruptions without clear criteria.
The full analysis lists 5 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
timber harvesting companies; timber hauling businesses; forest landowners